As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2008
Registration No. 333-___________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | | 3433 | | 30-0401535 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | | (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227
Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900
(516) 809-0498
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Ezra Green
Chief Executive Officer
Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227
Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900
(516) 809-0498
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Harvey J. Kesner, Esq.
Haynes and Boone, LLP
153 East 53rd Street, Suite 4900
New York, New York 10022
Phone: (212) 659-7300
Facsimile: (212) 918-8989
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on the Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: x
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462 (c) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier registration statement for the same offering: o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
| Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | |
| Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company x | |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITITES TO BE REGISTERED | | AMOUNT TO BE REGISTERED (1) | | PROPOSED MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE (2) | | PROPOSED MAXIMUM AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE | | AMOUNT OF REGISTRATION FEE (4) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share | | | 18,310,028 | | $ | 1.15 | | $ | 21,056,532.20 | | $ | 827.52 | |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (3) | | | 1,232,401 | | $ | 1.15 | | $ | 1,417,261.20 | | $ | 55.70 | |
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (4) | | | 100,000 | | $ | 1.15 | | $ | 115,000.00 | | $ | 4.52 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 19,642,429 | | | | | $ | 22,588,793.40 | | $ | 887.74 | |
(1) | In the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or similar transaction involving the common stock, the number of shares registered shall automatically be increased to cover the additional shares of common stock issuable pursuant to Rule 416. |
(2) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on the average high and low prices of the common stock of the Registrant as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board on March 24, 2008. |
(3) | Represents shares of the Registrant’s common stock being registered for resale that have been or may be acquired upon the exercise of warrants issued to the selling stockholders named in the prospectus or a prospectus supplement. |
(4) | Represents shares of the Registrant’s common stock being registered for resale that have been or may be acquired upon the exercise of options issued to the selling stockholders named in the prospectus or a prospectus supplement. |
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THERAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling stockholders may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Subject to Completion, Dated March 27, 2008
Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227
Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900
(516) 809-0498
19,642,429 Shares of Common Stock
This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 19,642,429 shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders identified under the section entitled “Selling Stockholders” in this prospectus. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus consist of 18,310,028 shares of our outstanding common stock and 1,332,401 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants and options.
All of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are being sold by the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may sell common stock from time to time at prevailing market prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sales by the selling stockholders, but we may receive up to $366,201 of proceeds from the exercise of warrants held by selling stockholders to purchase an aggregate of 732,401 shares of our common stock, if such warrants are exercised in full, $250,000 from the exercise of another warrant held by a selling stockholder to purchase up to 500,000 shares of our common stock, if such warrant is exercised in full, and $150,000 from the exercise of an option to purchase up to 100,000 shares of our common stock if such option is exercised in full.
Our common stock is quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, commonly known as the OTCBB, under the symbol “CSKH.OB.” On March 20, 2008, the last sale price of our common stock on the OTCBB was $1.20 per share.
No underwriter or person has been engaged to facilitate the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering. None of the proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholder will be placed in escrow, trust or any similar account. There are no underwriting commissions involved in this offering. We have agreed to pay all the costs of this offering other than customary brokerage and sales commissions. The selling stockholders will pay no offering expenses other than those expressly identified in this prospectus.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 27, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
| |
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY | 1 |
| |
RISK FACTORS | 4 |
| |
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | 15 |
| |
USE OF PROCEEDS | 16 |
| |
MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS | 16 |
| |
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND PLAN OF OPERATION | 17 |
| |
BUSINESS | 24 |
| |
MANAGEMENT | 30 |
| |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 34 |
| |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION | 36 |
| |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS | 38 |
| |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT | 40 |
| |
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS | 41 |
| |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES | 44 |
| |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION | 50 |
| |
EXPERTS | 52 |
| |
LEGAL MATTERS | 52 |
| |
| 52 |
| |
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | F-1 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. The selling stockholders are offering to sell shares of our common stock and seeking offers to buy shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where such offers and sales are permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. It may not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation,” and our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
In this prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “Clear Skies,” “we,” “our” and “us,” for periods prior to the closing of the reverse merger on December 20, 2007, refer to Clear Skies Group, Inc., a private New York corporation that is now our wholly owned subsidiary, and such references for periods subsequent to the closing of the reverse merger on December 20, 2007, refer to Clear Skies Solar, Inc., a publicly traded Delaware corporation formerly known as Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, including Clear Skies Group, Inc.
Corporate History
Clear Skies Group, Inc. was formed in New York on September 23, 2003 for the purpose of providing turnkey solar electricity installations and renewable energy technology solutions to commercial and residential customers across the United States. We commenced operations in August 2005.
BIP Oil, Inc. was incorporated as a Nevada corporation on January 31, 2007, for the purpose of importing, marketing and distributing Greek olive oils, olives and spices in the United States. On December 12, 2007, BIP Oil Inc. formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. On December 18, 2007, BIP Oil, Inc. was merged with and into Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., for the purpose of changing its state of incorporation to Delaware from Nevada and changing its name.
On December 20, 2007, we closed a reverse merger transaction pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. merged with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., and Clear Skies Group, Inc., as the surviving corporation, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc.
Immediately following the closing of the reverse merger, under the terms of a split-off agreement, we transferred all of our pre-merger operating assets and liabilities to our wholly owned subsidiary, BIP Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and transferred all of its outstanding capital stock to our then-majority stockholders in exchange for cancellation of shares of our common stock held by those stockholders.
After the reverse merger and the split-off, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. succeeded to the business of Clear Skies Group, Inc. as its sole line of business, and all of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc.’s then-current officers and directors resigned and were replaced by Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s officers and directors. In addition, on January 25, 2008, we changed our name from Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. to Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
The reverse merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization of Clear Skies Group, Inc. for financial accounting purposes. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in our financial statements for periods prior to the reverse merger are those of Clear Skies Group, Inc. and have been recorded at the historical cost basis of Clear Skies Group, Inc., and our consolidated financial statements for periods after completion of the reverse merger include both our and Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s assets and liabilities, the historical operations of Clear Skies Group, Inc. prior to the reverse merger and our operations from the closing date of the reverse merger.
Business Overview
We are a designer and integrator of solar power systems. We market, sell, design and install systems for commercial and residential customers, sourcing components (such as solar modules and inverters) from third party manufacturers. We currently serve customers in California, New York and New Jersey and have entered into a letter of intent with a prospective customer in Georgia. We also plan to expand to other states where the amount of sunshine, the cost of electricity and/or the availability of governmental rebates make our prospects of solar energy system sales appear attractive to us. We not only supply and install solar power systems, but we also seek to develop new technologies and products that will promote the expansion of the industry.
We deliver turnkey solar electricity installations and renewable energy technology solutions to commercial and residential customers across the United States. Our primary business is the installation of photovoltaic (sometimes called “solar electric” or “PV” for short) solar power panels to the commercial and residential markets. We believe that our construction background provides us with real world experience in delivering results quickly and cost-effectively for our customers. Our commitment to improving the effectiveness of renewable energy systems has yielded developments that include proprietary photovoltaic panel mounting systems and trade secrets that we believe reduce the required man-hours on system installations. We have also developed XTRAX®, a proprietary remote monitoring solution for measuring the production of renewable energy systems, among other things.
Our principal executive offices are located at 5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227, Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900 and our telephone number is (516) 809-0498. We maintain a website at www.clearskiessolar.com which contains a description of our company, but such website is not part of this prospectus. Please note that you should not view such website as part of this prospectus and should not rely on such website in making a decision to invest in our common stock.
An aggregate of 19,642,429 shares of our common stock are being offered by the selling stockholders identified under the section entitled “Selling Stockholders” in this prospectus. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus consist of 18,310,028 shares of our outstanding common stock, 1,232,401 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants and 100,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of an option.
Common stock offered by the selling stockholders: | 19,642,429 shares (1) |
| |
Common stock outstanding: | 30,883,723 (2) |
| |
Use of proceeds: | We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock, but we may receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants and options by the selling stockholders. In the event that all of the warrants and options to purchase shares of common stock included in this offering were exercised, we would receive $720,000 of gross proceeds, which we would use for working capital. |
| |
Risk factors: | An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 4 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in shares of our common stock. |
| |
OTC Bulletin Board symbol: | CSKH.OB |
(1) | Represents: (i) 2,310,028 shares of our common stock that were issued in exchange for shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. common stock pursuant to the reverse merger; (ii) 16,000,000 shares of our common stock that we issued in our private placement offering that was completed on December 24, 2008; (iii) 640,000 shares of our common stock underlying warrants that we issued to designees of our placement agent in connection with such offering; (iv) 92,401 shares of our common stock underlying warrants that we issued to designees of our placement agent in connection with an offering of Clear Skies Group, Inc. that was consummated in August and September 2007; (v) 500,000 shares of our common stock underlying a warrant that we issued pursuant to a consulting agreement; and (vi) 100,000 shares of our common stock underlying an option we issued pursuant to another consulting agreement. |
(2) | Represents the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 20, 2008, and excludes: |
| · | 955,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options; |
| · | 1,545,000 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan; and |
| · | 1,432,401 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants and an option, which shares are being offered by this prospectus. |
There are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation may be materially adversely affected. If this were to happen, the price of our shares could decline significantly and you might lose all or a part of your investment. The risk factors described below are not the only ones that may affect us.
Since we lack a meaningful operating history, it is difficult for potential investors to evaluate our business.
Clear Skies Group, Inc. was incorporated in 2003, but did not begin operations until October 2005. Our limited operating history makes it difficult for potential investors to evaluate our business or prospective operations. Since our formation, we have generated only limited revenues. As a startup, we are subject to all the risks inherent in the initial organization, financing, expenditures, complications and delays inherent in a new business. Investors should evaluate an investment in our Company in light of the uncertainties encountered by start-up companies in a competitive environment. Our business is dependent upon the implementation of our business plan, as well as our ability to enter into agreements with third parties for, among other things, the supply of photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems, on commercially favorable terms. There can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that we will be able to attain profitability.
We will need additional financing to execute our business plan and fund operations, which additional financing may not be available on reasonable terms or at all.
We have limited funds. We may not be able to execute our current business plan and fund business operations long enough to become cash flow positive or to achieve profitability. Our ultimate success may depend upon our ability to raise additional capital. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available when needed from any source or, if available, will be available on terms that are acceptable to us.
We may be required to pursue sources of additional capital through various means, including joint venture projects and debt or equity financings. Future financings through equity investments are likely to be dilutive to existing stockholders. Also, the terms of securities we may issue in future capital transactions may be more favorable for our new investors. Newly issued securities may include preferences, superior voting rights, the issuance of warrants or other derivative securities, which may have additional dilutive effects. Further, we may incur substantial costs in pursuing future capital and/or financing, including investment banking fees, legal fees, accounting fees, printing and distribution expenses and other costs. We may also be required to recognize non-cash expenses in connection with certain securities we may issue, such as convertible notes and warrants, which will adversely impact our financial condition.
Our ability to obtain needed financing may be impaired by such factors as the capital markets, both generally and specifically in the renewable energy industry, and the fact that we have not been profitable, which could impact the availability or cost of future financings. If the amount of capital we are able to raise from financing activities, together with our revenues from operations, is not sufficient to satisfy our capital needs, even to the extent that we reduce our operations accordingly, we may be required to cease operations.
We are dependent upon key personnel whose loss may adversely impact our business.
We rely heavily on the expertise, experience and continued services of our senior management, especially Ezra J. Green, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of Mr. Green or an inability to attract or retain other key individuals, could materially adversely affect us. We seek to compensate and motivate our executives, as well as other employees, through competitive salaries and bonus plans, but there can be no assurance that these programs will allow us to retain key employees or hire new key employees. As a result, if Mr. Green were to leave, we could face substantial difficulty in hiring a qualified successor and could experience a loss in productivity while any such successor obtains the necessary training and experience. We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Green. However, there can be no assurance that the terms of the employment agreement will be sufficient to retain him.
We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth.
Our strategy envisions a period of potentially rapid growth. We currently maintain nominal administrative and personnel capacity due to the startup nature of our business, and our expected growth may impose a significant burden on our future planned administrative and operational resources. The growth of our business may require significant investments of capital and increased demands on our management, workforce and facilities. We will be required to substantially expand our administrative and operational resources and attract, train, manage and retain qualified management and other personnel. Failure to do so or satisfy such increased demands would interrupt or would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and the market value of our securities.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports, our reputation and operating results may be harmed. In connection with the preparation of this Form 10-KSB, our independent registered public accountants as well as our management identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, due to insufficient resources in our accounting and finance department, resulting in (i) an ineffective review, monitoring and analysis of schedules, reconciliations and financial statement disclosures and (ii) the misapplication of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements. Due to the effect of the lack of resources, including a lack of resources that are appropriately qualified in the areas of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting, and the potential impact on the financial statements and disclosures and the importance of the annual and interim financial closing and reporting process, in the aggregate, there is more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual financial statements would not have been prevented or detected for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The period in which these material weaknesses were identified included certain non-recurring reverse merger related events, that disproportionately absorbed our financial and administrative resources.
Management is in the process of remediating the above-mentioned weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and has designed the following steps to be implemented:
· | Hiring additional accounting personnel (including a full time CFO hired January 21, 2008 and another full time senior level accountant hired February 11, 2008); |
· | Establish a detailed timeline for review and completion of financial reports to be included in our Forms 10-QSB and 10-KSB; |
· | Engage the use of a third party accounting service provider to further support and supplement our internal staff in accounting and related areas when necessary; and |
· | Employ the use of appropriate supplemental SEC and U.S. GAAP checklists in connection with our closing process and the preparation of our Forms 10-QSB and 10-KSB. |
The implementation of these remediation plans has been initiated and will continue during fiscal 2008. The material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial procedures are tested and management has concluded that the procedures are operating effectively. Management recognizes that use of our financial resources will be required not only for implementation of these measures, but also for testing their effectiveness and may seek the assistance of a outside service provider to assist in this process.
If we are not able to implement controls to avoid the occurrence of material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, then we might report results that are not consistent with our actual results and we may need to restate results that will have been previously reported.
We could become involved in intellectual property disputes that create a drain on our resources and could ultimately impair our assets.
We currently have one issued U.S. patent (No. 7,336,201). In addition, we rely on trade secrets and our industry expertise and know how. We do not knowingly infringe on patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights owned by other parties; however, in the event of an infringement claim, we may be required to spend a significant amount of money to defend a claim, develop a non-infringing alternative or to obtain licenses. We may not be successful in developing such an alternative or obtaining licenses on reasonable terms, if at all. Any litigation, even if without merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
We are exposed to risks associated with product liability claims in the event that the use or installation of our products results in injury or damage.
Since the products we install are devices that produce electricity and heat, it is possible that users could be electrocuted, burned or otherwise injured or even killed by such products, whether by product malfunctions, defects, improper installation or other causes. As a distributor and installer of products that are used by consumers, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims or class action suits in the event that the use of the solar power products we sell or install results in injury or damage. Moreover, we may not have adequate resources in the event of a successful claim against us. We have general liability coverage for up to $1,000,000 and umbrella liability coverage for up to $2,000,000; we also have a policy of obtaining certificates of insurance from the property owners where we operate and requiring all subcontractors to name us as an additional insured and as a certificate holder on their policies. Furthermore, we anticipate requiring a product liability policy once we are ready to launch our XTRAX® product, and there can be no assurance that one will be available on reasonable terms. The successful assertion of product liability claims against us could result in material reputational and/or monetary damages and, if our insurance protection is inadequate, could require us to make significant payments.
Risks Relating to Our Industry
We are dependent upon our suppliers for the components used in the systems we design and install; and our major suppliers are dependent upon the continued availability and pricing of silicon and other raw materials used in solar modules.
The components used in our systems are purchased from a limited number of manufacturers. We do not manufacture any of the components used in our solar installations. We are subject to market prices for the components that we purchase for our installations, which are subject to fluctuation. We cannot ensure that the prices charged by our suppliers will not increase because of changes in market conditions or other factors beyond our control. An increase in the price of components used in our systems could result in reduced margins and/or an increase in costs to our customers and could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and demand for our services. Similarly, our suppliers are dependent upon the availability and pricing of silicon, one of the main materials used in manufacturing solar panels. The world market for solar panels recently experienced a shortage of supply due to insufficient availability of silicon. This shortage caused the prices for solar modules to increase. Interruptions in our ability to procure needed components for our systems, whether due to discontinuance by our suppliers, delays or failures in delivery, shortages caused by inadequate production capacity or unavailability, or for other reasons, could limit our sales and growth. In addition, increases in the prices of modules could make systems that have been sold but not yet installed unprofitable for us. There is no assurance that we will be able to have solar systems manufactured on acceptable terms or of acceptable quality, the failure of which could lead to a loss of sales and revenues.
We face intense competition, and many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than we do.
We operate in a competitive environment that is characterized by price fluctuations, supply shortages and rapid technological change. We compete with major international and domestic companies. Our major competitors include SunPower/Powerlight, SPG Solar, Akeena Solar, Sun Edison and Global Solar as well as numerous other regional players, and other similar companies primarily located in our operating markets. Our competitors may have greater market recognition and substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution, purchasing, manufacturing, personnel and other resources than we do. Many of our competitors are developing and are currently producing products based on new solar power technologies that may ultimately have costs similar to, or lower than, our projected costs. Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, access to larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical and other resources than we do. As a result, they may be able to respond more quickly to changing customer demands or to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sales of products than we can.
Some of our competitors own, partner with, have longer term or stronger relationships with solar cell providers which could result in them being able to obtain solar cells on a more favorable basis than we can. It is possible that new competitors or alliances among existing competitors could emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share, which would harm our business. If we fail to compete successfully, our business would suffer and we may lose or be unable to gain market share.
We may in the future compete for potential customers with solar and HVAC systems installers and service providers, electricians, utilities and other providers of solar power equipment or electric power. Competition in the solar power services industry may increase in the future, partly due to low barriers to entry. In addition, we may face competition from other alternative energy resources now in existence or developed in the future. Increased competition could result in price reductions, reduced margins or loss of market share and greater competition for qualified technical personnel.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to compete effectively, or if competition results in a deterioration of market conditions, our business and results of operations would be adversely affected.
Technological changes in the solar power industry could render our proprietary technology uncompetitive or obsolete, which could impair our ability to capture market share and limit our sales.
Our failure to further refine our technology and develop new technology could cause our products to become uncompetitive or obsolete, which could impair our ability to capture market share and limit our sales. The solar power industry is rapidly evolving and competitive. We may need to invest significant financial resources in research and development to keep pace with technological advances in the solar power industry and to effectively compete in the future. A variety of solar power and monitoring technologies may be currently under development by other companies that could result in higher product performance than those expected to be produced using our technology. Our development efforts may be rendered obsolete by the technological advances of others and other technologies may prove more advantageous than our monitoring system and the installation of solar power products that we can offer.
Our business requires us to place our employees and technicians in our customers’ properties, which could give rise to claims against us.
If we are unsuccessful in our installation of products and provision of services to customers, we could damage or cause a material adverse change to their premises or property, which could give rise to claims against us. Any such claims could be material in dollar amount and/or could significantly damage our reputation. In addition, we are exposed to various risks and liabilities associated with placing our employees and technicians in the homes and workplaces of others, including possible claims of errors and omissions based on the alleged actions of our personnel, including harassment, theft of client property, criminal activity and other claims.
We have experienced technological changes in our industry. New technologies may prove inappropriate and result in liability to us or may not gain market acceptance by our customers.
The solar power industry (and the alternative energy industry in general) is subject to rapid technological change. Our future success will depend on our ability to appropriately respond to changing technologies and changes in function of products and quality. Significant improvements in the efficiency of photovoltaic systems may give competitors using those products competitive advantages that we cannot overcome.
A drop in the retail price of conventional energy or non-solar alternative energy sources may negatively impact our profitability.
We believe that a customer’s decision to purchase or install solar power capabilities is primarily driven by the cost of electricity from other sources and their anticipated return on investment resulting from solar power systems. Fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the prices of conventional and non-solar alternative energy sources, such as decreases in the prices of oil and other fossil fuels, could cause the demand for solar power systems to decline, which would have a negative impact on our profitability.
Existing regulations, and changes to such regulations, may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power products, which may significantly reduce demand for our products.
Installation of solar power systems are subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with national and local ordinances, building codes, zoning, environmental protection regulation, utility interconnection requirements for metering and other rules and regulations. If we fail to observe these shifting requirements on a national, state, or local level, in providing our products and services, we may incur claims and/or reputational damage. Changes in utility electric rates or net metering policies could also have a negative effect on our business. Government regulations or utility policies pertaining to solar power systems are unpredictable, may limit our ability to charge market rates and may result in significant additional expenses or delays and, as a result, could cause a significant reduction in our revenues and/or demand for solar energy systems and our services.
Our business depends on the availability of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives; reduction or elimination of which would reduce the demand for our services and impair our results.
Certain states, including California and Arizona, offer substantial incentives to offset the cost of solar power systems. These systems can take many forms, including direct rebates, state tax credits, system performance payments and Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Moreover, the Federal government currently offers a tax credit for the installation of solar power systems. This Federal Tax Credit is due to expire in 2008. Current tax rules also permit businesses to accelerate the depreciation on their system over five years. Reduction in or elimination of such tax and other incentives or delays or interruptions in the implementation of favorable federal or state laws could substantially increase the costs of our systems to customers, resulting in reduced demand for our services, and negatively affecting our sales.
Our business strategy depends on the widespread adoption of solar power technology.
The market for solar power products is emerging and rapidly evolving, and its future success is uncertain. If solar power technology proves unsuitable for widespread commercial deployment or if demand for solar power products fails to develop sufficiently, we would be unable to generate enough revenues to achieve and sustain profitability. The factors influencing the widespread adoption of solar power technology include but are not limited to:
| · | cost-effectiveness of solar power technologies as compared with conventional and non-solar alternative energy technologies; |
| · | performance and reliability of solar power products as compared with conventional and non-solar alternative energy products; |
| · | success of other alternative distributed generation technologies such as fuel cells, wind power and micro turbines; |
| · | fluctuations in economic and market conditions which impact the viability of conventional and non-solar alternative energy sources, such as increases or decreases in the prices of oil and other fossil fuels; |
| · | continued deregulation of the electric power industry and broader energy industry; and |
| · | availability of government subsidies and incentives. |
Risks Relating to Our Organization and Our Common Stock
As a result of our reverse merger, Clear Skies Group, Inc. became a subsidiary of a company that is subject to the reporting requirements of federal securities laws, which can be expensive and may divert resources from other projects, thus impairing its ability to grow.
As a result of the reverse merger, Clear Skies Group, Inc. became a subsidiary of a public reporting company (Clear Skies Solar, Inc.) and, accordingly, is subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and other federal securities laws, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). The costs of preparing and filing annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission and furnishing audited reports to stockholders will cause our expenses to be higher than they would have been if we had remained privately held and did not consummate the reverse merger.
It may be time consuming, difficult and costly for us to develop and implement the internal controls and reporting procedures required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We may need to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other finance personnel in order to develop and implement appropriate internal controls and reporting procedures. If we are unable to comply with the internal controls requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, then we may not be able to obtain the independent accountant certifications required by such act, which may preclude us from keeping our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission current.
If we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may not be able to report our financial results accurately or to prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our reputation and adversely impact the trading price of our common stock.
Effective internal control is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. As a result, our small size and any current internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical un-discovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal control that need improvement.
Public company compliance may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain officers and directors.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act and new rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. As a public company we expect these new rules and regulations to increase our compliance costs in 2008 and beyond and to make certain activities more time consuming and costly. As a public company we also expect that these new rules and regulations may make it more difficult and expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance in the future or we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.
Because we became public by means of a reverse merger, we may not be able to attract the attention of major brokerage firms.
There may be risks associated with Clear Skies Group, Inc. becoming public through a “reverse merger.” Securities analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there is no incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will, in the future, want to conduct any secondary offerings on behalf of our post-reverse merger company.
If we fail to remain current in our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board, which would limit the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of our shareholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Companies trading on the OTC Bulletin Board, such as us, must be reporting issuers under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and must be current in their reports under Section 13 of the Exchange Act, in order to maintain price quotation privileges on the OTC Bulletin Board. If we fail to remain current in our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTC Bulletin Board. As a result, the market liquidity for our securities could be adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of our shareholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.
Persons associated with securities offerings, including consultants, may be deemed to be broker dealers, which may expose us to claims for rescission or damages.
If our securities are offered without engaging a registered broker-dealer we may face claims for rescission and other remedies. We may become engaged in costly litigation to defend these claims, which would lead to increased expenditures for legal fees and divert managements’ attention from operating the business. If we could not successfully defend these claims, we may be required to return proceeds of any affected offering to investors, which would harm our financial condition.
Failure to cause a registration statement to become effective in a timely manner could materially adversely affect our company.
We have agreed, at our expense, to prepare a registration statement covering the shares of our common stock sold in the private placement that we closed in December 2007 and to use our best efforts to file that registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, by March 23, 2008. As this registration statement is being filed beyond this date we are liable to pay liquidated damages of approximately $2,700 per day. We also agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the effectiveness of such registration statement no later than 180 days after the final closing of the private placement or the date on which the private placement is terminated, whichever occurs later. There are many reasons, including those over which we have no control, which could delay the effectiveness of the registration statement, including delays resulting from the Securities and Exchange Commission review process and comments raised by the Securities and Exchange Commission during that process. Our efforts to have the registration statement declared effective could become extremely costly, and our failure to do so in a timely manner could require us to pay liquidated damages to investors in the private placement, either or both of which could materially adversely affect us.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
| · | changes in our industry; |
| · | competitive pricing pressures; |
| · | our ability to obtain working capital financing; |
| · | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| · | limited “public float” in the hands of a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market price for our common stock; |
| · | sales of our common stock (particularly following effectiveness of the resale registration statement required to be filed in connection with the private placement that we closed in December 2007); |
| · | our ability to execute our business plan; |
| · | operating results that fall below expectations; |
| · | loss of any strategic relationship; |
| · | regulatory developments; |
| · | economic and other external factors; and |
| · | period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results. |
In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. Any return on investment may be limited to the value of our common stock.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on earnings, financial condition and other business and economic factors affecting us at such time as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be less valuable because a return on your investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.
There is currently a limited trading market for our common stock, and we cannot ensure that a liquid market will be established or maintained.
Trading in our common stock began on January 8, 2008 and only a limited market has developed for the purchase and sale of our common stock. We cannot predict how liquid the market for our common stock might become. As soon as is practicable, we anticipate applying for listing of our common stock on either the American Stock Exchange, The NASDAQ Capital Market or other national securities exchange, assuming that we can satisfy the initial listing standards for such exchange. We currently do not satisfy the initial listing standards, and cannot ensure that we will be able to satisfy such listing standards or that our common stock will be accepted for listing on any such exchange. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of such exchanges, or our common stock is otherwise rejected for listing and remains quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or is suspended from the OTC Bulletin Board, the trading price of our common stock could suffer and the trading market for our common stock may be less liquid and our common stock price may be subject to increased volatility.
Furthermore, for companies whose securities are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, it is more difficult (1) to obtain accurate quotations, (2) to obtain coverage for significant news events because major wire services generally do not publish press releases about such companies, and (3) to obtain needed capital.
Our common stock may be deemed a “penny stock,” which would make it more difficult for our investors to sell their shares.
Our common stock may be subject to the “penny stock” rules adopted under Section 15(g) of the Exchange Act. The penny stock rules generally apply to companies whose common stock is not listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market or other national securities exchange and trades at less than $5.00 per share, other than companies that have had average revenue of at least $6,000,000 for the last three years or that have tangible net worth of at least $5,000,000 ($2,000,000 if the company has been operating for three or more years). These rules require, among other things, that brokers who trade penny stock to persons other than “established customers” complete certain documentation, make suitability inquiries of investors and provide investors with certain information concerning trading in the security, including a risk disclosure document and quote information under certain circumstances. Many brokers have decided not to trade penny stocks because of the requirements of the penny stock rules and, as a result, the number of broker-dealers willing to act as market makers in such securities is limited. If we remain subject to the penny stock rules for any significant period, it could have an adverse effect on the market, if any, for our securities. If our securities are subject to the penny stock rules, investors will find it more difficult to dispose of our securities.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including shares issued in the private placement that we closed in December 2007 upon the effectiveness of the registration statement required to be filed, or upon the expiration of any statutory holding period, under Rule 144, or upon expiration of lock-up periods applicable to outstanding shares, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. The shares of our common stock issued to certain of the former stockholders of Clear Skies Group, Inc. in the reverse merger will be subject to a lock-up agreement prohibiting sales of such shares for a period of 15 months following the reverse merger. Following such date, all of those shares will become freely tradable, subject to securities laws and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations regarding sales by insiders. In addition, the shares of our common stock sold in the private placement that we closed in December 2007 and the shares underlying the warrants issued to the placement agent in connection with the private placement will be freely tradable upon the earlier of: (i) effectiveness of a registration statement covering such shares and (ii) the date on which such shares may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (or other applicable exemption) under the Securities Act. Recent revisions to Rule 144 may result in shares of our common stock that we may issue in the future becoming eligible for resale into the public market without registration in as little as six months after their issuance.
Because our directors and executive officers are among our largest stockholders, they can exert significant control over our business and affairs and have actual or potential interests that may depart from those of our other stockholders.
Our directors and executive officers own or control a significant percentage of our common stock. Our directors and executive officers may be deemed beneficially to own an aggregate of approximately 4.6 million shares of our common stock, representing 14.9% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Additionally, these figures do not reflect any increase in beneficial ownership that such persons may experience in the future upon vesting or other maturation of exercise rights under any of the options or warrants they may hold or in the future be granted or if they otherwise acquire additional shares of our common stock. The interests of such persons may differ from the interests of our other stockholders. As a result, in addition to their board seats and offices, such persons will have significant influence over and control all corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, irrespective of how the Company’s other stockholders may vote, including the following actions:
| · | to elect or defeat the election of our directors; |
| · | to amend or prevent amendment of our Certificate of Incorporation or By-laws; |
| · | to effect or prevent a merger, sale of assets or other corporate transaction; and |
| · | to control the outcome of any other matter submitted to our stockholders for vote. |
Such persons’ stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-
LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe,” and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. One can identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address our growth strategy, financial results and product and development programs. Forward-looking statements may involve inaccurate assumptions as well as known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements for the reasons, among others, described within the various sections of this prospectus, and in particular, in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus will in fact occur as projected.
Information regarding market and industry statistics contained in this prospectus included based on information available to us that we believe is accurate. It is generally based on industry and other publications that are not produced for purposes of securities offerings or economic analysis. We have not reviewed or included data from all sources, and cannot assure investors of the accuracy or completeness of the data included in this prospectus. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and the additional uncertainties accompanying any estimates of future market size, revenue and market acceptance of products and services. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement. As a result, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the common stock by the selling stockholders. However, we may receive up to $766,201 from the exercise of the warrants and an option if all such warrants and the option are exercised in full. There can be no assurance that any of the warrants or the option will be exercised by the selling stockholders. We expect to use the proceeds received from the exercise of the warrants and option, if any, for general working capital purposes.
MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
From September 7, 2007 through January 4, 2008, our common stock was quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the trading symbol “BIPO,” and since January 7, 2008, our trading symbol has been “CSKH.” Prior to January 8, 2008, there was no active market for our common stock.
For the period from January 8, 2008 through March 20, 2008, the high and low bid prices for our common stock as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board were $1.02 and $2.40. The quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-ups, mark-downs, or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Holders
As of March 26, 2008, an aggregate of 30,883,723 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and were owned by approximately 68 stockholders of record, based on information provided by our transfer agent.
Dividends
We have not previously paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all available funds to develop our business. We can give no assurances that we will ever have excess funds available to pay dividends.
FINANCIAL POSITION AND PLAN OF OPERATION
This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus and the notes thereto, as well as the other sections of this prospectus, including “Risk Factors” and “Description of Business.” This discussion contains a number of forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risk factors described throughout this Report. See “Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results may differ materially.
Overview
Clear Skies Group, Inc. was incorporated in New York on September 23, 2003 and began operations in August 2005. As a result of the reverse merger, our historical financial statements for periods prior to the reverse merger are those of Clear Skies Group, Inc. We market, sell, design and install solar power systems for commercial and residential customers, sourcing components from third party manufacturers. We currently serve customers in California, New York and New Jersey and have entered into letters of intent with a prospective customer in Georgia. We also plan to expand to other states where the amount of sunshine, the cost of electricity and/or the availability of governmental rebates make prospects of solar energy system sales appear attractive.
With a goal of improving the effectiveness of renewable energy systems, we have developed certain proprietary PV panel mounting systems and trade secrets that we believe reduce the required man-hours for PV system installations. We have also developed XTRAX®, a proprietary remote monitoring solution for measuring the production of renewable energy systems, among other things.
Since we began operations, we have incurred annual net losses. As of December 31, 2007, we had an accumulated deficit of $4,672,981, and we expect to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future. We recognized net losses of $3,612,239 for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through sales of equity and debt securities. From inception through December 31, 2007, we received net offering proceeds from private sales of equity and debt securities (after deducting placement agents’ discounts, commissions and expenses, and our offering expenses) of approximately $6,843,126 in the aggregate.
Based on current plans and assumptions, we believe that our current financial resources, together with our expected net revenues from operations, will be adequate to fund our operations in 2008. Beyond 2008, we may require further financing of our operations before we are able to achieve positive cash flow. There can be no assurance that we will ever generate sufficient revenues to provide positive cash flows from operations. Depending on our actual future results of operations and whether we engage in any strategic transaction or other activities that may consume funds, we may need to raise additional funds through additional public or private offerings of our securities. No assurance can be given that additional sources of funds will be available to us on reasonable terms or at all.
Depending upon the needs of our customers, we may have to increase our installation staff significantly in 2008 to ensure that installations can be completed while applicable rebates remain in effect. We expect that our selling and general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods, as we expand our administrative, sales and installation workforce.
Facilities requirements are a pressing issue for us, as we have already outgrown our current facility. We are looking for a new facility in Long Island as our headquarters that can accommodate our expected needs for the next three years. In addition, we anticipate establishing regional field offices for our sales teams. Accordingly, we expect the rental expense component of our general and administrative expenses to increase in future periods.
We expect our immediate capital expenditures will be related to completing the Beta tests and initial launch of XTRAX®. Cranes and other installation equipment are generally available for rental on reasonable terms, and we do not have plans to acquire any.
Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue: We have two distinct revenue streams that have very different characteristics and payment time cycles. Therefore, we apply a different revenue recognition policy to each category.
Contract Revenue. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, which was surperceded by SAB 104 – “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” we recognize revenues from contracts that we sign directly with the customer using the percentage of completion method. The percentage of completion is calculated by dividing the direct labor and other direct costs incurred by the total estimated direct costs of the project. Contract value is defined as the total value of the contract, plus the value of approved change orders. Estimates of costs to complete are reviewed periodically and modified as required. Provisions are made for the full amount of anticipated losses, on a contract-by-contract basis. These loss provisions are established in the period in which the losses are first determined. Changes in estimates are also reflected in the period they become known. We maintain all risks and rewards of billing. Regardless of the customer’s structure or industry, if we are the lead contractor, then we recognize all revenues from such customers in this manner.
Subcontracting Revenue. From time to time, we perform installation and other services as a subcontractor. These services differ from contract revenue as we are entitled to be compensated for subcontractor work performed prior to completion of the system. We are paid for all invoiced work so long as we complete tasks satisfactorily and invoice the client for our work in a timely manner. We book all revenues from projects where we act as subcontractor to our income statement as they are received from the client.
Cost Recognition: Contract costs include all direct materials, labor, and equipment costs, and those indirect costs related to performance such as indirect labor, supplies, and tools costs. We make provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions, and final contract settlements may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revenues are determined.
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings consist of our costs to acquire materials that we purchased for projects which had not been completed as of the relevant balance sheet date. These costs are charged to the project as they are installed.
Manufacturer and Installation Warranties: We warrant our products and services against defects in material or installation workmanship. The manufacturer’s warranty period on the solar panels and the inverters we use have a warranty period range of five to twenty-five years. We assist the customer in the event that the manufacturer warranty needs to be used to replace a defective panel or inverter. We provide for a five-year warranty on the installation of a system and all equipment and identical supplies other than solar panels and inverters that are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. We record a provision for the installation warranty, within cost of sales - currently at 2% of contract revenue - based on historical experience and future expectations of the probable cost to be incurred in honoring our warranty commitment.
Common Stock Issuance: In September 2005, Clear Skies Group, Inc. agreed to grant: (i) 120,000 shares of its common stock to three individuals as consideration for their service on the board of directors; (ii) 160,000 shares of its common stock to two entities, as consideration for certain consulting and other services; and (iii) 200,000 shares of its common stock to three individuals, in exchange for consulting and other services to assist in its commencement of operations. As a result of the above transactions and capital advances of $310,000 in September 2005 and $200,000 in April 2006, Clear Skies Group, Inc. became contractually obligated to issue shares in excess of its 200 then authorized shares. As a result, we recorded a liability of approximately $894,000, as of December 31, 2006, for the value of such contractual obligations.
Due to the contractual obligation to issue the excess shares, Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Board of Directors, with stockholder approval, passed a resolution to increase its authorized shares to 10,000,000. On January 30, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended to authorize Clear Skies Group, Inc. to issue 10,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Upon the amendment to Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Certificate of Incorporation, the obligation to issue such shares was fulfilled and the liability was reclassified to stockholders equity as Common Stock, to the extent of the aggregate par value of such shares, with the excess reclassified as Additional Paid-In Capital. Upon consummation of our reverse merger, all such shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock were exchanged for shares of our common stock.
Results of Operations: Comparison of Fiscal 2007 and 2006
Generally, we anticipate that our operating costs and expenses will increase in the future to support a higher level of revenues. Increased costs will be attributable to increased personnel, principally sales personnel and support staff for a multi-office infrastructure and increased marketing expenditures to promote our services. In addition, as a public reporting entity, compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations will increase our general and administrative costs substantially.
Although we had income from operations in each of the last two fiscal years, a major impediment to fully executing our business plan in 2007 was a lack of operating capital and the time spent by members of management obtaining financing. Accordingly, a comparison of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 may be of limited probative value.
Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $298,974 compared to $936,596 for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $637,622 decrease in revenue is primarily due to our lack of operational capital with which to execute the business plan. The shift in focus of our marketing efforts from residential sales and installations to commercial projects of up to one megawatt in size also had an impact. These commercial projects provide greater revenues and margins, but have significantly longer lead times. In addition, our move towards managing more of our own projects rather than serving as a subcontractor has caused delays in our recognition of revenue, since subcontractor revenue is generally recognized immediately but contract revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold were $268,707 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, compared to $701,702 for the prior year. The $432,995 decrease in cost of goods sold (and the resulting decline in gross margin from 25% of total revenue to 10%) is primarily due to the delay in contract completion which resulted in higher job costs in 2007.
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, of approximately $27,641 at December 31, 2007, compared to $79,875 at December 31, 2006, consist of our costs incurred to acquire and partially install systems for certain projects that exceeded the to date billing for that project, as of the balance sheet date. As the work on projects begun in 2006 progressed in 2007, the revenue was recognized in its appropriate period.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses are composed of selling expenses and general and administrative expenses. Operating expenses increased to $2,827,040 for the 2007 year from $689,470 for the prior year. The $2,137,570 (or 310%) increase is due in part to $732,429 of deferred compensation that impacted 2007 compared to $96,000 in 2006. In addition, a period to period increase of $269,717 results from increased personnel costs. Furthermore, an expenditure increase of $135,205 in the fiscal year 2007 resulted from auditing costs. Various legal costs relating to the settlement with Alpha Technologies, business development, and obtaining financing resulted in legal expenditures of $267,538 in 2007, compared to $14,908 in 2006, an increase of $252,630. In 2007 we had new expenditures of $137,462 for Investor Relations. Selling expenses increased by $193,786 to $468,858 for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $215,071 in 2006. Increased sales personnel costs in 2007 over 2006 totaled $232,099. The remaining difference for the 2007 increase compared to 2006 is attributable to various costs associated with expanding operations in new markets and overall increased sales and marketing efforts in 2007.
Other Expenses
Interest expense in 2007 totaled $40,199 compared to $63 in 2006. Furthermore, in 2007, we had a non-cash amortization of the debt discount expense resulting from the issuance of $745,000 of Bridge Notes.
Cash Flows from Operations
Non-cash items totaled $1,467,966 in 2007, compared to $169,833 in 2006. This increase of $1,298,133 (764%) is due to the charges associated with stock compensation to staff, vendors, and directors, as well as the amortization of the Bridge Notes we sold in August and September of 2007 that were exchanged for shares in the Reverse Merger.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2007, we had an accumulated deficit of $4,672,981, and we expect to incur additional losses in the foreseeable future. While we have funded our operations since inception through private placements of equity and bridge loans, there can be no assurance that adequate financing will continue to be available to us and, if available, on terms that are favorable to us.
At December 31, 2007, we had approximately $4,900,000 in cash and cash equivalents. We believe that our existing funds will be sufficient to fund our currently planned operations at least through December 31, 2008. If we are unable to successfully implement our business plan, or if our plans are modified, then our current resources may be exhausted sooner.
Clear Skies Group, Inc. began operations in August 2005, and raised $310,000 of gross proceeds from a private placement offering of securities to Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy, LLC (“Rudd-Klein”) that closed on September 30, 2005. On April 18, 2006, Rudd-Klein funded the remaining $100,000 of the purchase price in such private placement. On April 25, 2006, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold its common stock in an additional private placement transaction that raised gross proceeds of $100,000. From April 26, 2007 through July 26, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold its common stock and warrants to two separate purchasers in a series of private placement transactions that raised aggregate gross proceeds of $95,000. In the quarter ended September 30, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. issued an aggregate of $745,000 principal amount of bridge notes in a private placement transaction. The purchasers of such bridge notes paid an aggregate gross purchase price of $745,000 for such bridge notes and shares of common stock of Clear Skies Group, Inc. In accordance with the terms of the bridge notes, the holders of all $745,000 of outstanding principal amount of bridge notes invested in our private placement that closed in December 2007 by exchanging such bridge notes for an aggregate of 1,490,000 shares of our common stock (i.e. the number of shares of our common stock offered for sale in the Private Placement for an aggregate purchase price of $745,000). The accrued interest on such bridge notes was paid out of the proceeds of the December 2007 private placement. In the fourth quarter of 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. borrowed an aggregate of $250,000 and issued 8% promissory notes to evidence such borrowing, which notes were repaid upon closing of the private placement in December 2007. In closings on December 20, 2007 and December 24, 2007, we raised an aggregate of approximately $5,931,000 in net proceeds (in addition to eliminating $745,000 of indebtedness) from the private placement of 16,000,000 shares of our common stock.
Several of our officers and directors, or their affiliates, have from time to time extended loans to Clear Skies Group, Inc. or agreed to defer compensation payable to them in order to fund our operating expenses. In this regard: (i) Quixotic Systems, Inc. (“Quixotic”), an affiliate of Richard Klein, who is a member of our board of directors, loaned $285,000 ($175,000 of which constitute amounts Quixotic has paid in connection with a settlement agreement described below under “Legal Proceedings”), which loan had been repaid in full, together with 10% interest compounded daily, by December 31, 2007; and (ii) Gelvin Stevenson, our Secretary and Treasurer loaned $20,000, which had been repaid in full as of December 31, 2007. Furthermore, Ezra Green, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, agreed to the deferral of $73,259 of his compensation, of which $69,366 remained unpaid as of December 31, 2007 (and was booked as a balance due to related party at December 31, 2007). As of March 18, 2008, Mr. Green’s deferred compensation had been paid in full. In addition, Mr. Green had advanced $30,275 to us in 2006 and an additional $70,037 to us in 2007 (which has been booked as a balance of $100,312 due to related party at December 31, 2007). This related party transaction was also repaid in full by March 18, 2008. Such loans and other arrangements were interest free (except for Quixotic) and had not been memorialized by written promissory notes. In consideration for the extension and maintenance of such credit and deferral of salary, on May 7, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. granted Mr. Green, Quixotic and Dr. Stevenson securities that were exchanged for 610,452, 290,691 and 77,517 shares of our common stock, respectively, in our reverse merger.
We may need to raise additional funds through either the licensing or sale of our technologies, products and services or the additional public or private offerings of our securities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain further financing, do so on reasonable terms, or do so on terms that would not substantially dilute our current stockholders’ equity interests in us. If we are unable to raise additional funds on a timely basis, or at all, we may not be able to continue our operations.
We expect to put our capital resources, which included $4,900,000 of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2007, to the following uses:
| · | towards our $500,000 budget for the engagement of investor relations and public relations firms for the twelve months following the closing of the reverse merger; |
| · | possibly for strategic acquisitions, if and to the extent we determine appropriate; and |
| · | for general working capital purposes. |
Commitments and Contingencies
We entered into employment agreements with Ezra J. Green to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, with Robert Parker to serve as our Chief Operating Officer and with Arthur L. Goldberg to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. The initial terms of the agreements are two years, with automatic one-year renewals following this two-year period. Pursuant to the agreements as amended, Messrs. Green, Parker and Goldberg are to receive annual base salaries of $250,000, $125,000 and $175,000, respectively, for the first two years, and then an agreed upon salary (of not less than the amount specified above) for each future year of employment. Each of Messrs. Green, Parker and Goldberg will be entitled to an annual bonus of $50,000 in the first year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $5,000,000 during such year and. an annual bonus of $75,000 in the second year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $10,000,000 during such year. If any of such executives’ employment is terminated without cause or if any resigns for good reason (as defined in their employment agreements), then we will be obligated to pay the terminated executive, as severance, his then current annual base salary and annual bonuses (as such is defined within the relevant agreement) for the remainder of the term (or for six months, if longer than the remainder of the term). Our Board of Directors has granted options under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan to each of Messrs. Green, Parker and Goldberg to purchase 250,000, 200,000 and 150,000 shares of our common stock, respectively. All such options vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of February 6, 2008. The options granted to Mr. Green expire on February 5, 2013 and have an exercise price of $1.694 per share (110% of the fair market value on the date of grant). The options granted to Mr. Parker and Mr. Goldberg expire on February 5, 2018 and have an exercise price of $1.54 per share (100% of the fair market value on the date of grant).
We rent office space at 5020 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900 and additional storage space. There is no annual contract or lease obligation with respect to our rented properties.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements in accounting pronouncements where fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. However, for some entities, the application of this statement will change current practice for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS 157 on its definition and measurement of fair value and disclosure requirements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 but does not expect that it will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), "Business Combinations). SFAS No. 141(R) provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions for business combinations occurring in fiscal 2009 and thereafter. Early adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) is not permitted.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
BUSINESS
Corporate History
Our wholly owned operating subsidiary, Clear Skies Group, Inc., was formed in New York on September 23, 2003 for the purpose of providing turnkey solar electricity installations and renewable energy technology solutions to commercial and residential customers across the United States. BIP Oil, Inc. was formed as a Nevada corporation on January 31, 2007, for the purpose of importing, marketing and distributing Greek olive oils, olives and spices in the United States. On December 12, 2007, BIP Oil Inc. formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation. On December 18, 2007, BIP Oil, Inc. was merged with and into Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., for the purpose of changing its state of incorporation to Delaware from Nevada and changing its name.
On December 20, 2007, we closed a reverse merger transaction pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. merged with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., and Clear Skies Group, Inc., as the surviving corporation, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. Immediately following the closing of the reverse merger, under the terms of a split-off agreement, we transferred all of our pre-merger operating assets and liabilities to our wholly owned subsidiary, BIP Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and transferred all of its outstanding capital stock to our then-majority stockholders in exchange for cancellation of shares of our common stock held by those stockholders.
After the reverse merger and the split-off, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. succeeded to the business of Clear Skies Group, Inc. as its sole line of business, and all of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc.’s then-current officers and directors resigned and were replaced by Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s officers and directors. In addition, on January 25, 2008, we changed our name from Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. to Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
Our Business
We are a designer and integrator of solar power systems. We market, sell, design and install systems for commercial and residential customers, sourcing components (such as solar modules and inverters) from manufacturers such as Sharp, Solar-Fabrik AG, General Electric, SMA America and XANTRAX. We commenced operations in August 2005 and received our initial funding from Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy, LLC in September 2005. We used those funds and shares of our stock to acquire certain assets of S&T Electric and TAL Design & Construction, to file patent applications with respect to proprietary technology we had developed, and to fund our operations. S&T Electric was a licensed electrical contracting business that provided residential and commercial services in New York for 12 years and was owned and operated by William O’Connor, our Vice President of Operations and another individual. The assets we acquired from S&T Electric included their licenses and certifications. TAL Design & Construction was a design and construction firm owned and operated by Ezra J. Green, our Chief Executive Officer.
We currently serve customers in California, New York and New Jersey and have entered into a letter of intent with a prospective customer in Georgia. We also plan to expand to other states where the amount of sunshine, the cost of electricity and/or the availability of governmental rebates make our prospects of solar energy system sales appear attractive to us. We not only supply and install solar power systems, but we also seek to develop new technologies and products that will promote the expansion of the industry. Our commitment to improving the effectiveness of renewable energy systems has yielded developments that include proprietary PV panel mounting systems and trade secrets that reduce the required man-hours on system installations.
We deliver turnkey solar electricity installations and renewable energy technology solutions to commercial and residential customers across the United States. Our primary business is the installation of photovoltaic (sometimes called “solar electric” or “PV” for short) solar power panels to the residential and commercial markets. We believe that our construction background, through S&T Electric and TAL Design & Construction, provides us with real world experience in delivering results quickly and cost-effectively for our customers. We have also developed XTRAX®, a proprietary remote monitoring solution for measuring the production of renewable energy systems, among other things.
Through Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s own licenses and those of our strategic allies, we are licensed to perform installations in California, Florida, New Jersey and New York, with immediate plans to expand operations to Arizona, Georgia and Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. We also plan to expand to other States where the amount of sunshine, the cost of electricity and/or the availability of governmental rebates make our prospects of solar energy system sales appear attractive to us.
Photovoltaic Product and Service Line
We offer a number of PV products and services that seek to generate revenue from initial installation activities, as well as potential recurring revenues from an installed base of customers. Such products and services include the following:
Commercial Solar Installations. We install commercial solar systems of any size, with a focus on systems that produce one Megawatt or less. This is an area of the market that we believe is underserved. The financial considerations of a project depend significantly upon the available tax credits and depreciation schedules available. This sector offers the possibility of integrating our monitoring services and generating additional business from existing clients with multiple locations.
Residential Solar Installations. We install residential solar systems for medium to large-sized homes that average a 6.5 kilowatt (KW) system.
Other Markets. In addition to residential and commercial PV installations that include corporate buildings and multi-dwelling residential buildings, subject to receipt of adequate financing, we currently intend to pursue three specific additional markets: agricultural systems; petroleum field systems; and non-profit and institutional clients.
| (i) | Agricultural Systems. We believe that farms (including vineyards) typically have accessible land or roof space that can accommodate a PV system that can meet their electricity needs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are more than 21 million farms in the United States. We believe that the typical farm requires a system installation that exceeds $1 million at current prices, due to their level of power demand. |
| (ii) | Petroleum Field Systems. According to Gibson Consulting’s website, there are approximately 510,000 oil wells in the US that pump about 10.5 barrels of oil per day on average. Our energy systems can replace diesel generators that power the pumps, heat water and inject steam into wells to increase production, while also adding the ability to remotely monitor the equipment and the well’s production. Our systems that service one stripper well will sell for approximately $80,000 to $200,000 at current prices. |
| (iii) | Non-Profit & Institutional Clients. Nonprofit and institutional customers cannot directly benefit from tax credits or depreciation. However, we have identified third parties that are able to arrange power purchase agreements and financing that captures the value of accelerated depreciation and tax credits through third-party investment financing. |
Customized Installation Equipment. We have developed a Ballasted Roof Mounting System with Custom Recycled Rubber Feet that is less expensive than comparable roof mounting systems. This mounting system also speeds up the installation process, puts less stress on commercial roofs and has a reduced environmental impact. We also offer a Residential PV Trim Kit that is intended to improve the aesthetic look of residential PV installations.
Industrial Commercial Solarthermal. Solar-thermal systems can supplement solar electric systems. These systems heat water directed to a boiler, hot water heater, or separate storage tank. Although these systems require maintenance, solar-thermal is another way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Solar thermal is primarily used for commercial, industrial, or large residential buildings with high water usage. This is a secondary product of ours that will be offered as a complement to commercial PV installations.
Remote Monitoring Products
XTRAX® is our patented system for remotely monitoring the energy production of renewable energy systems and provides fault notification. The design philosophy behind XTRAX® is to avoid using expensive and awkward personal computers for simple monitoring tasks. The XTRAX® hardware monitor uses a minimalist approach by integrating a microcontroller, an energy measurement, a cellular card and miscellaneous interface components to provide a small and relatively low cost hardware platform. This platform is capable of being utilized for a variety of measurements, including but not limited to, electrical energy production, temperature, volume and flow. The XTRAX® hardware monitor is backed up by a database application for the retrieval and reporting of data to owners, customers, and aggregators. The XTRAX® system as a whole also provides users the ability to retrieve reports through a website or text message.
Once launched, we expect XTRAX® to generate recurring revenues. We plan to sell XTRAX® to our installation customers as well as to other PV installers and utilities. We believe that XTRAX® will enable us to acquire and validate Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and provide information regarding greenhouse gas emissions that may support the generation of Carbon Credits. Development of our XTRAX® system may also open other potential markets, such as the ability to monitor heat and flow rates for such applications as irrigation, oil well monitoring, and solar thermal measurement. We are ready to begin beta testing of our proprietary software, and we expect to outsource the manufacturing of XTRAX®. We plan to commercially launch XTRAX® by the end of 2008.
Potential improvements in our XTRAX® technology and related applications that we are pursuing include the following:
Expanded Capabilities. We are working to configure XTRAX® to monitor additional parameters including heat and liquid flow. This would open the possibility of our pursuing the following applications, either directly or through out-licensing:
| (i) | Remote verification of water usage quantities, flow rate, and quality. Potential customers range from golf courses to municipalities to irrigation systems to environmental testing. |
| (ii) | Remotely monitoring the volume of petroleum storage tanks; and |
| (iii) | Remotely monitoring the production of solar thermal energy systems. |
Greater Distances. We are developing MAXTRAX, a remote monitoring product that uses radio and satellite uplinks. Through this product, we hope to enable monitoring in isolated, rural locations in which XTRAX®, with its cellular capability, would not be effective.
The Market Opportunity
The price of oil in U.S. Dollars is at or near its historic high and global energy demand has been growing. We believe that sunlight has long been a vast but underutilized source of energy. We also believe that the combination of recent solar energy technology improvements and the high cost of fossil fuels will provide economic incentives for adoption of alternative energy sources. Furthermore, we believe that RECs and Carbon Credits may grow in demand if the regulatory landscape moves towards market-based cap and trade systems.
Competitive Factors
We face intense competition in both the installation and monitoring fields, and many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than we do.
There are hundreds of PV installation companies in the United States. Some of our principal PV installation competitors include the following:
Akeena Solar (www.akeena.net). Akeena Solar is one of the largest national installers of solar power systems. The firm installs turn-key solar power systems for residential and commercial customers in California, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
GoSolar (www.gosolar.com). GoSolar is a PV installation company focused on residential systems, solar thermal, and wind power. The company is located in Suffolk County, New York and specializes in the Long Island region.
PowerLight (www.powerlight.com). PowerLight is a wholly owned subsidiary of SunPower that is focused on large-scale commercial projects. Since 1995, PowerLight has designed, developed, and delivered more large-scale solar power systems (>500 KW) than any other global solar electric provider. PowerLight is headquartered in California, with additional management in Trenton, New Jersey and Geneva, Switzerland and has employees throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
The Solar Center (www.thesolarcenter.com). The Solar Center is a large regional competitor that installs in New Jersey, southern New York, Long Island, and Connecticut.
SunEdison (www.sunedison.com). Sun Edison launched in 2004 and two years later received $26 million in venture money from a group led by Goldman Sachs. SunEdison is focused on large scale commercial and government projects, ignoring the residential market. SunEdison delivers solar electricity as a service, not a product. SunEdison is an extremely capital intensive operation, because the company owns and operates the generating assets, not the customer. SunEdison also provides monitoring services.
The principal monitoring competitors that XTRAX® will compete with, are currently:
Fat Spaniel (www.fatspaniel.com). Fat Spaniel delivers computer-based remote monitoring of solar installations. This system can send alerts via e-mail or text message if the inverter is shut down.
Inverter-specific Communications. Some inverter manufacturers are attempting to improve this technology with new features, such as SMA’s SunnyBoy inverters. Such new features include communication capability in the standard inverter required on all PV system interconnections, through an optional socket modem attached to the existing power line. This software enables continuous monitoring and can record the performance of a PV system on a personal computer through the Windows-based program Sunny Data. The device can also send and receive data and commands to and from a central monitoring device.
DigiRemote Power Manager (www.digi.com). Digi International’s Digi RPM is an intelligent power distribution unit that can: remotely turn devices on and off; measure electrical load and monitor ambient temperature; and integrate with additional devices to provide power management over Ethernet and Internet connections.
Intellectual Property
We have developed several proprietary technologies and systems. We have one issued U.S. patent for “A Remote Access Energy Meter System and Method” (No. 7,336,201) and expect to file other patent applications in the U.S., the European Union, China and other jurisdictions where we deem it appropriate to do so. In addition to our patent and potential future patent applications, we also have trade secrets and know-how. Our staff is actively exploring new products or devices, systems and methods for installing, monitoring and/or supporting solar installations that lower the cost and time required for installation.
Property
We lease approximately 600 square feet of office space at our current location of 5020 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900 from Destiny LLC on a monthly basis. The rent for this space is currently $3,485 per month. We also rent storage space from United Store-all on a monthly basis. There is no annual contract or lease obligation with respect to the properties we rent.
Employees
We currently have 14 employees, including our officers. We hired our first dedicated sales and sales-support employee in October 2006 and hired Rami Mikhail as our Executive Vice President - Sales in February 2007. We estimate that a minimum of three sales people and two additional installation staff will be required to close the prospects currently in our sales pipeline. We hope to keep our operating costs low by using supplemental contract labor and subcontracting portions of work to installers and other specialists, as is common in the construction industry.
Legal Proceedings
On July 19, 2007, a complaint was filed in the lawsuit titled Alpha Energy, a division of Alpha Technologies Services, Inc. v. Quixotic Systems, Inc., in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, Case No. 2:07-cv-1130-MJB. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Quixotic purchased approximately $270,000 worth of power systems components from Alpha Energy for which Quixotic had not timely and fully paid. Quixotic had ordered the power systems components in question on behalf of Clear Skies Group, Inc. and such components were shipped to or as directed by Clear Skies Group, Inc. In August 2007, Alpha, Quixotic and Clear Skies Group, Inc. entered into a settlement agreement, pursuant to which Quixotic and Clear Skies Group, Inc. agreed, jointly and severally, to pay an aggregate of $206,778 to Alpha to settle the Alpha lawsuit. The settlement agreement provided that Clear Skies Group, Inc. and/or Quixotic would pay Alpha $75,000 within 72 hours of execution of the settlement agreement, $25,000 each month for five consecutive months thereafter, and the remaining $6,778 no later than February 15, 2008. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Quixotic and Clear Skies Group, Inc. executed a confession of judgment in the amount of approximately $251,014, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which Alpha agreed to hold in trust pending payment in full of the $206,778 settlement amount by Clear Skies Group, Inc. and/or Quixotic. Also, pursuant to the settlement agreement, the Alpha lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice and without award of costs or attorneys’ fees to any party, and the parties exchanged mutual releases relating to the Alpha lawsuit. All payments due to Alpha under the Settlement Agreement were timely made, with the final payment made by us on December 21, 2007, and we have reimbursed Quixotic in full for $175,000 of settlement payments that they had advanced to Alpha. The confession of judgment referred to above has been destroyed.
Other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business that we do not expect, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on us, there is no currently pending legal proceeding and, as far as we are aware, no governmental authority is contemplating any proceeding to which we are a party or to which any of our properties is subject.
The following table sets forth the names and positions of our directors and executive officers and other key personnel as of March 20, 2008:
Name | | Age | | Position |
Ezra J. Green | | 47 | | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman |
Robert L. Dockweiler, Jr. | | 47 | | Director of Engineering |
Arthur L. Goldberg | | 69 | | Chief Financial Officer |
Richard Klein | | 52 | | Director |
Pamela Newman, Ph.D. | | 60 | | Director |
William O’Connor | | 44 | | Vice President – Operations |
Robert Parker | | 32 | | Chief Operating Officer |
Gelvin Stevenson, Ph.D. | | 63 | | Secretary, Treasurer and Director |
Our directors hold office until the earlier of their death, resignation or removal or until their successors have been elected and qualified. Our officers are elected annually by, and serve at the pleasure of, our board of directors.
Biographies
Ezra J. Green (Chief Executive Officer and Chairman). Ezra Green has been Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the registrant since the consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007. Ezra Green has been involved with renewable energy companies for seven years and founded Clear Skies Group, Inc. in 2003. Prior to launching Clear Skies Group, Inc., Mr. Green was a successful entrepreneur who founded TAL Design & Construction in 1990, a general contracting firm. Mr. Green has 25 years experience in the construction business, including those in which he led TAL Design & Construction to top rankings for excellence and customer satisfaction in The Franklin Report. TAL Design & Construction consulted on interior design and performed high-end commercial and residential construction in New York City and Long Island. Ezra began his career as a software engineer and programmer.
Robert L. Dockweiler, Jr. (Director of Engineering). Robert Dockweiler joined Clear Skies Group, Inc. as Director of Engineering in October 2005 and took over the same capacity of the registrant upon the consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007. Mr. Dockweiler is responsible for the development of XTRAX® and overseeing Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s engineering team. Prior to joining Clear Skies, Mr. Dockweiler spent 20 years as a Senior Systems Engineer for EEG Enterprises, an engineering firm that provides software for the broadcast, postproduction, and educational industries. Mr. Dockweiler was responsible for designing software, personal computer mother board layouts, integrated communications hardware and software systems, and programming embedded firmware for real-time video data encoders. Mr. Dockweiler earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from SUNY – Farmingdale.
Arthur L. Goldberg (Chief Financial Officer). Arthur Goldberg joined us as our Chief Financial Officer effective January 21, 2008. Previously he served as CFO of Milestone Scientific, Inc., a publicly traded company that had developed and is marketing a device for painless injections for both dental and medical purposes. Before that he served as Chief Administrative and Financial Officer of St. Luke’s School, a private college preparatory school. Before working at St. Luke’s School Mr. Goldberg was a partner in the firm Tatum CFO Partners, LLP from 1999 to 2006. Tatum’s business was the furnishing of CFO services on an interim or special project basis. Before Tatum Mr. Goldberg served as CFO of various public and privately owned businesses. He earned an MBA degree from the University of Chicago, JD and LLM degrees from the School of Law at New York University and his bachelor’s degree from the City College of New York. Mr. Goldberg is also a certified public accountant.
Richard Klein (Director). Richard Klein has been a member of the registrant’s board of directors upon consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007. Mr. Klein joined Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s board of directors in October 2005, in connection with Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy LLC’s investment in Clear Skies Group, Inc. Mr. Klein is also CEO and Founder (in 2000) of Quixotic Systems Inc., a system integrator of solar electric and thermal systems based in New York City. Mr. Klein currently has several U.S. Patents pending in the domain of solar energy. Mr. Klein formed with his brothers, and manages, the Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy LLC (commencing in 2005) and the Phoenix Fire Funds (commencing in 2006) to invest in clean energy technology companies. Mr. Klein sits on the Boards of several private companies, including Prism Solar and Own Energy. Mr. Klein serves on the advisory board of Solaria Corporation. Mr. Klein is a native of New York City and a former high school Mathematics instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Colgate University.
Pamela J. Newman, PhD (Director). Pamela J. Newman joined the registrant’s board of directors upon consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007 and was a member of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s board of directors since October 2005. Dr. Newman has been an Executive Vice President at AON Corporation, specializing in Fortune 500 international clients, since 1991. Before joining AON, Dr. Newman worked for Marsh & McLennan from 1979 to 1991 and, before that, she worked for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. from 1975 to 1979. Dr. Newman is a member of the board of directors of the publicly listed Ivivi Technologies, Inc. and also serves on the boards of several private companies, including RKO Pictures and Interactive Metronome. Dr. Newman serves on the Medical Center Advisory Board of the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center and on the Board of the McGowan Transplant Center, the Brain Trauma Foundation and American ORT. Dr. Newman also serves on the Board of Trustees of The American University of Paris, the Corporate Board of Carnegie Hall and the Associate Committee of The Julliard School and is a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association. Dr. Newman has co-authored two books; “Organizational Communications” and “Behind Closed Doors; A Guide to Effective Meetings.” Dr. Newman earned her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. all from The University of Michigan and serves on the Horace Rackham University of Michigan Graduate School Board of Advisors.
William O’Connor (Vice President – Operations). William O’Connor was appointed Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Vice President of Operations in September 2006 and took over the same capacity of the registrant upon the consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007. Mr. O’Connor is responsible for job site supervision and overseeing system installations. Mr. O’Connor received his Master Electrician licensing in New York in 1996 and, prior to joining Clear Skies Group, Inc. in 2005, owned and operated Bill O’Connor Electric, from 1996 to 1999, and S&T Electric Corp., from 1999 to 2005.
Robert F. Parker (Chief Operating Officer). Robert Parker has been Chief Operating Officer of the registrant since the consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007. Robert Parker became Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer in January 2007 and was previously a Senior Associate at Strategic Ventures & Research (“SVR”), a boutique investment bank and consulting firm for early stage companies in the renewable energy sector, from 2005 through 2006. At SVR, Mr. Parker assisted clients in all phases of the capital raising process and was responsible for developing and expanding the firm’s network with investors, while overseeing all office operations. Before joining SVR, Mr. Parker served as Chief Financial Officer at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s New York regional headquarters from 2002 through 2004. Mr. Parker was a Director at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation from 1998 through 2001, where he oversaw a wide range of strategic initiatives to improve North American operations by integrating marketing, communications, fundraising, and client-service programs. Early in his career, Mr. Parker worked as an Account Executive at Williams Communications Solutions. He earned an MBA cum laude from Loyola University – Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University.
Gelvin Stevenson, PhD (Secretary, Treasurer and Director). Gelvin Stevenson joined the registrant’s board of directors upon consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007 and was a member of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s board of directors since August 2005. Dr. Stevenson has been Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Treasurer since March 2007 and was also appointed Secretary in August 2007. Dr. Stevenson is an economist and served as an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Economics at Cooper Union and Pratt Institute in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Dr. Stevenson is a Program Director for the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership (since 2002), consults for the clean energy industry and has organized numerous financing forums for start-up clean energy companies. Dr. Stevenson has been an Investment Consultant to the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin for over 12 years, and served as Director of Investment Responsibility for the NYC Comptroller’s Office in 1992, when it managed over $40 billion in pension funds. Dr. Stevenson was Economic and Corporate Finance Editor at Business Week magazine from 1977 to 1984, and his writings have appeared in the Business and the Real Estate Sections of the New York Times, New York Magazine and elsewhere. Dr. Stevenson formerly held a Series 7 securities license and is currently a Public Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (formerly NASD). Dr. Stevenson holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College and both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis.
There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.
Director Compensation
We have not compensated members of our board of directors for acting in such capacity, except that, in September 2005, Clear Skies Group, Inc. granted three of its directors shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. common stock for agreeing to serve on its board of directors for a three year term. The shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. common stock granted to each such director were exchanged for 77,518 shares of our common stock in our reverse merger.
Our directors did not receive any compensation for services in our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. In the future we may determine to compensate our directors with cash and/or equity awards. We currently reimburse our directors for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their services as directors.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance
We currently have directors’ and officers’ liability insurance insuring our directors and officers against liability for acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, subject to certain exclusions. Such insurance also insures us against losses which we may incur in indemnifying our officers and directors. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with key officers and directors and such persons shall also have indemnification rights under applicable laws, and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
Code of Ethics
We intend to adopt a code of ethics that will apply to our officers, directors and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and, once we have one, our principal financial officer, but have not done so to date due to the relatively small size of our management and operations.
Board Committees
Our board of directors has only one standing committee (a compensation committee which does not meet the requirements of a compensation committee for the purposes of our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan). Our compensation committee, comprised of Mr. Klein, Dr. Newman and Dr. Stevenson, was constituted on February 6, 2008, and did not meet during the year ended December 31, 2007. We expect our board of directors, in the future, to appoint an audit committee, a nominating committee and a compensation committee that meets the requirements of our 2007 Equity Inactive Plan, and to adopt charters relative to each such committee. We intend to appoint such persons to committees of the board of directors as are expected to be required to meet the corporate governance requirements imposed by a national securities exchange, although we are not required to comply with such requirements until we elect to seek listing on a national securities exchange.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The table below sets forth, for the last two fiscal years, the compensation earned by each person acting as our Chief Executive Officer and our other most highly compensated executive officer whose total annual compensation exceeded $100,000 (together, the “Named Executive Officers”). Except as provided below, none of our executive officers received annual compensation in excess of $100,000 during the last two fiscal years.
| |
| | Year | | Salary | | Bonus | | Stock Awards | | Option Awards | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | | Nonqualified Deferred Compensation | | Other | | Total | |
Ezra Green | | | 2007 | | $ | 98,441 | | | - | | $ | 258,300 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | $ | 26,559 | | $ | 383,300 | |
CEO and Chairman (1) | | | 2006 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | $ | 125,000 | | $ | 125,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bobby Stanley | | | 2007 | | | - | | | - | | $ | 2,475 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | | - | | $ | 2,475 | |
President and CEO (2) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Robert Parker | | | 2007 | | $ | 92,307 | | | - | | $ | 49,200 | | | - | | | - | | | - | | $ | 115,850 | | $ | 257,357 | |
COO (3) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) | On December 20, 2007, in connection with our reverse merger, Mr. Green became the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Mr. Green had served in the same capacities for Clear Skies Group, Inc. since he founded it in 2003. Other compensation consists of consulting fees to a company controlled by Mr. Green for his consulting services. |
(2) | Mr. Stanley served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the registrant from its founding in January 2007 until the closing of the reverse merger on December 20, 2007. |
(3) | On December 20, 2007, in connection with our reverse merger, Mr. Parker became the registrant’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Parker had served in the same capacities for Clear Skies Group, Inc. since January 2007. Other compensation consists of $115,850 paid to Mr. Parker for consulting services in 2007. |
Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Mr. Green
On December 20, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Green to serve as our Chief Executive Officer. The initial term of the agreement is two years, with automatic one-year renewals following this two-year period. Pursuant to the agreement, as amended, Mr. Green is to receive an annual base salary of $250,000 for the first two years, and then an agreed upon salary (of not less than $250,000) for any future years of employment. Mr. Green will be entitled to an annual bonus of $50,000 in the first year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $5,000,000 in the first twelve months after the Merge and an annual bonus of $75,000 in the second year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $10,000,000 in the second twelve months after our reverse merger. On February 6, 2008, our board of directors granted Mr. Green an option to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock. Such option has a strike price of $1.694 per share, vests in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expires on February 5, 2013. If Mr. Green’s employment is terminated without “cause” or if he resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then we will be obligated to pay him, as severance, his then current annual base salary and annual bonuses (as such is defined within the agreement) for the remainder of the term, payable in accordance with our standard payroll procedures. Under the agreement, if Mr. Green is terminated with cause or if he voluntarily resigns (other than for good reason), then he is prohibited from competing with us during the initial two-year term of employment and for one year after the termination of his employment (should this be greater than the initial two-year term).
Employment Agreement with Mr. Parker
On December 20, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Parker to serve as our Chief Operating Officer. The initial term of the agreement is two years, with automatic one-year renewals following this two-year period. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Parker is to receive an annual base salary of $125,000 for the first two years, and then an agreed upon salary (of not less than $125,000) for any future years of employment. Mr. Parker will be entitled to an annual bonus of $50,000 in the first year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $5,000,000 in the first twelve months after our reverse merger and an annual bonus of $75,000 in the second year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $10,000,000 in the second twelve months after our reverse merger. On February 6, 2008, our board of directors granted Mr. Parker an option to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock. Such option has a strike price of $1.54 per share, vests in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expires on February 5, 2018. If Mr. Parker’s employment is terminated without “cause” or if he resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then we will be obligated to pay him, as severance, his then current annual base salary and annual bonuses (as such is defined within the agreement) for the remainder of the term, payable in accordance with our standard payroll procedures. Under the agreement, if Mr. Parker is terminated with cause or if he voluntarily resigns (other than for good reason), then he is prohibited from competing with us during the initial two-year term of employment and for one year after the termination of his employment (should this be greater than the initial two-year term).
Employment Agreement with Mr. Goldberg
On December 31, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Goldberg to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. The initial term of the agreement is two years commencing on January 21, 2008, with automatic one-year renewals following this two-year period. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Goldberg is to receive an annual base salary of $175,000 for the first two years, and then an agreed upon salary (of not less than $175,000) for any future years of employment. Mr. Goldberg will be entitled to an annual bonus of $50,000 in the first year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $5,000,000 in 2008 and a bonus of $75,000 in the second year of employment, if we record gross revenues in excess of $10,000,000 in 2009. On February 6, 2008, our board of directors granted Mr. Goldberg an option to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock. Such option has a strike price of $1.54 per share, vests in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expires on February 5, 2018. If Mr. Goldberg’s employment is terminated without “cause” or if he resigns for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the agreement), then we will be obligated to pay him, as severance, his then current annual base salary and annual bonuses (as such is defined within the agreement) for varying periods based on the length of his employment with CSG. Under the agreement, if Mr. Goldberg is terminated with cause or if he voluntarily resigns (other than for good reason), then he is prohibited from competing with us during the initial two-year term of employment and for one year after the termination of his employment (should this be greater than the initial two-year term).
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
2007 Equity Incentive Plan
We have adopted the Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which 2,500,000 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants, and other service providers. For the first year following the closing of the reverse merger, we may not issue options to purchase shares of our common stock at a per share exercise price less than $0.50, unless our non-employee directors determine that it is in our best interests to terminate such restrictions at an earlier date. At December 31, 2007, we had no outstanding awards under the Plan. To date, the board of directors has granted options to eight of our employees to purchase a total of 955,000 shares of our common stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.58 per share.
The purpose of our the Plan is to provide an incentive to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons into our development and financial success. The Plan permits the grant of the following types of incentive awards:
| · | Incentive stock options; |
| · | Non-qualified stock options; and |
The Plan is administered by our board of directors or a committee of the board of directors consisting of at least two directors who qualify as “independent directors” under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market, “non-employee directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as “outside directors” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Our board of directors has not yet appointed a committee meeting the above qualifications.
Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Plan’s administrator has the sole discretion to select the directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors who will receive awards, determine the terms and conditions of the awards, and interpret the provisions of the Plan and outstanding awards. Our board of directors generally may amend or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason, except that no amendment, suspension, or termination may impair the rights of any participant without his or her consent, and except that approval of our stockholders is required for any amendment which:
| · | materially increases the number of shares subject to the Plan; |
| · | materially increases the benefits accruing to the participants; |
| · | materially modifies the requirements for eligibility for awards; |
| · | decreases the exercise price of an option to less than 100% of the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) on the date of grant; |
| · | extends the term of any option beyond the limits currently provided by the Plan; or |
| · | reduces the exercise price of outstanding options or effects repricing through cancellations and regrants of new options. |
Subject to the foregoing, our Plan’s administrator also has authority to amend outstanding awards prospectively or retrospectively, but no such amendment shall impair the rights of any participant without such participant’s consent.
The number of shares of our common stock initially reserved for issuance under the Plan is 2,500,000. If any award under the Plan is cancelled prior to its exercise or vesting in full, or if the number of shares subject to an award is reduced for any reason, the shares of our stock that are no longer subject to such award will be returned to the available pool of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, except where such reissuance is inconsistent with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Richard Klein, a member of our board of directors, is also the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Quixotic Systems, Inc. (“Quixotic”). From October 2005 to October 2006, Quixotic provided certain sales, back-office and engineering support to Clear Skies Group, Inc. Since October 2006, however, Quixotic’s relationship to us has been primarily as a source of referrals in the New York area for Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s installation work. Quixotic earns commissions from us for projects so referred. In lieu of paying an aggregate of $50,000 of cash commissions owed by Clear Skies Group, Inc. to Quixotic, Clear Skies Group, Inc. issued Quixotic shares of its common stock on May 7, 2007, which shares were exchanged for 48,449 shares of our common stock in the reverse merger.
At various times from March to August 2006, Quixotic ordered certain power systems components from Alpha Energy (“Alpha”) on our behalf, and such components were shipped to or as directed by us. On July 19, 2007, a complaint was filed in the Alpha Lawsuit (see above, under the caption “Description of Business - Legal Proceedings”). In August 2007, Alpha, Quixotic and Clear Skies Group, Inc. entered into the Settlement Agreement, pursuant to which Quixotic and Clear Skies Group, Inc. agreed, jointly and severally, to pay an aggregate of $206,778 to Alpha to settle the Alpha Lawsuit. In August 2007, Ezra Green, CSG and Quixotic entered into an Indemnity and Guaranty Agreement (the “Indemnity”) in order to induce Quixotic to enter into the Settlement Agreement and to refrain from taking legal action against Mr. Green and/or Clear Skies Group, Inc. Pursuant to the Indemnity, among other things, Ezra Green and Clear Skies Group, Inc. agreed, jointly and severally, to assume liability for, to guarantee payment to or on behalf of Quixotic, to pay, protect, defend (at Quixotic’s option) and save Quixotic harmless from and against, and to indemnify Quixotic from and against liabilities in connection with the Alpha Lawsuit and the Settlement Agreement. Quixotic has timely made all payments due to Alpha under the Settlement Agreement and we have reimbursed Quixotic in full.
Mr. Klein also controls Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy LLC (“Rudd-Klein”), an entity of which Mr. Klein and his brothers are the equity owners. Rudd-Klein invested $410,000 for shares of common stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock of Clear Skies Group, Inc. in a private placement transaction in two installments, $310,000 on September 30, 2005 and $100,000 on April 18, 2006. Such shares and warrants were exchanged for an aggregate of 1,191,835 shares of our common stock in the reverse merger. In connection with Rudd-Klein’s investment, it had the right to designate one individual for election to Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s board of directors and designated Mr. Klein, who joined our board of directors in October 2005.
Several of our officers and directors, or their affiliates, have from time to time extended loans to Clear Skies Group, Inc. or agreed to defer compensation payable to them in order to fund our operating expenses. In this regard: (i) Quixotic loaned $285,000 (including amounts Quixotic had paid in connection with the Alpha settlement agreement), which loan had been repaid in full, together with 10% interest compounded daily, by December 31, 2007; and (ii) Gelvin Stevenson loaned $20,000, which had been repaid in full as of December 31, 2007. Furthermore, Ezra Green agreed to the deferral of $73,259 of his compensation, of which $69,366 remained unpaid as of December 31, 2007. As of March 18, 2008, Mr. Green’s deferred compensation had been paid in full. In addition, Mr. Green had advanced $30,275 to us in 2006 and an additional $70,037 to us in 2007 (which has been booked as a balance of $100,312 due to related party at December 31, 2007). This related party transaction was also repaid in full by March 18, 2008. Such loans and other arrangements were interest free (except for Quixotic) and had not been memorialized by written promissory notes. In consideration for the extension and maintenance of such credit and deferral of salary, on May 7, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. granted Mr. Green, Quixotic and Dr. Stevenson securities that were exchanged for 610,452, 290,691 and 77,517 shares of our common stock, respectively, in our reverse merger.
Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Sustainable Profitability Group, Inc. (“SPG”) entered into a consulting agreement, dated as of June 17, 2005 (the “SPG Agreement”), for SPG to perform certain consulting services for Clear Skies Group, Inc. Pursuant to the SPG Agreement, SPG was entitled to designate one member of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Board of Directors and designated SPG’s Executive Vice-President Mayur V. Subbarao. Mr. Subbarao served as a member of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s Board of Directors from August 2005 until November 2007 and was also the Secretary of Clear Skies Group, Inc. from August 2005 until August 2007. On or around February 16, 2007, SPG provided Clear Skies Group, Inc. with notice of termination of the SPG Agreement. Clear Skies Group, Inc., SPG, Mr. Subbarao and Ezra Green entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 8, 2007, pursuant to which, among other things:
| · | Clear Skies Group, Inc. paid SPG $250,000; |
| · | SPG and Mr. Subbarao transferred to Ezra Green all of the shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. common stock owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by SPG and/or Mr. Subbarao (the “SPG Shares”), which shares were exchanged in our reverse merger for an aggregate of 271,312 shares of our common stock; |
| · | Ezra Green delivered to SPG a promissory note in the principal amount of $150,000, due in two installments in January 2008 and June 2009, bearing interest at 8% per annum and secured by a pledge of the SPG Shares; |
| · | Mr. Subbarao resigned from the Board of Directors of Clear Skies Group, Inc. and from any directorships or other offices or positions held with Clear Skies Group, Inc. or any subsidiaries or affiliated companies; |
| · | SPG agreed to the termination of warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock; and |
| · | The parties exchanged mutual releases. |
In order to finance the cash portion of the settlement, Clear Skies Group, Inc. entered into Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of November 7, 2007, with two investors, pursuant to which Clear Skies Group, Inc. issued $250,000 aggregate principal amount of 8% Promissory Notes which were repaid on December 20, 2007.
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following tables set forth certain information as of March 20, 2008 regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) each person or entity who, to our knowledge, owns more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each executive officer; (iii) each director; and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the following table, each of the stockholders named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of our common stock beneficially owned. Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each of the stockholders listed below is: c/o Clear Skies Solar, Inc., 5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227, Massapequa, New York 11762-2900.
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (1) | | Percentage Beneficially Owned (2) | |
Ezra J. Green (3) | | | 2,424,333 | | | 7.8% | |
Richard Klein (4) | | | 1,482,526 | | | 4.8% | |
Gelvin Stevenson | | | 155,035 | | | * | |
Pamela Newman | | | 77,518 | | | * | |
Robert L. Dockweiler, Jr. (5) | | | 116,277 | | | * | |
Arthur L. Goldberg (6) | | | — | | | | |
Robert Parker (7) | | | 116,277 | | | * | |
William O’Connor (8) | | | 232,553 | | | * | |
All executive officers and directors as a group (eight persons) | | | 4,604,519 | | | 14.9% | |
* Represents less than 1%
(1) | Unless otherwise indicated, includes shares owned by a spouse, minor children, and relatives sharing the same home, as well as entities owned or controlled by the named beneficial owner. |
(2) | Based on 30,883,723 shares of our common stock outstanding. |
(3) | Does not include 250,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options that will not vest within 60 days and have an exercise price of $1.694 per share. |
(4) | Includes 1,191,835 shares of our common stock held by Rudd-Klein and 290,691 shares of our common stock held by Quixotic. Richard Klein, as the Manager of Rudd-Klein and the Chief Executive Officer of Quixotic, may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by each of Rudd-Klein and Quixotic. |
(5) | Does not include 90,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options that will not vest within 60 days and have an exercise price of $1.54 per share. |
(6) | Does not include 150,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options that will not vest within 60 days and have an exercise price of $1.54 per share. |
(7) | Does not include 200,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options that will not vest within 60 days and have an exercise price of $1.54 per share. |
(8) | Does not include 90,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of options that will not vest within 60 days and have an exercise price of $1.54 per share. |
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
Up to 19,642,429 shares of our common stock are being offered by this prospectus, all of which are being registered for sale for the accounts of the selling security holders and include the following:
| · | 18,310,028 shares of common stock issued in our private placement that closed in December 2007; |
| · | 1,232,401 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued to the placement agent in connection with our private placements that closed in August and September 2007 and in December 2007; and |
| · | 100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options issued to a consultant. |
Each of the transactions by which the selling stockholders acquired their securities from us was exempt under the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The shares of common stock referred to above are being registered to permit public sales of the shares, and the selling stockholders may offer the shares for resale from time to time pursuant to this prospectus. The selling stockholders may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a portion of their shares in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of or pursuant to another effective registration statement covering those shares. We may from time to time include additional selling stockholders in supplements or amendments to this prospectus.
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the selling stockholders and the shares of our common stock offered by them in this prospectus. The selling stockholders have not had a material relationship with us within the past three years other than as described in the footnotes to the table below or as a result of their acquisition of our shares or other securities. To our knowledge, subject to community property laws where applicable, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of common stock set forth opposite such person’s name.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each selling stockholder’s percentage of ownership of our outstanding shares in the table below is based upon 30,883,723 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 20, 2008.
| | Ownership Before Offering | | After Offering(1) | |
Selling Stockholder | | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned prior to the offering | | Number of shares offered | | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned following the offering | | Percentage of common stock beneficially owned following the offering | |
Lichtenstein Landesbank | | | 1,775,177 | | | 1,775,177 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
New Energy Fund L.P. | | | 1,420,122 | | | 1,420,122 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
John O’Shea | | | 255,035 | | | 255,035 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Natalie Merdinger | | | 153,021 | | | 153,021 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Crypto Corp. | | | 227,518 | | | 127,518 | | | 100,000 | | | * | |
Giovanni II, Inc. | | | 127,518 | | | 127,518 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Giovanni & Antonia Gabriele | | | 127,518 | | | 127,518 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Jeffrey McLaughlin | | | 327,798 | (2) | | 327,798 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Sal & Joann Latorraca | | | 204,028 | | | 204,028 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Sandra Gabrielle | | | 127,518 | | | 127,518 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
American Business Consortium LTD | | | 76,511 | | | 76,511 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
John B. Marsala | | | 63,759 | | | 63,759 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Richard L. Cohen | | | 63,759 | | | 63,759 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Goliath Holdings, LLC | | | 51,007 | | | 51,007 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Adriana Sbardelotto | | | 20,000 | | | 20,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Andrew N. Butchard | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Antoine de Sejournet | | | 200,000 | | | 200,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
FT Climate Change | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Lacuna Hedge Fund LLLP | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
B. Michael Pisani | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Robert S. Colman Trust UDT 3/13/85 | | | 400,000 | | | 400,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Sandor Capital Master Fund, L.P. | | | 1,200,000 | | | 1,200,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Shamrock Oceanic Holdings LLC | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Taillevent Limited | | | 400,000 | | | 400,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Tundra Alternative Energy Fund | | | 600,000 | | | 500,000 | | | 100,000 | | | * | |
WPE Kids Partners, L.P. | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
| | Ownership Before Offering | | After Offering(1) | |
Selling Stockholder | | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned prior to the offering | | Number of shares offered | | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned following the offering | | Percentage of common stock beneficially owned following the offering | |
Edwin W. Colman Children's Trust, Marshall & Ilsley Trust Co, NA, Custodian | | | 200,000 | | | 200,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
James Peter Jurs | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Jose M. Verges Llorens | | | 30,000 | | | 30,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Vincent Capodanno | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Advanced Securities Foundation | | | 500,000 | | | 500,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Ernest W. Kuehne | | | 200,000 | | | 200,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Forest Hill Select Fund LP | | | 1,200,000 | | | 1,200,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Forest Hill Select Offshore Ltd. | | | 800,000 | | | 800,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Whalehaven Capital Fund Limited | | | 1,000,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Lone Oak Partners LP | | | 400,000 | | | 400,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Linda and Thomas McQueeny | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Mark Raby | | | 100,000 | | | 100,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Pio Verges Llovens | | | 100,000 | | | 100,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
David Stefanski | | | 25,000 | | | 25,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
James H. Nottingham | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
La Maison Rouge Limited | | | 400,000 | | | 400,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Alpha Capital Anstalt | | | 1,100,000 | | | 1,000,000 | | | 100,000 | | | * | |
Richard Stefanski | | | 25,000 | | | 25,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Trinidad Capital Master Fund, Ltd. | | | 500,000 | | | 500,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Mitch Adler | | | 50,000 | | | 50,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Kinloch Rice Fields, LLC | | | 1,010,000 | | | 1,010,000 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Westminster Securities Corp. | | | 340,323 | (2) | | 340,323 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Marika Tonay | | | 16,798 | (2) | | 16,798 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Angelique Xirouhakis | | | 7,000 | (2) | | 7,000 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
John S. Lemak | | | 134,400 | (2) | | 134,400 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
WFG Investments, Inc. | | | 33,600 | (2) | | 33,600 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Joseph Abrams | | | 500,000 | (2) | | 500,000 | (2) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Econ Corporate Services, Inc. | | | 100,000 | (3) | | 100,000 | (3) | | 0 | | | 0 | |
(1) | Represents the amount of shares that will be held by the selling stockholders after completion of this offering based on the assumptions that (a) all shares registered for sale by the registration statement of which this prospectus is part will be sold and (b) that no other shares of our common stock are acquired or sold by the selling stockholders prior to completion of this offering. However, the selling stockholders may sell all, some or none of the shares offered pursuant to this prospectus and may sell other shares of our common stock that they may own pursuant to another registration statement under the Securities Act or sell some or all of their shares pursuant to an exemption from the registration provisions of the Securities Act, including under Rule 144. To our knowledge, there are currently no agreements, arrangements or understanding with respect to the sale of any of the shares that may be held by the selling stockholders after completion of this offering or otherwise. |
(2) | Includes 200,280 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants having an exercise price of $0.50 per share. |
(3) | Consists of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of certain options having an exercise price of $1.50 per share. |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Authorized Capital Stock
We have authorized 110,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 100,000,000 are shares of common stock and 10,000,000 are shares of preferred stock.
Capital Stock Issued and Outstanding
Our issued and outstanding securities as of March 20, 2008, on a fully diluted basis, are as follows:
| · | 30,883,723 shares of our common stock; |
| · | No shares of preferred stock; |
| · | Warrants to purchase 640,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, that were issued to the placement agent in connection with our private placement that closed in December 2007; |
| · | Warrants to purchase an additional 92,401 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, that were issued to the placement agent in connection with Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s private placement that closed in August and September 2007; |
| · | Warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share, issued to a consultant; |
| · | Option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, issued to an investor relations firm; and |
| · | Options to purchase an aggregate of 955,000 shares of our common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.58 per share, which we have issued to our officers and employees under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. |
Common Stock
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting. The holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds; however, the current policy of our board of directors is to retain earnings, if any, for operations and growth. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution. The holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, which may be designated solely by action of our board of directors and issued in the future.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue from time to time shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred stock will have such number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by our board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights.
Options
We have adopted a stock incentive plan, pursuant to which 2,500,000 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance as awards to employees, directors, consultants, and other service providers. For the first year following the closing of our reverse merger, we may not issue options to purchase shares of our common stock at a per share exercise price less than $0.50, unless our non-employee directors determine that it is in our best interests of the Company to terminate such restrictions at an earlier date.
Warrants
In connection with the private placement that we closed in December 2007, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 640,000 shares of our common stock to designees of the placement agent for such offering. Each such warrant entitles the holder to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share (subject to adjustment) and will expire on December 20, 2010. Prior to exercise, such warrants do not confer upon holders any voting or any other rights as a stockholder. We issued an additional 92,401 of these same warrants to the placement agent in connection with Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s private placement of bridge notes and common stock of Clear Skies Group, Inc. that closed in August and September 2007. Such warrants contain provisions that protect the holders against dilution by adjustment of the purchase price in certain events such as stock dividends, stock splits and other similar events. The per share exercise price of these warrants will also be adjusted in the event any Ratchet Shares (as defined below) are issued, so that the exercise price per share equals the Lower Price (as defined below); however the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of such warrants shall remain unaffected by such adjustment.
Pursuant to a consulting agreement, we issued warrants to purchase 500,000 shares to a consultant. Such warrants entitle the holder to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share (subject to adjustment) and will expire on December 20, 2010. Prior to exercise, such warrants do not confer upon holders any voting or any other rights as a stockholder. Such warrants contain provisions that protect the holder against dilution by adjustment of the purchase price in certain events such as stock dividends, stock splits and other similar events.
Dividend Policy
We have not previously paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to use all available funds to develop our business. We can give no assurances that we will ever have excess funds available to pay dividends.
Potential Required Future Issuances of Common Stock to Investors in the December 2007 Private Placement
Pursuant to the terms of the subscription agreements entered into between us and the investors in our private placement that closed in December 2007, during the period from December 20, 2007 until the earlier of (x) December 20, 2009 or (y) the date that the “resale” registration statement covering the shares of our common stock sold in such private placement is declared effective by the SEC (the “Adjustment Period”), if we issue or grant any shares of our common stock or any warrants or other convertible securities pursuant to which shares of our common stock may be acquired at a per share price (a “Lower Price”) less than $0.50 (subject to certain customary exceptions, including where shares are issued in connection with employment arrangements or business combinations in which a portion of the consideration may be payable in shares or convertible securities with a business in substantially the same line of business as the Company), then we shall promptly issue additional shares of our common stock (“Ratchet Shares”) to the purchasers in our December 2007 private placement in an amount sufficient that the subscription price paid by such purchasers in the December 2007 private placement, when divided by the total number of shares of our common stock issued to such subscriber (shares initially purchased in such private placement plus any Ratchet Shares issuable, or previously issued, under this provision), will result in an effective price paid by the purchaser per share of our common stock equal to such Lower Price. For example, if an investor purchased 50,000 shares of our common stock in such private placement for a purchase price of $25,000 (equals $0.50 per share) and then we issue additional shares of our common stock at $0.40 per share during such Adjustment Period, then we must issue an additional 12,500 shares of our common stock to such investor [$25,000 / 62,500 shares = $0.40 per share]. Such adjustments shall be made successively whenever such an issuance is made during the Adjustment Period.
Registration Rights
We have agreed to file, by March 23, 2008, a registration statement registering for resale (i) the shares of our common stock sold in our December 2007 private placement, (ii) the shares of our common stock underlying the warrants issued to our placement agent, and (iii) the 2,310,028 shares of our common stock that were issued in our reverse merger in exchange for shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock that had been issued in the private placement that closed in August and September 2007 (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). We have agreed to maintain the effectiveness of such “resale” registration statement from the effective date through and until June 24, 2009, unless all Registrable Securities have been sold or are otherwise able to be sold without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144 or other similar rule then in effect, at which time exempt sales may be permitted for such Registrable Securities. We have agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to have such “resale” registration statement declared effective by the SEC by June 21, 2008. We have agreed to pay monetary penalties to the investors in our December 2007 private placement equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds of such private placement for each full month that, among other things, (i) we are late in filing the registration statement or (ii) the registration statement is late in being declared effective; provided, that the aggregate of any such penalties shall not exceed nine percent (9%) of the gross proceeds of such private placement. However, we shall not be obligated to pay any such liquidated damages if we are unable to fulfill our registration obligations as a result of rules, regulations, positions or releases issued or actions taken by the SEC pursuant to its authority with respect to “Rule 415,” provided we register at such time the maximum number of shares of our common stock permissible upon consultation with the staff of the SEC.
Lock-up Agreements
All shares of our common stock issued in exchange for shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock in our reverse merger other than the 2,310,028 shares of our common stock that were issued in exchange for shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock that had been issued in the private placement that closed in August and September 2007, are subject to lock-up agreements. These lock-up agreements provide that the pre-reverse merger stockholders of Clear Skies Group, Inc. may not sell or transfer any of their shares (other than the 2,310,028 shares of referred to above) for a period of 15 months following the reverse merger without the consent of the placement agent for our private placement that closed in December 2007, with the exception of contributions made to non-profit organizations qualified as charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or in privately negotiated sales to persons who agree, in writing, to be bound to the terms of the lock-up agreements.
Transfer Agent
Our transfer agent is Island Stock Transfer, 100 Second Ave South, Suite 104N, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides, in general, that a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, such as we are, may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. In the case of a derivative action, a Delaware corporation may indemnify any such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person will have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in which such action was brought determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent and in the manner permitted by the provisions of the DGCL, as amended from time to time, subject to any permissible expansion or limitation of such indemnification, as may be set forth in any stockholders’ or directors’ resolution or by contract.
We also have director and officer indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors that provide, among other things, for the indemnification to the fullest extent permitted or required by Delaware law, provided that such indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification in connection with any “claim” (as such term is defined in the agreement) initiated by the indemnitee against us or our directors or officers unless we join or consent to the initiation of such claim, or the purchase and sale of securities by the indemnitee in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
Any repeal or modification of these provisions approved by our stockholders shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any of our directors or officers existing as of the time of such repeal or modification.
We are also permitted to apply for insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or other agent for liability arising out of his actions, whether or not the DGCL would permit indemnification.
Anti-Takeover Effect of Delaware Law, Certain By-Law Provisions
Certain provisions of our By-Laws are intended to strengthen the Board’s position in the event of a hostile takeover attempt. These provisions have the following effects:
| · | they provide that only business brought before an annual meeting by the Board or by a stockholder who complies with the procedures set forth in the By-Laws may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders; and |
| · | they provide for advance notice or certain stockholder actions, such as the nomination of directors and stockholder proposals. |
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. For purposes of Section 203, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder, and an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior, did own, 15% or more of the voting stock.
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to our directors, officers and persons controlling us, we have been advised that it is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s opinion that such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is, therefore, unenforceable.
Changes in Certifying Accountants
On December 20, 2007, we dismissed Webb & Company, P.A. (“Webb”) as our independent accountants. Webb had previously been engaged as the principal accountant to audit our financial statements. The reason for the dismissal of Webb is that, following the consummation of our reverse merger on December 20, 2007, (i) the former stockholders of Clear Skies Group, Inc. owned a significant amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock and (ii) our primary business became the business previously conducted by Clear Skies Group, Inc. The independent registered public accountant of Clear Skies Group, Inc. was the firm of Rothstein Kass (“RK”). We believe that it has been in our best interest to have RK continue to work with our business, and we therefore retained RK as our principal independent registered public accounting firm, effective as of December 20, 2007. RK is located at 4 Becker Farm Road, Roseland, New Jersey 07068. The decision to change accountants was approved by our board of directors on December 20, 2007.
The report of Webb on our financial statements for the period from January 31, 2007 (inception) through April 30, 2007 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except that the report was qualified as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
From our inception through December 20, 2007, there were no disagreements with Webb on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Webb, would have caused it to make reference to the matter in connection with its reports.
From our inception through December 20, 2007, we did not consult RK regarding either: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements; or (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-B.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each selling stockholder and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on the over-the-counter market or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded, or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
| · | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| · | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| · | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| · | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| · | privately negotiated transactions; |
| · | settlement of short sales entered into after the date of this prospectus; |
| · | broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
| · | through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; or |
| · | a combination of any such methods of sale; |
| · | any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, buy, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with NASDR Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with NASDR Rule IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each selling stockholder has informed us that it does not have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock. In no event shall any broker-dealer receive fees, commissions and markups which, in the aggregate, would exceed eight percent (8%).
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Because selling stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the shares by the selling stockholders.
We agreed to use our best efforts to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) June 24, 2009 or (ii) the date as of which all of the shares either (a) have been sold to the public either pursuant to this prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect, (b) have been sold in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under the registration rights agreement, dated as of December 20, 2007, among us and the Investors (as defined therein) are not assigned, or (c) may be sold immediately without registration under the Securities Act and without volume restrictions pursuant to Rule 144. The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to our common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus have been audited by Rothstein Kass & Co., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent and for the periods indicated in their report appearing elsewhere herein.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of common stock to be sold in this offering will be passed upon by Haynes and Boone, LLP.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-1, together with any amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to our shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and our shares of common stock that we are offering in this prospectus.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available to the public over the Internet at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. Access to those electronic filings is available as soon as practicable after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may also request a copy of those filings, excluding exhibits, from us at no cost. Any such request should be addressed to us at: 5020 Sunrise Highway, Suite 227, Massapequa Park, New York 11762-2900.
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | F-2 |
| |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET | F-3 |
| |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | F-4 |
| |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | F-5 |
| |
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | F-6 |
| |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | F-7 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Rothstein, Kass & Company, P.C.
Roseland, New Jersey
March 26, 2008
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, | | 2007 | |
| | | |
ASSETS | | | | |
| | | | |
Current assets | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 4,866,842 | |
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $32,775 | | | 92,291 | |
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings | | | 27,641 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Total current assets | | | 4,986,774 | |
| | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 13,293 | |
| | | | |
Prepaid expenses and investor relations fees | | | 960,507 | |
| | | | |
Other assets | | | 54,017 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 6,014,591 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | |
| | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 788,468 | |
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings | | | 35,007 | |
Due to related parties | | | 104,410 | |
Customer deposits | | | 5,000 | |
Obligation to issue options and warrants | | | 327,650 | |
Payroll liabilities | | | 140,729 | |
Installation warranty liability | | | 7,742 | |
| | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 1,409,007 | |
| | | | |
Stockholders' equity | | | | |
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding | | | – | |
Common stock, $.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,883,723 issued and outstanding | | | 30,883 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 9,247,682 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (4,672,981 | ) |
| | | | |
Total stockholders' equity | | | 4,605,584 | |
. | | | | |
| | $ | 6,014,591 | |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the years ended December 31, | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | |
Contract revenue | | $ | 74,520 | | $ | 291,915 | |
Subcontractor revenue | | | 224,454 | | | 644,681 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 298,974 | | | 936,596 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cost of revenues | | | 268,707 | | | 701,702 | |
| | | | | | | |
Gross margin | | | 30,267 | | | 234,894 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | | | | | |
Selling expenses | | | 468,858 | | | 215,071 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | 2,388,449 | | | 709,293 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | 2,857,307 | | | 924,364 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (2,827,040 | ) | | (689,470 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Other Expenses | | | | | | | |
Interest expense | | | 40,199 | | | | |
Amortization of debt discount expense | | | 745,000 | | | | |
| | | 785,199 | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (3,612,239 | ) | $ | (689,470 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted | | | 7,229,534 | | | 3,042,571 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss per share, basic and diluted | | $ | (0.50 | ) | $ | (0.23 | ) |
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
| | Common Stock | | | | | | | |
| | $.001 par value | | Additional Paid-in | | | | | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | Capital | | Deficit | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Balances, January 1, 2006* | | | 3,042,571 | | $ | 3,042 | | $ | (2,542 | ) | $ | (371,272 | ) | $ | (370,772 | ) |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | | (689,470 | ) | | (689,470 | ) |
Balance, December 31, 2006* | | | 3,042,571 | | $ | 3,042 | | $ | (2,542 | ) | $ | (1,060,742 | ) | $ | (1,060,242 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock to satisfy common stock to be issued (Note 8) | | | 2,020,297 | | | 2,020 | | | 891,980 | | | - | | | 894,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock and warrants as compensation (Note 9)* | | | 1,065,869 | | | 1,066 | | | 656,694 | | | - | | | 657,760 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock and warrants (Note 9)* | | | 72,673 | | | 73 | | | 74,927 | | | - | | | 75,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock and warrants (Note 9)* | | | 19,379 | | | 19 | | | 19,981 | | | - | | | 20,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock and embedded conversion feature associated with Bridge Notes (Note 7)* | | | 1,782,906 | | | 1,783 | | | 573,217 | | | - | | | 575,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock and embedded conversion feature associated with Bridge Notes (Note 7)* | | | 527,120 | | | 527 | | | 169,473 | | | - | | | 170,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forfeited shares (Note 2)* | | | (38,750 | ) | | (39 | ) | | 39 | | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Conversion of warrants (Note 2)* | | | 416,658 | | | 417 | | | (417 | ) | | - | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold at $.50 each, net of costs of $1,323,945 (Note 2) | | | 14,510,000 | | | 14,510 | | | 5,916,546 | | | - | | | 5,931,056 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares sold at $.50 each (Notes 2 and 7) | | | 1,490,000 | | | 1,490 | | | 743,510 | | | - | | | 745,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares retained by owners of the shell company in the reverse merger (Note 2) | | | 59,841,878 | | | 59,842 | | | (28,182 | ) | | - | | | 31,660 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Forfeit of shares in split-off (Note 2) | | | (53,866,878 | ) | | | ) | | 22,207 | | | - | | | (31,660 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of warrants and options in exchange for consulting and other services (Note 10) | | | | | | | | | 210,250 | | | - | | | 210,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,612,239 | ) | | (3,612,239 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balances, December 31, 2007 | | | 30,883,723 | | $ | 30,883 | | $ | 9,247,682 | | $ | (4,672,981 | ) | $ | 4,605,584 | |
* Share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the number of shares received in the business combination.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Year Ended December 31, 2007 | | Year Ended December 31, 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (3,612,239 | ) | $ | (689,470 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | 4,512 | | | 5,833 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 732,429 | | | 96,000 | |
Amortization of debt discount | | | 745,000 | | | | |
Bad debt expense (recoveries) | | | (13,975 | ) | | 68,000 | |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents attributable to changes in operating assets and liabilities | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (8,179 | ) | | (138,137 | ) |
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings | | | 52,234 | | | (79,875 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and investor relations fees | | | (422,607 | ) | | 7,038 | |
Other assets | | | 4,594 | | | (1,296 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | 443,913 | | | 315,489 | |
Customer deposits | | | 5,000 | | | | |
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings | | | (13,049 | ) | | 48,056 | |
Payroll liabilities | | | 64,604 | | | 76,125 | |
Installation warranty liability | | | 1,642 | | | 6,100 | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (2,016,121 | ) | | (286,137 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash flows used in investing activities, purchases of property and equipment | | | (97 | ) | | (1,527 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | | | | |
Issuance of loan payable, stockholder | | | | | | 100,000 | |
Advances from related party | | | 74,135 | | | 6,198 | |
Repayment of loan payable, stockholder | | | (73,569 | ) | | (26,431 | ) |
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of bridege loan payment | | | 7,255,000 | | | | |
Payment of deal expenses | | | (1,323,945 | ) | | | |
Proceeds from loan | | | 20,000 | | | | |
| | | (20,000 | ) | | | |
Proceeds from loan | | | 285,000 | | | | |
Payment of loan | | | (285,000 | ) | | | |
Proceeds from the bridge loan | | | 745,000 | | | | |
Issuance of common stock | | | 95,000 | | | | |
Common Stock to be issued (Note 8) | | | | | | 200,000 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 6,771,621 | | | 279,767 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 4,755,403 | | | (7,897 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 111,439 | | | 119,336 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 4,866,842 | | $ | 111,439 | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | | | | | | | |
| | | �� | | | | |
Cash paid for interest expense | | $ | 25,199 | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing and investing activities | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Issuance of shares to satisfy common stock to be issued | | $ | 894,000 | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | |
Issuance of warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at $.50 per share for investor relations and consulting services (see Note 10) | | $ | 210,250 | | $ | - | |
Obligation to issue an option to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share for investor relations and consulting services (see Note 10) | | $ | 27,650 | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | |
Obligation to issue 200,000 shares of common stock for investor relations and consulting services valued at $1.50 per share | | $ | 300,000 | | $ | - | |
| | | | | | | |
Recognition of debt discounts related to common stock and embedded conversion feature associated with the Bridge Notes | | $ | 745,000 | | $ | - | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of presentation and description of business.
Nature of Operations
Clear Skies Group, Inc. (“CSG”) was formed in New York in September 2003 for the purpose of providing turnkey solar electricity installations and renewable energy technology solutions to commercial and residential customers across the United States. CSG commenced operations in August 2005 and received its initial funding from Rudd-Klein Alternative Energy, LLC in September 2005. The Company also has proprietary and patented remote monitoring technology under the name XTRAX® with applications in the solar electricity production industry and other potential markets.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” for periods prior to the closing of the Reverse Merger (Note 2) on December 20, 2007 refer to Clear Skies Group, Inc., a private New York corporation that is now Clear Skies Solar, Inc.’s wholly owned subsidiary, and such references for periods subsequent to the closing of the Reverse Merger on December 20, 2007, refer to Clear Skies Solar, Inc., a publicly traded Delaware corporation formerly known as Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. (“CSH”), together with its subsidiaries, including Clear Skies Group, Inc.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Clear Skies Solar, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Clear Skies Group, Inc. Periods prior to the date of the reverse merger reflect the financial condition and results of operations of Clear Skies Group, Inc. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Business combination and subsequent financing
The Reverse Merger
On December 13, 2007, our predecessor, BIP Oil, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("BIP"), and Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of BIP ("CSH"), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger. On December 18, 2007, BIP merged with and into CSH, so that BIP and CSH became a single corporation named Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., which exists under, and is governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Reincorporation”). Immediately following the Reincorporation, there were 59,841, 878 shares of CSH issued and outstanding to stockholders of record.
On December 20, 2007, Clear Skies Acquisition Corp., a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., was merged with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc. (the “Reverse Merger”), and Clear Skies Group, Inc., as the surviving corporation, became a wholly owned subsidiary of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. Prior to the Reverse Merger, a non-accredited investor agreed to forfeit 20,000 shares of CSG (equivalent to 38,750 shares in the reverse merger). As part of the closing agreement for the Reverse Merger, 760,000 outstanding stock purchase warrants of CSG were converted to 416,658 shares of CSH common stock. Shareholders of record of CSG, as part of the Reverse Merger, exchanged their shares for 8,492,067 shares of CSH at a conversion rate of 1.937943 shares of CSH for one share of CSG.
Immediately following the closing of the Reverse Merger, CSH transferred all of its pre-Reverse Merger operating assets and liabilities to its newly formed wholly owned subsidiary, BIP Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and transferred all of BIP Holdings, Inc.’s outstanding capital stock to CSH’s then-majority stockholders in exchange for cancellation of 53,866,878 shares of CSH common stock held by those stockholders (such transaction, the “Split-Off”). The remaining stockholders of CSH continued to hold 5,975,000 shares of CSH after the split-off.
After the Reverse Merger and the Split-Off, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. succeeded to the business of Clear Skies Group, Inc. as its sole line of business, and all of Clear Skies Holdings, Inc.’s then-current officers and directors resigned and were replaced by Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s officers and directors.
On January 25, 2008, Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. changed its name to Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
The Reverse Merger was accounted for as a reverse acquisition and recapitalization of Clear Skies Group, Inc. for financial accounting purposes. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the Reverse Merger are those of Clear Skies Group, Inc. and have been recorded at the historical cost basis of Clear Skies Group, Inc., and the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods after completion of the reverse merger include both the Company’s and Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s assets and liabilities, the historical operations of Clear Skies Group, Inc. prior to the reverse merger and the Company’s operations from the closing date of the reverse merger.
The private placement
Following the business combination discussed above, the Company closed on a private placement offering of 16,000,000 shares of its common stock for an aggregate gross purchase price of $8,000,000, including $745,000 of exchanged debt. The cash costs of the issuance of the bridge notes discussed in Note 7 and private placement of common stock discussed in Note 2 were approximately $2 million in the aggregate, and the Company issued warrants expiring in December 2010, in connection with both financings, to the placement agent and its designees to purchase an aggregate of up to 732,401 shares of the Company’s common stock at $.50 per share. The common stock of Clear Skies Solar, Inc. trades on the over the counter bulletin board under the symbol CSKH:OB. The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission within ninety days of the closing of the private placement (by March 23, 2008) seeking registration of the 16,000,000 shares as well as shares issuable under certain options and warrants issued in connection with the sale of the bridge notes and to two consultants. The Company also agreed to use its best efforts to cause the registration statement to become effective within 180 days of the closing of the private placement. If either obligation is not met, the Company is required to pay the purchasers of the 16,000,000 shares, pro rata liquidated damages of $80,000 per month (or approximately $2,700 per day for periods less that a full month). The Company did not file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission within the ninety day period and has recorded its estimated $15,000 liability as of December 31, 2007.
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents, which consist primarily of short term obligations and demand deposits, with high credit quality financial institutions. At certain times, such amounts exceed FDIC insurance limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on these investments.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company regularly evaluates the validity of its accounts receivable. The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts, if necessary, based on a history of past bad debts and collections and current credit conditions. Accounts receivable are written-off as uncollectible on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of management. Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables and amounts due from state agencies for rebates on state-approved solar systems installed. When the Company sells systems with a rebate component, the savings is passed directly to the customer and the Company takes ownership of the rebate receivable from the applicable state agency.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company provides for depreciation principally using the straight-line method as follows:
Asset | | | Useful Life | | | Principal Method | |
| | | | | | | |
Computer equipment | | | 3 Years | | | Straight-line | |
Equipment and tools | | | 3 Years | | | Straight-line | |
Automobile | | | 5 Years | | | Straight-line | |
Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that may warrant revision of the estimated useful lives of its long-lived assets or whether the remaining balance of long-lived assets should be evaluated for impairment. The Company does not believe that there were any indicators of impairment that would require an adjustment to such assets or their estimated periods of recovery at December 31, 2007.
Revenue Recognition
The Company has two distinct revenue streams that have very different characteristics and payment time cycles. Therefore, a different revenue recognition policy applies to each category.
Contract revenue: In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 - “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements” (“SAB”), which was superseded by SAB 104, contract revenues are recognized using the percentage of completion method. The percentage of completion is calculated by dividing the direct labor and other direct costs incurred by the total estimated direct costs of the project. Contract value is defined as the total value of the contract, plus the value of approved change orders. Estimates of costs to complete are reviewed periodically and modified as required. Provisions are made for the full amount of anticipated losses, on a contract-by-contract basis. These loss provisions are established in the period in which the losses are first determined. Changes in estimates are also reflected in the period they become known. The Company maintains all the risks and rewards of billing. Regardless of a customer’s structure or industry, if the Company is the lead contractor, then the Company recognizes all revenues using the percentage of completion method.
Subcontractor Revenue: From time to time, the Company performs installation and other services as a subcontractor. These services differ from contract revenue in that the Company is entitled to be compensated for subcontractor work performed prior to completion of the system, because the Company has no obligation or ownership of the system so long as it completes its tasks satisfactorily. Revenues from subcontractor projects are realized as they are completed.
Cost Recognition
Contract costs include all direct material, labor, and equipment costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance such as indirect labor, supply, and tool costs. The Company makes provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions, and final contract settlements may result in revisions to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revenues are determined.
The Company does not typically carry inventory. Costs incurred of approximately $25,000 as of December 31, 2007, to acquire materials that were purchased for certain jobs which had not been completed as of the balance sheet date are included in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. These costs are charged to the projects as they are installed.
Manufacturer and Installation Warranties
The Company warrants its products and services against defects in material or installation workmanship. The manufacturer’s warranty period on the solar panels and inverters used by the Company have a warranty period range of 5 - 25 years. The Company assists the customer in the event that the manufacturer’s warranty needs to be used to replace a defective panel or inverter. The Company provides a 5-year warranty on the installation of a system and all equipment and identical supplies other than solar panels and inverters that are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. The Company records a provision for the installation warranty, within cost of revenues - currently at 2% of contract revenue - based on historical experience and future expectations of the probable cost to be incurred in honoring its warranty commitment. The provision charged to warranty expense for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was approximately $2,000and $6,000, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values reported for cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their respective fair values in the accompanying balance sheet due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments.
Income Taxes
The Company complies with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
The Company also complies with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions. The Company adopted FIN 48 and has determined that the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Earnings Per Share
The Company complies with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” SFAS No. 128 requiring dual presentation of basic and diluted income/loss per share for all periods presented. Basic income/loss per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income/loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income/loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then share in the income/loss of the Company. The difference between the number of shares used to compute basic income/loss per share and diluted income/loss per share relates to additional shares to be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, net of shares hypothetically repurchased at the average market price with the proceeds of exercise. As the Company reported a net loss for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the effects of the 1,332,401 warrants and options as of December 31, 2007 has not been considered in the diluted net loss per common share since these dilutive secruities would reduce the loss per common share and become anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements in accounting pronouncements where fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. However, for some entities, the application of this statement will change current practice for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of SFAS 157 on its definition and measurement of fair value and disclosure requirements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 but does not expect that it will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), "Business Combinations). SFAS No. 141(R) provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which will require the Company to adopt these provisions for business combinations occurring in fiscal 2009 and thereafter. Early adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) is not permitted.
Stock Based Compensation
The FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (Revised).” SFAS No. 123(R) focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. SFAS 123(R) requires an entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). That cost will be recognized of the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. No compensation costs are recognized for equity instruments for which employees do not render the requisite service. The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) at commencement of operations.
Concentration of credit risk:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which at times, exceeds the Federal depository insurance coverage of $100,000. The Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
4. Liquidity
Since inception, the Company has incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations and at December 31, 2007 the Company has an accumulated deficit of approximately $4.7 million. In December 2007 the Company completed a private placement of 16 million shares of its common stock and received net proceeds of approximately $5.9 million, including the cancellation of $745,000 of debt. At December 31, 2007 the Company’s cash balance was approximately $4.9 million. Based upon management’s current forecast of future revenues and expenses, the Company believes that its cash resources will be adequate to fund operations in 2008. There can be no assurance that our future cash flow will be sufficient to meet our obligations and committments. If revenues from operations turn out to be insufficient to meet the Company’s projected capital needs in the longer term, or if management’s forecasts prove inaccurate in the short term, the Company will likely be required to raise additional capital through equity or debt financings, the sale of assets, or other means. There can be no assurance that any such actions could be effected on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or at all, or that these actions would enable us to continue to satisfy our capital requirements.
5. Property and equipment
Details of property and equipment at December 31, 2007 are:
| | 2007 | |
Computer equipment | | $ | 1,780 | |
Equipment and tools | | | 6,162 | |
Automobile | | | 17,000 | |
| | | | |
| | | 24,942 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | 11,649 | |
| | | | |
| | $ | 13,293 | |
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, depreciation expense amounted to approximately $5,000 and $6,000, respectively.
6. Prepaid expenses and investor relations fees
Prepaid expenses and prepaid investor relation fees at December 31, 2007 are as follows:
Payments to US public and investor relations firms | | $ | 305,667 | |
Payment to a European investor relations firm | | | 394,790 | |
Prepayments of compensation to be amortized over the periods in which the services will be rendered | | | 224,698 | |
Prepaid insurance premiums | | | 35,352 | |
| | | | |
Total | | $ | 960,507 | |
The Company has entered into agreements with several firms in the US to provide it with both public relations and investor relations advice and services over periods from one to three years. These agreements call for payments in both cash and common stock and payments are being amortized over the period of each agreement. In addition to the amounts above, the Company has committed to pay monthly retainers to the above firms ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per month over the life of the agreement The payment to the European firm is pursuant to a six month agreement and represents an advance payment of anticipated out of pocket expenses of the consultant in 2008 but, as of December 31, 2007 none of the funds had been expended. The consultant has agreed to return any funds not spent.
7. Notes payable
On August 31, 2007 and September 12, 2007, the Company issued an aggregate of $745,000 principal amount of 10% convertible secured notes (“Bridge Notes”). The purchasers of the Bridge Notes paid an aggregate gross purchase price of $745,000 for such Bridge Notes and also received shares of common stock of Clear Skies Group, Inc., which were exchanged for 2,310,026 shares of the common stock of the Company in the Reverse Merger. The Bridge Notes became due and payable upon the closing of the December 2007 private placement transaction (see Note 1). Pursuant to the terms of the Bridge Notes, each holder had the right to exchange its Bridge Note for an amount of securities that could be purchased in such private placement for a purchase price equal to the outstanding amount of such holder’s Bridge Note. The holders of all of the Bridge Notes exercised their exchange rights and, consequently, there is no Bridge Note balance due to the holders as of December 31, 2007.
All of the proceeds of the Bridge Notes were allocated to the 1,782,906 and 527,120 shares (after giving effect to the exchanged on completion of the Reverse Merger) issued on August 31, 2007 and September 12, 2007, respectively and the embedded conversion feature. The resulting discount was charged to interest expense in 2007 as every Bridge Note holder exercised their right to convert their Bridge Notes into common stock on December 20, 2007.
8. Stock-based compensation and common stock issued and agreed to be issued
Upon commencement of operations, the Company entered into multiple agreements in which the Company received consulting and other services in exchange for the Company’s common stock or options to purchase the Company’s common stock. The Company complies with SFAS 123(R) and records compensation expense for the fair value of these services over the periods in which they are provided.
In September 2005, the Company agreed to grant 120,000 shares (exchanged for 232,553 shares in the Reverse Merger) to three individuals for agreeing to serve on the Board of Directors for a three year term. The fair value of these shares at the date of such agreement was estimated to be approximately $96,000. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded Board of Director fees and compensation expense, which are included in general and administrative expenses, of approximately $32,000 and $32,000, respectively, for these shares. Included in other assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are deferred Board of Director fees of approximately $21,000 and $53,000, respectively.
In September 2005, the Company agreed to grant 160,000 shares (exchanged for 310,070 shares in the Reverse Merger) to two entities for agreeing to provide consulting and other services over a two year term. The fair value of these shares at the date of such issuance was estimated to be approximately $128,000 which results in a monthly compensation expense of approximately $5,333 over the term of the agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded consulting and other service fees, which is included in general and administrative expenses, of approximately $48,000 and $64,000, respectively.
As a result of the above transactions, capital advances of $310,000 in September 2005 and $200,000 in April 2006, and services performed in exchange for shares issued prior to 2006, the Company became contractually obligated to issue shares in excess of its 200 authorized shares (“Old Shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.”). As a result, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $894,000 as of December 31, 2006 for the value of the contractual obligations. Due to the contractual obligation to issue the excess shares, the Board of Directors, with stockholder approval, passed a resolution to increase the authorized shares to 10,000,000. On January 30, 2007, the certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”) was officially amended to authorize the Company to issue 10,000,000 shares (“New Shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.”) of $0.01 par value common stock. Concurrently with the amendment to the Charter, the Company’s sole shareholder was issued 1,570,000 New Shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. (exchanged for 3,042,570 shares in the Reverse Merger) in exchange for the Old Share of Clear Skies Group, Inc. previously issued. Upon the amendment to the Charter, the obligation to issue 1,042,500 shares of CSG common stock (exchanged for 2,020,297 in the Reverse Merger) was fulfilled and the liability was reclassified to stockholders equity as Common Stock to the extent of par value with the excess classified as Additional Paid-In Capital.
In May 2007, the Company issued a stockholder a warrant to purchase 50,000 New Shares of Clear Skies Group for services rendered. Such warrant had a three year term and an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The fair value of the warrant at issuance was estimated to be approximately $31,000 which was recorded as service fees and included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007. As part of the Reverse Merger, the warrant was cancelled in exchange for the issuance of 96,897 shares of the Company’s common stock.
9. Related party transactions
In April 2007, the Company issued 37,500 shares of common stock and warrents to purchase shares of 37,500 CSG common stock for $75,000. These shares were exchanged for 72,673 shares in the Reverse Merger and the warrants were exchanged for an additional 72,673 shares of our common stock in the Reverse Merger.
In April 2007, the Company issued 40,000 shares (exchanged for 77,517 shares in the Reverse Merger) to an individual who was a director as compensation for services rendered other than as a director. The fair value of these shares at issuance was estimated to be approximately $33,000 which was recorded as service fees and included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007.
In April 2007, the Company issued 60,000 shares (exchanged for 116,276 shares in the Reverse Merger) to an individual to serve as the Company's Chief Operating Officer during 2007. The fair value of these shares at the date of such agreement was estimated to be approximately $49,000. At December 31, 2007, the Company recorded compensation expense, which is included in general and administrative expenses, of approximately $49,000 for these shares.
In May 2007, the Company issued 300,000 shares and a warrant to purchase 150,000 additional New Shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc. to the president of the Company as compensation for services rendered. The 300,000 shares and the warrant were exchanged for 581,383 and 29,069 shares in the Reverse Merger, respectively. The balance of the warrant was cancelled. The warrant had a three year term and an exercise price of $2.00 per New Share of Clear Skies Group, Inc. The fair value of the shares at issuance was estimated to be approximately $246,000 and the fair value of the warrant at issuance was estimated to be approximately $12,000. Total service fees of approximately $258,000 was recorded which are included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007.
In May 2007, the Company issued 150,000 shares (exchanged for 290,691 shares in the Reverse Merger) to a related party as compensation for services rendered. The fair value of these shares at issuance was estimated to be approximately $123,000 which was recorded as service fees and included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007.
In July 2007, the Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase shares of CSG common stock for $20,000. These shares were exchanged for 19,379 shares in the Reverse Merger and the warrants were cancelled.
Several of the Company’s officers and directors, or their affiliates, have from time to time extended loans to the Company or agreed to defer compensation payable to them in order to fund the Company’s operating expenses. In this regard: (i) Quixotic Systems, Inc. (“Quixotic”) loaned $285,000 at 10% interest compounded daily, which had been repaid in full as of December 31, 2007; and (ii) Gelvin Stevenson loaned $20,000 all of which had been repaid in full as of December 31, 2007. Furthermore, Ezra Green agreed to the deferral of $73,259 of his compensation (of which $69,366 was unpaid and included in accrued expenses as of December 31, 2007). As of March 18, 2008, Mr. Green’s deferred compensation had been repaid in full. Mr. Green advanced $30,275 to the Company in 2006 and an additional $70,037 in 2007 (which has been recorded as a balance of $100,312 due to related party at December 31, 2007). This related party transaction was also repaid in full by March 18, 2008. Such loans and other arrangements were interest free (except for Quixotic) and have not been memorialized by written promissory notes. At December 31, 2007, there were miscellaneous due to related parties of approximately $4,000.
Refer to Note 8 for details of stock-based compensation to stockholders.
10. Stock Options and Warrants
In accordance with SAS No. 123(R), the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure the fair value of its Option awards granted in 2007 as part of or after the Reverse Merger described in Note 1. All Option awards granted prior to the Reverse Merger transaction described in Note 2 were exchanged for common stock as part of that transaction. The Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including volatility, expected term, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. As the Options were granted to non-employee consultants the resulting fair value is recorded as consulting expense on a straight-line basis over the period of service of the consultants, in this case one year. The amount of this expense charged to earnings for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $13,400 and $224,700 will be charged against earnings in the following calendar year. The warrants granted to the placement agent and its designees to purchase a total of 732,401 shares at $.50 per share expiring on December 20, 2010 are reflected as offsetting charges to additional paid-in capital as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The value of a warrant issued to a consultant was estimated using the Black-Scholes model and the following assumptions: risk free rate of return ranging from 3.25% to 4.20%; zero estimated dividend yield; expected terms ranging from three to five years and volatility of 121%. The estimated stock price volatility was derived based on the average volatility of 34 companies that the Company considered reasonably similar to it. The risk free rate of return was based on the yield of US Treasury debt of comparable maturities on the date of issuance of the Options. The resulting value of this warrant was $212,500 of which $12,000 has been charged to earnings in 2007 with the remainder reflected on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 as a prepaid expense.
In December 2007 the Company’s shareholders approved its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan which provides for the granting of options to both employees and non-employees to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Plan is administered by the Company’s Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board. As of December 31, 2007 no options have been granted under this Plan.
The Company has agreed to issue options and warrants to public and investor relations consultants mentioned in Note 6 which could result in the issuance of up to 800,000 shares of common stock at purchase prices of $.50 to $1.50 per share. In addition, the Company agreed to issue a total of common stock with a value of $4,500 per month pursuant to a one year contract with one of the consultants, the exact number of shares being dependant on the market price of the Company’s common stock. For the three months in which the contract was in effect in 2007 the Company is required to issue a total of 27,000 shares of common stock to this consultant.
11. Significant Concentration of Business and Credit Risk
The Company had three vendors that accounted for approximately 16% of materials purchased during 2007. At December 31, 2007 all amounts due to these vendors had been paid in full.
The Company had one customer that accounted for approximately 75% of revenues recognized during 2007. At December 31, 2007, accounts receivable included amounts owed to the Company from this customer of approximately $2,500.
The Company had two vendors that accounted for approximately 85% of materials purchased during 2006. The Company had two customers that accounted for approximately 49% of revenues billed during 2006.
12. Contracts
The Company generates billings based on the fulfillment of milestones, which are set forth in the signed contract for each project. Milestones may include, but are not limited to, initial permits being obtained, delivery of materials, and when installation is subsequently complete.
As of December 31, | | 2007 | |
| | | |
Costs Incurred on Contracts | | $ | 355,183 | |
Estimated Earnings, less foreseeable losses | | | 30,610 | |
| | | 385,793 | |
Billings to Date | | | (393,159 | ) |
| | | | |
Net costs and estimated earnings/losses in excess of billings | | $ | (7,366 | ) |
| | | | |
These amounts are included in the accompanying | | | | |
December 31, 2007 and 2006 balance sheet under the following captions: | | | | |
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings | | $ | 27,641 | |
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings | | | (35,007 | ) |
| | $ | (7,366 | ) |
13. Income Taxes
No current federal or state income tax provision has been provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as the Company has incurred losses since its inception. The Company is subject to franchise taxes in various states where it does business, including New York State.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards for income tax purposes of approximately $2,132,000. These NOL carry forwards expire through 2027 but are limited due to section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “382 Limitation”) which states that the NOL of any corporation for any year after a greater than 50% change in control has occurred shall not exceed certain prescribed limitations. As a result of the private placement described in Note 2 all of the NOL carry forwards are subject to the 382 Limitation which limits the utilization of those NOL carry forwards to approximately $370,000 per year. The remaining federal NOL carry forwards may be used by the Company to offset future taxable income prior to their expiration. For the year ended December 31, 2007 the difference between the Federal statutory rate and the effective rate was due primarily to State taxes, non-deductability of amortization of debt discount and change in the valuation allowance of approximately $1.9 million.
The components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets were approximately as follows at December 31, 2007:
| | $ | 2,132,000 | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts and other differences | | | 74,000 | |
Total | | $ | 2,206,000 | |
| | | 2,206,000 | |
Total net deferred tax assets | | $ | -0- | |
The Company has evaluated the positive and negative evidence bearing upon the realizability of its deferred tax assets. Based on the Company’s history of losses and the 382 limitation, management concluded that utilization of the deferred tax assets is not certain. Accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been provided for the deferred tax assets.
14. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
From time to time, the Company is a party to various legal matters in the normal course of business, the outcome of which, in the opinion of management, will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
Lease commitments
The Company occupies its premises on a month to month lease.
Employment agreements
The Company has entered into several two year employment agreements with certain employees providing for severance arrangements. The severance arrangements become Company obligations if the Company terminates such a contract without cause and vary in amount (based on the salary in effect on such termination date) and duration from three months to the remainder of the contract term.
15. Subsequent Event
In February 2008 the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the business and assets of a company specializing in developing unique products for the solar energy industry. The two owners of the company are expected to become employees of the Company. Payment would be made using common stock of the Company with some portion contingent on future performance. Closing of the transaction is subject to satisfactory mutual due diligence and execution of definitive agreements.
No dealer, salesman or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offering described herein, and if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities offered hereby to any person in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof.
CLEAR SKIES SOLAR, INC.
19,642,429 Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
___________________, 2008
Dealer Prospectus Delivery Obligation. All dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, if any, payable by us relating to the sale of common stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee.
SEC registration fee | | $ | 887.74 | |
Legal fees and expenses | | $ | 75,000.00 | |
Accounting fees and expenses | | $ | 85,000.00 | |
Miscellaneous | | $ | 1,112.26 | |
Total | | $ | 162,000.00 | |
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides, in general, that a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, such as we are, may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful. In the case of a derivative action, a Delaware corporation may indemnify any such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person will have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in which such action was brought determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent and in the manner permitted by the provisions of the DGCL, as amended from time to time, subject to any permissible expansion or limitation of such indemnification, as may be set forth in any stockholders’ or directors’ resolution or by contract.
We also have director and officer indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors that provide, among other things, for the indemnification to the fullest extent permitted or required by Delaware law, provided that such indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification in connection with any “claim” (as such term is defined in the agreement) initiated by the indemnitee against us or our directors or officers unless we join or consent to the initiation of such claim, or the purchase and sale of securities by the indemnitee in violation of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
Any repeal or modification of these provisions approved by our stockholders shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of a director or officer of ours existing as of the time of such repeal or modification.
We are also permitted to apply for insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or other agent for liability arising out of his actions, whether or not the DGCL would permit indemnification.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the last three years, we have issued unregistered securities to the persons, as described below. None of these transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts or commissions, or any public offering. The sales of these securities were deemed to be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof, and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder, as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The recipients of securities in each such transaction represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the certificates issued in such transactions. All purchasers of our securities were accredited or sophisticated persons and had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about us.
Sales by BIP Oil, Inc.
BIP Oil, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Nevada in January 2007 and issued 5,000,000 shares of its common stock to its founders for $50 cash and services rendered that were valued, in the aggregate, at $5,000 by its board of directors. These shares were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
In March 2007, BIP Oil, Inc. completed a private placement of 1,510,000 shares of its common stock to 55 investors, at a purchase price of $0.10 per share for an aggregate offering price of $151,000. These shares were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
Sales by Clear Skies Solar, Inc.
As of December 20, 2007, we accepted subscriptions for a total of 283.8 units in a private placement, with each unit consisting of 50,000 shares of our common stock, and as of December 24, 2007, we accepted subscriptions for another 36.2 units in such private placement. In total, we sold 320 units consisting of an aggregate of 16,000,000 shares of our common stock in the December 2007 private placement for a purchase price of $25,000 per unit, pursuant to the terms of a Confidential Private Placement Memorandum, dated November 12, 2007, as supplemented. We received gross proceeds from such closings of the private placement, including $745,000 principal amount of bridge notes that were exchanged in such private placement, of $8,000,000.
Our December 2007 private placement was made solely to “accredited investors,” as that term is defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act. The securities sold in such private placement were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
We agreed to pay the following placement agent fees to Westminster Securities Corporation or its designees in connection with our December 2007 private placement: (i) a cash fee of $626,650 (equal to 8% of the aggregate cash purchase price of units sold to investors in the private placement, or up to 9% for units placed through selected dealers), and (ii) three-year warrants to purchase 640,000 shares of our common stock (equal to 4% of the common stock included in units sold in the private placement) at an exercise price of $0.50 per share (subject to adjustment).
Sales by Clear Skies Group, Inc.
On September 30, 2005 and April 18, 2006, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold shares of its common stock and warrants to Rudd-Klein for aggregate gross proceeds of $410,000. In addition, on April 25, 2006, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold its common stock in a private placement transaction that raised gross proceeds of $100,000. Furthermore, on April 26, 2007 and July 26, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold shares of its common stock and warrants in a series of private placements to two separate purchasers, for aggregate gross proceeds of $75,000 and $20,000, respectively. The offerings were made solely to “accredited investors,” as that term is defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act. The securities sold in the offerings were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
From time to time, Quixotic, Gelvin Stevenson and Ezra Green extended loans to Clear Skies Group, Inc. or agreed to defer compensation payable to them in order to fund Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s operating expenses. In consideration for the extension and maintenance of such credit and deferral of salary, on May 7, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. granted Mr. Green, Quixotic and Dr. Stevenson shares of its common stock that were exchanged for 639,521, 242,242 and 77,518 shares of our common stock, respectively, in our reverse merger. Such shares of Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s common stock were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
On August 31, 2007 and September 12, 2007, Clear Skies Group, Inc. sold an aggregate of $745,000 principal amount of 10% secured bridge notes. The purchasers of such bridge notes paid an aggregate gross purchase price of $745,000 for such bridge notes and shares of common stock of Clear Skies Group, Inc., which common stock was exchanged for an aggregate of 2,310,028 shares of our common stock in the reverse merger. Pursuant to the bridge notes, the holders had the right to exchange such bridge notes for an amount of securities that could be purchased in Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s next offering that met certain criteria for a purchase price equal to the outstanding principal and accrued interest on such bridge notes. Accordingly, each holder of bridge notes was entitled to elect whether to be repaid upon consummation of our December 2007 private placement or to exchange its bridge notes for units sold in such private placement. As a result of such elections, upon the closing of our December 2007 private placement, we issued an aggregate of 1,490,000 shares of our common stock in exchange for $745,000 principal amount of bridge notes. The bridge notes and related Clear Skies Group, Inc. common shares were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) and Regulation D (Rule 506) under the Securities Act and corresponding provisions of state securities laws, which exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
In connection with the issuance of the bridge notes and related Clear Skies Group, Inc. common shares, we issued to designees Westminster Securities Corporation, Clear Skies Group, Inc.’s placement agent for such offering, three-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 92,401 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share (subject to adjustment).
Item 16. Exhibits
Exhibit No. | | Description |
2.1 | | Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of December 19, 2007, by and among Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. (2) |
2.2 | | Certificate of Merger, merging Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 19, 2007 (2) |
2.3 | | Certificate of Merger, merging Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., filed with the Department of State of the State of New York on December 20, 2007 (2) |
3.1(a) | | Certificate of Incorporation (1) |
3.1(b) | | Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (3) |
3.2 | | By-laws (1) |
5.1* | | Opinion of Haynes and Boone, LLP |
10.1 | | Form of Subscription Agreement (2) |
10.2 | | Form of Placement Warrant (2) |
10.3 | | Form of Registration Rights Agreement (2) |
10.4 | | Form of Lock-Up Agreement (2) |
10.5 | | Placement Agent Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, between Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Westminster Securities Corporation (2) |
10.6 | | Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (2) |
10.7 | | Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Ezra J. Green (2) |
10.8 | | Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Robert Parker (2) |
10.9 | | Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2) |
10.10 | | Form of 2007 Incentive Stock Option Agreement (2) |
10.11 | | Form of 2007 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (2) |
10.12 | | Agreement of Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment of Assets and Assumptions of Obligations, dated as of December 20, 2007, between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and BIP Holdings, Inc. (2) |
10.13 | | Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2007 among Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., Bobby Stanley and Joseph I. Lewis (2) |
10.14 | | Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release among Alpha Energy, Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Quixotic Systems, Inc., dated as of August 30, 2007 (2) |
10.15 | | Indemnity and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2007, by Ezra Green and Clear Skies Group, Inc., jointly and severally, in favor of Quixotic Systems, Inc. (2) |
10.16 | | Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2007, between Clear Skies Group, Inc. and each purchaser of 8% Promissory Notes of Clear Skies Group, Inc. (2) |
10.17 | | Form of 8% Promissory Notes of Clear Skies Group, Inc., dated November 7, 2007 (2) |
10.18 | | Settlement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 8, 2007, among Clear Skies Group, Inc., Sustainable Profitability Group, Inc. and Mayur Subbarao (2) |
10.19 | | Resignation Letter from Bobby Stanley, dated December 20, 2007 (2) |
10.20** | | Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Arthur L. Goldberg |
10.21** | | Summary sheet of amendment, dated February 6, 2008, to the terms of Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Ezra J. Green |
21.1* | | List of Subsidiaries |
23.1** | | Consent of Rothstein Kass & Co. |
23.2* | | Consent of Haynes and Boone, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
24.1** | | Power of Attorney (included on signature page) |
________________
* To be filed by amendment.
** Filed herewith.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2007.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2008.
Item 17. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to:
(1) File, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to:
(A) Include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(B) Reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which, individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(C) Include any additional or changed material information on the plan of distribution.
(2) For determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, treat each post-effective amendment as a new registration statement of the securities offered, and the offering of the securities at that time to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) File a post-effective amendment to remove from registration any of the securities that remain unsold at the end of the offering.
(4) For determining liability of the undersigned registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(A) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933;
(B) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(C) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(D) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements of filing as a ‘smaller reporting company’ on Form S-1 and authorized this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned in Massapequa, New York, on the 27th day of March, 2008.
|
| |
By: | /s/ Ezra J. Green |
| Name: Ezra J. Green |
| |
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ezra J. Green his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all further amendments or supplements (including post-effective amendments filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933) to this registration statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully as to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
SIGNATURE | | TITLE | | DATE |
| | | | |
/s/ Ezra J. Green | | | | |
Ezra J. Green | | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chairman of the Board of Directors | | March 27, 2008 |
/s/ Arthur L. Goldberg | | | | |
Arthur L. Goldberg | | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) and Assistant Secretary | | March 27, 2008 |
/s/ Gelvin Stevenson, PhD | | | | |
Gelvin Stevenson, PhD | | Secretary and Treasurer and Director | | March 27, 2008 |
| | | | |
/s/ Richard Klein | | | | |
Richard Klein | | Director | | March 27, 2008 |
| | | | |
/s/ Pamela J. Newman, PhD | | | | |
Pamela J. Newman, PhD | | Director | | March 27, 2008 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | | Description |
2.1 | | Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of December 19, 2007, by and among Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. (2) |
2.2 | | Certificate of Merger, merging Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on December 19, 2007 (2) |
2.3 | | Certificate of Merger, merging Clear Skies Acquisition Corp. with and into Clear Skies Group, Inc., filed with the Department of State of the State of New York on December 20, 2007 (2) |
3.1(a) | | Certificate of Incorporation (1) |
3.1(b) | | Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation (3) |
3.2 | | By-laws (1) |
5.1* | | Opinion of Haynes and Boone, LLP |
10.1 | | Form of Subscription Agreement (2) |
10.2 | | Form of Placement Warrant (2) |
10.3 | | Form of Registration Rights Agreement (2) |
10.4 | | Form of Lock-Up Agreement (2) |
10.5 | | Placement Agent Agreement, dated November 14, 2007, between Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Westminster Securities Corporation (2) |
10.6 | | Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (2) |
10.7 | | Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Ezra J. Green (2) |
10.8 | | Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Robert Parker (2) |
10.9 | | Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2) |
10.10 | | Form of 2007 Incentive Stock Option Agreement (2) |
10.11 | | Form of 2007 Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (2) |
10.12 | | Agreement of Conveyance, Transfer and Assignment of Assets and Assumptions of Obligations, dated as of December 20, 2007, between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and BIP Holdings, Inc. (2) |
10.13 | | Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 20, 2007 among Clear Skies Holdings, Inc., Bobby Stanley and Joseph I. Lewis (2) |
10.14 | | Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release among Alpha Energy, Clear Skies Group, Inc. and Quixotic Systems, Inc., dated as of August 30, 2007 (2) |
10.15 | | Indemnity and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August 25, 2007, by Ezra Green and Clear Skies Group, Inc., jointly and severally, in favor of Quixotic Systems, Inc. (2) |
10.16 | | Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 2007, between Clear Skies Group, Inc. and each purchaser of 8% Promissory Notes of Clear Skies Group, Inc. (2) |
10.17 | | Form of 8% Promissory Notes of Clear Skies Group, Inc., dated November 7, 2007 (2) |
10.18 | | Settlement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 8, 2007, among Clear Skies Group, Inc., Sustainable Profitability Group, Inc. and Mayur Subbarao (2) |
10.19 | | Resignation Letter from Bobby Stanley, dated December 20, 2007 (2) |
10.20** | | Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Arthur L. Goldberg |
10.21** | | Summary sheet of amendment, dated February 6, 2008, to the terms of Employment Agreement, dated December 20, 2007, by and between Clear Skies Holdings, Inc. and Ezra J. Green |
21.1* | | List of Subsidiaries |
23.1** | | Consent of Rothstein Kass & Co. |
23.2* | | Consent of Haynes and Boone, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1) |
24.1** | | Power of Attorney (included on signature page) |
________________
* To be filed by amendment.
** Filed herewith.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2007.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to the copy of such document included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2008.