SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 Form 10-QSB/A QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarter ended June 30, 1999 Commission file number 000-25209 BESICORP LTD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter) New York 14-1809375 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (State or other jurisdiction of (Internal Revenue Service incorporation or organization) Employer Identification No.) 1151 Flatbush Road, Kingston, New York 12401 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code) Issuer's Telephone Number, including area code: (914) 336-7700 N/A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes __X__ No_____ Common stock outstanding as of August 12, 1998 136,382 Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format Yes______ No __X___ 1 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BESICORP LTD. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) June 30,1999 March 31,1999 ------------ ------------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $2,894,589 $ 1,824,139 Trade accounts and notes receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $32,000 as of June 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999) 963,075 988,589 Due from affiliates 62,868 374,250 Notes receivable: (includes interest of $8,122 at June 30, 1999 and $4,057 at March 31, 111,448 107,951 1999) Inventories 1,683,117 1,165,761 Other current 438,766 465,566 assets --------- --------- Total Current Assets 6,153,863 4,926,256 --------- --------- Property, Plant and Equipment: Land and improvements 229,660 229,660 Buildings and improvements 1,914,029 1,914,029 Machinery and equipment 573,469 726,958 Furniture and fixtures 237,423 237,423 Construction in progress 526 0 --------- --------- 2,955,107 3,108,070 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,401,443) (1,520,385) --------- --------- Net Property, Plant and Equipment 1,553,664 1,587,685 --------- --------- Other Assets: Patents and trademarks, less accumulated amortization of $2,638 at June 30, 1999 and $2,350, at March 31, 18,272 12,530 1999 Investment in partnerships 1,999,905 4,009,810 Deferred costs 186,757 0 Other assets 87,225 76,620 --------- -------- Total Other Assets 2,292,159 4,098,960 --------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 9,999,686 $ 10,612,901 ========= ========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2 BESICORP LTD. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (unaudited) June 30,1999 March 31,1999 ------------ ------------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,420,065 $ 763,531 Current portion of long-term debt 42,000 20,000 Current portion of accrued reserve and warranty expense 87,009 111,215 Taxes other than income taxes 98,516 103,207 Income taxes payable 5,437 5,300 --------- --------- Total Current Liabilities 1,653,027 1,003,253 Long-Term Accrued Reserve and Warranty Expense 174,462 174,462 Long-Term Debt 51,070 115,308 --------- --------- Total 1,878,559 1,293,023 Liabilities --------- --------- Shareholders' Equity: Common stock, $.01 par value: authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 136,382 at June 30, 1999 and 121,382 at March 31, 1999 1,364 1,214 Additional paid in capital 10,135,677 9,490,827 Unamortized deferred compensation (623,500) 0 Retained earnings (deficit) (1,392,414) (172,163) --------- --------- Total Shareholders' Equity 8,121,127 9,319,878 --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 9,999,686 $ 10,612,901 ========= ========== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 BESICORP LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) Three months ended June 30, 1999 1998 ----- ----- Revenues: Product sales $2,125,072 $ 987,793 Other revenues 60,929 124,701 Interest and other investment 23,400 6,773 income Other income 0 24,867 --------- --------- Total Revenues 2,209,401 1,144,134 --------- --------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of product sales 1,850,827 947,831 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,567,730 1,342,274 Interest expense 287 94,383 Other expenses 50 433 --------- --------- Total Costs and Expenses 3,418,894 2,384,921 --------- --------- Loss before Income Taxes (1,209,493) (1,240,787) Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes 10,758 (422,000) --------- ---------- Net Loss $ (1,220,251) $ (818,787) ========= =========== Basic Loss per Share $ (9.44) $ (6.75) ========= ======== Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (in Thousands) 129,294 121,382 ========= ======= See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 BESICORP LTD. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) Three months ended June 30, 1999 1998 ------ ----- Operating Activities: Net loss $ (1,220,251) $(818,787) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: Amortization of discounts on (549) (549) notes Stock compensation 21,500 0 Depreciation and amortization 45,624 50,464 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable 333,948 (308,739) Inventories (517,356) (182,878) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 656,534 (87,465) Taxes payable/refundable (4,554) (4,899) Other assets and (200,798) 41,377 -------- -------- liabilities, net Net cash used by operating (885,902) (1,311,476) activities -------- --------- Financing Activities: Repayment of borrowings (42,238) (24,128) Net transactions with Besicorp Group Inc. 0 1,452,317 -------- --------- Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (42,238) 1,428,189 -------- --------- Investing Activities: Distribution from partnerships 2,009,905 0 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (11,315) 0 ---------- --------- Net cash provided by investing activities 1,998,590 0 ---------- --------- Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,070,450 116,713 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning 1,824,139 104,428 --------- -------- Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending $ 2,894,589 $ 221,141 ========= ======== Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 287 $ 95,239 Income taxes paid 5,930 0 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 BESICORP LTD. UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Besicorp Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") as of June 30, 1999, and March 31, 1999; the results of operations for the three-month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998; and the statement of cash flows for the corresponding three-month periods. The balance sheet at March 31, 1999 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Form 10-KSB filed by the Company for the year ended March 31, 1999. Besicorp Group Inc., the former parent of Besicorp Ltd., was a party to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 23, 1998, as amended, (the "Plan of Merger") among Besicorp Group Inc., BGI Acquisition LLC ("Acquisition") and BGI Acquisition Corp. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquisition. Pursuant to the Plan of Merger, Merger Sub was merged into Besicorp Group Inc., which then became a wholly owned subsidiary of Acquisition (the "Merger"). Because Acquisition did not want to acquire certain assets or assume certain liabilities of Besicorp Group Inc., it was a condition precedent to the Merger that Besicorp Group Inc., prior to the Merger, spin-off its photovoltaic and independent power development businesses (the "Distributed Businesses") to its shareholders. Therefore, Besicorp Group Inc. formed Besicorp Ltd. to assume the operations of the Distributed Businesses by having Besicorp Group Inc. assign to Besicorp Ltd. all of its assets relating to the Distributed Businesses and substantially all of Besicorp Group Inc.'s other assets (other than Besicorp Group Inc.'s cash, securities, the subsidiaries which held Besicorp Group Inc.'s interests in partnerships which owned or leased five cogeneration natural gas power plants (the "Retained Subsidiaries") and certain other assets (including in particular, other claims of and awards made to Besicorp Group Inc. in the aggregate stated amount of approximately $1 million)), and by having Besicorp Ltd. (the "Company") assume substantially all of Besicorp Group Inc.'s liabilities other than the following liabilities (collectively, the "Permitted Liabilities"): (i) the liabilities of Besicorp Group Inc. and any Retained Subsidiary (actual or accrued) for unpaid federal income taxes for Besicorp Group Inc.'s 1999 fiscal year based on the consolidated net income of Besicorp Group Inc. through the effective date of the Merger (i.e. March 22, 1999), (ii) the liabilities of Besicorp Group Inc. or its subsidiaries for New York State income taxes for the 1999 fiscal year, and (iii) certain intercompany liabilities. The Plan of Merger contemplated that prior to the consummation of the Merger Besicorp Group Inc. would effect this contribution of assets to the Company (and the assumption of these liabilities by the Company) and distribute all of Besicorp Ltd.'s stock to Oldco's shareholders. Therefore, following the contribution, which took place shortly prior to the Merger which was consummated on March 22, 1999, Besicorp Group Inc. distributed 100% of Besicorp Ltd.'s common stock (the "Distribution"), and Besicorp Ltd. became a separate, publicly held company. Besicorp Ltd. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements at and prior to the Distribution reflect the operations, financial position and cash flows of Besicorp Ltd. and subsidiaries as if they were a separate entity. Such financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements of Besicorp Group Inc. using historical results of operations and historical basis in the assets and liabilities of the business operated by Besicorp Ltd. 6 The financial information for the year ended March 31, 1999 may not necessarily reflect the consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity of Besicorp Ltd. had Besicorp Ltd. been a separate entity during that period. Amounts shown as net transactions with Besicorp Group Inc. represent the net effect of cash generated or used by the Distributed Businesses and transferred to or from Besicorp Group Inc. B. Business -------- Besicorp Ltd. specializes in the development, assembly, manufacture, marketing and resale of photovoltaic products and systems ("Product Segment") and the development of power plant projects ("Project Segment"). Basic/Diluted Earnings per Common Share - --------------------------------------- Effective December 15, 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, Earnings per Share. The Statement required companies with a complex capital structure to report both Basic Earnings per Share and Diluted Earnings per Share. Diluted Earnings per Share considers the effect of potential common shares such as stock options and warrants. Loss per common share for the three months ended June 30, 1999 is based on the weighted average number of shares of 129,294 outstanding during that period. Loss per common share for the three months ended June 30, 1998 is computed based on 121,823 shares being issued as adjusted after the Distribution and Spin-Off. Since there were no potential Common Shares as of June 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999, Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share are the same for both fiscal years. D. The results of operations for the three-month period ended June 30, 1999 is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. E. Inventories ----------- Inventories are carried at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method), or market. Inventories at June 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999, consist of: June 30, 1999 March 31, 1999 ------------- -------------- Assembly parts $ 380,820 $ 263,761 Finished goods 1,302,297 902,000 --------- --------- $1,683,117 $1,165,761 ========= ========= F. Deferred Costs -------------- Deferred costs and reimbursable costs at June 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999 were as follows: Internal Costs Third Payroll Expenses Party Costs Total ------- -------- ----------- -------- Balance March 31, 1999 $0 $0 $0 $0 Additions 72,618 2,970 111,169 186,757 Expensed 0 0 0 0 Reimbursements 0 0 0 0 ------ ----- ------- ------- Balance June 30, 1999 $72,618 $2,970 $111,169 $186,757 ====== ====== ======= ======= In accordance with its existing policy, the Company is deferring all costs, as presented above, incurred with respect to the development of a recycled newsprint manufacturing plant and adjacent 475 megawatt natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant in Ulster County, New York (the "Kingston Project"). 7 G. Investments in Partnerships --------------------------- Except for one partnership, which management anticipates will be liquidated around October 1, 1999, all partnerships, which owned or leased five cogeneration natural gas power plants, were liquidated during the three months ended June 30, 1999, and the applicable liquidating distributions of approximately $2,000,000 were received by the Company on June 1, 1999. The investment in partnerships of $1,999,905 at June 30, 1999 primarily represents (a) approximately a maximum of $550,000 which management expects will be received by Besicorp Ltd. upon liquidation of the one unliquidated partnership and which may be reduced by certain expenses incurred by the partnership and (b) approximately $1.44 million (the "Liquidated Partnership Funds") held in cash escrow accounts which were established in connection with three liquidated partnerships. The Liquidated Partnership Funds, if any, are to be released, if any, to Besicorp Ltd. between June 2000 and May 2002 subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, as to which no assurance can be given. H. Revenue Recognition ------------------- Revenues on sales of products are recognized at the time of shipment of goods. Development and management fee revenue is recognized when deemed payable under the applicable agreement. I. Segments of Business -------------------- The Company specializes in the development, assembly, manufacture, marketing and resale of photovoltaic products and systems ("Product Segment") and the development of power plant projects ("Project Segment"). Segments are reported based on the subsidiary involved with the activity of that segment, with no intersegment revenues and expenses. A summary of industry segment information for the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 is as follows: Project Product June 30, 1999 Segment Segment Eliminations Total - ------------- ------- ------- ------------ ----- Net revenues $ 50,487 $ 2,158,914 $ 2,209,401 Loss before taxes 860,677 348,816 1,209,493 Income tax provision (credit) 9,217 1,741 10,758 Net income (loss) (869,694) (350,557) (1,220,251) Identifiable assets 18,901,734 3,412,340 $(12,314,388) 9,999,686 Investment in partnerships 1,999,905 - 1,999,905 Capital expenditures 0 11,315 11,315 Depreciation and amortization 21,809 23,815 45,624 June 30, 1998 Net revenues $ 43,246 $ 1,100,888 $1,144,134 Loss before taxes 772,947 467,840 1,240,787 Income tax provision (credit) (423,867) 1,867 (422,000) Net income (loss) (349,079) (469,708) (818,787) Identifiable assets 16,662,928 2,613,350 $(13,509,386) 5,766,892 Investment in partnerships - - - Capital expenditures 0 0 0 Depreciation and amortization 22,699 27,765 50,464 K. Legal Proceedings See Part II, Item 1 which is incorporated by reference. 8 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- The information set forth below is, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided or as the content otherwise requires, current as of June 30, 1999. For information regarding the Company's (as defined) activities subsequent to such date (including without limitation, the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by the Company and entities controlled by Michael F. Zinn, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of the Company), please see the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") subsequent to such date. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - --------------------- First Quarter Developments and Subsequent Events On June 24, 1999, the Company announced that it had received from its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, an offer to purchase the business and assets of the Company, subject to all of its liabilities, for an aggregate purchase price of $6.2 million in cash or approximately $45.46 per share (the "Transaction"). The offer further provides that the holders of the shares of the Company's Common Stock outstanding prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction would be entitled to participate on a pro-rata basis in the funds, if any, that may be released from the approximately $6.5 million escrow fund established in connection with the merger involving the Company's former parent, Besicorp Group Inc. As currently structured, the Company would be the beneficiary of any residual funds which remain in said escrow. Josephthal & Co., Inc. has been retained to, among other things, assist in evaluating the offer. No assurance can be given that such transaction or any other transaction will be consummated. On July 15, 1999, the Company announced that Kellogg Brown & Root Inc. ("KBR") of Houston, Texas has been chosen to provide engineering and construction services to the Kingston Project. KBR will provide the preliminary design for the facilities and will support the environmental permitting process now underway. Also in connection with the Kingston Project, ENSR Corporation of Acton, Massachusetts has been retained to assist the project principals in applications for environmental permits and approvals required for plant construction. For more details on the Kingston Project, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for fiscal year ended March 31, 1999. REVENUES - -------- Consolidated Consolidated revenues increased by $1,065,267, or 93%, to $2,209,401 during the three months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to $1,144,134 during the three months ended June 30, 1998. Product Sales. Revenues from product sales during the three-month period ended June 30, 1999 increased by $1,137,279, or 115%, to $2,125,072 as compared to $987,793 for the three months ended June 30, 1998. The increase for the period is due primarily to increased sales volume of photovoltaic products primarily as a result of increases to the sales and marketing support staff made primarily during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1998 and to the general increase in demand for solar electric products associated with Year 2000 expectations. No assurance can be given that such revenue trend will continue. Other Revenues. Other revenues are primarily comprised of contract revenue from the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency ("NYSERDA") and Motorola, Inc. in accordance with agreements they have with the Company. Other revenues derived from the Project and Product Segments decreased by $63,772, or 51%, for the three-month period ended June 30, 1999 to $60,929 from $124,701 for the same period last year. Other revenues are primarily comprised of contract revenue received from various sources, including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Motorola, Inc. in accordance with funding agreements with the Company. Contract revenue may vary from quarter to quarter based upon the degree of completion of the various tasks outlined in the applicable agreements. 9 Interest and Other Investment Income. Interest and other investment income during the three months ended June 30, 1999 increased by $16,627, or 245%, to $23,400 compared to $6,773 for the three months ended June 30, 1998. The increase in the current period is due primarily to higher invested principal balances. 10 COSTS AND EXPENSES - ------------------ Cost of Product Segment Sales - ----------------------------- Cost of product sales for the three-month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 was $1,850,827 and $947,831, respectively, or 87% and 96% of revenues attributable to product sales. The decrease in cost of sales percentage is due primarily to the overall increase in products sales which has resulted in increased coverage of fixed costs resulting in higher margins. Improved efficiencies in the manufacturing process also contributed to higher margins. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses - --------------------------------------------- Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased by $225,456, or 17%, to $1,567,730 for the three-month period ended June 30, 1999 as compared to $1,342,274 for the three-month period ended June 30, 1998. The increase in the current period is due primarily to increased professional fees of $125,814, increased marketing expenses of $45,241 in the Company's Product Segment, and expenses of $39,322 associated with the Company's lease agreement with Besicorp Group Inc. Interest Expense - ---------------- Interest expense for the three-month period ended June 30, 1999 decreased by $94,096, or 100%, to $287 compared to $94,383 for the three-month period ended June 30, 1998. The decrease in the current three-month period is due primarily to the Company's repayment of all its interest bearing debt during the second and third quarter of Fiscal 1999. Provision (Credit) for Income Taxes - ----------------------------------- The provision for income taxes increased during the three months ended June 30, 1999 by $432,758, or 103%, to $10,758 compared to the credit for income taxes of $422,000 for the same period last year. The Company provides federal and state income taxes based on enacted statutory rates adjusted for projected benefits of tax operating loss carry forwards and other credits. The tax benefit associated with the operating loss for the current period was offset by a corresponding increase in valuation allowance. Net Loss - -------- The Company's net loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 increased by $401,464, or 49%, to $1,220,251 from the net loss of $818,787 for the three months ended June 30, 1998. The factors contributing to the decrease in net loss are discussed above. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - ------------------------------- The Company's working capital increased by $577,833 from $3,923,003 at March 31, 1999, to $4,500,836 at June 30, 1999 primarily as a result of increases in cash and inventory partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The Company does not have any short-term material capital commitments associated with the development of its power plant initiatives and projects other than the overhead and employee costs associated with monitoring such projects and the development of new projects and approximately $750,000 (the "Commitment") in connection with the Kingston Project. Management currently anticipates that of the sum to be expended in connection with the Kingston Project, $250,000 (the "Initial Commitment"), will be expended within the next month and the balance will be expended during the twelve months thereafter. Management has not specifically identified the manner in which it will fund its material capital commitments with respect to the Kingston Project, other than for the balance of the Commitment which it is anticipated will be funded by the Parent Loans (as defined). One possibility contemplated by management with respect to the estimated $5 million to $7 million of total development costs required to bring the project to the point where it is able to obtain long term financing for the actual construction of the project (the "Financial Close") would come in the form of advances of cash or services from, among other sources, vendors interested in participation in the construction of the project; such vendors generally would be repaid in whole or in part at Financial Close. (No arrangements have yet been made to finance 11 the estimated $650 million cost of constructing the Kingston Project though management anticipates that it will have to surrender part of its interest in this project in connection with the financing process.) Amounts paid through July 31, 1999 to third parties in connection with the Kingston Project have totaled approximately $149,000. The Company has cash of approximately $1.6 million (as of August 13, 1999). Other than cash generated by the Company's photovoltaic activities, which is generally expended in these activities, and a liquidating distribution of approximately $100,000 to $300,000, which may be received from one partnership around October 1999, management anticipates no significant cash inflows in the near future. Given the Company's net cash use rate of approximately $500,000 to $600,000 per month (as of August 13, 1999), the Company will have sufficient funds to continue operations for approximately two to three months from August 13, 1999. After the expiration of the applicable period, Besicorp Ltd. may, without additional funds or a significant reduction of its operating expenses, not be able to pay its obligations as they become due. This would materially and adversely effect Besicorp Ltd. and require it to curtail operations. As one means of reducing cash outflow, the Company has developed a salary deferment plan under which executive officers and certain key employees have begun to defer portions of their salary ranging in amounts from 15% to 67%. The deferral arrangements are for a one-year term and are resulting in a monthly cash savings of approximately $35,000 to $40,000. The Company is also evaluating the Transaction (see "First Quarter Developments and Subsequent Events"). As discussed previously, Besicorp Ltd. has retained a financial advisor to render financial and other general advise, including an evaluation of the fairness of the Transaction from a financial point of view, and to assist the Company in responding to proposed alternative transactions, if any. No assurance can be given that the Transaction will be completed or that alternative transactions will be available. The Company has attempted but not developed any alternatives to its liquidity and capital reserve problems and no assurance can be given that any alternatives will be identified. During the quarter ended June 30, 1999, cash of $885,902 was used in operations primarily as a result of the net loss for the period of $1,220,251, partially offset by changes in other assets and liabilities which produced a positive cash flow of $267,774 and non-cash items of $66,575. The Company's investing activities provided cash of $1,998,590 during the quarter primarily as a result of distribution from partnerships of $2,009,905, partially offset by the acquisition of property, plant and equipment of $11,315. The distributions received from partnerships during the quarter are non-recurring in nature and primarily represent the Company's share of the proceeds of the sale of certain pollution control emission allowances and distributions made upon liquidation of certain partnerships. During the current quarter, the Company's financing activities resulted in a decrease in cash of $42,238, due to the repayment of borrowings. The Company is currently seeking financing for the construction of a 30,000 sq. ft. facility at the site of the corporate headquarters in Kingston to house the solar electric product development and manufacturing operations. This facility, estimated to cost no less than $1.5 million would replace space currently occupied under a cancelable lease. The Company has no significant capital commitments for Fiscal 2000 other than those which may arise in the ordinary course of business and the Kingston Project. Year 2000 - --------- The disclosure set forth below includes actions taken by Oldco (including actions taken by Oldco=s Year 2000 Management Committee) with respect to Year 2000 issues. Many existing computer systems and software applications use two digits, rather than four, to record years, i.e., "98" instead of A1998." Unless modified, such systems will not properly record or interpret years after 1999, which could lead to business disruptions, including, among other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, determine whether payments have been received or engage in similar normal business activities. This is known as the Year 2000 issue. 12 The Company relies on computer hardware, software, and related technology primarily in its internal operations, such as billing and accounting. During Fiscal 1998, the Company formed a Year 2000 Management Committee to address the potential financial and business consequences of Year 2000 issues, such as the disruptions mentioned above, the failure to receive essential supplies and services or the loss of customers, with respect to both the Company's hardware, software, applications and interfaces (collectively, "IT Systems") and non-information technology systems such as telemetry, security, power and transportation (collectively, the "Non-IT Systems"). In general, the Year 2000 Management Committee is dividing its efforts with respect to both the IT Systems and the Non-IT Systems into three phases: (1) inventory and assessment ("Phase One"), (2) strategy and contingency planning ("Phase Two") and (3) upgrades, conversions and other solutions, at the end of which the systems are tested to confirm Year 2000 compliance ("Phase Three"). With respect to the IT Systems, the Company has completed its evaluation of its hardware, software and other IT Systems and has migrated from a 486 PC environment to an Intel Pentium environment. All workstations and software have been replaced as necessary to assure Y2K compliance. All key vendors have supplied written documentation of their Y2K compliance. The Company expects to test systems through January 2000. With respect to the Non-IT Systems, the Company relies on outside providers for its basic needs such as electricity, telephone service and other utilities. As part of its evaluation of its Non-IT Systems, the Year 2000 Management Committee generally contacted the utilities and other providers through written correspondence. All Non-IT systems indicate that they are compliant except voice mail, which is scheduled for an upgrade in the summer of 1999. The Company has communicated with certain of its vendors, suppliers, and customers to both monitor and encourage their respective remedial efforts regarding Year 2000 issues. The Company has contacted by letter or phone all of its significant vendors and suppliers and its largest customers to determine the extent to which the Company's systems might be vulnerable as a result of third parties' failure to resolve their own Year 2000 issues. The Company's photovoltaic business is dependent on components provided by photovoltaic module suppliers. Failure by vendors and suppliers to successfully address their Year 2000 issues could result in delays in their providing various products and services to the Company. However, the Company has determined that it is not necessary to seek replacement vendors to assure availability of products and services. At present, the Company has no reason to believe it will not be able to obtain all necessary products and services, either from the present vendors and suppliers, or replacement vendors and suppliers. Failure by customers could disrupt their ability to maximize their use of the Company's products and services and lead to a reduction in revenues; therefore, the Company has sent a newsletter to its product customers to help develop each customer=s awareness of Year 2000 issues and their implications. The Year 2000 Management Committee believes that the Company's internal operations will not be affected by Year 2000 problems. The Company does not rely solely on its IT Systems in order to produce products it sells or to develop project opportunities. In fact, in July 1998, the Company's IT Systems temporarily ceased to function due to a lightning strike that destroyed many components of the system, and while inconvenienced, the business operated, deadlines were met, and relationships were cultivated. The Company does not intend to develop a contingency plan. Based on the Company's research, evaluation, and actions in preparation for Year 2000, at present, the Company has no reason to believe it will not be able to obtain all necessary products and services from present vendors and suppliers. In the unlikely event that replacement vendors and suppliers are required, a situation that our current vendors and suppliers do not believe will occur, the Company believes such replacements can be made with little difficulty. Further, the Company does not rely solely on its IT systems in order to produce products it sells or to develop project opportunities. Many functions are done by hand or via in person communication. Transitioning to manual accounting can be accommodated in the event of an unexpected Year 2000 emergency. 13 Short of any third party disaster that the Company is unable to control and for which the Company cannot develop contingency plans, such as the failure of a utility providing power or telecommunications, the Company does not believe its business will be detrimentally impacted by potential Year 2000 problems. The most reasonably likely worst case Year 2000 scenario would be minor delays in production and distribution (and for a brief period higher costs) which could reduce revenues and income, and perhaps a reduction in sales. Through August 17, 1999 the Company has spent $193,681 on Year 2000 compliance. Of this amount, $138,836 was spent during Fiscal 1999. The Company expects that its expenditures for Year 2000 related issues will not exceed $50,000 in Fiscal 2000. 14 Item 6. - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a. Exhibits 10.5 Memorandum of Understanding by and between Empire State Newsprint LLC and Besicorp Development, Inc. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule - 3 months ended June 30, 1998* 27.2 Financial Data Schedule - 3 months ended June 30, 1999* * Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibits filed on August 6, 1999 with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 1999. b. Reports on Form 8-K On July 14, 1999, the Company filed a report on Form 8-K/A to amend the report on Form 8-K filed on March 22, 1999. The report contained the Combined Financial Statements and Exhibits of the Distributed Businesses of Besicorp Group Inc. 15 SIGNATURES - ---------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Besicorp Ltd., Registrant Date: January 25, 2000 /s/ Michael F. Zinn ---------------- ------------------- Michael F. Zinn President (principal executive officer) Date: January 25, 2000 /s/ James E. Curtin ---------------- ------------------- James E. Curtin Vice President and Controller (principal accounting officer) 16