Quarterlytics / Industrials / Electrical Equipment & Parts / Orion Energy Systems

Orion Energy Systems

oesx · NASDAQ Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker oesx
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Electrical Equipment & Parts
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2020 Annual Report · Orion Energy Systems
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
Form 10-K 

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 
or 
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from                    to                     
Commission File Number: 001-33887 
Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Wisconsin 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 
2210 Woodland Drive, Manitowoc, WI 

(Address of principal executive offices) 

39-1847269 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 
54220 
(Zip Code) 

(920) 892-9340 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the act: 

Title of Each Class 

Trading Symbol (s) 

Common stock, no par value 

OESX 

Common stock purchase rights 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 
(NASDAQ Capital Market) 
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 
(NASDAQ Capital Market) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the act: 
None 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes      No   

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes      No   

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during 
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 
90 days.    Yes      No   

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  every  Interactive  Data  File  required  to  be  submitted  pursuant  to  Rule  405  of 
Regulation  S-T  (§232.405  of  this  chapter)  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  submit  such 
files).    Yes      No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an "emerging 
growth company". See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Exchange Act: 

Large accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer 

 
 

Accelerated filer 
Smaller reporting company 
Emerging growth company 





If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or 

revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over 
financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. 
Yes     No      

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

The aggregate market value of shares of the Registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of September 30, 2019, the last business day of the Registrant’s 

most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $65,729,416. 

As of May 31, 2020, there were 30,274,101 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on August 6, 2020 are incorporated herein by reference in 

Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. 
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED March 31, 2020 

Table of Contents 

PART I 

Item 1 Business 
Item 1A Risk Factors 
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 
Item 2 Properties 
Item 3 Legal Proceedings 
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures 

PART II 

Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 
Item 6 Selected Financial Data 
Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
Item 9A Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B Other Information 

Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Item 11 Executive Compensation 
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters 
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

PART III 

PART IV 

Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 
Item 16 10-K Summary 
Signatures 

Page

6
15
29
29
29
29

29
31
33
49
50
86
86
88

89
89
89
89
89

90
92
93

 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements that are based on Orion Energy Systems, Inc's ("Orion", 
"we",  "us",  "our"  and  similar  references)  beliefs  and  assumptions  and  on  information  currently  available  to  us.  When  used  in  this 
Form 10-K,  the  words  “anticipate,”  “believe,”  “could,”  “estimate,”  “expect,”  “intend,”  “may,”  “plan,”  “potential,”  “predict,” 
“project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, 
intentions,  and  expectations  reflected  in  any  forward-looking  statements  are  reasonable,  these  plans,  intentions  or  expectations  are 
based  on  assumptions,  are  subject  to  risks  and  uncertainties,  and  may  not  be  achieved. These  statements  are  based  on  assumptions 
made by us based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other 
factors  that  we  believe  are  appropriate  under  the  current  circumstances.  Such  statements  are  subject  to  a  number  of  risks  and 
uncertainties, many  of which  are beyond our  control. Our  actual  results,  performance  or  achievements  could differ  materially  from 
those  contemplated,  expressed  or  implied  by  the  forward-looking  statements  contained  in  this  Form 10-K.  Important  factors  could 
cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue 
reliance on these forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements represent our beliefs and assumptions only as of the 
date  of  this  Form 10-K,  including  particularly  the  Risk  Factors  described  under  Part  I.  Item 1A.  of  this  Form  10-K. All  forward-
looking  statements  attributable  to  us  or  persons  acting  on  our  behalf  are  expressly  qualified  in  their  entirety  by  the  cautionary 
statements  set  forth  in  this  Form 10-K. Actual  events,  results  and  outcomes  may  differ  materially  from  our  expectations  due  to  a 
variety of factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these factors, they include, among others, the following: 

•   our  ability  to  manage  general  economic,  business  and  geopolitical  conditions,  including  the  impacts  of  natural  disasters, 
pandemics  and  outbreaks  of  contagious  diseases  and  other  adverse  public  health  developments,  such  as  the  COVID-19 
pandemic; 

•  

the  deterioration  of  market  conditions,  including  our  dependence  on  customers'  capital  budgets  for  sales  of  products  and 
services,  and  adverse  impacts  on  costs  and  the  demand  for  our  products  as  a  result  of  factors  such  as  the  COVID-19 
pandemic and the implementation of tariffs; 

•   our ability to successfully launch, manage and maintain our refocused business strategy to successfully bring to market new 

and innovative product and service offerings ; 

•   our recent and expected fiscal 2021 reliance on revenue generated from the retrofit of a few national account projects; 

•   our lack of major sources of recurring revenue, our dependence on a limited number of key customers, and the potential 

consequences of the loss of one or more key customers or suppliers, including key contacts at such customers; 

•   our ability to identify and successfully complete transactions with suitable acquisition candidates in the future as part of our 

growth strategy; 

•  

the  availability  of  additional  debt  financing  and/or  equity  capital  to  pursue  our  evolving  strategy  and  sustain  our  growth 
initiatives; 

•   our risk of potential loss related to single or focused exposure within the current customer base and product offerings; 

•   our ability to sustain our profitability and positive cash flows; 

•   our ability to differentiate our products in a highly competitive and converging market, expand our customer base and gain 

market share; 

•   our  ability  to  manage  and  mitigate  downward  pressure  on  the  average  selling  prices  of  our  products  as  a  result  of 

competitive pressures in the light emitting diode ("LED") market; 

•   our ability to manage our inventory and avoid inventory obsolescence in a rapidly evolving LED market; 

•  

the reduction or elimination of investments in, or incentives to adopt, LED lighting and solar power technologies; 

•   our increasing reliance on third parties for the manufacture and development of products, product components, as well as 

the provision of certain services; 

•   our  increasing  emphasis  on  selling  more  of  our  products  through  third  party  distributors  and  sales  agents,  including  our 

ability to attract and retain effective third party distributors and sales agents to execute our sales model;  

•   our ability to develop and participate in new product and technology offerings or applications in a cost effective and timely 

manner; 

•   our ability to maintain safe and secure information technology systems; 

•   our failure to comply with the covenants in our revolving credit agreement;  

4 

 
•   our ability to recruit, hire and retain talented individuals in all disciplines of our company; 

•   our ability to balance customer demand and production capacity; 

•   our ability to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting; 

•   price fluctuations (including as a result of tariffs), shortages or interruptions of component supplies and raw materials used 

to manufacture our products; 

•   our ability to defend our patent portfolio and license technology from third parties; 

•  

•  

•  

a reduction in the price of electricity; 

the cost to comply with, and the effects of, any current and future industry and government regulations, laws and policies;  

the sale of our corporate office building which will likely result in a non-cash impairment charge; and 

•   potential warranty claims in excess of our reserve estimates.  

You  are  urged  to  carefully  consider  these  factors  and  the  other  factors  described  under  Part  I.  Item 1A.  “Risk  Factors”  when 

evaluating any forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

Except as required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly or to update 
the  reasons  why  actual  results  could  differ  materially  from  those  anticipated  in  any  forward-looking  statements,  even  if  new 
information becomes available in the future. 

5 

 
ITEM 1. 

BUSINESS 

As  used  herein,  unless  otherwise  expressly  stated  or  the  context  otherwise  requires,  all  references  to  “Orion,”  “we,”  “us,” 

“our,” “Company” and similar references are to Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. 

Overview 

We provide state-of-the-art light emitting diode (“LED”) lighting, wireless Internet of Things (“IoT”) enabled control solutions, 
project engineering, design energy project management and maintenance services. We research, design, develop, manufacture, market, 
sell, install, and implement energy management systems consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient commercial and 
industrial interior and exterior lighting systems and related services. Our products are targeted for applications in three primary market 
segments: commercial office and retail, exterior area lighting, and industrial applications, although we do sell and install products into 
other markets. Virtually all of our sales occur within North America. 

Our  lighting  products  consist  primarily  of  LED  lighting  fixtures,  many  of  which  include  IoT  enabled  control  systems.  Our 
principal customers include large national account end-users, federal and state government facilities, large regional account end-users, 
electrical  distributors,  electrical  contractors  and  energy  service  companies  ("ESCOs").  A  substantial  amount  of  our  products  are 
manufactured  at  our  leased  production  facility  located  in  Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  In  addition,  certain  products  and  components  are 
sourced from third parties in order to provide versatility in our product development and portfolio. 

We  have  significant  experience  offering  our  comprehensive  project  management  services  to  national  and  regional  account 
customers  as well  as  federal  and  state government  facilities  to  retrofit  their  multiple  locations.  Our comprehensive  services  include 
initial  site  surveys  and  audits,  utility  incentive  and  government  subsidy  management,  engineering  design,  and  project  management 
from delivery through to installation and controls integration. 

We  believe  the  market  for  LED  lighting  products  and  related  services  continues  to  grow.  Due  to  their  size  and  flexibility  in 
application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by 
other lighting technologies. Our LED lighting technologies and related services have become the primary component of our revenue 
as we continue to strive to be a leader in the LED market.  

We generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers that provide us with recurring revenue from period to period 
and  we  typically  generate  substantially  all  of  our  revenue  from  sales  of  lighting  systems  and  related  services  to  governmental, 
commercial and industrial customers on a project-by-project basis. We also perform work under global services or product purchasing 
agreements with major customers with sales completed on a purchase order basis. The loss of, or substantial reduction in sales to, any 
of our significant customers, or our current single largest customer, or the termination or delay of a significant volume of purchase 
orders by one or more key customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given future period. 

We  typically  sell  our  lighting  systems  in  replacement  of  our  customers’  existing  lighting  fixtures.  We  call  this  replacement 
process a "retrofit". We frequently sell our products and services directly to our customers and in many cases we provide design and 
installation as well as project management services. We also sell our lighting systems on a wholesale basis, principally to electrical 
distributors, electrical contractors and ESCOs to sell to their own customer bases. 

The  gross  margins  of  our  products  can  vary  significantly  depending  upon  the  types  of  products  we  sell,  with  gross  margins 
typically ranging from 10% to 50%. As a result, a change in the total mix of our sales among higher or lower gross margin products 
can cause our profitability to fluctuate from period to period. 

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. We refer to our current fiscal year which will end on March 31, 2020 as "fiscal 2020". We 
refer to our most recently completed fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2019, as “fiscal 2019”, and our prior fiscal year which 
ended on March 31, 2018 as "fiscal 2018". Our fiscal first quarter of each fiscal year ends on June 30, our fiscal second quarter ends 
on September 30, our fiscal third quarter ends on December 31, and our fiscal fourth quarter ends on March 31. 

Reportable Segments 

Reportable  segments  are  components  of  an  entity  that  have  separate  financial  data  that  the  entity's  chief  operating  decision 
maker ("CODM") regularly reviews when allocating resources and assessing performance. Our CODM is our chief executive officer. 

6 

 
We have three reportable segments: Orion Engineered Systems Division ("OES"), and Orion Distribution Services Division ("ODS"), 
and Orion U.S. Markets Division ("USM"). 

For  financial  results  by  reportable  segment,  please  refer  to  Note  18  –  Segment  Data  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements 

included in Item 8. of this Annual Report. 

Orion Engineered Systems Division 

Our OES segment develops and sells lighting products and provides construction and engineering services for our commercial 
lighting and energy management systems. OES provides engineering, design, lighting products and in many cases turnkey solutions 
for large national accounts, governments, municipalities, schools and other customers. 

Orion Distribution Services Division 

Our  ODS  segment  sells  lighting  products  through  manufacturer  representative  agencies  and  a  network  of  North  American 

broadline and electrical distributors and contractors. 

Orion U.S. Markets Division 

Our  USM  segment  sells  commercial  lighting  systems  and  energy  management  systems  to  the  wholesale  contractor  markets. 

USM customers include ESCOs and contractors. 

Our Market Opportunity 

We provide enterprise-grade LED lighting and energy project solutions. We are primarily focused on providing commercial and 
industrial facilities lighting retrofit solutions in North America using solid-state LED technology. We believe the market for lighting 
products has shifted to LED lighting systems and continues to grow. We believe that LED lighting technology allows for better optical 
performance,  significantly  reduced  maintenance  costs  due  to  performance  longevity  and  reduced  energy  consumption.  Due  to  their 
size and flexibility in application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that 
cannot be satisfied by other technologies.  

Our  products  deliver  energy  savings  and  efficiency  gains  to  our  commercial  and  industrial  customers  without  compromising 
their  quantity  or  quality  of  light.  We  estimate  that  our  energy  management  systems  reduce  our  customers’  legacy  lighting-related 
electricity costs by approximately 50% or greater, while maintaining their quantity of light after the reduced wattage and improving 
overall lighting quality when replacing traditional fixtures. Our customers with legacy lighting systems typically realize a one to four-
year  payback  period,  and  most  often  18  –  24  months,  from  electricity  cost  savings  generated  by  our  lighting  systems  without 
considering  utility  incentives  or  government  subsidies.  Energy-efficient  lighting  systems  are  cost-effective  and  environmentally 
responsible solutions allowing end users to reduce operating expenses. 

We serve government and private sector end-customers in the following primary markets: commercial office and retail, exterior 

area lighting and industrial applications. 

Commercial office and retail. Our commercial office and retail market includes commercial office buildings, retail store fronts, 
government  offices,  schools,  hospitals  and  other  buildings  with  traditional  10  to  12  foot  ceiling  heights.  We  believe  we  have  the 
opportunity to increase our revenue by serving this market with our LED Door Retrofit, or LDRTM, lighting solutions. 

Exterior  Area  lighting.  Our  market  for  area  lighting  includes  parking  garages,  surface  lots,  automobile  dealerships  and  gas 

service stations. 

Industrial  applications.  Our  market  for  industrial  facilities  includes  manufacturing  facilities,  distribution  and  warehouse 

facilities, government buildings and agricultural buildings. These facilities typically contain "high-bay" lighting fixtures.  

7 

 
Commercial and industrial facilities in the United States employ a variety of lighting technologies, including HID, traditional 
fluorescents, LED and incandescent lighting fixtures. We estimate that approximately 50% of this market still utilizes inefficient high 
intensity discharge ("HID") lighting technologies. Our lighting systems typically replace less efficient HID, HIF fixtures, and earlier 
generation of LED fixtures.  

We  believe  that  utilities  within  the  United  States  recognize  the  importance  of  energy  efficiency  as  an  economical  means  to 
manage  capacity  constraints  and  as  a  low-cost  alternative  when  compared  to  the  construction  costs  of  building  new  power  plants. 
Accordingly, many of these utilities are continually focused on demand reduction through energy efficiency. According to our research 
of  individual  state  and  utility  programs,  utilities  design  and  fund  programs  that  promote  or  deliver  energy  efficiency  through 
legislation,  regulation  or  voluntary  action.  Our  product  sales  are  not  solely  dependent  upon  these  incentive  programs,  but  we  do 
believe that these incentive programs provide an important benefit as our customers evaluate their out-of-pocket cash investments. 

Our Solution 

Value  Proposition. We  estimate  our  LED  lighting  systems  generally  reduce  lighting-related  electricity  costs  by  approximately 

50% or greater, compared to legacy fixtures, while retaining the quantity of light and improving overall lighting quality. 

Multi-Facility Roll-Out Capability. We offer our customers a single source, turnkey solution for project implementation in which 
we manage and maintain responsibility for entire multi-facility rollouts of our energy management solutions across North American 
commercial and industrial facility portfolios. This capability allows us to offer our customers an orderly, timely and scheduled process 
for recognizing energy reductions and cost savings. 

Rapid Payback Period. In most retrofit projects where we replace HID and HIF fixtures, our customers typically realize a one to 
four  year, but most  often 18 – 24  months, payback period on  our  lighting  systems. These returns  are  achieved without  considering 
utility incentives or government subsidies (although subsidies and incentives are continually being made available to our customers in 
connection with the installation of our systems that further shorten payback periods). 

Easy  Installation,  Implementation  and  Maintenance. Most  of  our  fixtures  are  designed  with  a  lightweight  construction  and 
modular  plug-and-play  architecture  that  allows  for  fast  and  easy  installation,  facilitates  maintenance,  and  integration  of  other 
components of our energy management system. Our office LED Troffer Door Retrofit ("LDRTM") products are designed to allow for 
fast  and  easy  installation  without  disrupting  the  ceiling  space  or  the  office  workspace.  We  believe  our  system’s  design  reduces 
installation time and expense compared to other lighting solutions, which further improves our customers’ return on investment. We 
also believe that our use of standard components reduces our customers’ ongoing maintenance costs. 

Expanded Product Offerings. We are committed to continuing to develop LED product offerings in all of the markets we serve. 
Our third generation of ISON® class of LED interior fixture delivers a market leading up to 214 lumens per watt. This advancement 
means our customers can get more light with less energy, and sometimes fewer fixtures, than with any other product on the market. We 
have  also  recently  launched  a  variety  of  new  products,  features  and  functionality  targeting  healthcare,  food  service,  high  and  low 
temperature environments and other market segments. Our lighting products also may be configured to include IoT enabled control 
systems. See "Products and Services" below. 

Environmental  Benefits. By  allowing  for  the  permanent  reduction  of  electricity  consumption,  we  believe  our  energy 

management systems reduce indirect CO2 emissions that are a negative by-product of energy generation. 

Our Competitive Strengths 

Compelling Value Proposition. By permanently reducing lighting-related electricity usage, our systems enable our customers to 
achieve significant cost savings, without compromising quantity and quality of light in their facilities. As a result, our products offer 
our customers a rapid return on their investment, without relying on government subsidies or utility incentives.  

Comprehensive Project Management. We offer our customers a single source solution whereby we manage and are responsible 
for an entire retrofit lighting project, from initial site surveys and energy audits through to installation and controls integration. Our 
ability to offer such comprehensive turnkey project management services, coupled with best-in-class customer service, allows us to 
deliver  energy  reductions  and  cost  savings  to  our  customers  in  timely,  orderly  and  planned  multi-facility  rollouts  nationwide.  We 

8 

 
believe  one  of  our  competitive  advantages  is  our  ability  to  deliver  full  turnkey  LED  lighting  project  capabilities.  These  turnkey 
services were the principal reason we achieved significant revenue growth in fiscal 2020 as we executed on our commitment to retrofit 
multiple locations for a major national account customer. Our success in the national account market segment centers on our turnkey 
design, engineering, manufacturing and project management capabilities, which represent a very clear competitive advantage for us 
among  large  enterprises  seeking  to  benefit  from  the  illumination  benefits  and  energy  savings  of  LED  lighting  across  locations 
nationwide.  Few  LED  lighting  providers  are  organized  to  serve  every  step  of  a  custom  retrofit  project  in  a  comprehensive,  non-
disruptive and timely fashion, from custom fixture design and initial site surveys to final installations. Incrementally, we are also able 
to  help  customers  deploy  state-of-the-art  control  systems  that  provide  even  greater  long-term  value  from  their  lighting  system 
investments. 

Large  and  Growing  Customer  Base. We  have  developed  a  large  and  growing  national  customer  base  and  have  installed  our 
products in commercial and industrial facilities across North America. We believe that the willingness of our blue-chip customers to 
install our products across multiple facilities represents a significant endorsement of our value proposition, which in turn helps us sell 
our energy management systems to new customers. We intend to leverage our expertise in managing projects across multiple facilities 
within our new LED product markets, which now include new customer opportunities with banks, insurance companies, hospitals, fast 
food chains, retail storefronts, grocery and pharmacies.  

Innovative  Technology. We  have  developed  a  portfolio  of  United  States patents  primarily  covering  various  elements  of  our 
products.  We  believe  these  innovations  allow  our  products  to  produce  more  light  output  per  unit  of  input  energy  compared  to  our 
competition. We also have patents pending that primarily cover various elements of our newly developed LED products and certain 
business methods. To complement our innovative energy management products, our integrated energy management services provide 
our customers with a turnkey solution either at a single facility or across their North American facility footprints. Our demonstrated 
ability to innovate provides us with significant competitive advantages. Our lighting products offer significantly more light output as 
measured in foot-candles of light delivered per watt of electricity consumed when compared to HID or traditional fluorescent fixtures. 
Beyond the benefits of our lighting fixtures, we believe that there is also an opportunity to utilize our system platform as a “connected 
ceiling” or “smart ceiling”, or a framework or network that can support the installation and integration of other solutions on a digital 
platform.  This  “smart  ceiling”  can  be  integrated  with  other  technologies  to  collect  data  and  manage  assets  and  resources  more 
efficiently. Orion’s percentage of systems utilizing IoT enabled devices has grown significantly over the past few years and we expect 
this  trend  to  continue.  Our  “Industrial  Internet  of  Things”  or  IoT  enabled  devices  not  only  contain  energy  management  control 
functions,  but  also  have  the  ability  to  collect  facility  usage  and  traffic  data  as  well  as  collect  data  from  other  facility  mechanical 
systems, providing our customers with a path to digitization for their business operations. 

Expanded Sales and Distribution Network. In addition to selling directly to national accounts, electrical contractors and ESCOs, 
we  sell  our  lighting  products  and  services  to  electrical  distributors  through  a  North  American  network  of  independent  lighting 
agencies. As of the end of fiscal 2020, we had 33 independent lighting agencies representing us in substantially all of North America. 
We  intend  to  continue  to  selectively  evaluate  our  sales network  in  the future,  with  a focus on geographic regions where  we  do not 
currently have a strong sales presence. 

Recent Events – Impact of COVID-19 

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted business, trade, commerce, financial and credit markets, in the U.S. and globally. Our 
business  has  been  adversely  impacted  by  measures  taken  by  government  entities  and  others  to  control  the  spread  of  the  virus 
beginning in March 2020, the last month of our fiscal 2020 year. As an essential business, we provide products and services to ensure 
energy  and  lighting  infrastructure  and  we  therefore  have  continued  to  operate  throughout  the  pandemic.  Nonetheless,  we  did 
experience a curtailment of activity in the last few weeks of our 2020 fiscal year, including the delay of project installations for our 
major national account customer. 

As part of our recent response to the impacts of the COVID-19, we have taken a number of cost reduction and cash conservation 
measures, including reducing headcount. While restrictions have begun to lessen in certain jurisdictions during our fiscal 2021 first 
quarter,  stay-at-home  or  lockdown  orders  remain  in  effect  in  others,  with  employees  asked  to  work  remotely  if  possible.  Some 
customers and projects are in areas where travel restrictions have been imposed, certain customers have either closed or reduced on-
site activities, and timelines for the completion of multiple projects have been extended. As of the date of this report, it is not possible 

9 

 
to  predict  the  overall  long-term  impact  the  COVID-19  pandemic  will  have  on  our  business,  liquidity,  capital  resources  or  financial 
results, although our results of operations for at least the first half of fiscal 2021 will be materially adversely affected. 

Our Growth Strategies 

In  fiscal  2020,  we  continued  to  successfully  capitalize  on  our  capability  of  being  a  full  service,  turn-key  provider  of  LED 
lighting and controls systems with design, build, installation and project management services, including being awarded a very large 
project for a major national account. To build on this success, we are evolving our business strategy to further leverage this unique 
capability, while making targeted additions to the scope and nature of our products and services to enhance the value we can provide 
to our customers. In particular, we are working to develop recurring revenue streams, including lighting and electrical maintenance 
services, with an emphasis on utilizing control sensor technology to collect data and assist customers in the digitization of this data, 
along with other potential services. We also plan to expand our “smart-building” and “connected ceiling” IoT capabilities, along with 
related  software  and  control  technology  products  and  services  offerings.  While  we  intend  to  pursue  these  expansion  strategies 
organically, we also are actively exploring potential acquisitions that could accelerate our progress. Our ability to achieve our desired 
revenue  and  profitability  goals  depends  on  our  ability  to  manage  the  adverse  impact  of  COVID-19  and  effectively  execute  on  the 
following key strategic initiatives.  

Focus on executing and marketing our turnkey LED retrofit capabilities to large national account customers. We believe one of 
our competitive advantages is our ability to deliver full turnkey LED lighting project capabilities starting with energy audits and site 
assessments that lead to custom engineering and manufacturing through to fully managed installations. These attributes coupled with 
our superior customer service, high quality designs and expedited delivery responsiveness resulted in our contract to retrofit multiple 
locations for a single national account in fiscal 2020.  

Continue Product Innovation. We continue to innovate, developing lighting fixtures and features that address specific customer 
requirements, while also working to maintain a leadership position in energy efficiency, smart product design and installation benefits. 
For  interior  building  applications,  we  have  recently  relaunched  our  antimicrobial  troffer  fixture  which  supports  the  suppression  of 
bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew, and are currently developing an air circulation troffer to support improved air circulation. We also 
continue to deepen our capabilities in the integration of smart lighting controls. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art lighting products 
with modular plug-and-play designs to enable lighting system customization from basic controls to advanced IoT capabilities.  

Leverage Orion’s Smart Lighting Systems to Support Internet of Things Applications. We believe we are ideally positioned to 
help customers to efficiently deploy new IoT controls and applications by leveraging the “Smart Ceiling” capabilities of their Orion 
solid state lighting system. IoT capabilities can include the management and tracking of facilities, personnel, resources and customer 
behavior,  driving  both  sales  and  lowering  costs. As  a  result,  these  added  capabilities  provide  customers  an  even  greater  return  on 
investment from their lighting system and make us an even more attractive partner, providing our customers with a path to digitization 
for their business operations. 

Develop Maintenance Service Offerings. We believe we can leverage our construction management process expertise to develop 
a  high-quality,  quick-response,  multi-location  maintenance  service  offering.  Our  experience  with  large  national  customers  and  our 
large installed base of fixtures position us well to extend a maintenance offering to historical customers, as well as to new customers. 
Development of this recurring revenue stream is in the preliminary stage, but we believe there is significant market opportunity. 

Support success of our ESCO and agent driven distribution sales channels. We continue to focus on building our relationships 
and product and sales support for our ESCO and agent driven distribution channels. These efforts include an array of product and sales 
training efforts as well as the development of new products to cater to the unique needs of these sales channels.  

Products and Services 

Our  primary  focus  has  been  the  sale  of  our  LED  lighting  fixtures  with  integrated  controls  technology  and  related  installation 

services. We will continue to focus on these products and services, as well as the development of a maintenance service offering.  

Currently, substantially all of our products are manufactured at our leased production facility location in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 
although  as  the  LED  market  continues  to  evolve,  we  also  source  products  and  components  from  third  parties  in  order  to  have 
versatility in our product development. We are focused on researching, developing and/or acquiring new innovative LED products and 

10 

 
technologies for the retrofit markets. We plan to focus our efforts on developing creative new LED retrofit products in order to offer 
our customers a variety of integrated energy management services, such as system design, project management and installation. 

Products 

The following is a description of our primary products: 

Interior LED High Bay Fixtures: Our LED interior high bay lighting products consist of our Harris high bay, ApolloTM high bay 
and  ISON® high bay products.  Our ISON®  class  of  LED  interior fixture  offers  a full  package  of premium  features,  including low 
total cost of ownership, optics that currently exceed competitors in terms of lumen package, delivered light, modularity and advanced 
thermal management. Our third generation of ISON® class of LED interior fixture delivers up to an exceptional 214 lumens per watt. 
This advancement means our customers can get more light with less energy, and sometimes fewer fixtures, compared to other products 
on the market. Our ApolloTM class of LED interior fixtures is designed for new construction and retrofit projects where initial cost is 
the  largest  factor  in  the  purchase  decision.  Our  Harris  high  bay  is  ideal  for  customers  seeking  a  cost-effective  solution  to  deliver 
energy savings and maintenance reductions. In addition, our LED interior lighting products are lightweight and easy to handle, which 
further reduces installation and maintenance costs and helps to build brand loyalty with electrical contractors and installers. 

Smart Lighting Controls. We offer a broad array of smart building control systems. These control systems provide both lighting 
control  options  (such  as  occupancy,  daylight,  or  schedule  control)  and  data  intelligence  capabilities  for  building  managers  to  log, 
monitor, and analyze use of space, energy savings, and provide physical security of the space.  

The  LED  Troffer  Door  Retrofit  (LDRTM):  The  LDRTM  is  designed  to  replace  existing  4  foot  by  2  foot  and  2  foot  by  2  foot 
fluorescent troffers that are frequently found in office or retail grid ceilings. Our LDRTM product is unique in that the LED optics and 
electronics  are  housed  within  the  doorframe  that  allows  for  installation  of  the  product  in  approximately  one  to  two  minutes.  Our 
LDRTM product also provides reduced maintenance expenses based upon improved LED chips. 

Other  Products. We  also  offer  our  customers  a  variety  of  other  LED  and  HIF  fixtures  to  address  their  lighting  and  energy 
management needs, including fixtures designed for agribusinesses, parking lots, roadways, retail, mezzanine, outdoor applications and 
private label resale. 

Warranty Policy. Our warranty policy generally provides for a limited one-year warranty on our HIF products and a limited five-
year warranty on our LED products, although we do offer warranties ranging up to 10 years for certain LED products. Ballasts, lamps, 
drivers,  LED  chips  and  other  electrical  components  are  excluded  from  our  standard  warranty  as  they  are  covered  by  separate 
warranties  offered  by  the  original  equipment  manufacturers.  We  coordinate  and  process  customer  warranty  inquiries  and  claims, 
including inquiries and claims relating to ballast and lamp components, through our customer service department. 

Services 

We provide a range of fee-based lighting-related energy management services to our customers, including: 

•  

•  

comprehensive site assessment, which includes a review of the current lighting and controls including IoT enabled devices 
requirements and energy usage at the customer’s facility; 

site  field  verification,  or  SFV,  during  which  we  perform  a  test  implementation  of  our  energy  management  system  at  a 
customer’s facility; 

•   utility  incentive  and  government  subsidy  management,  where  we  assist  our  customers  in  identifying,  applying  for  and 

obtaining available utility incentives or government subsidies; 

•  

engineering  design,  which  involves  designing  a  customized  system  to  suit  our  customers'  facility  lighting  and  energy 
management  needs,  and  providing  the  customer  with  a  written  analysis  of  the  potential  energy  savings  and  lighting  and 
environmental benefits associated with the designed system; 

•   project  management,  which  involves  us  working  with  the  electrical  contractor  in  overseeing  and  managing  all  phases  of 
implementation from  delivery  through  installation  for  a  single facility  or  through  multi-facility  roll-outs  tied  to  a defined 
project schedule; 

11 

 
•  

•  

•  

installation services, for our products, which we provide through our national network of qualified third-party installers; 

complete facility design commissioning of IoT enabled control devices; and 

recycling  in  connection  with  our  retrofit  installations,  where  we  remove,  dispose  of  and  recycle  our  customer’s  legacy 
lighting fixtures. 

We also provide other services that comprise a small amount of our revenue. These services primarily include management and 
control of power quality and remote monitoring and control of our installed systems. We also sell and distribute replacement lamps 
and fixture components into the after-market. 

Our Customers 

We primarily target commercial, institutional and industrial customers who have warehousing, retail, manufacturing, and office 
facilities.  In  fiscal  2018,  two  customers  accounted  for  11.7%  and  10.8%  of  our  total  revenue,  respectively.  In  fiscal  2019,  one 
customer accounted for 20.7% of our total revenue. In fiscal 2020, this same customer accounted for 74.1% of our total revenue. We 
expect  that  we  will  continue  to  experience  significant  customer  concentration  in  fiscal  2021,  particularly  as  we  focus  on  our  large 
customer multi-location retrofit program. While we continue to seek to diversify our customer base by expanding our reach to national 
accounts, ESCOs and the agent driven distribution channel, we expect to continue to derive a significant percentage of our revenue 
from contracts with one or a few customers. These contracts are entered into in the ordinary course of business and provide that we 
will  deliver  products  and  services  on  a  work  order  or  purchase  order  basis  and  any  purchase  order  may  be  terminated  prior  to 
shipment. These contracts generally do not guarantee that the customer will buy our products or services.  

The amount and concentration of our revenues with one or more customer may fluctuate on a year to year or quarter to quarter 
basis depending on the number of purchase orders issued by our customers. The loss of a significant customer or the termination of a 
material volume of purchase orders (or the underlying agreements) could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. 
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the delay of multiple customer projects, and we expect these resulting delays 
will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in at least the first half fiscal 2021. 

Sales and Marketing 

We sell our products in one of three ways: (i) directly with our relationships with our national account partners; (ii) indirectly 
through independent sales agencies and broadline North American distributors; and (iii) through ESCOs. Our ODS segment focuses 
on developing and expanding customer relationships with independent manufacturer’s agents and broadline distributors. As of the end 
of fiscal 2020 we had 33 independent lighting agencies representing us in substantially all of North America expanding our reach with 
broadline distributors. We attempt to leverage the customer relationships of these distributors to further extend the geographic scope of 
our  selling  efforts.  We  work  cooperatively  with  our  indirect  channels  through  participation  in  national  trade  organizations  and  by 
providing training on our sales methodologies. 

We  have  historically  focused  our  marketing  efforts  on  traditional  direct  advertising,  as  well  as  developing  brand  awareness 
through  customer  education  and  active  participation  in  trade  shows  and  energy  management  seminars. These  efforts  have  included 
participating in national, regional and local trade organizations, exhibiting at trade shows, executing targeted direct mail campaigns, 
advertising in select publications, public relations campaigns, social media and other lead generation and brand-building initiatives. 

Competition 

The  market  for  energy-efficient  lighting  products  and  services  is  fragmented.  We  face  strong  competition  primarily  from 
manufacturers and distributors of lighting products and services as well as electrical contractors. We compete primarily on the basis of 
technology, cost, performance, quality, customer experience, energy efficiency, customer service and marketing support. 

There  are  a number  of  lighting fixture  manufacturers  that  sell  LED  and  HIF products that  compete  with  our  lighting product 
lines. Lighting companies such as Acuity Brands, Inc., Energy Focus, Inc., Signify Co., Cree, Inc., LSI Industries, Inc., Revolution 
Lighting Technologies Inc., General Electric Co., and Hubbell Incorporated are some of our main competitors within the commercial 
office, retail and industrial markets. We are also facing increased competition from manufacturers in low-cost countries. 

12 

 
We  also  face  competition  from  companies  who  provide  energy  management  services.  Some  of  these  competitors,  such  as 
Ameresco, Inc., Johnson Controls International and Honeywell International, provide basic systems and controls designed to further 
energy efficiency. 

Intellectual Property 

As of March 31, 2020, we had been issued over one hundred United States patents and have applied for a number of additional 
United States patents. The patented and patent pending technologies cover various innovative elements of our products, including our 
HIF  and  LED  fixtures.  Our  patented  LDRTM  product  allows  for  a  significantly  quicker  installation  when  compared  to  competitor's 
commercial office lighting products. Our smart lighting controls allow our lighting fixtures to selectively provide a targeted amount of 
light where and when it is needed most. 

We believe that our patent portfolio as a whole is material to our business. We also believe that our patents covering our ability 
to manage the thermal and optical performance of our LED and HIF lighting products are material to our business, and that the loss of 
these patents could significantly and adversely affect our business, operating results and prospects. 

Backlog 

Backlog  represents  the  amount  of  revenue  that  we  expect  to  realize  in  the  future  as  a  result  of  firm,  committed  orders.  Our 
backlog as of March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 totaled $18.6 million and $10.8 million, respectively. The higher backlog at March 
31,  2020,  compared  to  the  prior  year  period,  was  primarily  due  to  delays  in  pending  project  installations  due  to  the  COVID-19 
pandemic.  We  generally  expect  our  backlog  to  be  recognized  as  revenue  within  one  year,  although  the  COVID-19  pandemic  may 
extend this time period.  

Manufacturing and Distribution 

We lease an approximately 197,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where 

substantially all of our products are manufactured. 

We generally maintain a significant supply of raw material and purchased and manufactured component inventory. We contract 
with transportation companies to ship our products and manage all aspects of distribution logistics. We generally ship our products 
directly to the end user. 

Research and Development 

Our research and development efforts are centered on developing new LED products and technologies and enhancing existing 
products.  The  products,  technologies  and  services  we  are  developing  are  focused  on  increasing  end  user  energy  efficiency  and 
enhancing lighting output. Over the last three fiscal years, we have focused our development on additional LED products, resulting in 
our development and commercialization of several new suites of LED interior high bay products. 

We operate research and development lab and test facilities in our Jacksonville, Florida and Manitowoc, Wisconsin locations. 

Regulatory Matters 

Our  operations  are  subject  to  federal,  state,  and  local  laws  and  regulations  governing,  among  other  things,  emissions  to  air, 
discharge  to  water,  the  remediation  of  contaminated  properties  and  the  generation,  handling,  storage,  transportation,  treatment,  and 
disposal of, and exposure to, waste and other materials, as well as laws and regulations relating to occupational health and safety. We 
believe  that  our  business,  operations,  and  facilities  are  being  operated  in  compliance  in  all  material  respects  with  applicable 
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations. 

State, county or municipal statutes often require that a licensed electrician be present and supervise each retrofit project. Further, 
all installations of electrical fixtures are subject to compliance with electrical codes in virtually all jurisdictions in the United States. In 
cases  where  we  engage  independent  contractors  to  perform  our  retrofit  projects,  we  believe  that  compliance  with  these  laws  and 
regulations is the responsibility of the applicable contractor. 

13 

 
Our Corporate and Other Available Information 

We were incorporated as a Wisconsin corporation in April 1996 and our corporate headquarters are located at 2210 Woodland 
Drive,  Manitowoc,  Wisconsin  54220.  Our  Internet  website  address  is  www.orionlighting.com.  Annual  Reports  on  Form 10-K, 
Quarterly  Reports  on  Form  10-Q,  Current  Reports  on  Form  8-K  and  amendments  to  those  reports  filed  or  furnished  pursuant  to 
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available through the investor 
relations page of our internet website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or 
furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We are not including the information contained on our website as 
part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report. 

Employees 

As  of  March  31,  2020,  we  had  approximately  176 full-time  employees.  We  also  employ  temporary  employees  in  our 
manufacturing  facility  as  demand  requires,  at  times  up  to  130  temporary  employees. As  of  March  31,  2020,  due  to  the  COVID-19 
pandemic,  we  employed  5  temporary  employees.  Our  employees  are  not  represented  by  any  labor  union,  and  we  have  never 
experienced a work stoppage or strike due to employee relations. 

14 

 
ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS 

You  should  carefully  consider  the  risk  factors  set  forth  below  and  in  other  reports  that  we  file  from  time  to  time  with  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The matters discussed in the 
following risk factors, and additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial, could 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects and could cause 
the trading price of our common stock to decline. 

Our business is currently, and could be in the future, negatively impacted by the recent Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak. 

An outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19 has severely restricted the level of economic activity around the world. 

In response to this COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of many countries, states, cities and other geographic regions have taken 
preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on travel and business operations. Temporary closures of businesses 
have been ordered and numerous other businesses have temporarily closed voluntarily. These measures, while intended to protect 
human life, are expected to have significant adverse impacts on domestic and foreign economies of uncertain severity and duration. 
The current outbreak or continued spread of COVID-19 has caused an economic slowdown, and it is possible that it could cause a 
global recession. Currently, the effectiveness of economic stabilization efforts being taken to mitigate the effects of these actions and 
the spread of COVID-19 is uncertain.  

A public health pandemic, including COVID-19, poses the risk that we and our affiliates, employees, suppliers, customers and 

others may be prevented from conducting business activities for an indefinite period of time, including as a result of shutdowns, travel 
restrictions and other actions that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities. Such actions may prevent us from 
accessing the facilities of our customers to deliver and install products, provide services and complete maintenance. In addition, we 
have experienced customers choosing to delay projects, and in the future our customers may choose to further delay or cancel projects, 
on which we provide products and/or services as a result of such actions.  Further, we have experienced, and may continue to 
experience, disruptions or delays in our supply chain as a result of such actions. While a substantial portion of our businesses have 
been classified as an essential business in jurisdictions in which facility closures have been mandated, we can give no assurance that 
this will not change in the future or that our businesses will be classified as essential in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. 

This COVID-19 outbreak has impacted, and may continue to impact, our office and manufacturing locations, as well as those of 

its third-party vendors, including through the effects of facility closures, reductions in operating hours and other social distancing 
efforts. For example, we have modified its business practices (including employee travel, employee work locations, and cancellation 
of physical participation in meetings, events and conferences), and we may take further actions as may be required by government 
authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, partners, and suppliers.  These modifications to 
our business practices, including any future actions we take, may cause us to experience reductions in productivity and disruptions to 
our business routines.  For example, we temporarily suspended operations at our manufacturing facility after one of our employees 
tested positive for COVID-19 in order to conduct a deep clean of the facility in order to ensure the safety of our employees. 

Our management of the impact of COVID-19 has and will continue to require significant investment of time from our 
management and employees, as well as resources across our global enterprise. The focus on managing and mitigating the impacts of 
COVID-19 on our business may cause us to divert or delay the application of our resources toward new initiatives or investments, 
which may adversely impact our future results of operations. In addition, issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic may result in 
legal claims or litigation against us. 

The impact of COVID-19 has caused significant uncertainty and volatility in the credit markets. We rely on the credit markets to 

provide us with liquidity to operate and grow our businesses beyond the liquidity that operating cash flows provide. If our access to 
capital were to become significantly constrained or if costs of capital increased significantly due the impact of COVID-19, including 
volatility in the capital markets, a reduction in our credit ratings or other factors, then our financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows could be adversely affected. 

We may also experience impacts from market downturns and changes in consumer behavior related to pandemic fears and 
impacts on its workforce as a result of COVID-19. For example, we have experienced a recent decline in demand in our businesses as 
a result of the impact of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.  If the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more pronounced in our 
markets or experiences a resurgence in markets recovering from the spread of COVID-19, or if another significant natural disaster or 
pandemic were to occur in the future, our operations in areas impacted by such events could experience further adverse financial 
impacts due to market changes and other resulting events and circumstances. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak further 

15 

 
impacts our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and 
cannot be predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning the severity of COVID-19, the longevity of COVID-19 
and the actions to contain its impact or recurrence. The impact of COVID-19 may also exacerbate other risks discussed in Item 1A of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K, any of which could have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash 
flows. 

Adverse conditions in the global economy have negatively impacted, and could in the future negatively impact, our customers, 
suppliers and business. 

Our  operations  and  performance  are  impacted  by  worldwide  economic  conditions.  Uncertainty  about  global  economic 
conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have and could result in customers postponing purchases of our products 
and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values and other 
macroeconomic factors, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our 
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. For example, the Company has experienced a recent decline in demand in its 
businesses as a result of the impact of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and any economic and political uncertainty caused 
by  the  United  States  tariffs  imposed  on  other  countries,  and  any  corresponding  tariffs  from  such  other  countries  in  response,  may 
negatively impact demand and/or increase the cost for our products and components used in our products.   

There continues to be a great amount of debate regarding a wide range of policy options with respect to monetary, regulatory, 
and trade, amongst others, that the U.S. federal government has and may pursue, including the imposition of tariffs on certain imports. 
Certain  sourced  finished  products  and  certain  of  the  components  used  in  our  products  are  impacted  by  tariffs  imposed  on  China 
imports.  Our efforts to mitigate the impact of added costs include a variety of activities, such as sourcing from non-tariff impacted 
countries and raising prices. If we are unable to successfully mitigate the impacts of these tariffs and other trade policies, our results of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.  

In  addition,  global  economic  and  political  uncertainty  caused  by  the  COVID-19  pandemic  has  led  many  customers  to  adopt 
strategies  for  conserving  cash,  including  limits  on  capital  spending.  Our  lighting  systems  are  often  purchased  as  capital  assets  and 
therefore are subject to capital availability. Uncertainty around such availability, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has 
led customers to delay purchase decisions, which has elongated the duration of our sales cycles.  Weak economic conditions in the past 
have  adversely  affected  our  customers’  capital  budgets, purchasing decisions  and  facilities  managers  and,  therefore, have  adversely 
affected  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows.  The  return  to  a  recessionary  state  of  the  global  economy, 
including  as  a  result  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  could  potentially  have  negative  effects  on  our  near-term  liquidity  and  capital 
resources,  including  slower  collections  of  receivables,  delays  of  existing  order  deliveries,  postponements  of  incoming  orders  and 
reductions  in  the  number  and  volume  of  purchase  orders  received  from  key  customers  as  a  result  of  reduced  capital  expenditure 
budgets. Our business and results of operations will be adversely affected to the extent these adverse economic conditions affect our 
customers’ purchasing decisions. 

As  we  evolve  our  business  strategy  to  increase  our  focus  on  new  product  and  service  offerings,  including  our  IoT,  “smart-
building”, “connected ceilings” and other related technology, software and controls products and services, the nature of our 
business may be significantly changed, or transformed, and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may 
be materially adversely affected. 

Our future growth and profitability are tied in part to our ability to successfully bring to market new and innovative product and 
service offerings. We have begun to evolve our business strategy to focus on further expanding the nature and scope of our products 
and services offered to our customers. This expansion of products and services includes pursuing projects to develop recurring revenue 
streams, including providing lighting and electrical maintenance services and utilizing control sensor technology to collect data and 
assisting customers in the digitization of this data, along with other potential services. We also plan to pursue the expansion of our IoT 
“smart-building”  and  “connected  ceiling”  and  other  related  technology,  software  and  control  products  and  services  we  offer  to  our 
customers. We currently plan on investing significant time, resources and capital into expanding our offerings in these areas with no 
expectation that they will result in us realizing material revenue in the near term and without any assurance they will succeed or be 
profitable. In fact, it is likely that these efforts will reduce our profitability, at least in the near term as we invest resources and incur 
expenses to develop these offerings. Moreover, we expect that as we continue to explore, develop and refine new offerings, market 
preferences  will  continue  to  evolve,  our  offerings  may  not  generate  sufficient  interest  by  end  customers  and  we  may  be  unable  to 

16 

 
compete  effectively  with  existing  or  new  competitors,  generate  sufficient  revenues  or  achieve  or  maintain  acceptable  levels  of 
profitability. 

If we are successful in introducing new product and services offerings, including technology, software and controls, the nature of 
our business may significantly change or be transformed away from being principally products focused. Additionally, our experience 
with technology, software and controls products and services is limited. If we do not successfully execute our strategy or anticipate the 
needs  of  our  customers,  our  credibility  as  a  provider  of  technology,  software  and  controls  products  could  be  questioned  and  our 
prospects for future revenue growth and profitability may never materialize. 

As we expand our product and services offerings to new markets, the overall complexity of our business will likely increase at 
an accelerated rate and we may become subject to different market dynamics. The new markets into which we are expanding, or may 
expand, may have different characteristics from the markets in which we historically competed. These different characteristics may 
include,  among  other  things,  rapidly  changing  technologies,  different  manufacturing  capabilities,  different  supply  chains,  different 
methods of competition, new product development rates, client concentrations and performance and compatibility requirements.  We 
do  not  have  the  current  expertise  to  address  many  of  these  characteristics.  Our  failure  to  make  the  necessary  adaptations  to  our 
business model to address these different characteristics, complexities and new market dynamics could adversely affect our operating 
results. 

Accordingly, if we fail to successfully launch, manage and maintain our refocused business strategy, our future revenue growth 
and profitability may be limited and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected. 

We do not have major sources of recurring revenue and we depend upon a limited number of customers in any given period to 
generate  a  substantial  portion  of  our  revenue.  The  loss  of  any  significant  customers  or  a  major  customer  could  have  a 
materially adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

We  do  not  have  long-term  contracts  with  our  customers  that  provide  us  with  recurring  revenue  from  period  to  period.  We 
generate  a  substantial  portion  of  our  revenue  by  securing  large  retrofit  and  multi-facility  roll-out  projects  from  new  and  existing 
customers. As a result, our dependence on individual key customers can vary from period to period due to the significant size of some 
of our retrofit and multi-facility roll-out projects. Our top 10 customers accounted for approximately 83%, 48%, and 42% respectively, 
of our total revenue in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018. In fiscal 2019, one customer accounted for 20.7% of total revenue. In fiscal 2020, 
this  customer  accounted  for  74.1%  of  our  total  revenue.  We  expect  that  we  will  continue  to  experience  significant  customer 
concentration  in  fiscal  2021.  The  loss  of  our  largest  customer  or  our  failure  to  satisfy  its  installation  requirements  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as on our reputation and our ability to 
execute our business strategy. We expect large retrofit and rollout projects to continue to remain a significant component of our total 
revenue. 

The  multi-location  master  retrofit  agreements  we  enter  into  with  several  of  our  key  customers  (including  our  current  largest 
customer) generally require that the customer issue individual retrofit location work orders or purchase orders before we may provide 
our products and services at that individual retrofit location. These master agreements do not guarantee that our key customers will 
make individual location purchases from us and they also generally allow any purchase order or work order to be terminated prior to 
shipment. As  a  result,  the  relative  amount  and  concentration  of  our  revenues  may  fluctuate  year  over  year  and  period  over  period 
depending on the number of purchase orders or work orders issued by our key customers, which may fluctuate due to factors such as 
our  customers’  capital  expenditure  budgets  and  general  economic  conditions.  In  addition,  in  order  to  provide  quality  and  timely 
service  under  our  multi-location  master  retrofit  agreements  we  are  required  to  make  substantial  working  capital  expenditures  and 
advance inventory purchases that we may not be able to recoup if the agreements or a substantial volume of purchase orders under the 
agreements  are  delayed  or  terminated.    For  example,  while  we  received  a  master  retrofit  agreement  in  January  2020  for  additional 
revenue of $18-20 million for our largest customer, due to the closure of its facilities to external activities because of the COVID-19 
pandemic, this customer deferred retrofit installations for a significant portion of its locations in March 2020, thereby resulting in the 
deferral of our realization of substantial expected revenue during our fiscal 2020 fourth quarter, The loss of, or substantial reduction in 
sales to, any of our significant customers, or a major customer, or the termination or delay of a significant volume of purchase orders 
by one or more key customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in 
any given future period. 

17 

 
 
Our evolving business strategy includes actively exploring potential acquisitions, including potential acquisitions that could 
significantly change, or even transform, the nature of our business. These acquisitions could be unsuccessful or consume 
significant resources, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

As discussed in “Our Growth Strategies,” we are actively exploring potential business acquisitions which would more quickly 
add expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings, including potential acquisitions that could significantly 
change, or even transform, the nature of our business. There can be no assurance that we will identify or successfully complete any 
transactions with one or more suitable acquisition candidates in the future. Nor can there be any assurance that any completed 
acquisitions will be successful. Acquisitions may involve significant cash expenditures, debt incurrence, stock issuances, operating 
losses and expenses that that would otherwise be directed to investments in our existing business and could have a material adverse 
effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. To pursue acquisitions and other strategic transactions, we may 
need to raise additional debt and/or equity capital in the future, which may not be available on acceptable terms, in sufficient amounts 
or at all. In addition, we may issue new shares of our common stock as consideration in such transactions, which may have a dilutive 
impact on our existing shareholders and may also result in a reduction in the market price of our shares once those newly issued shares 
are resold in the market. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous other risks, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the failure to achieve the acquisition's revenue or profit forecasts; 

the business culture of the acquired business may not match well with our culture; 

our business strategies and focus may change in ways that adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition 
and cash flows; 

technological and product synergies, economies of scale and cost reductions may not occur as expected; 

unforeseen expenses, delays or conditions may result from the acquisition, including required regulatory approvals or 
consents; 

potential changes may result to our management team and/or board of directors; 

•  we may acquire or assume unexpected liabilities or be subject to unexpected penalties or other enforcement actions; 

• 

• 

• 

faulty assumptions may be made regarding the macroeconomic environment or the integration process that form a basis 
for the acquisition; 

unforeseen difficulties, delays and costs may arise in integrating operations, processes and systems; 

higher than expected investments may be required to implement necessary compliance processes and related systems, 
including information technology systems, accounting systems and internal controls over financial reporting; 

•  we may fail to retain, motivate and integrate key management and other employees of the acquired business; 

• 

higher than expected costs may arise due to unforeseen changes in tax, trade, environmental, labor, safety, payroll or 
pension policies in any jurisdiction in which the acquired business conducts its operations;  

•  we may adversely impact our sales channels and our sales channel partners; and  

•  we may experience problems in retaining customers and integrating customer bases. 

Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs and reduced profitability, 
decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of our management’s time and attention. They may also delay, decrease or 
eliminate the realization of some or all of the benefits we anticipate when we enter into a transaction. 

Because we have only made one acquisition to date, our ability to do so successfully is unproven. Moreover, our management 

team has limited experience in, and limited time to dedicate to, pursuing, negotiating or integrating acquisitions. If we do identify 
suitable candidates, we may not be able to negotiate or consummate such acquisitions on favorable terms or at all. Any acquisitions 
we complete may not achieve their initially intended results and benefits and may be viewed negatively by investors and other 
stakeholders. 

We may undertake acquisitions financed in part through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, 

including through the new issuance of our common stock or debt securities as consideration in an acquisition transaction. Such 

18 

 
acquisition financing could result in dilution to our current shareholders, result in a decrease in our earnings and/or adversely affect 
our financial condition, liquidity or other leverage measures.  

In addition to committing additional capital resources to complete any acquisitions, substantial additional capital may be 
required to operate the acquired businesses following their acquisition. Moreover, these acquisitions may result in significant financial 
losses if the intended objectives of the transactions are not achieved. Some of the businesses we may acquire may have significant 
operating and financial challenges, requiring significant additional capital commitments to overcome such challenges and adversely 
affecting our financial condition and liquidity. 

Failure to implement our acquisition strategy, including successfully integrating acquired businesses, could have a material 

adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

We may not be able to obtain equity capital or debt financing necessary to effectively pursue our evolving strategy and sustain 
our growth initiatives. 

Our existing liquidity and capital resources may not be sufficient to allow us to effectively pursue our evolving growth strategy, 

complete potential acquisitions or otherwise fund or sustain our growth initiatives. As of March 31, 2020, we had $28.8 million of 
cash, approximately $10 million of outstanding borrowings and $1.2 million of remaining borrowing capacity available under our 
revolving credit facility, compared to $8.7 million of cash, approximately $9.2 million of outstanding borrowings and $1.4 million of 
remaining borrowing availability as of March 31, 2019. If we require additional capital resources, we may not be able to obtain 
sufficient equity capital and/or debt financing on acceptable terms or conditions, or at all. Factors affecting the availability to us of 
additional equity capital or debt financing on acceptable terms and conditions, or in sufficient amounts, include: 

•   Our history of operating losses prior to our fiscal 2020; 

•   Our current and future financial results and condition; 

•   Our limited collateral availability; 

•   Our current customer concentration;  

•   The market’s, investors’ and lenders' view of our company, industry and products; 

•   The  perception  in  the  equity  and  debt  markets  of  our  ability  to  execute  and  sustain  our  business  plan  or  achieve  our 

operating results expectations; and 

•   The price, volatility and trading volume and history of our common stock. 

Our inability to obtain the equity capital or debt financing necessary to pursue our evolving growth strategy could force us to 

scale back our growth initiatives or abandon potential acquisitions. If we are unable to pursue our evolving growth strategy and 
growth initiatives, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. 

Until fiscal 2020, we had a history of losses and negative cash flow and we may be unable to sustain our recent profitability or 
positive cash flows in the future, particularly in fiscal 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Prior to fiscal 2020, we experienced net losses and negative cash flow for the prior five fiscal years. Although we achieved 
substantial profitability and positive cash flow in fiscal 2020, continuing to sustain our fiscal 2020 levels of net income and positive 
cash flows in the future will depend on our ability to successfully complete and execute our strategic plan. Moreover, the duration of 
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may again make it difficult for us to achieve profitability and positive cash flows in our fiscal 
2021. There is no guarantee that we will be able to sustain our profitability or positive cash flows in the future, particularly in fiscal 
2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our inability to successfully sustain our profitability and positive cash flows could 
materially and adversely affect our ability to pursue our evolving strategy and growth initiatives. 

The success of our business depends upon market acceptance of our energy management products and services. 

Our  future  success  depends  upon  the  continued  market  acceptance  of  our  energy  management  products  and  services  and 
obtaining  additional  project  management  retrofit  master  contracts,  as  well  as  customer  orders  for  new  and  expanded  products  and 
services to supplement our master contract with our current single largest customer. If we are unable to convince current and potential 

19 

 
 
new customers of the advantages of our lighting systems and energy management products and services, or our expanded product and 
services offerings, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. In addition, 
because  the  market  for  energy  management  products  and  services,  as  well  as  potential  new  customer  uses  for  our  products  and 
services, is rapidly evolving, we may not be able to accurately assess the size of the market, and we may have limited insight into 
trends that may emerge and affect our business. If the market for our lighting systems and energy management products and services, 
as well as potential new customer uses for our products and services, does not continue to develop as we anticipate, or if the market 
does not accept our products or services, then our ability to grow our business could be limited and we may not be able to increase our 
revenue and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. 

The success of our business depends upon our adaptation to the quickly changing market conditions in the lighting industry 
and on market acceptance of our lighting retrofit solutions using new LED and control technologies. 

The  market  for  lighting  products  has  experienced  a  significant  technology  shift  to  LED  lighting  systems.  In  addition,  we 
continue  to  explore  utilizing  our  system  platform  as  a  “connected  ceiling”  or  “smart  ceiling”,  or  a  framework  or  network  that  can 
support the installation and integration of other business technology or data information solutions on our lighting platform. 

As a result, our future success depends significantly upon the adoption rate of LED products and related control technologies 
within  our  primary  markets,  our  ability  to  participate  in  this  ongoing  market  trend  and  our  ability  to  expand  into  complementary 
markets.  To  be  an  effective  participant  in  the  LED  market,  we  must  keep  up  with  the  evolution  of  LED  and  related  technologies, 
which continue to move at a fast pace. We may be unable to successfully develop and market new products or services that keep pace 
with technological or industry changes, differentiate ourselves from our competition, satisfy changes in customer demands or comply 
with present or emerging government and industry regulations and technology standards. The development and introduction of new 
products  and  services  may  result  in  increased  warranty  expenses  and  other  new  product  and  services  introduction  expenses.  In 
addition, we will likely continue to incur substantial costs to research and develop new products and services, which will increase our 
expenses, without guarantee that our new products and services will be commercially viable. We may also spend time and resources to 
develop  and  release  new  products  and  services  only  to  discover  that  a  competitor  has  also  introduced  similar  new  products  and 
services with superior performance, at a lower price or on better delivery terms. Moreover, if new sources of lighting or lighting-based 
solutions  or  related  technologies  are  developed,  our  current  products  and  technologies  could  become  less  competitive  or  obsolete, 
which could result in reduced revenue, reduced earnings or increased losses and/or inventory and other impairment charges. 

As we attempt to adapt and respond to this quickly evolving market, we have been managing through significant change in our 
vendor supply chain for our LED product line. While we have attempted to negotiate lower material input costs to help maintain or 
improve our LED product gross margins, we may not be able to realize any gross margin benefits in the amounts or on the timetable 
anticipated and we may experience higher warranty expenses in the future as we implement our manufacturing and assembly process 
changes.  It  is  also  possible  that,  as  we  focus  more  of  our  sales  efforts  on  new  products  and  services,  we  may  increase  our  risk  of 
inventory obsolescence for outmoded LED or controls products. 

Finally, in connection with our historical primary focus on selling our LED products and related control technologies, we expect 
our results of operations to continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter as customers may delay purchasing decisions as they evaluate 
their return on investment from purchasing new LED and/or control products compared to alternative lighting and controls solutions, 
the pricing of LED products continues to fall and LED products continue to gain more widespread customer acceptance. Similarly, 
these circumstances have adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact, our product gross margins and our profitability 
from quarter to quarter. 

If we are unable to achieve market acceptance of our lighting retrofit solutions using LED technologies and our system platform 
as a “connected ceiling” or “smart ceiling” or realize the expected benefits from our focus on promoting new products and services, 
our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. 

The  success  of  our  LED  lighting  retrofit  solutions  and  related  controls  technologies  depend,  in  part,  on  our  ability  to  claim 
market  share  away  from  our  competitors.  If  we  are  unable  to  expand  our  customer  base  and  increase  sales  in  our  targeted 
markets, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. 

Participants  in  the  LED  market  who  are  able  to  quickly  establish  customer  relationships  and  achieve  market  penetration  are 
likely to gain a competitive advantage as the lighting retrofit solutions offered by us and our competitors generally have a product life 
of several years following installation. If we are unable to broaden our customer base and achieve greater market penetration in the 

20 

 
LED  market  in  a  timely  manner,  we  may  lose  the  opportunity  to  market  our  LED  products  and  services  and  related  controls 
technologies to significant portions of the lighting systems retrofit market for several years and may be at a disadvantage in securing 
future  business  opportunities  from  customers  that  have  previously  established  relationships  with  one  or  more  of  our  competitors. 
These circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

In addition, as we continue to seek to expand our customer base within our national account, agent and ESCO sales channels, 
our success will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain talent to execute on our sales model. If we are unable to attract and 
retain sufficient talent, we may be unable to broaden our customer base, which will adversely affect our results of operations, financial 
condition and cash flows. 

We  increasingly  rely  on third-party  manufacturers for  the  manufacture  and  development  of  our  products  and  product 
components. 

We have increased our utilization of third-party manufacturers for the manufacture and development of our products and product 
components. As  a  result,  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows  could  be  materially  adversely  affected  if  our 
third-party manufacturers were to experience problems with product quality, credit or liquidity issues, or disruptions or delays in their 
manufacturing  process  or  delivery  of  the  finished  products  and  components  or  the  raw  materials  used  to  make  such  products  and 
components.  

We rely on third-parties to provide our controls technology products and services. 

We rely third-party service providers to provide our controls technology products and services to our customers.   If any of these 
service providers stop providing us with access to their products, platforms and services, fail to provide these services to us on a cost-
effective basis, cease operations, or otherwise terminate these services, the delay caused by qualifying and switching to another third-
party  product  or  service  provider,  if  one  is  available,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial 
condition  and  cash  flows.    In  addition,  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows  could  be  materially  adversely 
affected  if  our  third-party  providers  were  to  experience  problems  with  product  quality,  service  quality,  credit  or  liquidity  issues,  or 
disruptions or delays. 

If problems occur with any of these third-party providers, it may cause errors or reduced quality in our services, and we could 
encounter  difficulty  identifying  the  source  of  the  problem.  The  occurrence  of  errors  or  reduced  quality  in  our  controls  products  or 
services,  whether  caused  by  us  a  third-party  provider,  may  result  in  the  loss  of  our  existing  customers,  delay  or  loss  of  market 
acceptance of our products and services or liability for failure to meet obligations under our agreements with customers, and may have 
a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

We rely on products obtained from third parties in order to offer our controls technology products and services. In some cases, 
we  integrate  third-party  licensed  software  components  into  our  platforms.  This  hardware  and  software  may  not  continue  to  be 
available  at  reasonable  prices  or  on  commercially  reasonable  terms,  or  at  all. Any  loss  of  the  right  to  use  any  of  this  hardware  or 
software could significantly increase our expenses and otherwise result in delays in the provisioning of our services until equivalent 
technology  is  either  developed  by  us,  or,  if  available,  is  identified,  obtained  and  integrated.  Any  errors  or  defects  in  third-party 
hardware  or  software  could  result  in  errors  or  a  failure  of  our  service  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Our  continued  emphasis  on  indirect  distribution  channels  to  sell  our  products  and  services  to  supplement  our  direct 
distribution  channels  has  had  limited  success  to  date.  If  we  are  unable  to  attract,  incentivize  and  retain  our  third-party 
distributors and sales agents, or our distributors and sales agents do not sell our products and services at the levels expected, 
our revenues could decline and our costs could increase.  

Over the past two fiscal years, we have significantly expanded the number of our manufacturer representative agencies that sell 
our products through distributors, many of which are not exclusive, which means that these sales agents and distributors may sell other 
third-party products and services in direct competition with us. Since many of our competitors, including those that are larger than us 
and  have  more  established  relationships,  use  sales  agents  and  distributors  to  sell  their  products  and  services,  competition  for  such 
agents  and  distributors  is  intense  and  may  adversely  affect  our  product  pricing  and  gross  margins.  Additionally,  due  to 
mismanagement, industry trends, macro-economic developments, or other reasons, our sales agents and distributors may be unable to 
effectively  sell  our  products  at  the  levels  desired  or  anticipated.  In  addition,  we  have  historically  relied  on  direct  sales  to  sell  our 
products and services, which were often made in competition with sales agents and distributors. In order to attract and form lasting 

21 

 
partnerships with sales agents and distributors, we will be required to overcome our historical perception as a direct sales competitor. 
As  a  result,  we  may  have  difficulty  attracting  and  retaining  sales  agents  and  distributors  and  any  inability  to  do  so  could  have  a 
negative effect on our ability to attract and obtain customers, which could have an adverse impact on our business. In fiscal 2020, our 
indirect distribution channels did not achieve the level of success desired. As a result, we have modified our strategy in our indirect 
distribution channels to work more closely with distributors and contractors, usually in coordination with our agents. There can be no 
assurance  that  this  modified  strategy  will  be  successful  and  may  result  in  a  further  reduction  in  revenue  through  this  distribution 
channel. 

Our financial performance is dependent on our ability to achieve increases in our average selling prices of our products. 

The gross margins of our products can vary significantly, with margins generally ranging from 10% to 50%. While we continue 
to implement our strategy of transitioning to higher-margin products and reducing the material cost of our products, a change in the 
total mix of our sales toward lower margin products, a decrease in the margins on our products as a result of competitive pressures and 
lower  cost  imported  products  driving  down  the  average  selling  price  of  our  products,  lower  sales  volumes,  our  substantial  fixed 
manufacturing  facility  overhead  and  promotional  programs  to  increase  sales  volumes  could  reduce  our  profitability  and  result  in  a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Furthermore, average selling prices  may be 
further negatively impacted by market over-supply conditions, product feature cannibalization by competitors or component providers, 
low-cost non-traditional sales methods by new market entrants, and comparison of our retrofit fixture products with replacement lamp 
equivalents. In our highly competitive lighting industry, we must be able to innovate and release new products on a regular basis with 
features and benefits that generate increases in our average selling prices and average gross margins. There can be no assurance we 
will be successful in achieving these goals. 

We operate in a highly competitive industry and, if we are unable to compete successfully, our results of operations, financial 
condition and cash flows will likely be materially adversely affected. 

We face strong competition primarily from manufacturers and distributors of energy management products and services, as well 
as from ESCOs and electrical contractors. We are also facing increased imported products competition from manufacturers in low-cost 
countries.  We  compete  primarily  on  the  basis  of  customer  relationships,  price,  quality,  energy  efficiency,  customer  service  and 
marketing support. Our products are in direct competition with the expanding availability of LED products, HID technology, as well 
as HIF products and older fluorescent technology in the lighting systems retrofit market. 

Many of our competitors are better capitalized than we are, have strong customer relationships, greater name recognition, and 
more  extensive  engineering,  manufacturing,  sales  and  marketing  capabilities.  In  addition,  the  LED  market  has  seen  increased 
convergence in recent years, resulting in our competition gaining increased market share and resources. Competitors could focus their 
substantial resources on developing a competing business model or energy management products or services that may be potentially 
more attractive to customers than our products or services. In addition, we may face competition from other products or technologies 
that  reduce  demand  for  electricity.  Our  competitors  may  also  offer  energy  management  products  and  services  at  reduced  prices  in 
order to improve their competitive positions. Any of these competitive factors could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain 
customers, or require us to lower our average selling prices in order to remain competitive, any of which could have a material adverse 
effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

22 

 
The  reduction  or  elimination  of  investments  in,  or  incentives  to  adopt,  LED  lighting  or  the  elimination  of,  or  changes  in, 
policies,  incentives  or  rebates  in  certain  states  or  countries  that  encourage  the  use  of  LEDs  over  some  traditional  lighting 
technologies could cause the growth in demand for our products to slow, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Reductions in (including as a result of any budgetary constraints), or the elimination of, government investment and favorable 
energy policies designed to accelerate the adoption of LED lighting could result in decreased demand for our products and decrease 
our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows.  Further,  if  our  products  fail  to  qualify  for  any  financial  incentives  or 
rebates provided by governmental agencies or utilities for which our competitors’ products qualify, such programs may diminish or 
eliminate our ability to compete by offering products at lower prices than ours. 

The elimination of, or changes in, policies, incentives or rebates in certain states that encourage the use of solar power over 
other traditional power sources could cause the revenue from our sale of solar-related tax credits to third parties to decrease, 
which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

We have long-lived assets associated with our legacy solar business and recognize revenue from the sale to third parties of tax 
credits  received  from  operating  these  solar  assets. There  is  currently  legislation  pending  which  may  decrease  the  future  cash  flows 
associated with the sale of these tax credits. Such a decrease could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial 
condition  and  cash  flows.  Depending  on  the  result  of  this  pending  legislation  change,  we  may  be  required  to  record  a  non-cash 
impairment charge in a future period. 

Changes in government budget priorities and political gridlock, and future potential government shutdown, could negatively 
impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Actual  and  perceived  changes  in  governmental  budget  priorities,  and  future  potential  government  shutdown,  could  adversely 
affect  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows.  Certain  government  agencies  purchase  certain  products  and 
services directly from us. When the government changes budget priorities, such as in times of war or financial crisis, including as a 
result  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  or  reallocates  spending  to  areas  unrelated  to  our  business,  our  results  of  operations,  financial 
condition  and  cash  flows  can  be  negatively  impacted.  For  example,  demand  and  payment  for  our  products  and  services  may  be 
affected by public sector budgetary cycles, funding authorizations or rebates. Funding reductions or delays, including delays caused by 
political  gridlock  and  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  and  future  potential  government  shutdown,  could  negatively  impact 
demand and payment for our products and services. If any of these events occur, our results of operations, financial condition and cash 
flows could be materially adversely affected.  

Our  products  use  components  and  raw  materials  that  may  be  subject  to  price  fluctuations,  shortages  or  interruptions  of 
supply. 

We may be vulnerable to price increases for components or raw materials that we require for our products, including aluminum, 
copper, certain rare earth minerals, electronic drivers, chips, ballasts, power supplies and lamps. In particular, our cost of aluminum 
can  be  subject  to  commodity  price  fluctuation.  We  also  source  certain  finished  goods  externally.  Limitations  inherent  within  our 
supply  chain  of  certain  of  these  component  parts,  including  competitive,  governmental,  and  legal  limitations,  natural  disasters,  and 
other events, could impact costs, and future increases in the costs of these items, including, for example, the adoption of new tariffs by 
the United States and other countries and the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect our profitability and availability 
of  raw  materials  or  components,  as  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  future  price  increases  will  be  successfully  passed  through  to 
customers or that we will be able to find alternative suppliers. Further, suppliers' inventories of certain components that our products 
require may be limited and are subject to acquisition by others. As a result of disruption to our supply chain due to COVID-19, we 
have purchased quantities of certain components that are critical to our product manufacturing and that are in excess of our estimated 
near-term requirements as a result of supplier delivery constraints and concerns over component availability. We may need to continue 
to do so in the future. As a result, we have had, and may need to continue, to devote additional working capital to support component 
and raw material inventory that may not be used over a reasonable period to produce saleable products, and we may be required to 
increase our excess and obsolete inventory reserves to provide for these excess quantities, particularly if demand for our products does 
not meet our expectations. Also, any shortages or interruptions in the supply of our components or raw materials could disrupt our 
operations.  If any of  these  events occur,  our  results  of operations, financial  condition  and  cash  flows  could be  materially  adversely 
affected. 

23 

 
Our ability to balance customer demand and capacity and increased employee turnover could negatively impact our business. 

In  addition,  as  customer  demand  for  our  products  changes,  we  must  be  able  to  adjust  our  production  capacity,  including 
increasing  or  decreasing  our  employee  workforce,  to  meet  demand.  We  are  continually  taking  steps  to  address  our  manufacturing 
capacity needs for our products. If we are not able to increase or decrease our production capacity at our targeted rate or if there are 
unforeseen costs associated with adjusting our capacity levels, our ability to execute our operating plan could be adversely affected. 

We  have,  from  time  to  time,  experienced  increased  employee  turnover.  The  increased  turnover  has  resulted  in  the  loss  of 
numerous  long-term  employees,  along  with  their  institutional  knowledge  and  expertise,  and  the  reallocation  of  certain  employment 
responsibilities, all of which could adversely affect operational efficiencies, employee performance and retention. Such turnover has 
also placed a significant burden on our continuing employees, has resulted in higher recruiting expenses as we have sought to recruit 
and  train  employees,  and  introduced  increased  instability  in  our  operations  as  responsibilities  were  reallocated  to  new  or  different 
employees.  To  the  extent  that  we  are  unable  to  effectively  reallocate  employee  responsibilities,  retain  key  employees  and  reduce 
employee turnover, our operations and our ability to execute our operating plan could be adversely affected. 

Our  inability  to  attract  and  retain  key  employees,  our  reseller  network  members  or  manufacturer  representative  agencies 
could adversely affect our operations and our ability to execute on our operating plan and growth strategy. 

We  rely  upon  the  knowledge,  experience  and  skills  of  key  employees  throughout  our  organization,  particularly  our  senior 
management  team,  our  sales  group  that  require  technical  knowledge  or  contacts  in,  and  knowledge  of,  the  LED  industry,  and  our 
innovation  and  engineering  team.  In  addition,  our  ability  to  attract  talented new  employees, particularly  in  our  sales  group  and our 
innovation  and  engineering  team,  is  also  critical  to  our  success.  We  also  depend  on  our  distribution  channels  and  network  of 
manufacturer representative agencies. If we are unable to attract and retain key employees, resellers, and manufacturer representative 
agencies because of competition or, in the case of employees, inadequate compensation or other factors, our results of operations and 
our  ability  to  execute  our  operating  plan  could  be  adversely  affected.  In  addition,  if  key  employees  terminate  their  employment, 
become  ill  as  a  result  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  or  if  an  insufficient  number  of  employees  are  retained  to  maintain  effective 
operations, our business activities may be adversely affected. 

If  our  information  technology  systems  security  measures  are  breached  or  fail,  our  products  may  be  perceived  as  not  being 
secure,  customers  may  curtail  or  stop  buying  our  products,  we  may  incur  significant  legal  and  financial  exposure,  and  our 
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. 

Our  information  technology  systems  involve  the  storage  of  our  confidential  information  and  trade  secrets,  as  well  as  our 
customers’ personal and proprietary information in our equipment, networks and corporate systems. Security breaches expose us to a 
risk  of  loss  of  this  information,  litigation  and  increased  costs  for  security  measures,  loss  of  revenue,  damage  to  our  reputation  and 
potential liability. Security breaches or unauthorized access may in the future result in a combination of significant legal and financial 
exposure,  increased  remediation  and  other  costs,  theft  and/or  unauthorized  use  or  publication  of  our  trade  secrets  and  other 
confidential  business  information,  damage  to  our  reputation  and  a  loss  of  confidence  in  the  security  of  our  products,  services  and 
networks that could have an adverse effect upon our business. While we take steps to prevent unauthorized access to our corporate 
systems,  because  the  techniques  used  to  obtain  unauthorized  access,  disable  or  sabotage  systems  change  frequently  or  may  be 
designed  to  remain  dormant  until  a  triggering  event,  we  may  be  unable  to  anticipate  these  techniques  or  implement  adequate 
preventative  measures.  Further,  the  risk  of  a  security  breach  or  disruption,  particularly  through  cyber-attacks,  or  cyber  intrusion, 
including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as cyber-attacks have become more 
prevalent  and  harder  to  detect  and  fight  against.  In  addition,  hardware,  software  or  applications  we  procure  from  third  parties  may 
contain  defects  in  design  or  manufacture  or  other  problems  that  could  unexpectedly  compromise  network  and  data  security.  Any 
breach  or  failure  of  our  information  technology  systems  could  result  in  decreased  revenue,  increased  expenses,  increased  capital 
expenditures,  customer  dissatisfaction  and  potential  lawsuits,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows 

24 

 
If our information technology systems fail, or if we experience an interruption in their operation, then our business, results of 
operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. 

The efficient operation of our business is dependent on our information technology systems. We rely on those systems generally 
to manage day-to-day operations, manage relationships with our customers, maintain our research and development data and maintain 
our  financial  and  accounting  records.  The  failure  of  our  information  technology  systems,  our  inability  to  successfully  maintain, 
enhance and/or replace our information technology systems, or any compromise of the integrity or security of the data we generate 
from our information technology systems, could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, disrupt our business and 
product development and make us unable, or severely limit our ability, to respond to customer demands. In addition, our information 
technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from: 

•  

•  

•  

earthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters; 

employee or other theft; 

attacks by computer viruses or hackers; 

•   power outages; and 

•  

computer systems, internet, telecommunications or data network failure. 

Any interruption of our information technology systems could result in decreased revenue, increased expenses, increased capital 
expenditures,  customer  dissatisfaction  and  potential  lawsuits,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Product liability claims could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We face exposure to product liability claims in the event that our energy management products fail to perform as expected or 
cause bodily injury or property damage. Since virtually all of our products use electricity, it is possible that our products could result in 
injury,  whether  by  product  malfunctions,  defects,  improper  installation  or  other  causes.  Particularly  because  our  products  often 
incorporate new technologies or designs, we cannot predict whether or not product liability claims will be brought against us in the 
future  or  result  in  negative  publicity  about  our  business  or  adversely  affect  our  customer  relations.  Moreover,  we  may  not  have 
adequate resources in the event of a successful claim against us. A successful product liability claim against us that is not covered by 
insurance  or  is  in  excess  of  our  available  insurance  limits  could  require  us  to  make  significant  payments  of  damages  and  could 
materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Our  inability  to  protect  our  intellectual  property,  or  our  involvement  in  damaging  and  disruptive  intellectual  property 
litigation, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows or result in the loss of use of the 
related product or service. 

We  attempt  to  protect  our  intellectual  property  rights  through  a  combination  of  patent,  trademark,  copyright  and  trade  secret 
laws,  as  well  as  employee  and  third-party  nondisclosure  and  assignment  agreements.  Our  failure  to  obtain  or  maintain  adequate 
protection of our intellectual property rights for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial 
condition and cash flows. 

We  own  numerous  United  States  patents  and  patent  applications  for  some  of  our  products,  systems,  business  methods  and 
technologies. We offer no assurance about the degree of protection which existing or future patents may afford us. Likewise, we offer 
no assurance that our patent applications will result in issued patents, that our patents will be upheld if challenged, that competitors 
will  not  develop  similar  or  superior  business  methods  or  products  outside  the  protection  of  our  patents,  that  competitors  will  not 
infringe upon our  patents,  or  that  we will  have  adequate resources  to  enforce  our patents.  Effective protection of our United States 
patents may be unavailable or limited in jurisdictions outside the United States, as the intellectual property laws of foreign countries 
sometimes offer less protection or have onerous filing requirements. In addition, because some patent applications are maintained in 
secrecy for a period of time, we could adopt a technology without knowledge of a pending patent application, and such technology 
could infringe a third party’s patent. 

25 

 
We  also  rely  on  unpatented  proprietary  technology.  It  is  possible  that  others  will  independently  develop  the  same  or  similar 
technology  or  otherwise  learn  of  our  unpatented  technology.  To  protect  our  trade  secrets  and  other  proprietary  information,  we 
generally  require  employees, consultants,  advisors  and  collaborators  to  enter  into  confidentiality  agreements. We  cannot  assure  you 
that these agreements will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event 
of any unauthorized use, misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. If we are 
unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, our business could be materially adversely affected. 

We rely on our trademarks, trade names, and brand names to distinguish our company and our products and services from our 
competitors. Some of our trademarks may conflict with trademarks of other companies. Failure to obtain trademark registrations could 
limit our ability to protect our trademarks and impede our sales and marketing efforts. Further, we cannot assure you that competitors 
will not infringe our trademarks, or that we will have adequate resources to enforce our trademarks. 

In addition, third parties may bring infringement and other claims that could be time-consuming and expensive to defend. Also, 
parties making infringement and other claims may be able to obtain injunctive or other equitable relief that could effectively block our 
ability  to  provide  our  products,  services  or  business  methods  and  could  cause  us  to  pay  substantial  damages.  In  the  event  of  a 
successful  claim  of  infringement,  we  may  need  to  obtain  one  or  more  licenses  from  third  parties,  which  may  not  be  available  at  a 
reasonable cost, or at all. It is possible that our intellectual property rights may not be valid or that we may infringe upon existing or 
future  proprietary  rights  of  others. Any  successful  infringement  claims  could  subject  us  to  significant  liabilities,  require  us  to  seek 
licenses  on unfavorable  terms,  prevent us from  manufacturing or  selling products,  services  and business  methods and  require us  to 
redesign or, in the case of trademark claims, re-brand our company or products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on 
our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

We are subject to financial and operating covenants in our credit agreement and any failure to comply with such covenants, or 
obtain waivers in the event of non-compliance, could limit our borrowing availability under the credit agreement, resulting in 
our being unable to borrow under our credit agreement and materially adversely impact our liquidity. 

Our credit agreement with Western Alliance Bank contains provisions that limit our future borrowing availability and require us 
to maintain a minimum amount of cash on deposit and available borrowing capacity under such credit agreement as of the end of each 
month. The credit agreement also contains other customary covenants, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional 
indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, make investments, pay any dividend or distribution on our stock, redeem, 
repurchase or retire shares of our stock, or pledge or dispose of assets. 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the financial and other covenants in our credit agreement. Our 
failure to comply with these covenants could cause us to be unable to borrow under the credit agreement and may constitute an event 
of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness then outstanding under the 
credit agreement, which would require us to pay all amounts then outstanding. Such an event could materially adversely affect our 
financial  condition  and  liquidity. Additionally,  such  events of non-compliance  could  impact  the  terms  of  any  additional  borrowings 
and/or  any  credit  renewal  terms.  Any  failure  to  comply  with  such  covenants  may  be  a  disclosable  event  and  may  be  perceived 
negatively. Such perception could adversely affect the market price for our common stock and our ability to obtain financing in the 
future. 

Our retrofitting process frequently involves responsibility for the removal and disposal of components containing hazardous 
materials. 

When  we  retrofit  a  customer’s  facility,  we  typically  assume  responsibility  for  removing  and  disposing  of  its  existing  lighting 
fixtures.  Certain  components  of  these  fixtures  typically  contain  trace  amounts  of  mercury  and  other  hazardous  materials.  Older 
components may also contain trace amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. We currently rely on contractors to remove the 
components  containing  such  hazardous  materials  at  the  customer  job  site.  The  contractors  then  arrange  for  the  disposal  of  such 
components  at  a  licensed  disposal  facility.  Failure  by  such  contractors  to  remove  or  dispose  of  the  components  containing  these 
hazardous  materials  in  a  safe,  effective  and  lawful  manner  could  give  rise  to  liability  for  us,  or  could  expose  our  workers  or  other 
persons to these hazardous materials, which could result in claims against us which may have a material adverse effect on our results 
of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

26 

 
The  cost  of  compliance  with  environmental  laws  and  regulations  and  any  related  environmental  liabilities  could  adversely 
affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Our  operations  are  subject  to  federal,  state  and  local  laws  and  regulations  governing,  among  other  things,  emissions  to  air, 
discharge  to  water,  the  remediation  of  contaminated  properties  and  the  generation,  handling,  storage,  transportation,  treatment  and 
disposal  of,  and  exposure  to,  waste  and  other  materials,  as  well  as  laws  and  regulations  relating  to  occupational  health  and  safety. 
These laws and regulations frequently change, and the violation of these laws or regulations can lead to substantial fines, penalties and 
other liabilities. The operation of our manufacturing facility entails risks in these areas and there can be no assurance that we will not 
incur material costs or liabilities in the future that could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

Our  corporate  office  building  is  currently  listed  for  sale  or  lease;  any  sale  of  our  building  will  likely  result  in  a  non-cash 
impairment charge. 

We currently own, but have listed for sale or lease, our corporate office building in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. We evaluate long-
lived  assets,  including  property,  plant,  and  equipment,  for  impairment  whenever  events  or  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying 
value of the assets recognized in our financial statements may not be recoverable; as of March 31, 2020, the value of our long-lived 
assets was deemed recoverable. However, any sale of our building will likely result in a non-cash impairment charge, as the building is 
currently listed for sale at a price below its net book value and, as a result, will have an adverse impact on our results of operations 
during the period the impairment charge is incurred.  

Our net operating loss carryforwards provide a future benefit only if we are profitable and may be subject to limitation based 
upon ownership changes. 

We have significant federal net operating loss carryforwards and state net operating loss carryforwards. While our federal and 
state net operating loss carryforwards are fully reserved for, if we are unable to maintain our recent profitability, we may not be able to 
fully utilize these tax benefits. Furthermore, generally a change of more than 50% in the ownership of a company’s stock, by value, 
over  a  three-year  period  constitutes  an  ownership  change  for  federal  income  tax  purposes.  An  ownership  change  may  limit  a 
company’s ability to use its net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to such change. As a result, our ability to 
use our net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to such ownership change to offset taxable income will be 
subject to limitations in a particular year, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability for us. 

If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, our business and financial results could 
be harmed. 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  Internal 
control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external 
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal 
control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that we would prevent or detect a misstatement of our 
financial  statements  or  fraud. As  of  March  31,  2020,  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  concluded  that  our 
internal  controls  were  designed  and  operating  effectively.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  we  will  not  experience  another  material 
weakness in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination 
of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of 
our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A failure to maintain an effective system 
of internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our financial results accurately and in a timely manner or to 
detect and prevent fraud, could result in a restatement of our financial statements, and could also cause a loss of investor confidence 
and decline in the market price of our common stock. 

We expect our quarterly revenue and operating results to fluctuate. If we fail to meet the expectations of market analysts or 
investors,  the  market  price  of  our  common  stock  could  decline  substantially,  and  we  could  become  subject  to  securities 
litigation. 

Our quarterly revenue and operating results have fluctuated in the past and will likely vary from quarter to quarter in the future. 
Our  results  for  any  particular  quarter  are  not  an  indication  of  our  future  performance.  Our  revenue  and  operating  results  may  fall 

27 

 
below the expectations of market analysts or investors in some future quarter or quarters. Our failure to meet these expectations could 
cause the market price of our common stock to decline substantially. If the price of our common stock is volatile or falls significantly 
below our current price, we may be the target of securities litigation. If we become involved in this type of litigation, regardless of the 
outcome, we could incur substantial legal costs, management’s attention could be diverted from the operation of our business, and our 
reputation could be damaged, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. 

If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our 
business, our stock price and trading volume could decline. 

The trading market for our common stock will continue to depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry 
analysts publish about our business or us. If these analysts do not continue to provide adequate research coverage or if one or more of 
the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price 
would  likely  decline.  If  one  or  more  of  these  analysts  ceases  coverage  of  our  company  or  fails  to  publish  reports  on  us  regularly, 
demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline. 

The market price of our common stock could be adversely affected by future sales of our common stock in the public market 
by us or our executive officers and directors. 

We  and  our  executive  officers  and  directors  may  from  time  to  time  sell  shares  of  our  common  stock  in  the  public  market  or 
otherwise. We  cannot  predict  the  size  or  the  effect,  if  any,  that  future  sales  of  shares  of  our  common  stock  by  us  or  our  executive 
officers and directors, or the perception of such sales, would have on the market price of our common stock. 

We are not currently paying dividends and will likely not pay any dividends for the foreseeable future. 

We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and 
any future earnings to fund the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the 
foreseeable  future.  In  addition,  the  terms  of  our  existing  revolving  credit  agreement  restrict  the  payment  of  cash  dividends  on  our 
common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our 
financial  condition,  results  of  operations,  capital  requirements,  contractual  restrictions  and  other  factors  that  our  board  of  directors 
deems  relevant. The  restriction  on  and  decision  not  to  pay  dividends  may  impact  our  ability  to  attract  investors  and  raise  funds,  if 
necessary, in the capital markets. 

Anti-takeover  provisions  included  in  the  Wisconsin  Business  Corporation  Law,  provisions  in  our  amended  and  restated 
articles of incorporation or bylaws and the common share purchase rights that accompany shares of our common stock could 
delay or prevent a change of control of our company, which could adversely impact the value of our common stock and may 
prevent or frustrate attempts by our shareholders to replace or remove our current board of directors or management. 

A change of control of our company may be discouraged, delayed or prevented by certain provisions of the Wisconsin Business 
Corporation Law. These provisions generally restrict a broad range of business combinations between a Wisconsin corporation and a 
shareholder owning 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. These and other provisions in our amended and restated articles 
of  incorporation,  including  our  staggered  board  of  directors  and  our  ability  to  issue  “blank  check”  preferred  stock,  as  well  as  the 
provisions of our amended and restated bylaws and Wisconsin law, could make it more difficult for shareholders or potential acquirers 
to obtain control of our board of directors or initiate actions that are opposed by the then-current board of directors, including to delay 
or impede a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving our company. 

Each currently outstanding share of our common stock includes, and each newly issued share of our common stock will include, 
a  common  share  purchase  right.  The  rights  are  attached  to,  and  trade  with,  the  shares  of  common  stock  and  generally  are  not 
exercisable. The rights will become exercisable if a person or group acquires, or announces an intention to acquire, 20% or more of 
our outstanding common stock. The rights have some anti-takeover effects and generally will cause substantial dilution to a person or 
group  that  attempts  to  acquire  control  of  us  without  conditioning  the  offer  on  either  redemption  of  the  rights  or  amendment  of  the 
rights to prevent this dilution. The rights could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control. 

In addition, our employment arrangements with senior management provide for severance payments and accelerated vesting of 
benefits,  including  accelerated  vesting  of  stock  options  and  restricted  stock  awards,  upon  a  change  of  control  and  a  subsequent 

28 

 
qualifying  termination. These  provisions  could  limit  the  price  that  investors  might  be  willing  to  pay  in  the  future  for  shares  of  our 
common stock, thereby adversely affecting the market price of our common stock. These provisions may also discourage or prevent a 
change of control or result in a lower price per share paid to our shareholders. 

ITEM 1B. 

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 

None. 

ITEM 2. 

PROPERTIES 

We lease our approximately 196,000 square foot manufacturing and distribution facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. On 

January 31, 2020, we entered a new lease for the facility with a ten-year term, and an option to terminate after six years. 

We own our approximately 70,000 square foot technology center and corporate headquarters adjacent to our leased Manitowoc 
manufacturing and distribution facility, of which we sub-lease a portion to third parties. We also lease approximately 10,500 square 
feet of office space in Jacksonville, Florida. 

The facilities noted above are utilized by all our business segments. 

ITEM 3. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

We are subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, 
we  do  not  believe  that  the  final  resolution  of  any  of  such  claims  or  legal  proceedings  would  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
future results of operations. 

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 

None. 

ITEM 5. 

MARKET  FOR  REGISTRANT’S  COMMON  EQUITY,  RELATED  SHAREHOLDER  MATTERS  AND 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Shares of our common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “OESX”. 

Shareholders 

As of May 31, 2020, there were approximately 182 record holders of the 30,274,101 outstanding shares of our common stock. 

The number of record holders does not include shareholders for whom shares are held in a “nominee” or “street” name.  

Dividend Policy 

We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and 
any future earnings to fund the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the 
foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our existing credit agreement restrict the payment of cash dividends on our common stock. 
Any  future  determination  to  pay  dividends  will  be  at  the  discretion  of  our  board  of  directors  and  will  depend  on  our  financial 
condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions (including those under our loan agreements) and other 
factors that our board of directors deems relevant. 

29 

 
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 

The  following  table  represents  shares  outstanding  under  our  2004  Stock  and  Incentive Awards  Incentive  Plan,  and  our  2016 

Omnibus Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2020. 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

Plan Category 
Equity Compensation plans approved by security holders 
Equity Compensation plans not approved by security holders 
Total 

Number of 
Shares to be 
Issued Upon 
Exercise of 
Outstanding 
Options and 
Vesting of 
Restricted 
Shares
1,169,020     $ 
—       
1,169,020     $ 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding 
Options 

Number of 
Shares 
Remaining 
Available for 
Future Issuances
Under the 2016 
Omnibus 
Incentive Plan 
Plans (1)

2.80      
—      
2.80      

1,725,845 
— 
1,725,845   

(1) 

Excludes  shares  reflected  in  the  column  titled  “Number  of  Shares  to  be  Issued  Upon  Exercise  of  Outstanding  Options  and 
Vesting of Restricted Shares”. 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities 

We did not purchase shares of our common stock during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

Unregistered Sales of Securities 

We did not make any unregistered sales of our common stock during the year ended March 31, 2020 that were not previously 

disclosed in a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a current report on Form 8-K during such period. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
ITEM 6. 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 

You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with Item 7. "Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in 
Item  8.  "Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data"  of  this  report.  The  selected  historical  consolidated  financial  data  are  not 
necessarily indicative of future results. 

Consolidated statements of operations data: 
Product revenue 
Service revenue 
Total revenue 
Cost of product revenue (1)(2) 
Cost of service revenue (1) (3) 
Total cost of revenue 
Gross profit 
General and administrative expenses (1)(4) 
Impairment of assets (5) 
Sales and marketing expenses (1) (6) 
Research and development expenses (1) (7) 
Income (loss) from operations 
Other income 
Interest expense 
Amortization of debt issue costs 
Dividend and interest income 
Income (loss) before income tax 
Income tax expense (benefit) 
Net income (loss) 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common 
   shareholders: 
Basic 
Diluted 
Weighted-average shares outstanding: 
Basic 
Diluted 

  $

113,352    $
37,489     

150,841 

83,588     
30,130     

113,718 
37,123 
11,184     
—     
11,113     
1,716     
13,110 

28     
(279)    
(243)    
5     

12,621 

159     
12,462  $

  $

  $
  $

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 
2017 
2018 
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

56,261    $
9,493     
65,754 
44,111     
7,091     
51,202 
14,552 
10,231     
—     
9,104     
1,374     
(6,157)

80     
(493)    
(101)    
11     

(6,660)

14     
(6,674) $

55,595     $ 
4,705       
60,300   
41,415       
4,213       
45,628   
14,672   
13,159       
710       
11,879       
1,905       
(12,981 )     
248       
(333 )     
(92 )     
15       
(13,143 )     
(15 )     
(13,128 )   $ 

66,224    $
3,987     
70,211     
49,630     
3,244     
52,874     
17,337     
14,777     
250     
12,833     
2,004     
(12,527)    
215     
(163)    
(110)    
36     
(12,549)    
(261)    
(12,288)   $

2016 

64,897 
2,745 
67,642 
49,630 
2,015 
51,645 
15,997 
16,884 
6,023 
11,343 
1,668 
(19,921)
— 
(297)
— 
128 
(20,090)
36 
(20,126)

0.41    $
0.40    $

(0.23)   $
(0.23)   $

(0.46 )   $ 
(0.46 )   $ 

(0.44)   $
(0.44)   $

(0.73)
(0.73)

30,105     
30,965     

29,430     
29,430     

28,784       
28,784       

28,156     
28,156     

27,628 
27,628   

(1) 

Includes  stock-based  compensation  expense  recognized  under  Financial Accounting  Standards  Board Accounting  Standards 
Codification Topic 718, or ASC Topic 718, as follows: 

Cost of product revenue 
Cost of service revenue 
General and administrative expenses 
Sales and marketing expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Total stock-based compensation expense 

2020 

  $

  $

3    $
(1)
576     
2     
38     
618    $

2019 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2018 
(in thousands) 

2017 

2    $
3 
764     
54     
2     
825    $

12     $ 
—   
929       
155       
6       
1,102     $ 

30    $
— 
1,337     
139     
99     
1,605    $

2016 

36 
— 
1,148 
235 
43 
1,462   

(2) 

Fiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.1 million related to restructuring. Fiscal 2018 includes expenses of $34 thousand related 
to restructuring. Fiscal 2017 includes expenses of $2.2 million related to an increase in inventory reserves and other inventory 
adjustments.  

(3) 

Fiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.1 million related to restructuring.  

31 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
     
   
 
  
 
 
   
     
     
       
     
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
     
     
       
     
 
      
        
        
      
     
 
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
     
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

Fiscal  2020  includes  expenses  of  $28  thousand  related  to  restructuring.  Fiscal  2018  includes  $1.8  million  of  restructuring 
expense and $1.4 million benefit on the reversal of an accrual for a loss contingency. Fiscal 2016 includes a $1.4 million loss 
contingency accrual.  

Fiscal 2018 includes an intangible asset impairment of $0.7 million. Fiscal 2017 includes an intangible asset impairment of 
$0.3 million. Fiscal 2016 includes expenses of $4.4 million related to the impairment of goodwill and $1.6 million related to 
the write-down to fair value of the manufacturing facility. 

Fiscal 2020 includes expenses of $0.2 million related to restructuring. Fiscal 2018 includes expenses of $0.2 million related to 
restructuring. 

(7) 

Fiscal 2018 includes expenses of $0.1 million related to restructuring. 

Consolidated balance sheet data: 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total assets 
Long term borrowings 
Shareholder notes receivable 
Total shareholders’ equity 

2020 

2019 

As of March 31, 
2018 
(in thousands) 

2017 

2016 

  $

28,751    $
72,563     
10,063     
—     
31,035     

8,729    $
56,021     
9,283     
—     
17,970     

9,424     $ 
45,325       
4,013       
—       
23,424       

17,307    $
62,051     
6,819     
(4)    
35,450     

15,542 
70,875 
4,021 
(4)
45,983   

32 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
  
 
 
   
     
     
       
     
 
   
   
   
   
 
ITEM 7. 

MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF  FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND  RESULTS  OF 

OPERATIONS 

The  following  discussion  and  analysis  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  should  be  read  together  with  our 
audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
March 31, 2020. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A “Risk Factors”. 

Overview 

We  provide  state-of-the-art  LED  lighting,  wireless  Internet  of  Things  (“IoT”)  enabled  control  solutions,  and  energy  project 
management. We research, design, develop, manufacture, market, sell, install, and implement energy management systems consisting 
primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient commercial and industrial interior and exterior lighting systems and related services. 
Our products are targeted for applications in three primary market segments: commercial office and retail, area lighting, and industrial 
applications, although we do sell and install products into other markets. Virtually all of our sales occur within North America. 

Our  lighting  products  consist  primarily  of  light  emitting  diode  ("LED")  lighting fixtures,  many  of which  include IoT  enabled 
control  systems.  Our  principal  customers  include  large  national  account  end-users,  Federal  and  State  government  facilities,  large 
regional  account  end-users,  electrical  distributors,  electrical  contractors  and  energy  service  companies  ("ESCOs").  Currently, 
substantially all of our products are manufactured at our leased production facility located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, although as the 
LED and related IoT market continues to evolve, we are increasingly sourcing products and components from third parties in order to 
provide versatility in our product development. 

We have experienced recent success offering our comprehensive project management services to national account customers to 
retrofit their multiple locations. Our comprehensive services include initial site surveys and audits, utility incentive and government 
subsidy management, engineering design, and project management from delivery through to installation and controls integration. 

We  believe  the  market  for  LED  lighting  products  and  related  controls  continues  to  grow.  Due  to  their  size  and  flexibility  in 
application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by 
other  lighting  technologies.  Our  LED  lighting  technologies  have  become  the  primary  component  of  our  revenue  as  we  continue  to 
strive to be a leader in the LED market.  

In fiscal 2020, we began to successfully capitalize on our capability of being a full service, turn-key provider of LED lighting 
and controls systems with design, build, installation and project management services, including being awarded a very large project 
for a major national account. As a result of this success, we have begun to evolve our business strategy to focus on further expanding 
the  nature  and  scope  of  our  products  and  services  offered  to  our  customers.  This  further  expansion  of  our  products  and  services 
includes pursuing projects to develop recurring revenue streams, including providing lighting and electrical maintenance services and 
utilizing control sensor technology to collect data and assisting customers in the digitization of this data, along with other potential 
services. We  also  plan  to  pursue  the  expansion  of  our  IoT,  “smart-building”  and  “connected  ceiling”  and  other  related  technology, 
software and controls products and services that we offer to our customers. We currently plan on investing significant time, resources 
and capital into expanding our offerings in these areas with no expectation that they will result in us realizing material revenue in the 
near  term  and  without  any  assurance  they  will  succeed  or  be  profitable.  In  fact,  it  is  likely  that  these  efforts  will  reduce  our 
profitability, at least in the near term as we invest resources and incur expenses to develop these offerings. While we intend to pursue 
these expansion strategies organically, we also are actively exploring potential business acquisitions which would more quickly add 
these types of expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings. It is possible that one or more of such potential 
acquisitions, if successfully completed, could significantly change, and potentially transform, the nature and extent of our business. 

We generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers that provide us with recurring revenue from period to period 
and  we  typically  generate  substantially  all  of  our  revenue  from  sales  of  lighting  and  control  systems  and  related  services  to 
governmental,  commercial  and  industrial  customers  on  a  project-by-project  basis.  We  also  perform  work  under  master  services  or 
product purchasing agreements with major customers with sales completed on a purchase order basis.  In addition, in order to provide 
quality  and  timely  service  under  our  multi-location  master  retrofit  agreements  we  are  required  to  make  substantial  working  capital 
expenditures and advance inventory purchases that we may not be able to recoup if the agreements or a substantial volume of purchase 
orders under the agreements are delayed or terminated.  For example, while we received a master retrofit agreement in January 2020 

33 

 
for approximately $18-20 million in revenue from our largest customer, due to the closure of its facilities to external activities because 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, this customer deferred retrofit installations related to the project during March 2020, thereby resulting in 
the deferral of our realization of expected revenue during our fiscal 2020 fourth quarter.  The loss of, or substantial reduction in sales 
to,  any  of  our  significant  customers,  or  our  current  single  largest  customer,  or  the  termination  or  delay  of  a  significant  volume  of 
purchase orders by one or more key customers, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in any given future 
period.  

We  typically  sell  our  lighting  systems  in  replacement  of  our  customers’  existing  fixtures. We  call  this  replacement  process  a 
"retrofit". We frequently engage our customer’s existing electrical contractor to provide installation and project management services. 
We also sell our lighting systems on a wholesale basis, principally to electrical distributors and ESCOs to sell to their own customer 
bases. 

The gross margins of our products can vary significantly depending upon the types of products we sell, with margins typically 
ranging from 10% to 50%. As a result, a change in the total mix of our sales among higher or lower margin products can cause our 
profitability to fluctuate from period to period. 

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. We refer to our just completed fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2020, as "fiscal 2020", 
and our prior fiscal years which ended on March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 as "fiscal 2019" and “fiscal 2018”, respectively. Our 
fiscal first quarter of each fiscal year ends on June 30, our fiscal second quarter ends on September 30, our fiscal third quarter ends on 
December 31 and our fiscal fourth quarter ends on March 31. 

Reportable  segments  are  components  of  an  entity  that  have  separate  financial  data  that  the  entity's  chief  operating  decision 
maker ("CODM") regularly reviews when allocating resources and assessing performance. Our CODM is our chief executive officer. 
Orion has three reportable segments: Orion Engineered Systems Division ("OES"), and Orion Distribution Services Division ("ODS"), 
and Orion U.S. Markets Division (“USM”). 

Major Developments in Fiscal 2020 

During fiscal 2020, we executed on a series of master contracts for a major national account customer with our state-of-the-art 
LED  lighting  systems  and  wireless  IoT  enabled  control  solutions  at  locations  nationwide.  This  one  national  account  customer 
represented 74.1% of our total revenue in fiscal 2020 and was the primary driver for our growth over the prior year period. During 
March 2020, this customer suspended our installations at a significant number of locations that were scheduled for installation during 
our  fiscal  2020  fourth  quarter  and  our  fiscal  2021  first  quarter.   Although  circumstances  may  change,  further  installations  at  this 
customer’s locations are currently not expected to recommence until calendar year 2021. We expect further revenue opportunity with 
this  national  account  customer  in  fiscal  2021  and  beyond;  however,  due  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  the  timing,  and  volume  of 
revenue, including our ability to realize these potential revenue opportunities is uncertain.  

Impact of COVID-19 and Fiscal 2021 Outlook 

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted business, trade, commerce, financial and credit markets, in the U.S. and globally. Our 
business  has  been  adversely  impacted  by  measures  taken  by  government  entities  and  others  to  control  the  spread  of  the  virus 
beginning in March 2020. As an essential business, we provide products and services to ensure energy and lighting infrastructure and 
we  therefore  continue  to operate  throughout  the  pandemic.  Nonetheless, we did  experience  a  curtailment  of  activity in  the  last few 
weeks of our 2020 fiscal year. 

As part of our recent response to the impacts of the COVID-19, we have taken a number of cost reduction and cash conservation 
measures, including reducing headcount. While restrictions have begun to lessen in certain jurisdictions during our fiscal 2021 first 
quarter,  stay-at-home  or  lockdown  orders  remain  in  effect  in  others,  with  employees  asked  to  work  remotely  if  possible.  Some 
customers and projects are in areas where travel restrictions have been imposed, certain customers have either closed or reduced on-
site activities, and timelines for the completion of several projects have been delayed, extended or terminated. These modifications to 
our business practices, including any future actions we take, may cause us to experience reductions in productivity and disruptions to 
our business routines.  In addition, we are required to make substantial working capital expenditures and advance inventory purchases 
that we may not be able to recoup if the agreements or a substantial volume of purchase orders under the agreements are delayed or 
terminated  as  a  result  of  COVID-19.   As  of  the  date  of  this  report,  it  is  not  possible  to  predict  the  overall  impact  the  COVID-19 
pandemic will have on the Company's business, liquidity, capital resources or financial results, although we expect that the economic 

34 

 
and regulatory impacts of COVID-19 will significantly reduce our revenue and profitability in at least the first half of fiscal 2021. If 
the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more pronounced in our markets or experiences a resurgence in markets recovering from the spread 
of COVID-19, or if another significant natural disaster or pandemic were to occur in the future, our operations in areas impacted by 
such events could experience further adverse financial impacts due to market changes and other resulting events and circumstances. 

The impact of COVID-19 has caused significant uncertainty and volatility in the credit markets. We rely on the credit markets to 
provide us with liquidity to operate and grow our businesses beyond the liquidity that operating cash flows provide. If our access to 
capital were to become significantly constrained or if costs of capital increased significantly due the impact of COVID-19, including 
volatility in the capital markets, a reduction in our credit ratings or other factors, then our financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows could be adversely affected. 

In addition to the managing the adverse financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to achieve our desired revenue 
growth and profitability goals depends on our ability to effectively execute on the following key strategic initiatives. We may identify 
strategic acquisition candidates that would help support these initiatives. 

Focus on executing and marketing our turnkey LED retrofit capabilities to large national account customers. We believe one of 
our  competitive  advantages  is  our  ability  to  deliver  full  turnkey  LED  lighting  project  capabilities. These  turnkey  services  were  the 
principal  reason  we  achieved  significant  revenue  growth  in  fiscal  2020  as  we  executed  on  our  commitment  to  retrofit  multiple 
locations for a major national account customer. Our success in the national account market segment centers on our turnkey design, 
engineering,  manufacturing  and project  management  capabilities,  which represent  a  very  clear  competitive  advantage  for us  among 
large  enterprises  seeking  to benefit  from  the  illumination  benefits  and  energy  savings  of  LED  lighting  across  locations nationwide. 
Few  LED  lighting  providers  are  organized  to  serve  every  step  of  a  custom  retrofit  project  in  a  comprehensive,  non-disruptive  and 
timely  fashion,  from  custom  fixture  design  and  initial  site  surveys  to  final  installations.  Incrementally,  we  are  also  able  to  help 
customers deploy state-of-the-art control systems that provide even greater long-term value from their lighting system investments. 

Looking  forward,  we  are  focused  on  continuing  to  successfully  execute  on  existing  national  account  opportunities  while  also 
actively  pursuing  new  national  account  opportunities  that  leverage  our  customized,  comprehensive  turnkey  project  solutions,  and 
expanding  our  addressable market  with high-quality,  basic  lighting  systems  to  meet  the  needs of value-oriented  customer  segments 
served  by  our  other  market  channels.  Given  our  unique  value  proposition,  capabilities  and  focus  on  customer  service,  we  are 
optimistic about our business prospects and working to build sales momentum with existing and new customers.  

Continued Product Innovation. We continue to innovate, developing lighting fixtures and features that address specific customer 
requirements, while also working to maintain a leadership position in energy efficiency, smart product design and installation benefits. 
For  interior  building  applications,  we  have  recently  launched  an  antimicrobial  troffer  fixture  which  supports  the  suppression  of 
bacteria, mold, fungi, and mildew, and are currently developing an air circulation troffer to support improved air circulation. We also 
continue to deepen our capabilities in the integration of smart lighting controls. Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art lighting products 
with modular plug-and-play designs to enable lighting system customization from basic controls to advanced IoT capabilities.  

Leverage of Orion’s Smart Lighting Systems to Support Internet of Things Applications. We believe we are ideally positioned to 
help customers to efficiently deploy new IoT controls and applications by leveraging the “Smart Ceiling” capabilities of their Orion 
solid state lighting system. IoT capabilities can include the management and tracking of facilities, personnel, resources and customer 
behavior,  driving  both  sales  and  lowering  costs. As  a  result,  these  added  capabilities  provide  customers  an  even  greater  return  on 
investment  from  their  lighting  system  and  make  us  an  even  more  attractive  partner.  We  plan  to  pursue  the  expansion  of  our  IoT, 
“smart-building” and “connected ceiling” and other related technology, software and controls products and services that we offer to 
our  customers.   While  we  intend  to  pursue  these  expansion  strategies  organically,  we  also  are  actively  exploring  potential  business 
acquisitions which would more quickly add these types of expanded and different capabilities to our product and services offerings. 

Develop Maintenance Service Offerings. We believe we can leverage our construction management process expertise to develop 
a  high-quality,  quick-response,  multi-location  maintenance  service  offering.  Our  experience  with  large  national  customers  and  our 
large installed base of fixtures position us well to extend a maintenance offering to historical customers, as well as to new customers. 
Development of this recurring revenue stream is in the preliminary stage, but we believe there is significant market opportunity.  

 Support success of our ESCO and agent-driven distribution sales channels. We continue to focus on building our relationships 
and product and sales support for our ESCO and agent driven distribution channels. These efforts include an array of product and sales 
training efforts as well as the development of new products to cater to the unique needs of these sales channels. 

35 

 
Tariffs and Trade Policies  

The United States government has been implementing various monetary, regulatory, and trade importation restraints, penalties, 
and  tariffs.  Certain  sourced  finished  products  and  certain  of  the  components  used  in  our  products  have  been  impacted  by  imposed 
tariffs on China imports. Our efforts to mitigate the impact of added costs resulting from these government actions include a variety of 
activities, such as sourcing from non-tariff impacted countries and raising prices. If we are unable to successfully mitigate the impacts 
of these tariffs and other trade policies, our results of operations may be adversely affected. We believe that these mitigation activities 
will assist to offset added costs, and we currently believe that such tariffs will have a limited adverse financial effect on our results of 
operations.  Any  future  policy  changes  that  may  be  implemented  could  have  a  positive  or  negative  consequence  on  our  financial 
performance depending on how the changes would influence many factors, including business and consumer sentiment. 

Results of Operations: Fiscal 2020 versus Fiscal 2019 

The following table sets forth the line items of our consolidated statements of operations and as a relative percentage of our total 
revenue  for  each  applicable  period,  together  with  the  relative  percentage  change  in  such  line  item  between  applicable  comparable 
periods (in thousands, except percentages): 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 

2020 

2019 

Amount 

% 
Change

2020 
% of 
Revenue

2019 
% of 
Revenue

Product revenue 
Service revenue 
Total revenue 
Cost of product revenue 
Cost of service revenue 
Total cost of revenue 
Gross profit 
General and administrative expenses 
Sales and marketing expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Income (loss) from operations 
Other income 
Interest expense 
Amortization of debt issue costs 
Interest income 
Income (loss) before income tax 
Income tax expense (benefit) 
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) 

* 

NM = Not Meaningful 

Amount 
  $ 113,352    $
37,489     
150,841     
83,588     
30,130     
113,718     
37,123     
11,184     
11,113     
1,716     
13,110     
28     
(279)   
(243)   
5     
12,621     
159     
12,462    $

  $

56,261     
9,493     
65,754     
44,111     
7,091     
51,202     
14,552     
10,231     
9,104     
1,374     
(6,157) 
80     
(493)   
(101)   
11     
(6,660) 
14   
(6,674) 

101.5 %      
294.9 %      
129.4 %      
89.5 %      
324.9 %      
122.1 %      
155.1 %      
9.3 %      
22.1 %      
24.9 %      
NM   
(65.0 )%     
(43.4 )%     
140.6 %      
(54.5 )%     
NM   
NM   
NM   

75.1%    
24.9%    
100.0%    
55.4%    
20.0%    
75.4%    
24.6%    
7.4%    
7.4%    
1.1%    
8.7%    
0.0%    
(0.2)%   
(0.2)%   
0.0%    
8.5%    
0.4%    
8.1%    

85.6%
14.4%
100.0%
67.1%
10.8%
77.9%
22.1%
15.6%
13.8%
2.0%
(9.4)%
0.1%
(0.7)%
(0.2)%
0.0%
(10.0)%
0.1%
(10.1)%

Revenue. Product revenue  increased by 101.5%, or $57.1  million, for  fiscal  2020 versus  fiscal 2019. This  increase in product 
revenue was primarily a result of higher sales volume through our national account channel, and almost exclusively as a result of a 
major retrofit project for multiple locations for one of our national account customers. Service revenue increased by 294.9%, or $28.0 
million, due to higher sales volume through our national account channel for the major retrofit project for one customer and the timing 
of those project installations. In fiscal 2020, sales to this one national account customer represented 74.1% of our total revenue. Total 
revenue increased by 129.4%, or $85.1 million, due to the items discussed above. 

Cost  of  Revenue  and  Gross Margin.  Cost of product  revenue  increased  by  89.5%,  or $39.5  million, in  fiscal  2020 versus  the 
comparable period in fiscal 2019 primarily due to the corresponding increase in sales. Cost of service revenue increased by 324.9%, or 
$23.0 million, in fiscal 2020 versus fiscal 2019 primarily due to the corresponding increase in service revenue. Gross margin increased 
from 22.1% of revenue in fiscal 2019 to 24.6% in fiscal 2020, due to our higher sales levels covering fixed costs.  

36 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
   
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
    
    
 
Operating Expenses 

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased 9.3%, or $1.0 million, in fiscal 2020 compared to 

fiscal 2019, primarily due to higher bonus and employment costs.  

Sales  and  Marketing. Our  sales  and  marketing  expenses  increased  22.1%,  or  $2.0  million,  in  fiscal  2020  compared  to  fiscal 
2019. The increase year over year was primarily due to an increase in commission expense on higher sales and higher employment 
costs.  

Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased by 24.9%, or $0.3 million in fiscal 2020 compared to 

fiscal 2019 primarily due to higher employment costs.  

Other income. Other income in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019 represented product royalties received from licensing agreements for 

our patents. 

Interest Expense. Interest expense in fiscal 2020 decreased by 43.4%, or $0.2 million, from fiscal 2019. The decrease in interest 

expense was due to fewer sales of receivables. 

Amortization of debt issue costs. Amortization of debt issue costs in fiscal 2020 increased 140.6%, or $0.1 million from fiscal 

2019. The increase was due to the timing of the execution of our credit agreement. 

Interest  Income. Interest  income  in  fiscal  2020  remained  relatively  flat  compared  to  fiscal  2019.  Interest  income  relates  to 

interest earned on sweep bank accounts. 

Income Taxes. Income tax expense in fiscal 2020 increased by 1,000.0%, or $0.1 million, from fiscal 2019. Both periods include 

income tax expense for state tax liabilities. The increase in expense was driven by fiscal 2020 book income.  

37 

 
Results of Operations: Fiscal 2019 versus Fiscal 2018 

The following table sets forth the line items of our consolidated statements of operations and as a relative percentage of our total 
revenue  for  each  applicable  period,  together  with  the  relative  percentage  change  in  such  line  item  between  applicable  comparable 
periods (in thousands, except percentages): 

Product revenue 
Service revenue 
Total revenue 
Cost of product revenue 
Cost of service revenue 
Total cost of revenue 
Gross profit 
General and administrative expenses 
Impairment of assets 
Sales and marketing expenses 
Research and development expenses 
Loss from operations 
Other income 
Interest expense 
Amortization of debt issue costs 
Interest income 
Loss before income tax 
Income tax benefit 
Net loss and comprehensive loss 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 

2019 

2018 

Amount 

Amount 

% 
Change

2019 
% of 
Revenue

2018 
% of 
Revenue

  $

  $

56,261    $
9,493     
65,754     
44,111     
7,091     
51,202     
14,552     
10,231     
—     
9,104     
1,374     
(6,157)   
80     
(493)   
(101)   
11     
(6,660)   
14     
(6,674)  $

55,595     
4,705     
60,300     
41,415     
4,213     
45,628     
14,672     
13,159     
710   
11,879     
1,905     
(12,981)   
248     
(333)   
(92)   
15     
(13,143)   
(15) 
(13,128)   

1.2 %      
101.8 %      
9.0 %      
6.5 %      
68.3 %      
12.2 %      
(0.8 )%     
(22.3 )%     
NM   
(23.4 )%     
(27.9 )%     
52.6 %      
(67.7 )%     
48.0 %      
9.8 %      
(26.7 )%     
49.3 %      
NM   
49.2 %      

85.6%    
14.4%    
100.0%    
67.1%    
10.8%    
77.9%    
22.1%    
15.6%    
0.0%    
13.8%    
2.0%    
(9.4)%   
0.1%    
(0.7)%   
(0.1)%   
—%    
(10.1)%   
—%    
(10.1)%   

92.2%
7.8%
100.0%
68.7%
7.0%
75.7%
24.3%
21.8%
1.1%
19.7%
3.2%
(21.5)%
0.4%
(0.6)%
(0.1)%
—%
(21.8)%
(0.0)%
(21.8)%

Revenue. Product  revenue  increased  by  1.2%,  or  $0.7  million,  for  fiscal  2019  versus  fiscal  2018.  The  increase  in  product 
revenue was primarily a result of higher sales volume through our national account channel, and primarily the result of a major retrofit 
project  for  multiple  locations  for  one  of  our  national  account  customers.  Service  revenue  increased  by  101.8%,  or  $4.8  million, 
primarily  due  to  higher  sales  volume  through  our  national  account  channel  and  the  timing  of  project  installations.  Total  revenue 
increased  by  9.0%,  or  $5.5  million,  due  to  the  items  discussed  above.  Excluding  the  impact  of  the  adoption  of ASC  606,  Product 
revenue  increased  by  5.1%,  or  $2.9  million,  Service  revenue  increased  by  56.2%,  or  $2.6  million,  and  Total  revenue  increased  by 
9.1%, or $5.5 million, compared to fiscal year 2018. 

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of product revenue increased by 6.5%, or $2.7 million, in fiscal 2019 versus the fiscal 
2018 primarily due to the increase in sales. Cost of service revenue by increased 68.3%, or $2.9 million, in fiscal 2019 versus fiscal 
2018 primarily due to the increase in service revenue. Gross margin decreased from 24.3% of revenue in fiscal 2018 to 22.1% in fiscal 
2019, primarily due to our product mix on higher sales to one large national account customer. Excluding the impact of the adoption of 
ASC 606, gross margin for fiscal 2019 was 24.4%. 

Operating Expenses 

General  and  Administrative. General  and  Administrative.  General  and  administrative  expenses  decreased  by  22.3%,  or  $2.9 
million, in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to $1.8 million in employee separation costs incurred in fiscal 2018, 
offset by the release of a $1.4 million loss contingency accrual, which did not recur in fiscal 2019, as well as reduced employee costs 
and consulting expense as a result of our prior year cost reduction plan. 

Impairment  of  assets.  No  impairment  charge  was  recorded  in  fiscal  2019.  During  fiscal  2018,  we  performed  a  review  of  our 
definite  and  indefinite-lived  tangible  and  intangible  assets  for  impairment.  In  conjunction  with  this  review,  we  determined  that  the 
carrying value of our Harris trade name intangible asset exceeded its fair value. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.7 
million in fiscal 2018. 

38 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
   
     
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
 
Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by 23.4%, or $2.8 million, in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 
2018. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, Sales and marketing expenses decreased by 11.1%, or $1.3 million, in fiscal 
2019 compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease year over year was primarily due to reduced employee costs due to the impact of our prior 
year cost reduction plan, and lower travel and entertainment and marketing expenses. 

Research and Development. Research and development expenses decreased by 27.9%, or $0.5 million in fiscal 2019 compared 
to fiscal 2018 primarily due to lower employee costs as a result of our prior year cost reduction plan, as well as a decrease in testing 
costs based on timing of new product rollouts and reduced consulting expenses. 

Other income. Other income in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 represented product royalties received from licensing agreements for 

our patents. 

Interest Expense. Interest expense in fiscal 2019 increased by 48.0%, or $0.2 million, from fiscal 2018. The increase in interest 

expense was due to increased third party financing costs related to the sale of receivables. 

Amortization of debt issue costs. Amortization of debt issue costs in fiscal 2019 increased by 9.8%, or $9 thousand from fiscal 

2018. The increase was due to the execution of our new revolving credit facility. 

Interest  Income. Interest  income  in  fiscal  2019  remained  relatively  flat  compared  to  fiscal  2018.  Interest  income  relates  to 

interest earned on sweep bank accounts. 

Income  Taxes. Income  tax  expense  in  fiscal  2019  increased  immaterially  from  fiscal  2018.  Both  periods  include  income  tax 
expense for minimum state tax liabilities. In fiscal 2018 we received refunds from previously filed tax returns. In both periods, the 
impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on tax expense was immaterial due to the valuation allowance. 

Orion Engineered Systems Division 

The OES segment develops and sells lighting products and provides construction and engineering services for our commercial 
lighting  and  energy  management  systems.  OES  provides  turnkey  solutions  for  large  national  accounts,  governments,  municipalities 
and schools. 

The following table summarizes our OES segment operating results (dollars in thousands): 

Revenues 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin 

Fiscal 2020 Compared to Fiscal 2019  

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

  $
  $

122,744     $
16,164     $
13.2%   

30,925   
(1,237 ) 

  $
  $
(4.0 )%   

23,827  
(3,792) 
(15.9)%

OES revenue increased in fiscal 2020 by 296.9%, or $91.8 million, compared to fiscal 2019 almost exclusively as the result of a 

major retrofit project for multiple locations for one of our national account customers. 

OES  operating  income  in  fiscal  2020  was  $16.2  million,  which  improved  from  a  net  loss  position  of  $(1.2)  million  in  fiscal 

2019. The improvement in the segment’s operating income was the result of increased sales covering fixed costs. 

Fiscal 2019 Compared to Fiscal 2018  

OES revenue increased in fiscal 2019 by 29.8%, or $7.1 million, compared to fiscal 2018 primarily as a result of the increase in 

volume of turnkey projects, specifically to one large national account customer, which continued in fiscal 2020. 

OES operating loss in fiscal 2019 was $1.2 million, an improvement of $2.6 million from fiscal 2018. The improvement in the 
segment’s  operating  loss  was  the  result  of  increased  sales,  the  benefit  of  lower  corporate  allocated  costs  due  to  the  impact  of  cost 
reduction initiatives, and a non-recurring asset impairment charge of $0.5 million in fiscal 2018. 

39 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
 
Orion Distribution Services Division  

The ODS segment focuses on selling lighting products through manufacturer representative agencies and a network of broadline 

North American distributors. 

The following table summarizes our ODS segment operating results (dollars in thousands): 

Revenues 
Operating loss 
Operating margin 

Fiscal 2020 Compared to Fiscal 2019  

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

  $
  $

  $ 
15,087  
(852) 
  $ 
(5.6)%   

24,173   
(1,742 ) 

  $
  $
(7.2 )%   

27,906  
(325) 
(1.2)%

ODS revenue decreased in fiscal 2020 by 37.6%, or $9.1 million, compared to fiscal 2019, primarily due to a decrease in sales 

volume through our distribution channel. 

ODS operating loss in fiscal 2020 was $(0.9) million, an improvement of $0.9 million from fiscal 2019. The decrease in segment 

operating loss was primarily due to lower operating costs on lower employment expenses and commissions. 

Fiscal 2019 Compared to Fiscal 2018  

ODS revenue decreased in fiscal 2019 by 13.4%, or $3.7 million, compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to a decrease in sales 

volume through our distribution channel. 

ODS  operating  loss  in  fiscal  2019  was  $(1.7)  million,  an  increased  loss  of  $1.4  million  from  fiscal  2018.  The  increase  in 

segment operating loss was primarily due to decreased sale. 

Orion U.S. Markets Division 

The  USM  segment  sells  commercial  lighting  systems  and  energy  management  systems  to  the  wholesale  contractor  markets. 

USM customers are primarily comprised of ESCOs. 

The following table summarizes our USM segment operating results (dollars in thousands): 

Revenues 
Operating income (loss) 
Operating margin 

Fiscal 2020 Compared to Fiscal 2019  

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

  $
  $

13,010     $ 
2,447     $ 
18.8%   

10,656      $
1,132      $
10.6 %   

8,567  
(3,123) 
(36.5)%

USM revenue increased in fiscal 2020 by 22.1%, or $2.4 million, compared to fiscal 2019, primarily due to an increase in sales 

volume as a result of our reengagement in the sales channel. 

USM  operating  income  in  fiscal  2020  was  $2.4  million,  an  increase  of  $1.3  million  from  fiscal  2019. The  improvement  was 

primarily due to better coverage of costs on higher sales. 

Fiscal 2019 Compared to Fiscal 2018  

USM revenue increased in fiscal 2019 by 24.3%, or $2.1 million, compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to an increase in sales 

volume as a result of our reengagement in the sales channel. 

40 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
 
USM operating income in fiscal 2019 was $1.1 million, an improvement of $4.3 million over the operating loss in fiscal 2018. 
The improvement was primarily due to better operating leverage on lower allocated corporate costs, as well as a non-recurring asset 
impairment charge of $0.2 million in fiscal 2018. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Overview 

We had $28.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2020, compared to $8.7 million at March 31, 2019. Our cash 

position increased primarily as a result of our increased net income and the timing of working capital changes. 

On October 26, 2018, we entered into a secured revolving Business Financing Agreement with Western Alliance Bank, as lender 
(the  “Credit  Agreement”).  The  Credit Agreement,  as  amended,  provides  for  a  revolving  credit  facility  (the  “Credit  Facility”)  that 
matures  on  October  26,  2021.  Borrowings  under  the  Credit  Facility  are  limited  to  $20.15  million  subject  to  a  borrowing  base 
requirement based on eligible receivables and inventory. The Credit Agreement includes a $2.0 million sublimit for the issuance of 
letters of credit. As of March 31, 2020, our borrowing base was $11.2 million, and we had $10.0 million in borrowings outstanding 
which were included in non-current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2020, we had no 
outstanding letters of credit leaving total additional borrowing availability of $1.2 million. 

Additional information on our New Credit Agreement can be found in the “Indebtedness” section located below.  

In March 2020, we filed a universal shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under our shelf 
registration statement, we currently have the flexibility to publicly offer and sell from time to time up to $100.0 million of debt and/or 
equity securities. The filing of the shelf registration statement may help facilitate our ability to raise public equity or debt capital to 
expand existing businesses, fund potential acquisitions, invest in other growth opportunities, repay existing debt, or for other general 
corporate  purposes.  The  COVID-19  pandemic  has  had  a  negative  near-term  impact  on  the  capital  markets  and  may  impact  the 
Company’s ability to access this capital. 

We also are exploring various alternative sources of liquidity, including the sale or mortgage of our tech center office building, 

to help ensure that we will have the best allocation of investing capital to satisfy our working capital needs.  

Our  future  liquidity  needs  and  forecasted  cash  flows  are  dependent  upon  many  factors,  including  our  relative  revenue,  gross 
margins, cash management practices, cost containment, working capital management, capital expenditures. Further, as discussed in the 
“Risk  Factors,”  we  expect  our  forecasted  cash  flows,  particularly  during  the  first  half  of  fiscal  2021,  to  be  materially  adversely 
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the magnitude and period of impact of which is uncertain. While we believe that we will likely 
have adequate available cash and equivalents and credit availability under our Credit Agreement to satisfy our currently anticipated 
working  capital  and  liquidity  requirements  during  the  next  12  months  based  on  our  current  cash  flow  forecast,  there  can  be  no 
assurance to that effect. If we experience significant liquidity constraints, we may be required to issue equity or debt securities, reduce 
our sales efforts, implement additional cost savings initiatives or undertake other efforts to conserve our cash. 

Cash Flows 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for our fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018: 

Operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 
(in thousands) 

2018 

   $

   $

20,343     $ 
(936)      
615       
20,022     $ 

(5,058)    $
(449)     
4,812      
(695)    $

(4,415)
(585)
(2,883)
(7,883)

41 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
  
  
 
    
    
 
Cash Flows Related to Operating Activities. Cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of a net income adjusted for 
certain non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expenses, provisions for reserves, and the 
effect of changes in working capital and other activities. 

Cash  provided  by  operating  activities  for  fiscal  2020  was  $20.3  million  and  consisted  of  a  net  income  adjusted  for  non-cash 
expense  items  of  $15.2  million  and  net  cash  provided  by  changes  in  operating  assets  and  liabilities  of  $5.2  million.    Cash  used  by 
changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted primarily of an increase in Inventory of $1.3 million due to delayed shipments at 
the end of the fiscal year as a result of COVID-19.  Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included a decrease in 
Accounts receivable of $3.6 million due to the timing of billing and customer collections, a decrease in Revenue earned but not billed 
of $3.2 million due to timing on revenue recognition compared to invoicing.  

Cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2019 was $5.1 million and consisted of a net loss adjusted for non-cash expense items 
of  $4.1  million  and  net  cash  used  in  changes  in  operating  assets  and  liabilities  of  $1.0  million.  Cash  used  by  changes  in  operating 
assets  and  liabilities  consisted  of  an  increase  of  $5.8  million  in  Accounts  receivable  due  to  the  timing  of  billing  and  customer 
collections on comparatively higher fourth quarter sales, an increase in Inventory of $4.7 million due to higher backlog for anticipated 
first quarter fiscal 2020 sales, and an increase of $1.4 million in Revenue earned but not billed due to timing on revenue recognition 
compared to invoicing. Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included an increase of $8.9 million in Accounts 
payable  based  on  timing  of  payments  and  an  increase  of  $2.0  million  in  Accrued  expenses  and  other  primarily  due  to  increased 
accrued project costs on higher installation volume. 

Cash used in operating activities for fiscal 2018 was $4.4 million and consisted of a net loss adjusted for non-cash expense items 
of $8.0 million and net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $3.6 million. Cash used by changes in operating 
assets and liabilities consisted of a decrease of $1.7 million in Accrued expenses and other primarily due to the timing of payment of 
commissions and lower accrued bonuses in the current fiscal year, a decrease of $0.1 million in Deferred revenue, current and long 
term due to the timing of project completion and a decrease of $0.1 million in Deferred contract costs due to the timing of project 
completions. Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included a decrease of $0.4 million in Accounts receivable 
due to the decline in sales and the timing of customer collections, a decrease in Inventory of $4.7 million as a result of increased focus 
on inventory management in consideration of the lower sales volume, a decrease of $0.5 million in Prepaid and other current assets 
primarily due to the timing of project billings, and a negligible decrease in accounts payable. 

Cash  Flows  Related  to  Investing  Activities.  Cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  fiscal  2020  was  $0.9  million  and  consisted 

primarily of purchases of property and equipment of $0.8 million. 

Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2019 was $0.4 million and consisted primarily of purchases of property and equipment 

of $0.4 million. 

Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2018 was $0.6 million and consisted of purchases of property and equipment of $0.5 

million and investment in patents and licenses of $0.1 million. 

Cash  Flows Related  to  Financing Activities.  Cash  provided by  financing  activities  in fiscal  2020 was  $0.6  million. This  cash 
provided consisted primarily of net proceeds of $0.8 million from our Credit Facility, offset by $0.1 million in debt issue costs due to 
the Credit Facility and $0.1 million of payment of long-term debt.  

Cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2019 was $4.8 million. This cash provided consisted primarily of net proceeds of 
$5.3 million from our Credit Facility, offset by $0.4 million in debt issue costs due to the Credit Facility and $0.1 million of payment 
of long-term debt. 

Cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2018 was $2.9 million and was due almost entirely to the net repayment of our prior 

revolving credit facility. 

42 

 
Working Capital 

Our net working capital as of March 31, 2020 was $27.8 million, consisting of $55.0 million in current assets and $27.2 million 
in current liabilities. Our net working capital as of March 31, 2019 was $14.0 million, consisting of $41.4 million in current assets and 
$27.3 million in current liabilities. Our Cash and cash equivalents, net balance increased by $20.0 million from the fiscal 2019 year-
end due primarily to increased net income and working capital changes. Our current Accounts receivable, net balance decreased by 
$4.4 million from the fiscal 2019 year-end due to the timing of billing and customer collections. Our Revenue earned but not billed 
balance  decreased  by  $3.1  million  from  the  fiscal  2019  year-end  due  to  the  timing  of  billing.  Our  Inventories,  net  increased  $1.1 
million from the fiscal 2019 year-end due to higher backlog as of March 31, 2020 as a result of delayed shipments as impacted by 
COVID-19.  

We  generally  attempt  to  maintain  at  least  a  three-month  supply  of  on-hand  inventory  of  purchased  components  and  raw 
materials  to  meet  anticipated  demand,  as  well  as  to  reduce  our  risk  of  unexpected  raw  material  or  component  shortages  or  supply 
interruptions. Our accounts receivables, inventory and payables may increase to the extent our revenue and order levels increase. In 
addition, in order to provide quality and timely service under our multi-location master retrofit agreements we are required to make 
substantial working capital expenditures and advance inventory purchases, including purchases to support the provision of products 
and services to our largest customer.  As a result of our largest customer deferring retrofit installations in March 2020, we are working 
with the customer to come to an equitable accommodation with respect to our advance purchases.  In late fiscal 2020 and early fiscal 
2021, we also made increased pre-purchases of components for our products to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
on our supply chain. 

Indebtedness 

Revolving Credit Agreement 

On October 26, 2018, we entered into the Credit Agreement. On June 3, 2019, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into an 
amendment  (the  “First Amendment”)  to  the  Credit Agreement,  which  increased  the  maximum  borrowing  base  credit  available  for 
certain  of  the  customer  receivables  included  in  our  borrowing  base  and  provided  for  a  borrowing  base  credit  of  up  to  $3.0  million 
based on inventory, in each case, subject to certain conditions. On August 2, 2019, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a 
second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, which established a rent reserve in an amount equal to three 
months’ rent payable at any leased location where we maintain inventory included in our borrowing base and provided for a reduction 
of the borrowing base credit that we may receive for inventory if we default under the lease for any such location. As of the date of the 
Second Amendment, this rent reserve equaled $0.1 million. On November 21, 2019, we entered into a third amendment (the “Third 
Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, which extended the maturity date from October 26, 2020 to October 26, 2021; increased the 
sublimit  under  the  Credit Agreement  for  advances  under  business  credit  cards  from  $1.5  million  to  $3  million;  created  a  new  $2 
million  sublimit  permitting  entry  into  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  with  the  lender;  expanded  our  ability  to  make  capital 
expenditures and incur other debt from time to time; and permitted the lender to amend the financial covenant included in the Credit 
Agreement  (which  requires  the  maintenance  of  a  certain  amount  of  unrestricted  cash  on  deposit  with  the  lender  at  the  end  of  each 
month) upon receipt of the our annual projections. 

The  Credit Agreement,  as  amended,  provides  for  a  Credit  Facility  that  matures  on  October  26,  2021.  Borrowings  under  the 
Credit  Facility  are  currently  limited  to  $20.15  million,  subject  to  a  borrowing  base  requirement  based  on  eligible  receivables  and 
inventory.  The  Credit Agreement  includes  a  $2.0  million  sublimit  for  the  issuance  of  letters  of  credit. As  of  March  31,  2020,  our 
borrowing base was $11.2 million, and we had $10.0 million in borrowings outstanding which were included in non-current liabilities 
in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. We had no outstanding letters of credit leaving total borrowing availability of $1.2 
million. 

The Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ personal property. 

Borrowings  under  the  Credit Agreement  generally  bear  interest  at  floating  rates  based  upon  the  prime  rate  (but  not  less  than 
5.00% per year) plus an applicable margin determined by reference to our quick ratio (defined as the aggregate amount of unrestricted 
cash, unrestricted  marketable  securities  and,  with  certain adjustments,  receivables  convertible  into  cash divided by  the  total  current 

43 

 
liabilities,  including  the  obligations  under  the  Credit  Agreement).  As  of  March  31,  2020,  the  applicable  interest  rate  was  5.25%. 
Among other fees, we are required to pay an annual facility fee equal to 0.45% of the credit limit under the Credit Agreement, which 
was paid at commencement (October 26, 2018) and is due on each anniversary thereof.  

The Credit Agreement requires us to maintain nine months’ of “RML” as of the end of each month. For purposes of the Credit 
Agreement, RML is defined as, as of the applicable determination date, unrestricted cash on deposit with the lender plus availability 
under  the  Credit Agreement  divided  by  an  amount  equal  to,  for  the  applicable  trailing  three-month  period,  consolidated  net  profit 
before  tax, plus  depreciation expense,  amortization  expense  and  stock-based  compensation,  minus  capital  lease  principal  payments, 
tested as of the end of each month. As of March 31, 2020, we were in compliance with this RML requirement. 

The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and other covenants, including certain restrictions on our ability 
to incur additional indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, pay any dividend or distribution on our stock, redeem, 
retire or purchase shares of our stock, make investments or pledge or transfer assets. If an event of default under the Credit Agreement 
occurs  and  is  continuing,  then  the  lender  may  cease  making  advances  under  the  Credit  Agreement  and  declare  any  outstanding 
obligations  under  the  Credit Agreement  to  be  immediately  due  and  payable.  In  addition,  if  we  become  the  subject  of  voluntary  or 
involuntary  proceedings  under  any  bankruptcy  or  similar  law,  then  any  outstanding  obligations  under  the  Credit  Agreement  will 
automatically become immediately due and payable.  

Capital Spending 

Our  capital  expenditures  are  primarily  for  general  corporate  purposes  for  our  corporate  headquarters  and  technology  center, 
production  equipment  and  tooling  and  for  information  technology  systems.  Our  capital  expenditures  totaled  $0.8  million  in  fiscal 
2020, $0.5 million in fiscal 2019, and $0.5 million in fiscal 2018. Given the uncertain impact on financial results due to the COVID-
19  pandemic,  our  estimate  of  forecasted  capital  expenditures  in  fiscal  2021  is  uncertain.  Our  capital  spending  plans  predominantly 
consist of investments related to new product development tooling and equipment and information technology systems. We expect to 
finance these capital expenditures primarily through our existing cash, equipment secured loans and leases, to the extent needed, long-
term debt financing, or by using our Credit Facility. 

Contractual Obligations 

Information regarding our known contractual obligations of the types described below as of March 31, 2020 is set forth in the 

following table (dollars in thousands): 

Payments Due By Period 

Total 

Less than 
1 Year

1-3 Years 
(in thousands) 

3-5 Years 

More than 
5 Years

Bank debt obligations 
Other debt obligations 
Cash interest payments on debt 
Lease obligations (1) 
Purchase order and capital expenditure commitments (2) 
Total 

  $

  $

10,013    $
85     
6     
4,137     
7,740     
21,981    $

—    $
35     
3     
692     
7,740     
8,470    $

10,013     $ 
30       
3       
1,368       
—       
11,414     $ 

—    $
20     
—     
1,449     
—     
1,469    $

— 
— 
— 
628 
— 
628   

(1) 

(2) 

Does not reflect the contract  modification signed in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 extending the Jacksonville lease another 
three years. 
Reflects  non-cancellable  purchase  commitments  primarily  for  certain  inventory  items  entered  into  in  order  to  secure  better 
pricing and ensure materials on hand. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements. 

44 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
   
     
   
 
  
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Inflation 

Our results from operations have not been, and we do not expect them to be, materially affected by inflation. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The  discussion  and  analysis  of  our  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations  is  based  upon  our  consolidated  financial 
statements,  which  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States.  The 
preparation  of  our  consolidated  financial  statements  requires  us  to  make  certain  estimates  and  judgments  that  affect  our  reported 
assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and our related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on 
an  ongoing  basis,  including  those  related  to  revenue  recognition,  inventory  valuation,  collectability  of  receivables,  stock-based 
compensation, warranty reserves and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that we 
believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. A summary of our critical accounting 
policies is set forth below. 

Revenue  Recognition. We  generate  revenue  primarily  by  selling  commercial  lighting  fixtures  and  components  and  by  installing 
these  fixtures  in  our  customer’s  facilities.  We  recognize  revenue  in  accordance  with  the  guidance  in  “Revenue  from  Contracts  with 
Customers”  (Topic  606)  (“ASC  606”)  when  control  of  the  goods  or  services  being  provided  (which  we  refer  to  as  a  performance 
obligation) is transferred to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or 
services. Prices are generally fixed at the time of order confirmation. The amount of expected consideration includes estimated deductions 
and early payment discounts calculated based on historical experience, customer rebates based on agreed upon terms applied to actual and 
projected sales levels over the rebate period, and any amounts paid to customers in conjunction with fulfilling a performance obligation. 

If there are multiple performance obligations in a single contract, the contract’s total sales price is allocated to each individual 
performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price. A performance obligation’s standalone selling price is the price 
at which we would sell such promised good or service separately to a customer. We use an observable price to determine the stand-
alone  selling  price  for  separate  performance  obligations  or  a  cost-plus  margin  approach  when  one  is  not  available.  The  cost-plus 
margin approach is used to determine the stand-alone selling price for the installation performance obligation and is based on average 
historical installation margin. 

Revenue  derived  from  customer  contracts  which  include  only  performance  obligation(s)  for  the  sale  of  lighting  fixtures  and 
components is classified as Product revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The revenue for these transactions is recorded 
at the point in time when management believes that the customer obtains control of the products, generally either upon shipment or upon 
delivery to the customer’s facility. This point in time is determined separately for each contract and requires judgment by management of 
the contract terms and the specific facts and circumstances concerning the transaction. 

Revenue from a customer contract which includes both the sale of fixtures and the installation of such fixtures (which we refer 
to  as  a  turnkey  project)  is  allocated  between  each  lighting  fixture  and  the  installation  performance  obligation  based  on  relative 
standalone selling prices. 

Revenue  from  turnkey  projects  that  is  allocated  to  the  sale  of  the  lighting  fixtures  is  recorded  at  the  point  in  time  when 
management  believes  the  customer  obtains  control  of  the  product(s)  and  is  reflected  in  Product  revenue.  This  point  in  time  is 
determined separately for each customer contract based upon the terms of the contract and the nature and extent of our control of the 
light fixtures during the installation. Product revenue associated with turnkey projects can be recorded (a) upon shipment or delivery, 
(b)  subsequent  to  shipment  or  delivery  and  upon  customer  payments  for  the  light  fixtures,  (c)  when  an  individual  light  fixture  is 
installed and working correctly, or (d) when the customer acknowledges that the entire installation project is substantially complete. 
Determining the point in time when a customer obtains control of the lighting fixtures in a turnkey project can be a complex judgment 
and is applied separately for each individual light fixture included in a contract. In making this judgment, management considers the 
timing of various factors, including, but not limited to, those detailed below: 

•   when there is a legal transfer of ownership;  

•   when the customer obtains physical possession of the products;  

45 

 
 
•   when the customer starts to receive the benefit of the products;  

•  

the amount and duration of physical control that we maintain on the products after they are shipped to, and received at, the 
customer’s facility;  

•   whether we are required to maintain insurance on the lighting fixtures when they are in transit and after they are delivered to 

the customer’s facility;  

•   when each light fixture is physically installed and working correctly;  

•   when the customer formally accepts the product; and 

•   when we receive payment from the customer for the light fixtures.  

Revenue from turnkey projects that is allocated to the single installation performance obligation is reflected in Service revenue. 
Service  revenue  is  recorded  over-time  as  we  fulfill  our  obligation  to  install  the  light  fixtures. We  measure  our  performance  toward 
fulfilling our performance obligations for installations using an output method that calculates the number of light fixtures completely 
removed  and  installed  as  of  the  measurement  date  in  comparison  to  the  total  number  of  light  fixtures  to  be  removed  and  installed 
under the contract. 

Most products are manufactured in accordance with our standard specifications. However, some products are manufactured to a 
customer’s  specific  requirements  with  no  alternative  use  to  us.  In  such  cases,  and  when  we  have  an  enforceable  right  to  payment, 
Product revenue is recorded on an over-time basis measured using an input methodology that calculates the costs incurred to date as 
compared to total expected costs. There was no over-time revenue related to custom products recognized in fiscal year 2020 or 2019. 

We  offer  a  financing  program,  called  an  Orion  Throughput  Agreement,  or  OTA,  for  a  customer’s  lease  of  our  energy 
management  systems.  The  OTA  is  structured  as  a  sales-type  lease  and  upon  successful  installation  of  the  system  and  customer 
acknowledgment that the system is operating as specified, revenue is recognized at our net investment in the lease, which typically is 
the net present value of the future cash flows. 

We also record revenue in conjunction with several limited power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) still outstanding. Those PPAs 
are supply-side agreements for the generation of electricity. Our last PPA expires in 2031. Revenue associated with the sale of energy 
generated by the solar facilities under these PPAs is within the scope of ASC 606. Revenues are recognized over-time and are equal to 
the  amount billed  to  the  customer,  which  is  calculated by applying  the fixed  rate  designated  in  the PPAs  to  the  variable  amount of 
electricity generated each month. This approach is in accordance with the “right to invoice” practical expedient provided for in ASC 
606.  We  also  recognize  revenue  upon  the  sale  to  third  parties  of  tax  credits  received  from  operating  the  solar  facilities  and  from 
amortizing  a  grant  received  from  the  federal  government  during  the  period  starting  when  the  power  generating  facilities  were 
constructed until the expiration of the PPAs; these revenues are not derived from contracts with customers and therefore not under the 
scope of ASC 606. 

Inventories. Inventories  are  stated  at  the  lower of  cost  or  net  realizable  value  and  include raw  materials,  work  in process  and 
finished goods. Items are removed from inventory using the first-in, first-out method. Work in process inventories are comprised of 
raw materials that have been converted into components for final assembly. Inventory amounts include the cost to manufacture the 
item,  such  as  the  cost  of  raw  materials  and  related  freight,  labor  and  other  applied  overhead  costs.  We  review  our  inventory  for 
obsolescence. If the net realizable value, which is based upon the estimated selling price, less estimated costs of completion, disposal, 
and transportation, falls below cost, then the inventory value is reduced to its net realizable value. Our inventory obsolescence reserves 
at March 31, 2020 were $2.4 million, or 14.3% of gross inventory, and $2.8 million, or 17.4% of gross inventory, at March 31, 2019. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We perform ongoing evaluations of our customers and continuously monitor collections and 
payments  and  estimate  an  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts  based  upon  the  aging  of  the  underlying  receivables,  our  historical 
experience with write-offs and specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically 
been within our expectations, and we believe appropriate reserves have been established, we may not adequately predict future credit 
losses. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate and result in an impairment of their ability to make payments, 
additional  allowances  might  be  required  which  would  result  in  additional  general  and  administrative  expense  in  the  period  such 

46 

 
determination is made. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was twenty-eight thousand dollars, or 0.3% of gross receivables, at March 
31, 2020 and $0.2 million, or 1.4% of gross receivables, at March 31, 2019. 

Recoverability  of  Long-Lived  Assets.  We  evaluate  long-lived  assets  such  as  property,  equipment  and  definite  lived  intangible 
assets,  such  as  patents,  customer  relationships,  developed  technology,  and  non-competition  agreements,  for  impairment  whenever 
events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets recognized in our financial statements may not be recoverable. 
Factors that we consider include whether there has been a significant decrease in the market value of an asset, a significant change in 
the way an asset is being utilized, or a significant change, delay or departure in our strategy for that asset, or a significant change in the 
macroeconomic  environment,  such  as  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  Our  assessment  of  the  recoverability  of  long-lived 
assets involves significant judgment and estimation. These assessments reflect our assumptions, which, we believe, are consistent with 
the  assumptions  hypothetical  marketplace  participants  use.  Factors  that  we  must  estimate  when  performing  recoverability  and 
impairment  tests  include,  among  others,  forecasted  revenue,  margin  costs  and  the  economic  life  of  the  asset.  If  impairment  is 
indicated, we first determine if the total estimated future cash flows on an undiscounted basis are less than the carrying amounts of the 
asset or assets. If so, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. 

As  of  March  31,  2020,  due  to  the  forecasted  change  in  the  macroeconomic  conditions  due  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  a 
triggering event occurred requiring us to evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment. Due to the central nature of our operations, our 
tangible and intangible definite-lived assets support our full operations, are utilized by all three of our reportable segments, and do not 
generate  separately  identifiable  cash  flows.  As  such,  these  assets  together  represent  a  single  asset  group.  We  performed  the 
recoverability test for the asset group by comparing the carrying value to the group’s expected future undiscounted cash flows. We 
concluded that the undiscounted cash flows of the definite lived asset group exceeded the carrying value. As such the asset group was 
deemed recoverable and no impairment was recorded. 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we listed our corporate office building in Manitowoc, Wisconsin for sale or lease to 
increase  liquidity  through  the  divestiture  of  a  non-core  asset.  Because  of  the  uncertainty  of  a  sale  of  our  building,  management 
concluded that the sale is not probable within the next twelve months, therefore the building continues to be classified as held for use 
as of March 31, 2020. The building is included in our long-lived asset group, which was evaluated for impairment during the second 
quarter of fiscal 2020; the asset group was deemed recoverable and no impairment was recorded. However, as the building is currently 
listed for below its net book value, the sale of our building could result in a non-cash impairment charge in future reporting periods. 

Our  impairment  loss  calculations  require  that  we  apply  judgment  in  identifying  asset  groups,  estimating  future  cash  flows, 
determining asset fair values, and estimating asset’s useful lives. To make these judgments, we may use internal discounted cash flow 
estimates, quoted market prices, when available, and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. 

If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and judgments used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, 

we may be required to recognize future impairment losses which could be material to our results of operations. 

Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets. We test indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually on the first day of 
our  fiscal  fourth  quarter,  or  when  indications  of  potential  impairment  exist.  We  monitor  for  the  existence  of  potential  impairment 
indicators  throughout  the fiscal  year.  Our annual  impairment  test  may  begin  with  a qualitative  test  to  determine  whether  it  is  more 
likely  than  not  that  an  indefinite  lived  intangible  asset's  carrying  value  is  greater  than  its  fair  value.  If  our  qualitative  assessment 
reveals that asset impairment is more likely than not, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value of the 
indefinite lived intangible asset to its carrying value. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative test and initiate impairment testing 
with the quantitative impairment test. 

We performed a qualitative assessment in conjunction with our annual impairment test of our indefinite lived intangible assets as 
of January 1, 2020. This qualitative assessment considered our operating results for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 in comparison 
to prior years as well as its anticipated fourth quarter results and fiscal 2020 plan. As a result of the conditions that existed as of the 
assessment date, an asset impairment was not deemed to be more likely than not and a quantitative analysis was not required. 

Stock-Based Compensation. We currently issue restricted stock awards to our employees, executive officers and directors. Prior 
to  fiscal  2015,  we  also  issued  stock  options  to  these  individuals.  We  apply  the  provisions  of  ASC  718,  Compensation  -  Stock 
Compensation, to these restricted stock and stock option awards which requires us to expense the estimated fair value of the awards 

47 

 
based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant. Compensation costs for equity incentives are recognized in earnings, on a 
straight-line basis over the requisite service period. 

Accounting  for  Income  Taxes. As  part  of  the  process  of  preparing  our  consolidated  financial  statements,  we  are  required  to 
determine our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax 
expenses, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from recognition of items for income tax and accounting purposes. 
These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must then 
assess  the  likelihood  that  our  deferred  tax  assets  will  be  recovered  from  future  taxable  income  and,  to  the  extent  we  believe  that 
recovery is not likely, establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a 
period, we must reflect this increase as an expense within the tax provision in our statements of operations. 

Our judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation 
allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We continue to monitor the realizability of our deferred tax assets and adjust 
the  valuation  allowance  accordingly.  For  fiscal  2020,  2019,  and  2018  we  have  recorded  a  full  valuation  allowance  against  our  net 
federal  and  net  state  deferred  tax  assets  due  to  our  cumulative  three-year  taxable  losses.  In  making  these  determinations,  we 
considered  all  available  positive  and  negative  evidence,  including  projected  future  taxable  income,  tax  planning  strategies,  recent 
financial performance and ownership changes. 

We believe that past issuances and transfers of our stock caused an ownership change in fiscal 2007 that affected the timing of 
the use of our net operating loss carry-forwards, but we do not believe the ownership change affects the use of the full amount of the 
net operating loss carry-forwards. As a result, our ability to use our net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to the period prior to 
such ownership  change  to offset  taxable  income  will  be  subject to  limitations  in  a  particular  year, which  could potentially  result in 
increased future tax liability for us. 

As  of  March 31,  2020,  we  had  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  of  approximately  $75.3  million  for  federal  tax  purposes  and 
$61.7 million for state tax purposes. As of the prior fiscal year, this amount is inclusive of the entire loss carryforward on the filed 
returns. 

We also had federal tax credit carryforwards of $1.3 million and state tax credit carryforwards of $0.8 million, which are fully 
reserved  for  as  part  of  our  valuation  allowance.  Of  these  tax  attributes,  $8.5  million  of  the  federal  and  state  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards are not subject to time restrictions on use but may only be used to offset 80% of future adjusted taxable income. The 
$128.5  federal  and  state net operating  loss and  tax  credit  carryforwards will  begin  to  expire  in  varying  amounts  between  2024  and 
2040.  

We  recognize  penalties  and  interest  related  to  uncertain  tax  liabilities  in  income  tax  expense.  Penalties  and  interest  were 

immaterial as of the date of adoption and are included in unrecognized tax benefits.  

By  their  nature,  tax  laws  are  often  subject  to  interpretation.  Further  complicating  matters  is  that  in  those  cases  where  a  tax 
position  is  open  to  interpretation,  differences  of  opinion  can  result  in  differing  conclusions  as  to  the  amount  of  tax  benefits  to  be 
recognized under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Income Taxes. 
ASC 740 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (Step 1) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax 
position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (Step 2) is only 
addressed  if Step 1  has  been satisfied. Under  Step  2,  the  tax benefit  is  measured  as  the  largest  amount of  benefit,  determined  on a 
cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Consequently, the level of evidence 
and documentation necessary to support a position prior to being given recognition and measurement within the financial statements is 
a matter of judgment that depends on all available evidence. As of March 31, 2020, the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits was 
approximately $0.3 million, of which $0.2 million would reduce our effective tax rate if recognized. We believe that our estimates and 
judgments  discussed  herein  are  reasonable,  however,  actual  results  could  differ,  which  could  result  in  gains  or  losses  that  could  be 
material. 

48 

 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our accompanying audited consolidated financial statements for a 
full  description  of  recent  accounting  pronouncements  including  the  respective  expected  dates  of  adoption  and  expected  effects  on 
results of operations and financial condition. 

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk 

Market risk is the risk of loss related to changes in market prices, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity 

pricing that may adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. 

Inflation.  Our  results  from  operations  have  not  historically  been,  and  we  do  not  expect  them  to  be,  materially  affected  by 

inflation. 

Foreign  Exchange  Risk. We  face  minimal  exposure  to  adverse  movements  in  foreign  currency  exchange  rates.  Our  foreign 

currency losses for all reporting periods have been nominal. 

Interest Rate Risk. Our investments consist primarily of investments in money market funds. While the instruments we hold are 
subject to changes in the financial standing of the issuer of such securities, we do not believe that we are subject to any material risks 
arising from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices or other market changes that 
affect market risk sensitive instruments. It is our policy not to enter into interest rate derivative financial instruments. As a result, we 
do not currently have any significant interest rate exposure. 

As of March 31, 2020, $10.0 million of our $10.1 million of outstanding debt was at floating interest rates. An increase of 1.0% 

in the prime rate would result in an increase in our interest expense of approximately $0.1 million. 

Commodity Price Risk. We are exposed to certain commodity price risks associated with our purchases of raw materials, most 
significantly  our  aluminum  purchases. A  hypothetical  20%  increase  in  aluminum  prices  would  have  had  a  negative  impact  of  $0.7 
million on our net income in fiscal 2020. We have not experienced any material adverse impacts from commodity price risk due to the 
COVID-19 pandemic; however, as of the date of this report, we are not able to predict the future impact of COVID-19 on this risk.  

49 

 
ITEM 8. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page 
Number 

51
52
53
54
55
56

50 

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Shareholders and Board of Directors 

Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 

Manitowoc, Wisconsin 

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2020 
and  2019,  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  shareholders’  equity,  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the 
period  ended  March  31,  2020,  and  the  related  notes  (collectively  referred  to  as  the  “consolidated  financial  statements”).  In  our 
opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at March 
31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2020, 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 

Emphasis of Matter – COVID-19 

As  more  fully  described  in  Note  2  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Company  has  been  negatively  impacted  by  the 
outbreak  of  a  novel  coronavirus  (COVID-19),  which  was  declared  a  global  pandemic  by  the  World  Health  Organization  in  March 
2020. 

Basis for Opinion 

These  consolidated  financial  statements  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Company’s  management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an 
opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 
Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board  (United  States)  (“PCAOB”)  and  are  required  to  be  independent  with  respect  to  the 
Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to 
error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial 
reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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. 

Our  audits  included  performing  procedures  to  assess  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test 
basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the 
accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  presentation  of  the 
consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

/s/ BDO USA, LLP 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2012. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

June 5, 2020 

51 

 
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(in thousands, except share amounts) 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, net 
Revenue earned but not billed 
Inventories, net 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

Total current assets 
Property and equipment, net 
Other intangible assets, net 
Long-term accounts receivable 
Other long-term assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 
Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses and other 
Deferred revenue, current 
Current maturities of long-term debt 

Total current liabilities 

Revolving credit facility 
Long-term debt, less current maturities 
Deferred revenue, long-term 
Other long-term liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) 
Shareholders’ equity: 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Shares authorized: 30,000,000 shares 
   at March 31, 2020 and 2019; no shares issued and outstanding at 
   March 31, 2020 and 2019 
Common stock, no par value: Shares authorized: 200,000,000 at 
   March 31, 2020 and 2019; shares issued: 39,729,569 and 
   39,037,969 at March 31, 2020 and 2019; shares outstanding: 
   30,265,997 and 29,600,158 at March 31, 2020 and 2019 
Additional paid-in capital 
Treasury stock: 9,463,572 and 9,437,811 common shares at 
   March 31, 2020 and 2019 
Retained deficit 

Total shareholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

March 31, 

2020 

2019 

28,751      $
10,427       
560       
14,507       
723       
54,968       
11,817       
2,216       
760       
2,802       
72,563      $

19,834      $
7,228       
107       
35       
27,204       
10,013       
50       
715       
3,546       
41,528       

8,729 
14,804 
3,746 
13,403 
695 
41,377 
12,010 
2,469 

165 
56,021 

19,706 
7,410 
123 
96 
27,335 
9,202 
81 
791 
642 
38,051 

—       

— 

—       
156,503       

(36,163 )     
(89,305 )     
31,035       
72,563      $

— 
155,828 

(36,091)
(101,767)
17,970 
56,021   

   $

   $

   $

   $

52 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
    
       
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
       
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
 
    
       
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 

Product revenue 
Service revenue 
Total revenue 

Cost of product revenue 
Cost of service revenue 
Total cost of revenue 
Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
General and administrative 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Sales and marketing 
Research and development 

Total operating expenses 
Income (loss) from operations 
Other income (expense): 
Other income 
Interest expense 
Amortization of debt issue costs 
Interest income 

Total other expense 

Income (loss) before income tax 
Income tax expense (benefit) 

Net income (loss) 

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 
Diluted net income (loss) per share 
Weighted-average common shares and share equivalents 
   outstanding 

   $

   $
   $

   $

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

113,352     $ 
37,489       
150,841       
83,588       
30,130       
113,718       
37,123       

11,184       
—       
11,113       
1,716       
24,013       
13,110       

56,261     $
9,493      
65,754      
44,111      
7,091      
51,202      
14,552      

10,231      
—      
9,104      
1,374      
20,709      
(6,157)     

55,595 
4,705 
60,300 
41,415 
4,213 
45,628 
14,672 

13,159 
710 
11,879 
1,905 
27,653 
(12,981)

28       
(279)      
(243)      
5       
(489)      
12,621       
159       
12,462     $ 
0.41     $ 
30,104,552       
0.40     $ 

80      
(493)     
(101)     
11      
(503)     
(6,660)     
14      
(6,674)    $
(0.23)    $
29,429,540      
(0.23)    $

248 
(333)
(92)
15 
(162)
(13,143)
(15)
(13,128)
(0.46)
28,783,830 
(0.46)

30,964,777       

29,429,540      

28,783,830   

53 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(in thousands, except share amounts) 

Common Stock 

Shareholders’ Equity 

Balance, March 31, 2017 
Issuance of stock for services 
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase 
   Plan 
Stock-based compensation 
Employee tax withholdings on stock-based 
   compensation 
Collections on stockholder notes 
Net loss 
Balance, March 31, 2018 
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase 
   Plan 
Stock-based compensation 
Employee tax withholdings on stock-based 
   compensation 
Cumulative effect of accounting change due to 
adoption of ASC 606 
Net loss 
Balance, March 31, 2019 
Exercise of stock options and warrants for cash 
Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase 
   Plan 
Stock-based compensation 
Employee tax withholdings on stock-based 
   compensation 
Net income 
Balance, March 31, 2020 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital
    28,317,490    $ 153,901    $ (36,081)   $
—     

Treasury 
Stock

24,747     

—     

Shares 

Shareholder 
Notes 

Receivable       

Retained 
Earnings 
(Deficit)
(4 )   $  (82,366)   $
—     
—       

Total 
Shareholders’
Equity

35,450 
— 

10,057     
612,601     

—     
1,102     

11     
—     

(10,482)    
(1,230)    
—     
    28,953,183     

—     
—     
—     
155,003     

(11)    
(4)    
—     
(36,085)    

4,642     
653,394     

—     
825     

4     
—     

—       
—       

—       
4       
—       
—       

—       
—       

—     
—     

11 
1,102 

—     
—     
(13,128)    
(95,494)    

(11)
— 
(13,128)
23,424 

—     
—     

4 
825 

(10)

(11,061)    

—     

(10)    

—       

—     

—     
—     
    29,600,158     
22,362     

—     
—     
155,828     
57     

—     
—     
(36,091)    
—     

401     
—       
—       
(6,674)    
—        (101,767)    
—     
—       

401 
(6,674)
17,970 
57 

2,361     
669,238     

—     
618     

7     
—     

—       
—       

—     
—     

7 
618 

(28,122)    
—     

(79)    
—     
    30,265,997    $ 156,503    $ (36,163)   $

—     
—     

—     
—       
—       
12,462     
—     $  (89,305)   $

(79)
12,462 
31,035  

54 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
  
     
  
        
  
     
  
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(in thousands) 

Operating activities 
Net income (loss) 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

   $

12,462     $ 

(6,674)    $

(13,128)

(used in) operating activities: 

Depreciation 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Stock-based compensation 
Amortization of debt issue costs 
Impairment of intangible assets 
Loss on sale of property and equipment 
Provision for inventory reserves 
Provision for bad debts 
Other 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable 
Revenue earned but not billed 
Inventories 
Deferred contract costs 
Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Deferred revenue, current and long-term 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

Investing activities 

Purchase of property and equipment 
Additions to patents and licenses 
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 

Payment of long-term debt 
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 
Payment of revolving credit facility 
Payments to settle employee tax withholdings on stock-based 
   compensation 
Debt issue costs 
Net proceeds from employee equity exercises 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 
Supplemental cash flow information: 

Cash paid for interest 
Cash (paid) received for income taxes 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment by issuing a debt 
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease 
liabilities 

55 

1,203       
359       
618       
243       
—       
10       
205       
—       
57       

3,616       
3,186       
(1,319)      
—       
66       
(79)      
(192)      
(92)      
20,343       

(814)      
(131)      
9       
(936)      

1,339      
444      
825      
101      
—      
—      
(202)     
56      
57      

(5,840)     
(1,390)     
(4,689)     
—      
68      
8,916      
1,975      
(44)     
(5,058)     

(381)     
(68)     
—      
(449)     

(92)      
74,100       
(73,289)      

(80)     
60,270      
(54,976)     

(76)      
(91)      
63       
615       
20,022       
8,729       
28,751     $ 

(254)    $ 
(28)    $ 

—     $ 

2,757     $ 

(10)     
(396)     
4      
4,812      
(695)     
9,424      
8,729     $

(176)    $
12     $

74     $

—     $

   $

   $
   $

   $

   $

1,404 
607 
1,102 
92 
710 
— 
1,261 
22 
(94)

419 
— 
4,706 
(65)
391 
20 
(1,736)
(126)
(4,415)

(512)
(73)
— 
(585)

(158)
68,734 
(71,456)

(9)
— 
6 
(2,883)
(7,883)
17,307 
9,424 

(147)
17 

— 

—   

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
       
      
 
    
       
      
 
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
       
      
 
 
ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS 

Orion  includes  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.,  a Wisconsin  corporation,  and  all  consolidated  subsidiaries.  Orion  is  a  developer, 
manufacturer and seller of lighting and energy management systems to commercial and industrial businesses, and federal and local 
governments, predominantly in North America. 

Orion’s corporate offices and leased primary manufacturing operations are located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Orion also leases 

office space in Jacksonville, Florida. 

NOTE 2 — IMPACT OF COVID-19 

The  COVID-19  pandemic  has  disrupted  business,  trade,  commerce,  financial  and  credit  markets,  in  the  U.S.  and  globally. 
Orion’s business has been adversely impacted by measures taken by government entities and others to control the spread of the virus 
beginning  in  March  2020,  the  last  month  of  its  fiscal  2020  year. As  an  essential  business,  Orion  provides  products  and  services  to 
ensure energy and lighting infrastructure and Orion therefore continues to operate throughout the pandemic. Nonetheless, Orion did 
experience a material adverse effect from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the curtailment of activity in the last few weeks of the 2020 
fiscal year and during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, including the delay of project installations for a major national account customer. 
Although circumstances may change, further installations at this customer’s locations are currently not expected to recommence until 
calendar year 2021. 

As  part  of  the  Orion’s  response  to  the  impacts  of  the  COVID-19,  Orion  has  taken  a  number  of  cost  reduction  and  cash 

conservation measures, including reducing headcount. See Note 20 – Restructuring Expense.  

While restrictions have begun to lessen in certain jurisdictions during Orion’s fiscal 2021 first quarter, stay-at-home or lockdown 
orders remain in effect in others, with employees asked to work remotely if possible.  Some customers and projects are in areas where 
travel  restrictions  have  been  imposed,  certain  customers  have  either  closed  or  reduced  on-site  activities,  and  timelines  for  the 
completion of multiple projects have been extended. As of the date of this report, it is not possible to predict the overall impact the 
COVID-19 pandemic will have on Orion’s business, liquidity, capital resources or financial results. However, Orion does expect that 
the economic and regulatory impacts of COVID-19 will materially and adversely impact revenue and profitability in at least the first 
half of fiscal 2021. If there is prolonged adverse impact, the carrying values of Orion’s business, liquidity, capital resources, financial 
results, and the carrying values of Orion’s property, plant and equipment and intangible assets may be impacted negatively. Orion will 
continue to actively monitor the situation and may take further actions that alter business operations. 

Due to the forecasted change in macroeconomic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of March 31, 2020, a triggering 
event occurred requiring Orion to evaluate its long-lived assets for impairment. Orion performed the Step 1 recoverability test for the 
asset group, and the asset group was deemed recoverable. See Note 8 – Property and Equipment.  

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law and includes certain 
income tax provisions relevant to businesses. The Company is required to recognize the effect on the consolidated financial statements 
in the period the law was enacted, which is the period ended March 31, 2020. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the CARES 
Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

56 

 
NOTE 3 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All 

significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that 
affect  the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosures  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  financial 
statements  and  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  that  reporting  period.  Areas  that  require  the  use  of  significant 
management  estimates  include  revenue  recognition,  inventory  obsolescence  and  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  accruals  for 
warranty and loss contingencies, income taxes, impairment analyses, and certain equity transactions. Accordingly, actual results could 
differ from those estimates. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Orion considers all highly liquid, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Orion’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and 
other, revolving credit facility and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of Orion’s financial instruments approximate their respective 
fair values due to the relatively short-term nature of these instruments, or in the case of long-term debt and revolving credit facility, 
because of the interest rates currently available to Orion for similar obligations. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must 
maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP describes a fair value hierarchy based on 
the following three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to 
measure fair value: 

Level 1 — Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2 — Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices in markets 

that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. 

Level 3 — Valuations are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant 
to the overall fair value measurement. Inputs reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in valuing the 
asset or liability at the measurement date. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

Orion performs ongoing evaluations of its customers and continuously monitors collections and payments. Orion estimates an 
allowance for doubtful accounts based upon the aging of the underlying receivables, historical experience with write-offs and specific 
customer  collection  issues  that  have been  identified.  See Note 5 –  Accounts  Receivable  for  further  discussion of  the  allowance  for 
doubtful accounts. 

57 

 
Incentive Plan 

Orion’s  compensation  committee  approved  an  Executive  Fiscal  Year  2020  Annual  Cash  Incentive  Program.  The  program 
provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 50-100% of the fiscal 2020 base salaries of Orion’s named executive 
officers and other key employees. The program provided for bonuses to be paid out on the basis of achieving positive net income in 
fiscal 2020. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2020, Orion accrued approximately $0.8 million of expense related to 
this plan.  

Orion’s  compensation  committee  approved  an  Executive  Fiscal  Year  2019  Annual  Cash  Incentive  Program.  The  program 
provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 50-100% of the fiscal 2019 base salaries of Orion’s named executive 
officers  and  other  key  employees. The  program  provided  for  bonuses  to  be  paid  out  on  the  basis  of  achieving  positive  net  income 
above $0.1 million in fiscal 2019. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2019, Orion did not accrue any expense related 
to this plan. 

Orion’s  compensation  committee  approved  an  Executive  Fiscal  Year  2018  Annual  Cash  Incentive  Program.  The  program 
provided for performance cash bonus payments ranging from 50-100% of the fiscal 2018 base salaries of Orion’s named executive 
officers  and  other key  employees. The program  provided for bonuses  to  be paid out  on  the basis of achieving positive  EBITDA  in 
fiscal 2018. Based upon the results for the year ended March 31, 2018, Orion did not accrue any expense related to this plan. 

Revenue Recognition 

Periods prior to April 1, 2018 

Revenue  was  recognized  in  accordance  with  the  revenue  recognition  requirements  in  “Revenue  Recognition”  (Topic  605) 

(“ASC 605”) when the following criteria were met: 

1.  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 

2.  delivery has occurred and title has passed to the customer; 

3. 

the sales price is fixed and determinable and no further obligation exists; and 

4.  collectability is reasonably assured. 

Revenue was recorded net of estimated provisions for returns, early payment discounts and rebates and other consideration paid 

to Orion’s customers. Revenues were presented net of sales tax and other sales related taxes. 

For  sales  of  Orion’s  lighting  and  energy  management  technologies  under  multiple  element  arrangements,  consisting  of  a 
combination of product sales and services, Orion determines revenue by allocating the total contract revenue to each element based on 
their  relative  selling  prices  in  accordance  with  ASC  605-25,  Revenue  Recognition  -  Multiple  Element  Arrangements.  In  such 
circumstances,  Orion  uses  a  hierarchy  to  determine  the  selling  price  to  be  used  for  allocating  revenue  to  deliverables:  (1) vendor-
specific  objective  evidence  ("VSOE")  of  fair  value,  if  available,  (2)  third-party  evidence  ("TPE")  of  selling  price  if  VSOE  is  not 
available, and (3) best estimate of the selling price if neither VSOE nor TPE is available (a description as to how Orion determines 
estimated selling price is provided below). 

The nature of Orion’s multiple element arrangements for the sale of its lighting and energy management technologies is similar 
to a construction project, with materials being delivered and contracting and project management activities occurring according to an 
installation schedule. The significant deliverables include the shipment of products and related transfer of title and the installation. 

To determine the selling price in multiple-element arrangements, Orion establishes the selling price for its energy management 
system products using management's best estimate of the selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Product revenue is recognized 
when title and risk of loss for the products transfers. For product revenue, management's best estimate of selling price is determined 
using a cost plus gross profit margin method. 

58 

 
 
In addition, Orion records in service revenue the selling price for its installation and recycling services using management’s best 
estimate of selling price, as VSOE and TPE do not exist. Service revenue is recognized when services are completed and customer 
acceptance has been received. Recycling services provided in connection with installation entail the disposal of the customer’s legacy 
lighting fixtures. Orion’s service revenues, other than for installation and recycling that are completed prior to delivery of the product, 
are  included  in product  revenue using  management’s  best  estimate  of  selling price,  as VSOE  and TPE  do  not  exist. These  services 
include  comprehensive  site  assessment,  site  field  verification,  utility  incentive  and  government  subsidy  management,  engineering 
design, and project management. For these services, along with Orion's installation and recycling services, under a multiple-element 
arrangement,  management’s  best  estimate  of  selling  price  is  determined  using  a  cost  plus  gross  profit  margin  method  with 
consideration given to other relevant economic conditions and trends, customer demand, pricing practices, and margin objectives. The 
determination of an estimated selling price is made through consultation with and approval by management, taking into account the 
preceding factors. 

Deferred  revenue  relates  to  advance  customer  billings,  investment  tax  grants  received  related  to  PPAs  and  long-term 
maintenance contracts on OTAs and is classified as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the maintenance is 
readily  determinable  based  upon  pricing  from  third-party  vendors.  Deferred  revenue  related  to  maintenance  services  is  recognized 
when the services are delivered, which occurs in excess of a year after the original OTA contract is executed. 

Period Commencing April 1, 2018 

General Information 

Orion generates revenues primarily by selling commercial lighting fixtures and components and by installing these fixtures in its 
customer’s  facilities.  Orion  recognizes  revenue  in  accordance  with  the  guidance  in  “Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers”  (Topic 
606) (“ASC 606”) when control of the goods or services being provided (which Orion refers to as a performance obligation) is transferred 
to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration that management expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. 
Prices  are  generally  fixed  at  the  time  of  order  confirmation. The  amount  of  expected  consideration  includes  estimated  deductions  and 
early payment discounts calculated based on historical experience, customer rebates based on agreed upon terms applied to actual and 
projected sales levels over the rebate period, and any amounts paid to customers in conjunction with fulfilling a performance obligation. 

If there are multiple performance obligations in a single contract, the contract’s total sales price is allocated to each individual 
performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price. A performance obligation’s standalone selling price is the price 
at which Orion would sell such promised good or service separately to a customer. Orion uses an observable price to determine the 
stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when one is not available. The cost-plus 
margin approach is used to determine the stand-alone selling price for the installation performance obligation and is based on average 
historical installation margin. 

Revenue  derived  from  customer  contracts  which  include  only  performance  obligation(s)  for  the  sale  of  lighting  fixtures  and 
components is classified as Product revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The revenue for these transactions is recorded 
at the point in time when management believes that the customer obtains control of the products, generally either upon shipment or upon 
delivery to the customer’s facility. This point in time is determined separately for each contract and requires judgment by management of 
the contract terms and the specific facts and circumstances concerning the transaction. 

Revenue from  a  customer  contract which  includes both  the  sale  of fixtures  and  the  installation of  such  fixtures (which Orion 
refers to as a turnkey project) is allocated between each lighting fixture and the installation performance obligation based on relative 
standalone selling prices. 

59 

 
Revenue  from  turnkey  projects  that  is  allocated  to  the  sale  of  the  lighting  fixtures  is  recorded  at  the  point  in  time  when 
management  believes  the  customer  obtains  control  of  the  product(s)  and  is  reflected  in  Product  revenue.  This  point  in  time  is 
determined separately for each customer contract based upon the terms of the contract and the nature and extent of Orion’s control of 
the  light  fixtures  during  the  installation.  Product  revenue  associated  with  turnkey  projects  can  be  recorded  (a)  upon  shipment  or 
delivery, (b) subsequent to shipment or delivery and upon customer payments for the light fixtures, (c) when an individual light fixture 
is installed and working correctly, or (d) when the customer acknowledges that the entire installation project is substantially complete. 
Determining the point in time when a customer obtains control of the lighting fixtures in a turnkey project can be a complex judgment 
and is applied separately for each individual light fixture included in a contract. In making this judgment, management considers the 
timing of various factors, including, but not limited to, those detailed below: 

•   when there is a legal transfer of ownership;  

•   when the customer obtains physical possession of the products;  

•   when the customer starts to receive the benefit of the products;  

•  

the amount and duration of physical control that Orion maintains on the products after they are shipped to, and received at, 
the customer’s facility;  

•   whether Orion is required to maintain insurance on the lighting fixtures when they are in transit and after they are delivered 

to the customer’s facility;  

•   when each light fixture is physically installed and working correctly;  

•   when the customer formally accepts the product; and 

•   when Orion receives payment from the customer for the light fixtures.  

Revenue from turnkey projects that is allocated to the single installation performance obligation is reflected in Service revenue. 
Service  revenue  is  recorded  over-time  as  Orion  fulfills  its  obligation  to  install  the  light  fixtures.  Orion  measures  its  performance 
toward  fulfilling  its  performance  obligations  for  installations  using  an  output  method  that  calculates  the  number  of  light  fixtures 
removed  and  installed  as  of  the  measurement  date  in  comparison  to  the  total  number  of  light  fixtures  to  be  removed  and  installed 
under the contract. 

Most products are manufactured in accordance with Orion’s standard specifications. However, some products are manufactured 
to  a  customer’s  specific  requirements  with  no  alternative  use  to  Orion.  In  such  cases,  and  when  Orion  has  an  enforceable  right  to 
payment, Product revenue is recorded on an over-time basis measured using an input methodology that calculates the costs incurred to 
date as compared to total expected costs. There was no over-time revenue related to custom products recognized in fiscal year 2020 or 
2019. 

Orion  offers  a  financing  program,  called  an  Orion Throughput Agreement,  or  OTA,  for  a  customer’s  lease  of  Orion’s  energy 
management  systems.  The  OTA  is  structured  as  a  sales-type  lease  and  upon  successful  installation  of  the  system  and  customer 
acknowledgment  that  the  system  is  operating  as  specified,  revenue  is  recognized  at  Orion’s  net  investment  in  the  lease,  which 
typically is the net present value of the future cash flows. 

Orion  also  records  revenue  in  conjunction  with  several  limited  power  purchase  agreements  (“PPAs”)  still  outstanding. Those 
PPAs are supply-side agreements for the generation of electricity. Orion’s last PPA expires in 2031. Revenue associated with the sale 
of energy generated by the solar facilities under these PPAs is within the scope of ASC 606. Revenues are recognized over-time and 
are equal to the amount billed to the customer, which is calculated by applying the fixed rate designated in the PPAs to the variable 
amount of electricity generated each month. This approach is in accordance with the “right to invoice” practical expedient provided 
for in ASC 606. Orion also recognizes revenue upon the sale to third parties of tax credits received from operating the solar facilities 
and from amortizing a grant received from the federal government during the period starting when the power generating facilities were 
constructed until the expiration of the PPAs; these revenues are not derived from contracts with customers and therefore not under the 
scope of ASC 606. 

When shipping and handling activities are performed after a customer obtains control of the product, Orion has elected to treat 
shipping and handling costs as an activity necessary to fulfill the performance obligation to transfer product to the customer and not as 

60 

 
 
a separate performance obligation. Any shipping and handling costs charged to customers are recorded in Product revenue. Shipping 
and handling costs are accrued and included in Cost of product revenue. 

See Note 11 – Accrued Expenses and Other for a discussion of Orion’s accounting for the warranty it provides to customers for 

its products and services. 

Sales  taxes  collected  from  customers  and  remitted  to  governmental  authorities  are  accounted  for  on  a  net  (excluded  from 

revenues) basis. 

Shipping and Handling Costs 

Orion records costs incurred in connection with shipping and handling of products as cost of product revenue. Amounts billed to 

customers in connection with these costs are included in product revenue. 

Research and Development 

Orion  expenses  research  and  development  costs  as  incurred.  Amounts  are  included  in  the  Statement  of  Operations  and 

Comprehensive Income on the line item Research and development. 

Income Taxes 

Orion recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial 
reporting and income tax basis of assets and liabilities, measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the 
temporary  differences  reverse.  Deferred  income  taxes  also  arise  from  the  future  tax  benefits  of  operating  loss  and  tax  credit 
carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established when management determines that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of 
a deferred tax asset will not be realized. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, Orion decreased its full valuation allowance by 
$3.2 million against its deferred tax assets due to the decrease in its deferred tax assets. 

ASC  740,  Income  Taxes,  also  prescribes  a  recognition  threshold  and  measurement  attribute  for  the  financial  statement 
recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax 
position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Orion has classified the amounts recorded for uncertain tax 
benefits  in  the  balance  sheet  as  other  liabilities  (non-current)  to  the  extent  that  payment  is  not  anticipated  within  one  year.  Orion 
recognizes penalties and interest related to uncertain tax liabilities in income tax expense. Penalties and interest are immaterial and are 
included in the unrecognized tax benefits. 

Stock Based Compensation 

Orion’s share-based payments to employees are measured at fair value and are recognized against earnings, on a straight-line 

basis over the requisite service period. 

Orion accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under the fair 
value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award 
and  is  recognized  as  expense  ratably  over  the  requisite  service  period.  As  more  fully  described  in  Note  17  –  Stock  Options  and 
Restricted Shares, Orion currently awards non-vested restricted stock (and in some cases, in conjunction with associated cash award 
accounted for as a liability) to employees, executive officers and directors. Orion did not issue any stock options during fiscal 2020, 
fiscal 2019 or fiscal 2018. 

Orion has not paid dividends in the past and does not plan to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Orion estimates its 

forfeiture rate of unvested stock awards based on historical experience. 

61 

 
Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties 

Orion’s cash is deposited with two financial institutions. At times, deposits in these institutions exceed the amount of insurance 
provided on such deposits. Orion has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes that it is not exposed to any significant 
financial institution viability risk on these balances. 

Orion purchases components necessary for its lighting products, including ballasts, lamps and LED components, from multiple 
suppliers. For fiscal 2020, one supplier account for 11.8% of total cost of revenue. For fiscal 2019, no supplier accounted for more 
than 10% of total cost of revenue. 

In fiscal 2020, one customer accounted for 74.1% of revenue. In fiscal 2019, one customer accounted for 20.7% of total revenue. 

In fiscal 2018, two customers accounted for 11.7% and 10.8% of total revenue.  

As of March 31, 2020, two customers accounted for 37.3% and 13.0% of accounts receivable, respectively, and as of March 31, 

2019, one customer accounted for 56.2% of accounts receivable. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Issued: Not Yet Adopted 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit 
Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires an entity to assess impairment of its financial instruments based on 
its  estimate  of  expected  credit  losses.  Since  the  issuance  of ASU  2016-13,  the  FASB  released  several  amendments  to  improve  and 
clarify the implementation guidance. The provisions of ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments are effective for Orion for fiscal 
years  (and  interim  reporting  periods  within  those  years)  beginning  after  December  15,  2022.  Entities  are  required  to  apply  these 
changes  through  a  cumulative-effect  adjustment  to  retained  earnings  as  of  the  beginning  of  the  first  reporting  period  in  which  the 
guidance is effective. Orion is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this standard on its consolidated statements of operations, 
cash flows, and the related footnote disclosures. 

Recently Adopted Standards 

In  April  2018,  Orion  adopted  ASU  2014-09  and  subsequent  amendments,  which  is  included  in  the  Accounting  Standards 
Codification as "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" (Topic 606) (“ASC 606”) and Sub-Topic 340-40 (“ASC 340-40”), using 
the  modified  retrospective  approach. ASC  606  superseded  the  revenue  recognition  requirements  in  “Revenue  Recognition”  (Topic 
605)  ("ASC  605")  and  provides  guidance  on  the  accounting  for  other  assets  and  deferred  costs  associated  with  contracts  with 
customers. ASC 606 requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers 
at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 
340-40 limits the circumstances that an entity can recognize an asset from the costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract that are not 
subject to the guidance in other portions in the Accounting Standards Codification, such as those related to inventory. The provisions 
of ASC 606 and ASC 340-40 require entities to use more judgments and estimates than under previous guidance when allocating the 
total  consideration  in  a  contract  to  the  individual  promises  to  customers  (“performance  obligations”)  and  determining  when  a 
performance obligation has been satisfied and revenue can be recognized. Orion’s adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material effect 
on  Orion's  financial  statements.  Orion  has  updated  its  processes  and  controls  necessary  for  implementing ASC  606,  including  the 
increased footnote disclosure requirements. 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provided 
clarification  and  additional  guidance  as  to  the  presentation  and  classification  of  certain  cash  receipts  and  cash  payments  in  the 
statement  of  cash  flows.  This  ASU  provided  guidance  as  to  the  classification  of  a  number  of  transactions  including:  contingent 
consideration  payments  made  after  a  business  combination,  proceeds  from  the  settlement  of  insurance  claims,  proceeds  from  the 
settlement  of  corporate-owned  life  insurance  policies,  and  distributions received from  equity  method  investees. This  new ASU was 

62 

 
effective for Orion beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and has been applied through retrospective adjustment to all periods 
presented. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting” which 
provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award would require an entity to apply 
modification accounting. The provisions of this ASU were effective for Orion beginning on April 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU 
did not have a material impact on Orion’s consolidated financial statements. 

In April  2019,  Orion  adopted Accounting  Standards  Update  2016-02,  and  subsequent  amendments,  which  is  included  in  the 
Accounting  Standards  Codification  (“ASC”)  as  Topic  842,  Leases  (“ASC  842”),  retrospectively  through  a  cumulative-effect 
adjustment. Orion elected the package of practical expedients provided for in ASU 842, which among other things, allows companies 
to carry forward their historical lease classification. Previously, Orion followed the guidance set forth in ASC 840, Leases.  

For Orion, the most significant difference between ASC 840 and ASC 842 is the requirement that lessees recognize right-of-use 
assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term operating leases. Previously, the financial 
impact  associated  with  operating  leases  was  recorded  only  in  Orion’s  statement  of  operations.  Determining  whether  a  contract 
includes  a  lease,  and  assessing  whether  the  lease  should  be  accounted  for  as  a  finance  lease  or  an  operating  lease,  is  a  matter  of 
judgment based on whether the risks and rewards, as well as substantive control of the associated assets specified in the contract, have 
been transferred from the lessor to the lessee.  

Adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recording of additional lease assets and lease liabilities of approximately $0.2 million as of 
April 1, 2019. There was no impact to retained earnings. The adoption of ASC 842 did not materially impact Orion’s consolidated 
results  of  operations  and  had  no  impact  on  Orion’s  cash  flows.  Orion  has  updated  its  processes  and  controls  necessary  for 
implementing ASC 842, including the increased footnote disclosure requirements. 

NOTE 4 — REVENUE 

Changes in Accounting Policies 

Orion adopted ASC 606 and ASC 340-40 (the “new standards”) as of April 1, 2018 for contracts with customers that were not 
fully complete as of April 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of initially applying the 
new  standards  was  recorded  as  a  $0.4  million  adjustment  to  the  opening  balance  of  retained  deficit  within  Orion’s  Consolidated 
Statement of Shareholders’ Equity. 

The  new  standards  are  applied  separately  for  each  contract  between  Orion  and  a  customer.  While  the  impact  of  the  new 
standards vary for each contract based on its specific terms, in general, the new standards result in Orion (a) delaying the recognition 
of  some  of  its  Product  revenue  from  the  point  of  shipment  until  a  later  date  during  the  installation  period,  (b)  recording  Service 
revenue  associated  with  installing  lighting  fixtures  as  such  fixtures  are  installed  instead  of  recording  all  Service  revenue  at  the 
completion  of  the  installation,  and  (c)  recording  costs  associated  with  installing  lighting  fixtures  as  they  are  incurred  instead  of 
deferring such costs and recognizing them at the time Service revenue was recorded. 

The  adoption  of  the  new  standards  also  resulted  in  reclassifications  (a)  between  Product  revenue  and  Service  revenue,  and 
between  Cost  of  service  revenue  and  Sales  and  marketing  expenses  in  Orion’s  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations,  and  (b) 
between Accounts receivable, net, Revenue earned but not billed, Inventories, net, Deferred contract costs, Prepaid expenses and other 
current  assets, Accounts  payable, Accrued  expenses  and  other,  Deferred  revenue,  current,  Deferred  revenue,  long-term,  and  Other 
long-term liabilities in Orion’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

In accordance with the modified retrospective transition method, the historical information within Orion’s financial statements 
has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standard in effect for those periods. As a result, Orion has 
disclosed the accounting policies in effect prior to April 1, 2018, as well as the policies applied starting April 1, 2018. 

General Information 

63 

 
 
Orion  generates  revenues  primarily  by  selling  commercial  LED  lighting  fixtures  and  components,  including  controls  and 
integrated IoT capabilities, and by installing these fixtures in its customer’s facilities on a turnkey basis via a dedicated installation and 
support  team.  Orion  recognizes  revenue  in  accordance  with  the  guidance  in ASC  606  when  control  of  the  goods  or  services  being 
provided (which Orion refers to as a performance obligation) is transferred to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration 
that  management  expects  to  receive  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services.  Prices  are  generally  fixed  at  the  time  of  order 
confirmation. The amount of expected consideration includes estimated deductions and early payment discounts calculated based on 
historical experience, customer rebates based on agreed upon terms applied to actual and projected sales levels over the rebate period, 
and any amounts paid to customers in conjunction with fulfilling a performance obligation. 

If  there  are  multiple  performance  obligations  in  a  contract,  the  contract’s  total  sales  price  is  allocated  to  each  individual 
performance  obligation  based  on  their  relative  standalone  selling  price.  A  performance  obligation’s  standalone  selling  price  is  the 
price at which Orion would sell such promised good or service separately to a customer. Orion uses an observable price to determine 
the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations or a cost-plus margin approach when one is not available. The cost-
plus  margin  approach  is used  to determine  the  stand-alone  selling  price  for  the  installation  performance  obligation  and  is based on 
average historical installation margin. 

Revenue  derived  from  customer  contracts  which  include  only  performance  obligation(s)  for  the  sale  of  lighting  fixtures  and 
components  is  classified  as  Product  revenue  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations.  The  revenue  for  these  transactions  is 
recorded  at  the  point  in  time  when  management  believes  that  the  customer  obtains  control  of  the  products,  generally  either  upon 
shipment  or  upon  delivery  to  the  customer’s  facility.  This  point  in  time  is  determined  separately  for  each  contract  and  requires 
judgment by management of the contract terms and the specific facts and circumstances concerning the transaction. 

Revenue from a customer contract which includes both the sale of fixtures and the installation of such fixtures (which Orion 
refers to as a turnkey project) is allocated between each lighting fixture and the installation performance obligation based on relative 
standalone selling prices. 

Revenue  from  turnkey  projects  that  is  allocated  to  the  sale  of  the  lighting  fixtures  is  recorded  at  the  point  in  time  when 
management  believes  the  customer  obtains  control  of  the  product(s)  and  is  reflected  in  Product  revenue.  This  point  in  time  is 
determined separately for each customer contract based upon the terms of the contract and the nature and extent of Orion’s control of 
the  light  fixtures  during  the  installation.  Product  revenue  associated  with  turnkey  projects  can  be  recorded  (a)  upon  shipment  or 
delivery, (b) subsequent to shipment or delivery and upon customer payments for the light fixtures, (c) when an individual light fixture 
is installed and working correctly, or (d) when the customer acknowledges that the entire installation project is substantially complete. 
Determining the point in time when a customer obtains control of the lighting fixtures in a turnkey project can be a complex judgment 
and is applied separately for each individual light fixture included in a contract. In making this judgment, management considers the 
timing of various factors, including, but not limited to, those detailed below: 

•   when there is a legal transfer of ownership;  
•   when the customer obtains physical possession of the products;  
•   when the customer starts to receive the benefit of the products;  
•  

the amount and duration of physical control that Orion maintains on the products after they are shipped to, and received at, 
the customer’s facility;  

•   whether Orion is required to maintain insurance on the lighting fixtures when they are in transit and after they are delivered 

to the customer’s facility;  

•   when each light fixture is physically installed and working correctly;  
•   when the customer formally accepts the product; and 
•   when Orion receives payment from the customer for the light fixtures.  

Revenue from turnkey projects that is allocated to the single installation performance obligation is reflected in Service revenue. 
Service  revenue  is  recorded  over-time  as  Orion  fulfills  its  obligation  to  install  the  light  fixtures.  Orion  measures  its  performance 
toward  fulfilling  its  performance  obligations  for  installations  using  an  output  method  that  calculates  the  number  of  light  fixtures 
removed and installed as of the measurement date in comparison to the total number of light fixtures to be removed or installed under 
the contract. 

Most products are manufactured in accordance with Orion’s standard specifications. However, some products are manufactured 
to  a  customer’s  specific  requirements  with  no  alternative  use  to  Orion.  In  such  cases,  and  when  Orion  has  an  enforceable  right  to 
payment, Product revenue is recorded on an over-time basis measured using an input methodology that calculates the costs incurred to 

64 

 
date as compared to total expected costs. There was no over-time revenue related to custom products recognized in the twelve months 
ended March 31, 2020 or March 31, 2019. 

Orion also records revenue in conjunction with several limited power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) still outstanding. Those 
PPAs are supply-side agreements for the generation of electricity. Orion’s last PPA expires in 2031. Revenue associated with the sale 
of energy generated by the solar facilities under these PPAs is within the scope of ASC 606. Revenues are recognized over-time and 
are equal to the amount billed to the customer, which is calculated by applying the fixed rate designated in the PPAs to the variable 
amount of electricity generated each month. This approach is in accordance with the “right to invoice” practical expedient provided 
for in ASC 606. Orion also recognizes revenue upon the sale to third parties of tax credits received from operating the solar facilities 
and from amortizing a grant received from the federal government during the period starting when the power generating facilities were 
constructed until the expiration of the PPAs; these revenues are not derived from contracts with customers and therefore not under the 
scope of ASC 606. 

When shipping and handling activities are performed after a customer obtains control of the product, Orion has elected to treat 
shipping and handling costs as an activity necessary to fulfill the performance obligation to transfer product to the customer and not as 
a separate performance obligation. Any shipping and handling costs charged to customers are recorded in Product revenue. Shipping 
and handling costs are accrued and included in Cost of product revenue. 

See Note 11 – Accrued Expenses and Other for a discussion of Orion’s accounting for the warranty it provides to customers for 

its products and services. 

Sales  taxes  collected  from  customers  and  remitted  to  governmental  authorities  are  accounted  for  on  a  net  (excluded  from 

revenues) basis. 

Revenue Recognition 

See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a discussion of Orion’s accounting policies in effect prior to April 

1, 2018, as well as the policies applied starting April 1, 2018 related to revenue recognition. 

Contract Fulfillment Costs 

Costs associated with product sales are accumulated in inventory as the fixtures are manufactured and are transferred to Cost of 
product  revenue  at  the  time  revenue  is recorded. See  Note  6  –  Inventories.  Costs  associated  with  installation  sales  are  expensed  as 
incurred. 

Disaggregation of Revenue 

Orion’s Product revenue includes revenue from contracts with customers accounted for under the scope of ASC 606 and revenue 
which  is  accounted  for  under  other  guidance.  For  fiscal  year  2020,  Product  revenue  included  $1.4  million  derived  from  sales-type 
leases for light fixtures, $0.2 million derived from the sale of tax credits generated from Orion’s legacy operation for distributing solar 
energy, and $0.1 million derived from the amortization of federal grants received in 2010 and 2011 as reimbursement for a portion of 
the  costs  to  construct  the  legacy  solar facilities  which  are not under  the scope of ASC 606. All remaining  Product  revenue,  and  all 
Service revenue, are derived from contracts with customers as defined in ASC 606. 

The primary end-users of Orion’s lighting products and services are (a) the federal government, and (b) commercial or industrial 

companies. 

The federal government obtains Orion products and services primarily through turnkey project sales that Orion makes to a select 
group of contractors who focus on the federal government. Revenues associated with government end-users are primarily included in 
the Orion Engineered Systems Division segment. 

Commercial or industrial end-users obtain Orion products and services through turnkey project sales or by purchasing products 
either direct from Orion or through distributors or energy service companies ("ESCOs"). Revenues associated with commercial and 
industrial end-users are included within each of Orion’s segments, dependent on the sales channel. 

See Footnote 18 - Segment Data, for additional discussion concerning Orion’s reportable segments. 

65 

 
 
 
The following table provides detail of Orion’s total revenues for the year ended March 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands): 

Revenue from contracts with customers: 
Lighting revenues, by end user 

Federal government 
Commercial and industrial 

Total lighting 

Solar energy related revenues 

Total revenues from contracts with customers 
Revenue accounted for under other guidance 
Total revenue 

Product 

Year Ended March 31, 2020 
Services 

Total 

  $

  $

922    $ 
110,742      
111,664      
56      
111,720      
1,632      
113,352    $ 

379    $
37,110     
37,489     
—     
37,489     
—     
37,489    $

1,301 
147,852 
149,153 
56 
149,209 
1,632 
150,841   

Cash Flow Considerations 

Customer payments for material only orders are due shortly after shipment. 

Turnkey  projects  where  the  end-user  is  a  commercial  or  industrial  company  typically  span  between  one  week  to  three  months. 
Customer  payment  requirements  for  these  projects  vary  by  contract.  Some  contracts  provide  for  customer  payments  for  products  and 
services  as  they  are  delivered,  other  contracts  specify  that  the  customer  will  pay  for  the  project  in  its  entirety  upon  completion  of  the 
installation. 

Turnkey projects where the end-user is the federal government typically span a three to six-month period. The contracts for these 

sales often provide for monthly progress payments equal to ninety percent (90%) of the value provided by Orion during the month. 

Orion provides long-term financing to one customer who frequently engages Orion in large turnkey projects that span between three 
and nine months. The customer executes an agreement providing for monthly payments of the contract price, plus interest, over a five-year 
period. The  total  transaction  price  in  these  contracts  is  allocated  between  product  and  services  in  the  same  manner  as  all  other  turnkey 
projects.  The  portion  of  the  transaction  associated  with  the  installation  is  accounted  for  consistently  with  all  other  installation  related 
performance obligations. The portion of the transaction associated with the sale of the multiple individual light fixtures is accounted for as 
sales-type leases in accordance with the guidance for leases. Revenues associated with the sales-type leases are included in Product revenue 
and recorded for each fixture separately based on the customer’s monthly acknowledgment that specified fixtures have been installed and 
are operating as specified. 

The payments associated with these transactions that are due during the twelve months subsequent to March 31, 2020 are included 
in  Accounts  receivable,  net  in  Orion’s  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  The  remaining  amounts  due  that  are  associated  with  these 
transactions are included in Long-term accounts receivable in Orion’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

The customer’s monthly payment obligation commences after completion of the turnkey project. Orion generally sells the receivable 
from  the  customer  to  an  independent  financial  institution  either  during,  or  shortly  after  completion  of,  the  installation  period.  Upon 
execution of the receivables purchase / sales agreement, all amounts due from the customer are included in Revenues earned but not billed 
on Orion’s Consolidated Balance Sheets until cash is received from the financial institution. The financial institution releases funds to Orion 
based on the customer’s monthly acknowledgment of the progress Orion has achieved in fulfilling its installation obligation. Orion provides 
the progress certifications to the financial institution one month in arrears. 

The total amount received from the sales of these receivables during the twelve months ended March 31, 2020, and 2019 was 
$4.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Orion’s losses on these sales aggregated to $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the twelve 
months  ended  March  31,  2020,  and  2019,  respectively,  and  are  included  in  Interest  expense  in  the  Consolidated  Statements  of 
Operations. 

66 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
   
      
     
 
   
      
     
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
Practical Expedients and Exemptions 

Orion expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are recorded 

within Sales and marketing expense. There are no other capitalizable costs associated with obtaining contracts with customers. 

Orion’s performance obligations related to lighting fixtures typically do not exceed nine months in duration. As a result, Orion 
has  elected  the  practical  expedient  that  provides  an  exemption  to  the  disclosure  requirements  regarding  information  about  value 
assigned to remaining performance obligations on contracts that have original expected durations of one year or less. 

Orion has also adopted the practical expedient that provides an exemption to the disclosure requirement of the value assigned to 

performance obligations associated with contracts that were not complete as of April 1, 2018. 

Orion  also  elected  the  practical  expedient  that  permits  companies  to  not  disclose  quantitative  information  about  the  future 

revenue when revenue is recognized as invoices are issued to customers for services performed. 

Other  than  the  turnkey  projects  which  result  in  sales-type  leases  discussed  above,  Orion  generally  receives  full  payment  for 
satisfied performance obligations in less than one year. Accordingly, Orion does not adjust revenues for the impact of any potential 
significant financing component as permitted by the practical expedients provided in ASC 606. 

Contract Balances 

A receivable is recognized when Orion has an enforceable right to payment in accordance with contract terms and an invoice has 

been issued to the customer. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 30 days from the invoice date. 

Revenue  earned  but  not  billed  represents  revenue  that  has  been  recognized  in  advance  of  billing  the  customer,  which  is  a 
common practice in Orion turnkey contracts. Once Orion has an unconditional right to consideration under a turnkey contract, Orion 
typically bills the customer accordingly and reclassifies the amount to Accounts receivable, net. Revenue earned but not billed as of 
March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 includes $39 thousand and $0.7 million, respectively, which was not derived from contracts with 
customers and therefore not classified as a contract asset as defined by the new standards. 

Long term accounts receivable as of March 31, 2020, includes $0.6 million of contract assets related to the service portion of the 

long-term financing agreement provided one customer.  

Deferred revenue, current as of March 31, 2020, includes $31 thousand of contract liabilities which represented consideration 
received from  customers  prior  to  the point  that  Orion has fulfilled  the promises  included  in  a performance obligation  and  recorded 
revenue. 

Deferred revenue, long-term consists of the unamortized portion of the funds received from the federal government in 2010 and 
2011 as reimbursement for the costs to build the two facilities related to the PPAs. As the transaction is not considered a contract with 
a customer, this value is not a contract liability as defined by the new standards. 

The following chart shows the balance of Orion’s receivables arising from contracts with customers, contract assets and contract 

liabilities as of March 31, 2020, and March 31, 2019, after the adoption of the new standards (dollars in thousands): 

Accounts receivable, net 
Contract assets 
Contract liabilities 

  March 31, 2020 
   $
   $
   $

10,427      $
1,082      $
31      $

  March 31, 2019 

14,804 
3,005 
48   

There were no significant changes in the contract assets outside of standard reclassifications to Accounts receivable, net upon 

billing. There were no significant changes to contract liabilities. 

67 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
NOTE 5 — ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

Orion’s accounts receivable are due from companies in the commercial, governmental, industrial and agricultural industries, as 
well as wholesalers. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition. Generally, collateral is not required 
for end users; however, the payment of certain trade accounts receivable from wholesalers is secured by irrevocable standby letters of 
credit and/or guarantees. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30-60 days. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount Orion 
expects to collect from outstanding balances. Orion provides for probable uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a 
credit to an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances that are still 
outstanding after Orion has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts 
and a credit to accounts receivable. Orion's accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts balances were as follows (dollars 
in thousands): 

Accounts receivable, gross 
Allowance for doubtful accounts 
Accounts receivable, net 

NOTE 6 — INVENTORIES 

2020 

2019 

   $

   $

10,455      $
(28 )     
10,427      $

15,011 
(207)
14,804   

Inventories  consist  of  raw  materials  and  components,  such  as  drivers,  metal  sheet  and  coil  stock  and  molded  parts;  work  in 
process inventories, such as frames and reflectors; and finished goods, including completed fixtures and systems, and accessories. All 
inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Orion 
reduces  the  carrying  value  of  its  inventories  for  differences  between  the  cost  and  estimated  net  realizable  value,  taking  into 
consideration usage in the preceding 9 to 12 months, expected demand, and other information indicating obsolescence. Orion records, 
as a charge to cost of product revenue, the amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value. As of 
March 31, 2020 and 2019, Orion's inventory balances were as follows (dollars in thousands): 

As of March 31, 2020 

Raw materials and components 
Work in process 
Finished goods 

Total 

As of March 31, 2019 

Raw materials and components 
Work in process 
Finished goods 

Total 

Cost 

Excess and 
Obsolescence 
Reserve 

Net 

   $

   $

   $

   $

9,639     $ 
699       
6,598       
16,936     $ 

9,161     $ 
1,010       
6,056       
16,227     $ 

(1,244)    $
(305)     
(880)     
(2,429)    $

(1,393)    $
(269)     
(1,162)     
(2,824)    $

8,395 
394 
5,718 
14,507 

7,768 
741 
4,894 
13,403   

Costs  associated  with  the  procurement  and  warehousing  of  inventories,  such  as  inbound  freight  charges  and  purchasing  and 

receiving costs, are also included in cost of product revenue. 

NOTE 7 — PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid subscription fees, prepaid insurance premiums, debt issue 

costs, and sales tax receivable.  

NOTE 8 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 

Property  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost.  Expenditures  for  additions  and  improvements  are  capitalized,  while  replacements, 
maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. Properties and 

68 

 
 
  
  
     
 
    
 
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
       
      
 
    
    
 
equipment sold, or otherwise disposed of, are removed from the property and equipment accounts, with gains or losses on disposal 
credited or charged to income from operations. 

Orion periodically reviews the carrying values of property and equipment for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, Property, 
Plant  and  Equipment,  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  assets  may  be  impaired.  The  estimated  future 
undiscounted  cash  flows  expected  to  result  from  the  use  of  the  assets  and  their  eventual  disposition  are  compared  to  the  assets' 
carrying amount to determine if a write down to market value is required. 

As  of  March  31,  2020,  due  to  the  forecasted  change  in  the  macroeconomic  conditions  due  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  a 
triggering event occurred requiring Orion to evaluate its long-lived assets for impairment. Due to the central nature of its operations, 
Orion’s tangible and intangible definite-lived assets support its full operations, are utilized by all three of its reportable segments, and 
do not generate separately identifiable cash flows. As such, these assets together represent a single asset group. Orion performed the 
recoverability test for the asset group by comparing its carrying value to the group’s expected future undiscounted cash flows. Orion 
concluded  that  the undiscounted  cash  flows  of  the  long-lived  asset group  exceeded  its  carrying value. As  such  the  asset  group was 
deemed recoverable and no impairment was recorded. 

Property and equipment were comprised of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Land and land improvements 
Buildings and building improvements 
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Equipment leased to customers 
Plant equipment 
Construction in progress 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 
Net property and equipment 

March 31, 2020 

March 31, 2019 

   $

   $

433      $
9,470       
7,270       
324       
4,997       
12,021       
15       
34,530       
(22,713 )     
11,817      $

433 
9,245 
7,238 
324 
4,997 
12,211 
43 
34,491 
(22,481)
12,010   

Depreciation is recognized over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, using the straight-line method. Orion recorded 
depreciation expense of $1.2 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the years ended March 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  

Depreciable lives by asset category are as follows: 

Land improvements 
Buildings and building improvements 
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Equipment leased to customers under Power Purchase Agreements 
Plant equipment 

   10-15 years 
   10-39 years 
   2-10 years 
   Shorter of asset life or life of lease 
   20 years 
   3-10 years 

No interest was capitalized for construction in progress during fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2019. 

NOTE 9 — LEASES 

From time to time, Orion leases assets from third parties. Orion also leases certain assets to third parties. Effective April 1, 2019, 
leases are accounted for, and reported upon, following the requirements of ASC 842, Leases. Previously, leases were accounted for, 
and reported upon, following the requirements of ASC 840, Leases.  

For  Orion,  the  most  significant  difference  between  ASC  840  and  ASC  842  is  the  requirement  that  it  recognize  right-of-use 
(“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet whenever it leases assets from a third party. Previously, under ASC 840, only 
assets leased from third parties that meet certain requirements, referred to as finance leases, were recorded on Orion’s balance sheet. 
Previously, the financial impact of all other leases, referred to as operating leases, was limited to Orion’s results of operations.  

69 

 
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
    
    
 
 
 
Whether it is the lessee or the lessor, Orion’s determination of whether a contract includes a lease, and assessing how the lease 
should be accounted for, is a matter of judgment based on whether the risks and rewards, as well as substantive control of the assets 
specified  in  the  contract,  have  been  transferred from  the  lessor  to  the  lessee. The judgement  considers  matters  such  as  whether  the 
assets  are  transferred  from  the  lessor  to  the  lessee  at  the  end  of  the  contract,  the  term  of  the  agreement  in  relation  to  the  asset’s 
remaining economic useful life, and whether the assets are of such a specialized nature that the lessor will not have an alternative use 
for such assets at the termination of the agreement. Other matters requiring judgement are the lease term when the agreement includes 
renewal or termination options and the interest rate used when initially determining the ROU asset and lease liability. 

ROU assets represent Orion’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent Orion’s obligation 
to make lease payments arising from the lease. Under ASC 842, both finance and operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities for 
leases  with  initial  terms  in  excess  of  12  months  are  recognized  at  the  commencement  date  based  on  the  present  value  of  lease 
payments  over  the  lease  term.  When  available,  Orion  uses  the  implicit  interest  rate  in  the  lease  when  completing  this  calculation. 
However, as most of Orion’s operating lease agreements generating ROU assets do not provide the implicit rate, Orion’s incremental 
borrowing rate under its line of credit, adjusted for differences in duration and the relative collateral value in relation to the payment 
obligation, at the commencement of the lease is generally used in this calculation. The lease term includes options to extend or renew 
the  agreement,  or  for  early  termination  of  the  agreement,  when  it  is  reasonably  certain  that  Orion  will  exercise  such  option.  ROU 
assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the lease term. 

Orion recognizes lease expense for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, referred to as short term leases, on a straight-

line basis over the lease term.  

One  of  Orion’s  frequent  customers  purchases  products  and  installation  services  under  agreements  that  provide  for  monthly 
payments,  at  a  fixed  monthly  amount,  of  the  contract  price,  plus  interest,  typically  over  a  five-year  period.  While  Orion  retains 
ownership of the light fixtures during the financing period, the transaction terms and the underlying economics associated with used 
lighting  fixtures  results  in  Orion  essentially  ceding  ownership  of  the  lighting  fixtures  to  the  customer  after  completion  of  the 
agreement. The portions of the transaction associated with the sale of the light fixtures is accounted for as a sales-type lease. The total 
transaction  price  in  these  contracts  is  allocated  between  the  lease  and  non-lease  components  in  the  same  manner  as  the  total 
transaction price of other turnkey projects containing lighting fixtures and installation services.  

Orion leases portions of its corporate headquarters to third parties; all such agreements have been, and continue to be, classified 
as operating leases under the applicable authoritative accounting guidance. The assets being leased continue to be included in Property 
and equipment, net. Lease payments earned are recorded as a reduction in administrative expenses. 

Assets Orion Leases from Other Parties 

On January 31, 2020, Orion entered into the current lease for its approximately 196,000 square foot primary manufacturing and 
distribution facility in Manitowoc, WI. The lease has a 10-year term, with the option to terminate after six years. Orion is responsible 
for the costs of insurance and utilities for the facility. These costs are considered variable lease costs. The agreement is classified as an 
operating lease. 

  The prior lease agreement for this facility provided the lessor the right to terminate the lease agreement at any time with 12 

months’ notice to Orion.   As a result, the agreement was previously classified as a short-term lease. 

In February 2014, Orion entered into a multi-year lease agreement for use of approximately 10,500 square feet of office space in 
a multi-use office building in Jacksonville, Florida. As of March 31, 2020, the lease had been extended to June 30, 2020. Subsequent 
to year-end, this lease was extended for another three-year term. The agreement is classified as an operating lease.  

Orion has leased other assets from third parties, principally office and production equipment. The terms of our other leases vary 

from contract to contract and expire at various dates through 2020. 

The  weighted  average  discount  rate  for  Orion’s  lease  obligations  as  of  March  31,  2020  is  5.5%.    The  weighted  average 

remaining lease term as of March 31, 2020 is 5.8 years. 

70 

 
 
A summary of Orion’s assets leased from third parties follows (dollars in thousands): 

   Balance sheet classification 

March 31, 2020 

Assets 
Operating lease assets 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 

Operating lease liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 

Operating lease liabilities 
Total lease liabilities 

 Other long-term assets 

   $ 

 Accrued expenses and other 

 Other long-term liabilities 

    $ 

2,745 

691 

2,830 
3,521   

Orion had operating lease costs of $0.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2020. This includes short-term leases and variable 

lease costs, which are immaterial. 

The estimated maturity of lease liabilities for each of the next five years is shown below (dollars in thousands):  

Maturity of Lease Liabilities 
Fiscal 2021 
Fiscal 2022 
Fiscal 2023 
Fiscal 2024 
Fiscal 2025 
Thereafter 
Total lease payments 

Less: Interest 

Present value of lease liabilities 

Assets Orion Leases to Other Parties 

   Operating Leases 
   $ 

692 
675 
693 
714 
735 
628 
4,137 
(616)
3,521   

   $ 

   $ 

Orion provides long-term financing to one customer who frequently engages Orion in large turnkey projects that span between 
three  and  nine  months.  The  customer  executes  an  agreement  providing  for  monthly  payments,  at  a  fixed  monthly  amount,  of  the 
contract  price,  plus  interest,  over  typically  a  five-year  period.  The  total  transaction  price  in  these  contracts  is  allocated  between 
product and services in the same manner as all other turnkey projects. The portion of the transaction associated with the installation is 
accounted for consistently with all other installation related performance obligations under ASC 606.  

While  Orion  retains  ownership  of  the  light  fixtures  during  the  financing  period,  the  transaction  terms  and  the  underlying 
economics associated with used lighting fixtures results in Orion essentially ceding ownership of the lighting fixtures to the customer 
after completion of the agreement. Therefore, the portions of the transaction associated with the sale of the multiple individual light 
fixtures is accounted for as a sales-type lease under ASC 842.  

Revenues, and production and acquisition costs, associated with sales-type leases are included in Product revenue and Costs of 
product revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. These amounts are recorded for each fixture separately based on the 
customer’s monthly acknowledgment that specified fixtures have been installed and are operating as specified. The execution of the 
acknowledgement is considered the commencement date as defined in ASC 842. 

The following chart shows the amount of revenue and cost of sales arising from sales-type leases during the year ended March 

31, 2020 (dollars in thousands): 

Product revenue 
Cost of product revenue 

March 31, 2020 

$

1,362 
1,208   

The Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 includes an immaterial amount related to the net investment in sales-type 
leases. The Balance Sheet as of and March 31, 2019 does not include a net investment in sales-type leases as all amounts due from the 
customer  associated  with  lighting  fixtures  that  were  acknowledged  to  be  installed  and  working  correctly  prior  to  period  end  were 
transferred to the financing institution prior to the respective balance sheet dates.  

71 

 
  
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
Other Agreements where Orion is the Lessor 

Orion has leased unused portions of its corporate headquarters to third parties. The length and payment terms of the leases vary 
from  contract  to  contract  and,  in  some  cases,  include  options  for  the  tenants  to  extend  the  lease  terms. Annual  lease  payments  are 
recorded as a reduction in administrative operating expenses and not material in the year ended March 31, 2020. Orion accounts for 
these transactions as operating leases. 

NOTE 10 — OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

The costs of specifically identifiable intangible assets that do not have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated useful 

lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. 

Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their estimated economic useful life to reflect the pattern of economic benefits 

consumed based upon the following lives and methods: 

Patents 
Licenses 
Customer relationships 

Developed technology 

Non-competition agreements 

10-17 years 
7-13 years 
5-8 years 

8 years 

5 years 

   Straight-line 
   Straight-line 

Accelerated based upon the pattern of economic benefits 
consumed 
Accelerated based upon the pattern of economic benefits 
consumed 
   Straight-line 

Intangible assets that have a definite life are evaluated for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that 
the  carrying  value  may  not  be  recoverable  based  primarily  upon  whether  expected  future  undiscounted  cash  flows  are  sufficient to 
support  the  asset  recovery.  If  the  actual  useful  life  of  the  asset  is  shorter  than  the  estimated  life,  the  asset  may  be  deemed  to  be 
impaired and accordingly a write-down of the value of the asset determined by a discounted cash flow analysis or shorter amortization 
period may be required. 

Indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment at least annually on the first day of Orion’s fiscal fourth quarter, 
or  when  indications  of  potential  impairment  exist.  This  annual  impairment  review  may  begin  with  a  qualitative  test  to  determine 
whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite lived intangible asset's carrying value is greater than its fair value. If the qualitative 
assessment reveals that asset impairment is more likely than not, a quantitative impairment test is performed comparing the fair value 
of  the  indefinite  lived  intangible  asset  to  its  carrying  value. Alternatively,  the  qualitative  test  may  be  bypassed  and  the  quantitative 
impairment test may be immediately performed. If the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying value, the 
indefinite  lived  intangible  asset  is  not  impaired  and  no  further  review  is  performed.  If  the  carrying  value  of  the  indefinite  lived 
intangible  asset  exceeds  its  fair  value,  an  impairment  loss  would  be  recognized  in  an  amount  equal  to  such  excess.  Once  an 
impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying value becomes the new accounting basis of the indefinite lived intangible asset. 

Orion performed a qualitative assessment in conjunction with its annual impairment test of its indefinite lived intangible assets 
as  of  January  1,  2020.  This  qualitative  assessment  considered  Orion’s  operating  results  for  the  first  nine  months  of  fiscal  2020  in 
comparison to prior years as well as its anticipated fourth quarter results and fiscal 2021 plan. As a result of the conditions that existed 
as of the assessment date, an asset impairment was not deemed to be more likely than not and a quantitative analysis was not required. 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, as a result of lower than anticipated operating results in the first half of fiscal 2018, 
Orion  revised  its  full  year  fiscal  2018  forecast. As  such,  a  triggering  event  occurred  as  of  September  30,  2017,  requiring  Orion  to 
evaluate its long-lived assets for impairment. Orion performed a quantitative impairment review of its indefinite lived intangible assets 
related to the Harris trade name applying the royalty replacement method to determine the asset’s fair value as of September 30, 2017. 
Under the royalty replacement method, the fair value of the Harris tradename was determined based on a market participant’s view of 
the royalty that would be paid to license the right to use the tradename. This quantitative analysis incorporated several assumptions 
including forecasted future revenues and cash flows, estimated royalty rate, based on similar licensing transactions and market royalty 
rates, and discount rate, which incorporates assumptions such as weighted-average cost of capital and risk premium. As a result of this 
impairment test, the carrying value of the Harris trade name exceeded its estimated fair value and an impairment of $0.7 million was 

72 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
recorded to Impairment of intangible assets during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 to reduce the asset’s carrying value to its 
calculated fair value. This fair value determination was categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. 

The components of, and changes in, the carrying amount of other intangible assets were as follows (dollars in thousands): 

March 31, 2020 

March 31, 2019 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization     

Net 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated 
Amortization     

Net 

Patents 
Licenses 
Trade name and trademarks 
Customer relationships 
Developed technology 
Total 

   $ 

   $ 

2,766      $ 
58        
1,014        
3,600        
900        
8,338      $ 

(1,700)   $
(58)    
—     
(3,545)    
(819)    
(6,122)   $

1,066    $
—     
1,014     
55     
81     
2,216    $

2,667      $ 
58        
1,007        
3,600        
900        
8,232      $ 

(1,529)   $
(58)    
—     
(3,459)    
(717)    
(5,763)   $

1,138 
— 
1,007 
141 
183 
2,469   

As of March 31, 2020, the weighted average useful life of intangible assets was 5.13 years. The estimated amortization expense 

for each of the next five years is shown below (dollars in thousands):  

Fiscal 2021 
Fiscal 2022 
Fiscal 2023 
Fiscal 2024 
Fiscal 2025 
Thereafter 

   $ 

   $ 

292 
194 
103 
99 
91 
423 
1,202   

Amortization expense is set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands): 

Amortization included in cost of sales: 
Patents 
Total 
Amortization included in operating expenses: 
Customer relationships 
Developed technology 
Non-competition agreements 
Total 
Total amortization of intangible assets 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

   $
   $

   $

   $

171     $ 
171     $ 

86     $ 
102       
—       
188       
359     $ 

171     $
171     $

133     $
135      
5      
273      
444     $

159 
159 

272 
156 
20 
448 
607   

Orion’s management periodically reviews the carrying value of patent applications and related costs. When a patent application 
is probable of being unsuccessful or a patent is no longer in use, Orion writes off the remaining carrying value as a charge to general 
and  administrative  expense  within  its  Consolidated  Statement  of  Operations.  In  fiscal  years  2020,  2019,  and  2018,  write-offs  were 
immaterial. 

Included in other income are product royalties received from licensing agreements for our patents. 

73 

 
 
  
  
    
 
  
  
     
    
     
 
     
     
     
     
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
       
      
 
    
       
      
 
    
    
    
 
NOTE 11 — ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER 

As of March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019, Accrued expenses and other included the following (dollars in thousands): 

Compensation and benefits 
Sales tax 
Contract costs 
Legal and professional fees 
Warranty 
Sales returns reserve (1) 
Credits due to customers (1) 
Other accruals 
Total 

March 31, 2020 

March 31, 2019 

   $

   $

2,594      $
513       
1,173       
312       
708       
98       
932       
898       
7,228      $

1,212 
713 
3,293 
356 
282 
141 
987 
426 
7,410   

(1) 

Sales  returns  reserve  was  previously  classified  in  Accounts  receivable,  net  and  Credits  due  to  customers  was  previously 
classified  in Accounts  payable. As  of April  1,  2018,  in  conjunction  with  the  adoption  of ASC  606,  these  balances  are  now 
included in Accrued expenses and other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Orion  generally  offers  a  limited  warranty  of  one  to  10  years  on  its  lighting  products  including  the  pass  through  of  standard 
warranties offered by major original equipment component manufacturers. The manufacturers’ warranties cover lamps, ballasts, LED 
modules,  LED  chips,  LED  drivers,  control  devices,  and  other  fixture  related  items,  which  are  significant  components  in  Orion's 
lighting products.  

Changes in Orion’s warranty accrual (both current and long-term) were as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Beginning of year 
Reclassification on adoption of ASC 606 
Accruals 
Warranty claims (net of vendor reimbursements) 
Ending balance 

March 31, 

2020 

2019 

   $

   $

657      $
—       
863       
(451 )     
1,069      $

673 
73 
158 
(247)
657   

74 

 
 
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
 
NOTE 12 — NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE 

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by 

the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period and does not consider common stock equivalents. 

Diluted net income (loss) per common share reflects the dilution that would occur if stock options were exercised and restricted 
shares vested. In the computation of diluted net income (loss) per common share, Orion uses the treasury stock method for outstanding 
options  and  restricted  shares.  Because of  the  net  loss for  the  years  ended  March 31,  2019  and  March 31, 2018, potentially  dilutive 
securities would be anti-dilutive, and therefore diluted net income (loss) per common share is the same as basic net income (loss) per 
common share for the years ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018. Net income (loss) per common share is calculated based upon 
the following shares: 

Numerator: 
Net income (loss) (dollars in thousands) 
Denominator: 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 
Weighted-average effect of assumed conversion of stock options and restricted stock     
Weighted-average common shares and share equivalents outstanding 
Net income (loss) per common share: 

   $

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

12,462      $ 

(6,674)    $

(13,128)

     30,104,552         29,429,540       28,783,830 
— 
     30,964,777         29,429,540       28,783,830 

860,225        

—      

Basic 
Diluted 

   $
   $

0.41      $ 
0.40      $ 

(0.23)    $
(0.23)    $

(0.46)
(0.46)

The following table indicates the number of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of Diluted net income 

(loss) per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of shares is as of the end of each period: 

Common stock options 
Restricted shares 
Total 

NOTE 13 — LONG-TERM DEBT 

2020 
164,072        

March 31, 
2018 
2019 
629,667 
467,836      
—         1,312,593       1,485,799 
164,072         1,780,429       2,115,466   

Long-term debt as of March 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands): 

Revolving credit facility 
Equipment debt obligations 
Total long-term debt 
Less current maturities 
Long-term debt, less current maturities 

March 31, 

2020 

2019 

   $

   $

10,013      $
85       
10,098       
(35 )     
10,063      $

9,202 
177 
9,379 
(96)
9,283   

75 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
    
 
    
        
      
 
    
        
      
 
    
        
      
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
    
 
    
    
    
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
 
Revolving Credit Agreement 

On  October  26,  2018,  Orion  and  its  subsidiaries  entered  into  a  new  secured  revolving  Business  Financing  Agreement  with 
Western Alliance  Bank,  as  lender  (the  “Credit Agreement”).  On  June  3,  2019,  Orion  and  certain  of  its  subsidiaries  entered  into  an 
amendment  (the  “First Amendment”)  to  the  Credit Agreement,  which  increased  the  maximum  borrowing  base  credit  available  for 
certain of the customer receivables included in Orion’s borrowing base and provided for a borrowing base credit of up to $3.0 million 
based on inventory, in each case, subject to certain conditions. On August 2, 2019, Orion and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a 
second amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, which established a rent reserve in an amount equal to three 
months’  rent  payable  at  any  leased  location  where  Orion  maintains  inventory  included  in  its  borrowing  base  and  provided  for  a 
reduction of the borrowing base credit that Orion may receive for inventory if Orion defaults under the lease for any such location. As 
of March 31, 2020, this rent reserve equaled $0.1 million. On November 21, 2019, Orion and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a 
third  amendment  (the  “Third Amendment”)  to  the  Credit Agreement,  which  extended  the  maturity  date  from  October  26,  2020  to 
October 26, 2021; increased the sublimit under the Credit Agreement for advances under business credit cards from $1.5 million to $3 
million;  created  a  new  $2  million  sublimit  permitting  entry  into  foreign  currency  forward  contracts  with  the  lender;  expanded  the 
Company’s  ability  to  make  capital  expenditures  and  incur  other  debt  from  time  to  time;  and  permitted  the  lender  to  amend  the 
financial  covenant  included  in  the  Credit Agreement  (which  requires  the  maintenance  of  a  certain  amount  of  unrestricted  cash  on 
deposit with the lender at the end of each month) upon receipt of the Company’s annual projections. 

The Credit Agreement, as amended provides for a revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that matures on October 26, 
2021. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are currently limited to $20.15 million, subject to a borrowing base requirement based on 
eligible receivables and inventory. The Credit Agreement includes a $2.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. As of 
March  31,  2020,  Orion’s  borrowing  base  was  $11.2  million,  and  Orion  had  $10.0  million  in  borrowings  outstanding  which  were 
included in non-current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Orion had no outstanding letters of credit leaving 
total borrowing availability of $1.2 million.  

The Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in substantially all of Orion's and its subsidiaries’ personal property. 

Borrowings  under  the  Credit Agreement  generally  bear  interest  at  floating  rates  based  upon  the  prime  rate  (but  not  less  than 
5.00%  per  year)  plus  an  applicable  margin  determined  by  reference  to  Orion’s  quick  ratio  (defined  as  the  aggregate  amount  of 
unrestricted cash, unrestricted marketable securities and, with certain adjustments, receivables convertible into cash divided by total 
current  liabilities,  including  the  obligations  under  the  Credit  Agreement).  As  of  March  31,  2020,  the  applicable  interest  rate  was 
5.25%.  Among  other  fees,  Orion  is  required  to  pay  an  annual  facility  fee  equal  to  0.45%  of  the  credit  limit  under  the  Credit 
Agreement, which was paid at commencement (October 26, 2018) and is due on each anniversary thereof. 

The  Credit Agreement  requires  Orion  to  maintain  nine  months’  of  “RML”  as  of  the  end  of  each  month.  For  purposes  of  the 
Credit  Agreement,  RML  is  defined  as,  as  of  the  applicable  determination  date,  unrestricted  cash  on  deposit  with  the  lender  plus 
availability under the Credit Agreement divided by an amount equal to, for the applicable trailing three-month period, consolidated net 
profit  before  tax,  plus  depreciation  expense,  amortization  expense  and  stock-based  compensation,  minus  capital  lease  principal 
payments, tested as of the end of each month. As of March 31, 2020, Orion was in compliance with this RML requirement. 

The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default and other covenants, including certain restrictions on Orion’s 
ability  to  incur  additional  indebtedness,  consolidate  or  merge,  enter  into  acquisitions,  pay  any  dividend  or  distribution  on  Orion’s 
stock, redeem, retire or purchase shares of Orion’s stock, make investments or pledge or transfer assets. If an event of default under 
the Credit Agreement occurs and is continuing, then the lender may cease making advances under the Credit Agreement and declare 
any outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement to be immediately due and payable. In addition, if Orion becomes the subject 
of  voluntary  or  involuntary  proceedings  under  any  bankruptcy  or  similar  law,  then  any  outstanding  obligations  under  the  Credit 
Agreement will automatically become immediately due and payable. 

As of March 31, 2020, Orion is in compliance with all debt covenants. 

76 

 
Equipment Debt Obligation 

In June 2015, Orion entered into an agreement with a financing  company in the principal amount of $0.4 million to fund the 
purchase of certain equipment. The debt is secured by the related equipment. The debt bears interest at a rate of 5.94% and matures in 
June 2020.  

In  February  2019,  Orion  entered  into  additional  debt  agreements  with  a  financing  company  in  the  principal  amount  of  $44 
thousand and $30 thousand fund certain equipment. The debts are secured by the related equipment. The debts bear interest at a rate of 
6.43% and 8.77% respectively and both debts mature in January 2024. 

Customer Equipment Finance Notes Payable 

In December 2014, Orion entered into a secured borrowing agreement with a financing company in the principal amount of $0.4 
million to fund completed customer contracts under its OTA finance program that were previously funded under a different OTA credit 
agreement.  The  loan  amount  was  secured  by  the  OTA-related  equipment  and  the  expected  future  monthly  payments  under  the 
supporting  25  individual  OTA  customer  contracts.  The  borrowing  agreement  bore  interest  at  a  rate  of  8.36%  and  matured  in April 
2018.  

Aggregate Maturities 

As of March 31, 2020, aggregate maturities of long-term debt were as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Fiscal 2021 
Fiscal 2022 
Fiscal 2023 
Fiscal 2024 
Fiscal 2025 

   $ 

   $ 

35 
10,027 
16 
17 
3 
10,098   

NOTE 14 — INCOME TAXES 

The total provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following for the fiscal years ended (dollars in thousands): 

Current 
Deferred 
Total 

Federal 
State 
Total 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

84     $ 
75       
159     $ 

(5)    $
19      
14     $

2020 

2019 

2018 

56     $ 
103       
159     $ 

3     $
11      
14     $

4 
(19)
(15)

(28)
13 
(15)

   $

   $

   $

   $

77 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
  
    
       
      
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
 
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and effective income tax rate is as follows: 

Statutory federal tax rate 
State taxes, net 
Federal tax credit 
Change in valuation reserve 
Permanent items 
Change in tax contingency reserve 
Federal refunds 
U.S. tax reform, corporate rate reduction 
Equity compensation cancellations 
Federal loss, ASU 2016-09 
Other, net 
Effective income tax rate 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

21.0%     
6.5%     
—%     
(25.0)%    
(1.0)%    
0.2%     
0.0%     
—%     
0.2%     
—%     
(0.6)%    
1.3%     

21.0 %    
5.6 %    
(0.3 )%   
(23.8 )%   
(1.1 )%   
— %    
0.3 %    
— %    
(1.0 )%   
— %    
(0.9 )%   
(0.2 )%   

30.8%
2.2%
(0.3)%
51.4%
(1.4)%
(0.1)%
0.3%
(75.2)%
(15.7)%
7.7%
0.4%
0.1%

The net deferred tax assets and liabilities reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements include the following 

components (dollars in thousands): 

Inventory, accruals and reserves 
Interest deduction carry-forward 
Federal and state operating loss carry-forwards 
Tax credit carry-forwards 
Equity compensation 
Deferred revenue 
Lease liability 
Lease ROU asset 
Fixed assets 
Intangible assets 
Other 
Valuation allowance 

Total net deferred tax liabilities 

March 31, 

2020 

2019 

1,046       
—       
19,540       
1,916       
250       
18       
903       
(704 )     
(689 )     
(248 )     
121       
(22,228 )     
(75 )    $

1,118 
127 
22,909 
1,921 
288 
(90)
— 
— 
(781)
(300)
194 
(25,386)
—   

   $

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act ("Act") was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act significantly changes U.S tax law by, among other 
things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, imposing a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign 
subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creating new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.  

Orion remeasured its deferred tax assets based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 
the  21%  federal  corporate  tax  rate.  The  provisional  amount  recorded  related  to  the  remeasurement  of  its  deferred  tax  balance 
decreased deferred tax assets by $9.9 million in fiscal 2018. Substantially all of this decrease to deferred tax assets was offset by a 
corresponding decrease to the valuation allowance. There was no impact on the prior year income tax expense for the federal corporate 
tax rate change due to Orion's prior year taxable loss. 

The Act also required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on Orion's total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") of its 
foreign subsidiary that were previously tax deferred from US income taxes. Since Orion's foreign subsidiary had negative E&P, Orion 
estimated there was no transition tax to be reported in income tax expense. 

The CARES Act includes significant business tax provisions that, among other things, temporarily eliminate the taxable income 
limit  for  certain  NOLs,  allow  businesses  to  carry  back  tax  year  2018-2020  NOLs  to  the  five  prior  tax  years,  accelerate  refunds  of 
corporate  AMT  credits,  and  generally  decrease  the  amount  of  disallowed  business  interest  expense.  Because  of  Orion’s  loss 

78 

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
carryforwards,  Orion  does  not  anticipate  the  income  tax  provisions  of  the  CARES  Act  to  result  in  a  material  cash  or  financial 
statement impact.  

As of March 31, 2020, Orion has federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $75.3 million, and state NOL carryforwards of 
approximately  $61.7  million.  Upon  adoption  of  ASU  2016-09,  Compensation-Stock  Compensation  (Topic  718)  Improvements  to 
Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, in fiscal year 2018, the federal and state loss NOL carryforwards associated with historic 
exercises of Non-Qualified Stock Options have been recorded as deferred tax assets. Orion also has federal tax credit carryforwards of 
approximately $1.3 million and state tax credits of $0.8 million. All of Orion's tax credit carryforwards and $128.5 million of its NOL 
carryforwards will  begin  to  expire  in  varying  amounts  between  2024  and 2040. The  remaining $8.5 million of  its federal  and  state 
NOL  carryforwards  are  not  subject  to  time  restrictions  but  may  only  be  used  to  offset  80%  of  adjusted  taxable  income. All  of  its 
carryforwards are offset by a valuation allowance 

For  the  fiscal  year  ended  March 31,  2020,  Orion  recorded  a  valuation  allowance  of  $22.2  million  against  its  net  deferred  tax 
assets due to the uncertainty of its realization value in the future. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the valuation allowance 
against Orion's net federal and net state deferred tax assets decreased $3.2 million, primarily due to the current year loss usage. For the 
fiscal  year  ended  March  31,  2019,  the  valuation  allowance  increased  $1.6  million,  primarily  due  to  the  fiscal  2019  loss.  Orion 
considers  future  taxable  income  and  ongoing  prudent  and  feasible  tax  planning  strategies  in  assessing  the  need  for  the  valuation 
allowance. In the event that Orion determines that the deferred tax assets are able to be realized, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset 
would increase income in the period such determination is made. 

Generally,  a  change  of  more  than  50%  in  the  ownership  of  Orion's  stock,  by  value,  over  a  three-year  period  constitutes  an 
ownership change for federal income tax purposes as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, Orion's 
ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards, attributable to the period prior to such ownership change, to offset taxable income 
can be subject to limitations in a particular year, which could potentially result in increased future tax liability for Orion. There was no 
limitation of NOL carryforwards that occurred for fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019, or fiscal 2018.  

Orion records its tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates. Where 
Orion  believes  that  a  tax  position  is  supportable  for  income  tax  purposes,  the  item  is  included  in  their  income  tax  returns.  Where 
treatment of a position is uncertain, a liability is recorded based upon the expected most likely outcome taking into consideration the 
technical  merits  of  the  position  based  on  specific  tax  regulations  and  facts  of  each  matter.  These  liabilities  may  be  affected  by 
changing interpretations of laws, rulings by tax authorities, or the expiration of the statute of limitations. 

Orion files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in several state jurisdictions. The Company's federal 
tax returns for tax years beginning April 1, 2016 or later are open. For states in which Orion files state income tax returns, the statute 
of limitations is generally open for tax years ended March 31, 2016 and forward. 

State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of 3 to 5 years after filing of the respective return. The 
state  effect  of  any  federal  changes  remains  subject  to  examination  by  various  states  for  a  period  of  up  to  two  years  after  formal 
notification to the states. Orion currently has no state income tax return positions in the process of examination, administrative appeals 
or litigation. 

Uncertain tax positions 

As of March 31, 2020, the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $0.3 million, $0.2 million of which 

would affect Orion’s effective tax rate if recognized.  

79 

 
Orion has classified the amounts recorded for uncertain tax benefits in the balance sheet as other liabilities (non-current) to the 
extent  that  payment  is  not  anticipated  within  one  year.  Orion  recognizes  penalties  and  interest  related  to  uncertain  tax  liabilities  in 
income  tax expense.  Penalties  and  interest are  included  in  the unrecognized  tax  benefits. Orion  had  the  following unrecognized  tax 
benefit activity (dollars in thousands): 

Unrecognized tax benefits as of beginning of fiscal year 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period positions 
Additions/(Reductions) for tax positions of prior years 
Unrecognized tax benefits as of end of fiscal year 

   $

   $

130     $ 
23       
106       
259     $ 

129     $
1      
—      
130     $

113 
2 
14 
129   

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

NOTE 15 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Purchase Commitments 

Orion enters into non-cancellable purchase commitments for certain inventory items in order to secure better pricing and ensure 
materials on hand. As of March 31, 2020, Orion had entered into $7.7 million of purchase commitments related primarily to inventory 
purchases. 

Retirement Savings Plan 

Orion sponsors a tax deferred retirement savings plan that permits eligible employees to contribute varying percentages of their 
compensation  up  to  the  limit  allowed  by  the  Internal  Revenue  Service.  This  plan  also  provides  for  discretionary  contributions  by 
Orion. In fiscal 2020, Orion made matching contributions of $0.1 million. In fiscal 2019 and 2018, Orion made matching contributions 
of approximately $9 thousand in each of the fiscal years. 

Litigation 

Orion is subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, 
Orion does not believe that the final resolution of any of such claims or legal proceedings would have a material adverse effect on its 
future results of operations.  In addition to ordinary-course litigation, Orion was or is a party to the proceedings described below. 

State Tax Assessment 

During fiscal year 2018, Orion was notified of a pending sales and use tax audit by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for 
the period covering April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2017. Although the final resolution of the Company’s sales and use tax audit is 
uncertain, based on current information, in the opinion of the Company’s management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will 
not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, statements of operations, or liquidity. 

During  fiscal  2019,  Orion  was  notified  of  a  pending  sales  and  use  tax  audit  by  the  California  Department  of  Tax  and  Fee 
Administration  for  the  period  covering April  1,  2015  through  March  31,  2018.  During  fiscal  2020,  the  sales  and  use  tax  audit  was 
finalized. The ultimate disposition of this matter did not have a material adverse effect on the Orion's Consolidated Balance Sheets, 
statements of operations, or liquidity.  

80 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
    
 
 
NOTE 16 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Share Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock 

In 2011 and 2012, Orion’s Board approved several share repurchase programs authorizing Orion to repurchase in aggregate up 
to a maximum of $ 7,500,000 of Orion's outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2020, Orion had repurchased 3,022,349 shares 
of common stock at a cost of $6.8 million under these programs. Orion did not repurchase any shares in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 or 
fiscal 2018 and currently does not intend to repurchase any additional common stock under this program in the near-term. 

Shareholder Rights Plan 

On January 3, 2019, Orion entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Rights Agreement, which amended the Rights Agreement dated 
as of January 7, 2009 and extended its terms by three years to January 7, 2022. Under the amendment, each common share purchase 
right (a “Right”), if exercisable, will initially represent the right to purchase from Orion, one share of Orion’s common stock, no par 
value per share, for a purchase price of $7.00 per share (the “Purchase Price”). 

The Rights will not be exercisable (and will be transferable only with Orion’s common stock) until a “Distribution Date” occurs 
(or the Rights are earlier redeemed or expire). A Distribution Date generally will occur on the earlier of a public announcement that a 
person or group of affiliated or associated persons (“Acquiring Person”) has acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Orion’s 
outstanding common stock (“Shares Acquisition Date”) or 10 business days after the commencement of, or the announcement of an 
intention to make, a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in any such person or group of persons acquiring such beneficial 
ownership. 

If a person becomes an Acquiring Person, holders of Rights (except as otherwise provided in the Rights Agreement) will have 
the  right  to  receive  that  number  of  shares  of  Orion’s  common  stock  having  a  market  value  of  two  times  the  then-current  Purchase 
Price, and all Rights beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person, or by certain related parties or transferees, will be null and void. If, 
after  a  Shares  Acquisition  Date,  Orion  is  acquired  in  a  merger  or  other  business  combination  transaction  or  50%  or  more  of  its 
consolidated  assets  or  earning  power  are  sold,  proper  provision  will  be  made  so  that  each  holder  of  a  Right  (except  as  otherwise 
provided in the Rights Agreement) will thereafter have the right to receive that number of shares of the acquiring company’s common 
stock which at the time of such transaction will have a market value of two times the then-current Purchase Price. 

Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of Orion. At any time prior to a person 
becoming an Acquiring Person, the Board of Directors of Orion may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 
per Right. Unless they are extended or earlier redeemed or exchanged, the Rights will expire on January 7, 2022. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

In August 2010, Orion’s Board of Directors approved a non-compensatory employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP. The ESPP 
authorizes 2,500,000 shares to be issued from treasury or authorized shares to satisfy employee share purchases under the ESPP. All 
full-time employees of Orion are eligible to be granted a non-transferable purchase right each calendar quarter to purchase directly 
from Orion up to $20,000 of Orion’s common stock at a purchase price equal to 100% of the closing sale price of Orion’s common 
stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market on the last trading day of each quarter. In prior years, Orion issued loans to non-executive 
employees to purchase shares of its stock. The loan program has been discontinued and new loans are no longer issued. Orion had the 
following shares issued from treasury during fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019: 

Quarter Ended March 31, 2020 
Quarter Ended December 31, 2019 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2019 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2019 
Total 

81 

As of March 31, 2020 

Shares Issued 
Under ESPP 
Plan

Closing Market 
Price

512      $    
666      $    
570      $    
613      $    

2,361      $ 

3.70 
3.35 
2.85 
2.97 
2.85 - 3.70   

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2019 
Quarter Ended December 31, 2018 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 
Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 
Total 

As of March 31, 2019 

Shares Issued 
Under ESPP 
Plan

Closing Market 
Price

1,581      $    
1,708      $    
938      $    
415      $    

4,642      $ 

0.89 
0.57 
0.96 
1.10 
0.57 - 1.10   

NOTE 17 — STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARES 

At  Orion’s  2019  annual  meeting  of  shareholders  held  on  August  7,  2019,  Orion’s  shareholders  approved  the  Orion  Energy 
Systems, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Amended 2016 Plan”). Approval of the Amended 2016 
Plan increased the number of shares of Orion’s common stock available for issuance under the Amended 2016 Plan from 1,750,000 
shares  to  3,500,000  shares  (an  increase  of  1,750,000  shares);  added  a  minimum  vesting  period  for  all  awards  granted  under  the 
Amended 2016 Plan (with limited exceptions); and added a specific prohibition on the payment of dividends and dividend equivalents 
on unvested awards. As of March 31, 2020, the number of shares available for grant under the plans was 1,725,845. 

The Amended 2016 Plan authorizes grants of equity-based and incentive cash awards to eligible participants designated by the 
Plan's  administrator.  Awards  under  the  Amended  2016  Plan  may  consist  of  stock  options,  stock  appreciation  rights,  performance 
shares, performance units, common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive awards or dividend equivalent units. 

Prior to the 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Company maintained its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan, as amended, 
which authorized the grant of cash and equity awards to employees (the “2004 Plan”). No new awards are being granted under the 
2004 Plan; however, all awards granted under the 2004 Plan that are outstanding will continue to be governed by the 2004 Plan. 
Forfeited awards originally issued under the 2004 Plan are canceled and are not available for subsequent issuance under the 2004 Plan 
or under the Amended 2016 Plan.  

Certain non-employee directors have elected to receive stock awards in lieu of cash compensation pursuant to elections made 
under  Orion’s  non-employee  director  compensation  program.  The Amended  2016  Plan  and  the  2004  Plan  also  permit  accelerated 
vesting in the event of certain changes of control of Orion as well as under other special circumstances. 

Orion  historically  granted  stock  options  and  restricted  stock  under  the  Former  Plan.  Orion  has  not  issued  stock  options  since 

fiscal 2014 and instead has issued restricted stock. 

Orion accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under the fair 
value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award 
and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. 

In  fiscal  2020,  an  aggregate  of  279,468  restricted  shares  were  granted  valued  at  a  price  per  share  between  $2.69  and  $3.03, 
which was the closing market price as of each grant date. In fiscal 2019, an aggregate of 529,000 restricted shares were granted valued 
at a price per share between $0.84 and $1.00, which was the closing market price as of each grant date. In fiscal 2018, an aggregate of 
730,410 restricted shares were granted valued at a price per share between $0.88 and $1.95, which was the closing market price as of 
each grant date.  

82 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
     
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
The  following  amounts  of  stock-based  compensation  expense  for  restricted  shares  and  options  were  recorded  (dollars  in 

thousands): 

Cost of product revenue 
Cost of service revenue 
General and administrative 
Sales and marketing 
Research and development 

2020 

Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

3     $ 
(1)      
576       
2       
38       
618     $ 

2     $
3      
764      
54      
2      
825     $

12 
— 
929 
155 
6 
1,102   

   $

   $

The following table summarizes information with respect to outstanding stock options: 

Outstanding at March 31, 2017 

Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at March 31, 2018 

Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at March 31, 2019 

Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 

Outstanding at March 31, 2020 
Exercisable at March 31, 2020 

Number of 
Shares 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

1,520,953      $
—      $
—      $
(891,286 )    $
629,667      $
—      $
—      $
(161,831 )    $
467,836      $
—      $
(22,362 )    $
(49,174 )    $
396,300      $
396,300       

3.36 
— 
— 
3.51 
3.36 
— 
— 
3.61 
3.14 
— 
2.51 
4.63 
2.80 

The  aggregate  intrinsic  value  represents  the  total  pre-tax  intrinsic  value,  which  is  calculated  as  the  difference  between  the 
exercise price of the underlying stock options and the fair value of Orion’s closing common stock price of $3.70 as of March 31, 2020. 

The following table summarizes the range of exercise prices on outstanding stock options at March 31, 2020: 

$1.62 - 2.20 
$2.41 - 2.75 
$2.86 - 4.28 

March 31, 2020 
Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Life (Years) 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise 
Price

1.79     $
2.22      
0.86      
1.48     $

1.92 
2.48 
3.70 
2.80   

Outstanding and 
Vested 

133,292       
98,936       
164,072       
396,300       

During fiscal 2020, Orion recognized seven thousand dollars of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options. 

83 

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
  
  
     
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
    
 
    
    
    
  
    
 
During fiscal 2020, Orion granted restricted shares as follows: 

Balance at March 31, 2019 
Shares issued 
Shares vested 
Shares forfeited 
Shares outstanding at March 31, 2020 
Per share price on grant date 

1,312,593 
279,468 
(669,238)
(150,103)
772,720 
$2.69 - 3.03   

During fiscal 2020, Orion recognized $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted shares.  

As of March 31, 2020, the weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted was $3.02.  

Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested common stock-based compensation as of March 31, 2020 is expected to 

be recognized as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Fiscal 2021 
Fiscal 2022 
Fiscal 2023 
Fiscal 2024 
Thereafter 

Remaining weighted average expected term 

NOTE 18 — SEGMENT DATA 

   $ 

   $ 

502 
310 
108 
12 
6 
938 
2.1 years   

Orion has the following business segments: Orion Engineered Services Division (“OES”), Orion Distribution Services Division 
(“ODS”), and Orion U.S. Markets Division (“USM”). The accounting policies are the same for each business segment as they are on a 
consolidated basis. 

Orion Engineered Systems Division (“OES”) 

The  OES  segment  develops  and  sells  lighting  products  and  provides  construction  and  engineering  services  for  Orion's 
commercial lighting and energy management systems. OES provides engineering, design, lighting products and in many cases turnkey 
solutions for large national accounts, governments, municipalities, schools and other customers. 

Orion Distribution Services Division (“ODS”) 

The  ODS  segment  sells  lighting  products  through  manufacturer  representative  agencies  and  a  network  of  North  American 

broadline electrical distributors and contractors.  

Orion U.S. Markets Division (“USM”) 

The  USM  segment  sells  commercial  lighting  systems  and  energy  management  systems  to  the  wholesale  contractor  markets. 

USM customers include ESCOs and contractors.  

84 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Corporate and Other 

Corporate and Other is comprised of operating expenses not directly allocated to Orion’s segments and adjustments to reconcile 

to consolidated results (dollars in thousands). 

(dollars in thousands) 
Segments: 
Engineered Systems 
Distribution Services 
U.S. Markets 
Corporate and Other 

Segments: 
Engineered Systems 
Distribution Services 
U.S. Markets 
Corporate and Other 

Segments: 
Engineered Systems 
Distribution Services 
U.S. Markets 
Corporate and Other 

Revenues 
For the year ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

Operating Income (Loss) 
For the year ended March 31, 
2019 

2018 

2020 

   $  122,744    $
15,087     
13,010     
—     
   $  150,841    $

30,925    $
24,173     
10,656     
—     
65,754    $

23,827    $
27,906     
8,567     
—     
60,300    $

16,164      $ 
(852 )      
2,447        
(4,649 )      
13,110      $ 

(1,237)   $
(1,742)    
1,132     
(4,310)    
(6,157)   $

(3,792)
(325)
(3,123)
(5,741)
(12,981)

Depreciation and Amortization 
For the year ended March 31,
2019 

2018 

2020 

Capital Expenditures 
For the year ended March 31,
2019 

2020 

2018 

   $ 

   $ 

1,013    $
187     
126     
236     
1,562    $

774    $
485     
233     
291     
1,783    $

988    $
275     
267     
481     
2,011    $

302      $ 
81        
78        
353        
814      $ 

165    $
44     
31     
215     
455    $

151 
217 
73 
71 
512   

  March 31, 2020 

  March 31, 2019 

Total Assets 

   $

   $

22,354      $
5,502       
4,859       
39,848       
72,563      $

28,486 
5,704 
4,578 
17,253 
56,021   

Orion’s revenue outside the United States is insignificant and Orion has no long-lived assets outside the United States. 

NOTE 19 — RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, as part of Orion’s response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Orion entered 
into separation agreements with multiple employees, and recognized $0.4 million of expense. Orion’s restructuring expense for the 12 
months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 is reflected within its consolidated statements of operations as follows (dollars in 
thousands): 

Cost of product revenue 
Cost of product service 
General and administrative 
Sales and marketing 
Total 

Year Ended 
March 31, 
2020 

Year Ended 
March 31,
2019 

   $

   $

82      $
74       
28       
207       
391      $

— 
— 
26 
17 
43   

85 

 
 
  
  
    
 
  
  
    
 
  
    
    
    
     
    
 
     
     
     
     
        
     
 
     
     
     
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
        
     
 
     
     
     
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
    
       
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
    
    
    
 
Total restructuring expense by segment was recorded as follows (dollars in thousands): 

Orion Engineered Systems 
Orion Distribution Systems 
Corporate and Other 
Total 

NOTE 20 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

Year Ended 
March 31, 
2020 

Year Ended 
March 31,
2019 

   $

   $

139      $
142       
110       
391      $

— 
12 
31 
43   

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. 
Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of 
the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Non-recognized subsequent events 
are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date. 

NOTE 21 — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Summary quarterly results for the years ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 are as follows: 

Total revenue 
Gross profit 
Net income (loss) (1) 
Basic net income (loss) per share 
Shares used in basic per share calculation 
Diluted net loss per share 
Shares used in diluted per share calculation 

Total revenue 
Gross profit 
Net loss 
Basic net loss per share 
Shares used in basic per share calculation 
Diluted net loss per share 
Shares used in diluted per share calculation 

Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2020      Dec 31, 2019      Sep 30, 2019        Jun 30, 2019     
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

  $
  $
  $
  $

  $

25,892    $
5,775    $
(531)   $
(0.02)   $
30,259     
(0.02)   $
30,259     

34,249    $
8,274    $
2,304    $
0.08    $
30,244     
0.07    $
30,824     

48,322      $ 
12,791      $ 
6,721      $ 
0.22      $ 
30,189        
0.22      $ 
30,830        

42,378    $
10,283    $
3,968    $
0.13    $
29,723     
0.13    $
30,551     

Total 

150,841 
37,123 
12,462 
0.41 
30,105 
0.40 
30,965   

Three Months Ended 

   Mar 31, 2019 

     Dec 31, 2018      Sep 30, 2018        Jun 30, 2018     

Total 

  $
  $
  $
  $

  $

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

22,443    $
4,384    $
(882)   $
(0.03)   $
29,590     
(0.03)   $
29,590     

16,291    $
4,170    $
(662)   $
(0.02)   $
29,569     
(0.02)   $
29,569     

13,198      $ 
2,542      $ 
(2,438 )    $ 
(0.08 )    $ 
29,488        
(0.08 )    $ 
29,488        

13,822    $
3,456    $
(2,692)   $
(0.09)   $
29,070     
(0.09)   $
29,070     

65,754 
14,552 
(6,674)
(0.23)
29,430 
(0.23)
29,430   

(1) 

Includes a $0.4 million restructuring charge during the three months ended March 31, 2020.  

The four quarters for net earnings per share may not add to the total year because of differences in the weighted average number 

of shares outstanding during the quarters and the year. 

ITEM 9. 

CHANGES  IN AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH ACCOUNTANTS  ON ACCOUNTING AND  FINANCIAL 

DISCLOSURE 

None 

ITEM 9A. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

86 

 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
    
    
 
 
  
  
         
 
  
 
  
  
      
  
 
   
   
 
  
  
           
         
 
  
 
  
  
      
  
 
   
   
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term 
is  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(f)  of  the  Exchange Act. We  maintain  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  that  are  designed  to  ensure  that 
information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  the  reports  that  we  file  or  submit  under  the  Securities  Exchange Act  of  1934  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 principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, 
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Our  management  evaluated,  with  the  participation  of  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  our  Chief  Financial  Officer,  the 
effectiveness  of  our  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  March 31,  2020, 
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) and 15d-15. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial 
Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a level of reasonable assurance as of March 31, 
2020.  

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, believes the consolidated financial statements 
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly represent in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and 
cash flows at and for the periods presented in accordance with GAAP. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in 
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the 
supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the 
board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting 
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures 
that: 

i.  pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 

of our assets;  

ii.  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in 
accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of 
our management and directors; and  

iii.  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our 

assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.  

Because  of  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of 
changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in 
the  Internal  Control -  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of March 31, 2020, our internal control over financial 
reporting was effective. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

There  were  no  changes  in  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  during  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2020,  that  have 

materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

87 

 
ITEM 9B. 

OTHER INFORMATION 

On  June  1,  2020,  we  amended  each  of  our  existing  Executive  Employment  and  Severance  Agreements  (the  “Employment 
Agreements”) with of Michael A. Altschaefl, William T. Hull and Scott A Green (each, a “NEO” and, collectively, the “NEOs”).  The 
primary purpose of the amendments was to update and harmonize certain of the terms of employment for each of our NEOs and make 
technical updates to comply with applicable laws.   

The  Employment Agreements  were  amended  to  provide  that  Messrs. Altschaefl, Hull  and  Green will  be paid base salaries  of 
$425,000, $350,000 and $350,000, respectively.  Each NEO will continue to be eligible to participate in our annual and/or long-term 
bonus plans as well as our employee benefit plans made available to senior executives. 

The  Employment Agreements  were  amended  to  provide  that  each  NEO’s  Employment Agreement  will  remain  in  place  at  all 

times while employed with us (rather than providing for a specific term with automatic renewals). 

The amendments to the Employment Agreements harmonize the severance benefits that each of the NEOs would be entitled to 
receive  upon  a  qualifying  termination  for  “Cause”  or  “Good  Reason”  (as  defined  in  the  Employment Agreements).   The  severance 
benefits  payable  to  Mr. Altschaefl  upon  a  qualifying  termination  remain  unchanged,  while  Messrs.  Hull  and  Green  will  now  also 
receive a pro-rata cash bonus for their year of termination as part of their severance benefit (which was previously only available to 
Mr. Altschaefl)  upon  a  qualifying  employment  termination.    The  amended  and  restated  Employment Agreements  also  provide  that 
upon a qualifying termination not in connection with a change in control, we will accelerate the vesting of the portion of the NEOs’ 
unvested equity awards that would vest within two years of termination.  Except as described in this paragraph, the severance benefits 
for each of our NEOs upon a qualifying termination remain unchanged. 

In addition, Mr. Hull’s Employment Agreement was amended to provide that Mr. Hull will be subject to customary non-compete 

and non-solicit obligations for a period of 24 months (previously 18 months) following his termination of employment. 

The foregoing description of the amendments to the Employment Agreements are qualified in its entirety by reference to the full 
text of the amended and restated Employment Agreements, copies of which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.16, 10.17 and 10.18 and 
are each incorporated herein by reference. 

88 

 
PART III 

ITEM 10. 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

The information required by this item with respect to directors, executive officers and corporate governance is incorporated by 
reference to our Proxy Statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end 
of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

Code of Conduct 

We  have  adopted  a  Code  of  Conduct  that  applies  to  all  of  our  directors,  employees  and  officers,  including  our  principal 
executive  officer,  our  principal  financial  officer,  our  controller  and  persons  performing  similar  functions.  Our  Code  of  Conduct  is 
available on our web site at www.orionlighting.com. Future material amendments or waivers relating to the Code of Conduct will be 
disclosed on our web site referenced in this paragraph within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver. 

ITEM 11. 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2020 Annual  Meeting  of 

Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

ITEM 12. 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED 

SHAREHOLDER MATTERS 

See Item 5, Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchaser of Securities, under the 
heading  “Equity  Compensation  Plan  Information”  for  information  regarding  our  securities  authorized  for  issuance  under  equity 
compensation plans. The additional information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for its 2020 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

ITEM 13. 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 

The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2020 Annual  Meeting  of 

Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

ITEM 14. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 

The  information  required  by  this  item  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  our  Proxy  Statement  for  our  2020 Annual  Meeting  of 

Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. 

89 

 
PART IV 

ITEM 15. 

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

(a)  Financial Statements 

Our financial statements are set forth in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. 

90 

 
  
Number 

   Exhibit Title 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

3.1 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

10.12 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Orion Energy Systems, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s 
Form S-1 filed August 20, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Orion Energy Systems, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 
22, 2020, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Rights Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2009, between Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which 
includes  as  Exhibit A  thereto  the  Form  of  Right  Certificate  and  as  Exhibit B  thereto  the  Summary  of  Common  Share 
Purchase  Rights,  filed  as  Exhibit 4.1  to  the  Registrant’s  Form 8-A  filed  January 8,  2009,  is  hereby  incorporated  by 
reference. 

Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Rights  Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  3,  2019,  between  the  Company  and  Equiniti  Trust
Company (as successor to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.), as Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants Form 8-K filed 
January 3, 2019, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Description of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. Capital Stock, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on June 5, 
2019 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Business Financing Agreement dated as of October 26, 2018 among Orion Energy Systems, Inc., Western Alliance Bank, as
lender,  and  the  subsidiary  borrowers  party  thereto,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.1  to  Registrant’s  Form  8-K  filed  on  October  30, 
2018, is hereby incorporated by reference.

Amendment No. 1 to Business Financing Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2019 among Orion Energy Systems, Inc., Western
Alliance Bank, as lender, and the subsidiary borrowers party thereto filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K 
filed on June 5, 2019 is hereby incorporated by reference.**

Amendment  No.  2  to  Business  Financing  Agreement,  dated  as  of  August  2,  2019  among  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.,
Western Alliance Bank, as lender, and the subsidiary borrowers party thereto filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 
10-Q filed on August 5, 2019 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Amendment No.  3 to Business Financing Agreement dated as of November 21, 2019 among Orion Energy Systems, Inc., 
Western Alliance Bank, as lender, and the subsidiary borrowers party thereto filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 
8-K filed on November 22, 2019 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 filed 
August 20, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.*

Amendment to Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan, filed September 9, 2011 as Appendix A
to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement is hereby incorporated by reference.*

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.10 
to the Registrant’s Form S-1 filed August 20, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference.* 

Form  of  Stock  Option Agreement  as  of  May  14,  2013  under  the  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.  2004  Stock  and  Incentive
Awards  Plan,  filed  as  Exhibit  10.7  to  the  Registrant’s  Form  10-K  filed  on  June  13,  2014,  is  hereby  incorporated  by 
reference.* 

Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, filed as Annex A to the Registrant’s 
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on June 21, 2019, is hereby incorporated by reference.*

Form of Non-Employee Director Tandem Restricted Stock and Cash Award Agreement under the Orion Energy Systems,
Inc.  2016  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan,  filed  as  Exhibit  4.5  to  the  Registrant’s  Form  S-8  filed  August  10,  2016,  is  hereby
incorporated by reference.* 

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2016 Omnibus
Incentive  Plan,  filed  as  Exhibit  4.6  to  the  Registrant’s  Form  S-8  filed  August  10,  2016,  is  hereby  incorporated  by 
reference.* 

Form  of  Executive  Tandem  Restricted  Stock  and  Cash  Award  Agreement  under  the  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.  2016
Omnibus Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Form S-8 filed August 10, 2016, is hereby incorporated by 
reference.* 

10.13 

Form of Executive Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan,
filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Registrant’s Form S-8 filed August 10, 2016, is hereby incorporated by reference.*

10.14 

   Orion Energy Systems, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, updated and effective as of February 7, 2020*+

10.15 

 Amended and Restated Executive Employment and Severance Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2020, by and between Orion 
Energy Systems, Inc. and Michael W. Altschaefl*+

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
10.16 

10.17 

10.18 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment and Severance Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2020, by and between Orion
Energy Systems, Inc. and William T. Hull*+

Amended and Restated Executive Employment and Severance Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2020, by and between Orion
Energy Systems, Inc. and Scott A. Green*+

 Mutual Retirement and Severance Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2017, by and between Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and 
Michael J. Potts, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2017, is hereby incorporated by 
reference. * 

21.1 

   Subsidiaries of Orion Energy Systems, Inc.+

23.1 

   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. +

31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

Certification  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.  pursuant  to  Rule 13a-14(a)  or  Rule 15d-14(a) 
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. +

Certification  of  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Orion  Energy  Systems,  Inc.  pursuant  to  Rule 13a-14(a)  or  Rule 15d-14(a) 
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. +

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-
14(b)  promulgated  under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as  amended,  and  18 U.S.C.  Section 1350,  as  adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +

101 

   101.INS XBRL Instance Document+ 

  101.SCH Taxonomy extension schema document+

  101.CAL Taxonomy extension calculation linkbase document+

  101.DEF Taxonomy extension definition linkbase document+

  101.LAB Taxonomy extension label linkbase document+

  101.PRE Taxonomy extension presentation linkbase document+

Documents incorporated by reference by Orion Energy Systems, Inc. are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 

under File No. 001-33887. 

*  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. 
** 

Portions  of  this  exhibit  have  been  omitted  pursuant  to  Rule  601(6)(10)  of  Regulation  S-K.  The  omitted  information  is  not 
material and would likely cause competitive harm to the Registrant if publicly disclosed. 
Filed herewith 

+ 

ITEM 16. 

FORM 10-K SUMMARY 

None. 

92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this 

Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on June 5, 2020. 

SIGNATURES 

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. 

By:   /s/ MICHAEL W. ALTSCHAEFL 

  Michael W. Altschaefl 
  Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the 

following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated on June 5, 2020. 

Signature 

/s/ Michael W. Altschaefl 
Michael W. Altschaefl 

/s/ William T. Hull 
William T. Hull 

/s/ Anthony L. Otten 
Anthony L. Otten 

/s/ Alan B. Howe 
Alan B. Howe 

/s/ Michael J. Potts 
Michael J. Potts 

/s/ Ellen B. Richstone 
Ellen B. Richstone 

/s/ Mark C. Williamson 
Mark C. Williamson 

/s/ Kenneth M. Young 
Kenneth M. Young 

Title 

Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair (Principal 
Executive Officer) 

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and 
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) 

Lead Independent Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

93 

BR686275-0620-10K