SEC Filing | Orion Energy Systems

View:

Download DOC

Download PDF

Download XLS

Download XBRL

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_____________________________

FORM 10-Q

_____________________________


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

For the Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 2016


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

Commission file number 001-33887

______________________________

Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________



Wisconsin		39-1847269
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification number)



2210 Woodland Drive, Manitowoc, Wisconsin		54220
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (920) 892-9340

_______________________________

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405) during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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



Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer ¨

Non-accelerated filer	¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company x

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

There were 28,305,117 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding on February 3, 2017.

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page(s)
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
ITEM 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	5
	Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
ITEM 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22
ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	31
ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures	32
PART II OTHER INFORMATION		34
ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
ITEM 1A.	Risk Factors	34
ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	34
ITEM 5.	Other Information	34
ITEM 6.	Exhibits	35
SIGNATURES		36
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1: Financial Statements

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)



	December 31, 2016			March 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,118		$	15,542
Accounts receivable, net	11,730			10,889
Inventories, net	16,572			17,024
Deferred contract costs	1,333			37
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,685			5,038
Total current assets	50,438			48,530
Property and equipment, net	13,850			17,004
Other intangible assets, net	4,579			5,048
Long-term accounts receivable	6			108
Other long-term assets	165			185
Total assets	$	69,038		$	70,875
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts payable	$	12,318		$	11,716
Accrued expenses and other	5,962			6,586
Deferred revenue, current	687			243
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases	192			746
Total current liabilities	19,159			19,291
Revolving credit facility	5,882			3,719
Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities	216			302
Deferred revenue, long-term	963			1,022
Other long-term liabilities	443			558
Total liabilities	26,663			24,892
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Shares authorized: 30,000,000 at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016	—			—
Common stock, no par value: Shares authorized: 200,000,000 at December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016; shares issued: 37,728,772 at December 31, 2016 and 37,192,559 at March 31, 2016; shares outstanding: 28,299,317 at December 31, 2016 and 27,767,138 at March 31, 2016	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	153,533			152,140
Treasury stock, common shares: 9,429,455 at December 31, 2016 and 9,425,421 at March 31, 2016	(36,080		)	(36,075		)
Shareholder notes receivable	(4		)	(4		)
Retained deficit	(75,074		)	(70,078		)
Total shareholders’ equity	42,375			45,983
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	69,038		$	70,875

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Product revenue	$	19,259		$	16,094		$	52,286		$	46,872
Service revenue	1,358			657			2,635			2,195
Total revenue	20,617			16,751			54,921			49,067
Cost of product revenue	13,577			11,574			36,748			35,988
Cost of service revenue	885			468			1,748			1,700
Total cost of revenue	14,462			12,042			38,496			37,688
Gross profit	6,155			4,709			16,425			11,379
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	3,541			3,861			11,040			11,135
Sales and marketing	3,147			2,409			9,167			8,112
Research and development	495			381			1,493			1,244
Total operating expenses	7,183			6,651			21,700			20,491
Loss from operations	(1,028		)	(1,942		)	(5,275		)	(9,112		)
Other income (expense):
Other income	—			—			190			—
Interest expense	(65		)	(71		)	(203		)	(223		)
Interest income	7			27			31			107
Total other (expense) income	(58		)	(44		)	18			(116		)
Loss before income tax	(1,086		)	(1,986		)	(5,257		)	(9,228		)
Income tax expense (benefit)	—			18			(261		)	28
Net loss and comprehensive loss	$	(1,086	)	$	(2,004	)	$	(4,996	)	$	(9,256	)
Basic net loss per share attributable to common shareholders	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.34	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	28,258,742			27,671,633			28,106,209			27,584,288
Diluted net loss per share	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.34	)
Weighted-average common shares and share equivalents outstanding	28,258,742			27,671,633			28,106,209			27,584,288

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015
Operating activities
Net loss	$	(4,996	)	$	(9,256	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	1,103			2,320
Amortization	721			1,055
Stock-based compensation	1,252			1,166
Loss on sale of property and equipment	1			18
Provision for inventory reserves	621			41
Provision for bad debts	118			245
Other	148			56
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, current and long-term	(857		)	3,660
Inventories	(169		)	(4,192		)
Deferred contract costs	(1,296		)	44
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,294			1,951
Accounts payable	602			1,017
Accrued expenses and other	(661		)	(1,333		)
Deferred revenue, current and long-term	385			(117		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	266			(3,325		)
Investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(376		)	(302		)
Additions to patents and licenses	(252		)	(6		)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment	2,600			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,972			(308		)
Financing activities
Payment of long-term debt and capital leases	(814		)	(1,450		)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	63,705			47,996
Payment of revolving credit facility	(61,542		)	(45,523		)
Payment of common stock issuance costs	—			(1		)
Payments to settle employee tax withholdings on stock-based compensation	(17		)	(20		)
Net proceeds from employee equity exercises	6			87
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,338			1,089
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,576			(2,544		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,542			20,002
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	19,118		$	17,458

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Organization

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

Orion’s corporate offices and leased primary manufacturing operations are located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Orion leases office space in Jacksonville, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Houston, Texas. Orion also leases warehouse space in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Augusta, Georgia.

NOTE 2 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications

Where appropriate, certain reclassifications have been made to prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Orion have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2017 or other interim periods.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Orion’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2016.

Use of Estimates

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

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

Level 2 — Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

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

Accounts Receivable

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



	December 31, 2016			March 31, 2016
Accounts receivable, gross	$	11,874		$	11,394
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(144		)	(505		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	11,730		$	10,889

Financing Receivables

In some limited instances, Orion extends financing to its customers in the form of sales-type leases. These lease receivables are included within current and long-term accounts receivable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additional disclosures on the credit quality of these financing receivables are as follows:

Aging Analysis as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):



	Not Past Due		1-90 days past due		Greater than 90 days past due		Total past due		Total sales-type leases
Lease balances included in consolidated accounts receivable—current	$	447	$	—	$	3	$	3	$	450
Lease balances included in consolidated accounts receivable—long-term	6		—		—		—		6
Total gross sales-type leases	453		—		3		3		456
Allowance	—		—		—		—		—
Total net sales-type leases	$	453	$	—	$	3	$	3	$	456

Aging Analysis as of March 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):



	Not Past Due		1-90 days past due		Greater than 90 days past due			Total past due			Total sales-type leases
Lease balances included in consolidated accounts receivable—current	$	294	$	4	$	10		$	14		$	308
Lease balances included in consolidated accounts receivable—long-term	101		—		—			—			101
Total gross sales-type leases	395		4		10			14			409
Allowance	—		—		(9		)	(9		)	(9		)
Total net sales-type leases	$	395	$	4	$	1		$	5		$	400

Inventories

Inventories consist of raw materials and components, such as drivers, metal sheet and coil stock and molded parts; work in process inventories, such as frames and reflectors; and finished goods, including completed fixtures and systems, and accessories. All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Orion reduces the carrying value of its inventories for differences between the cost and estimated net realizable value, taking into consideration usage in the preceding 9 to 24 months, expected demand, and other information indicating obsolescence. Orion records, as a charge to cost of product revenue, the amount required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value. Orion's inventory balances were as follows (dollars in thousands):



	Cost		Obsolescence Reserve			Net
As of December 31, 2016
Raw materials and components	$	9,390	$	(1,112	)	$	8,278
Work in process	1,857		(252		)	1,605
Finished goods	7,207		(518		)	6,689
Total	$	18,454	$	(1,882	)	$	16,572

As of March 31, 2016
Raw materials and components	$	10,556	$	(1,052	)	$	9,504
Work in process	2,045		(119		)	1,926
Finished goods	6,550		(956		)	5,594
Total	$	19,151	$	(2,127	)	$	17,024

Costs associated with the procurement and warehousing of inventories, such as inbound freight charges and purchasing and receiving costs, are included in cost of product revenue.

Deferred Contract Costs

Deferred contract costs consist primarily of the costs of products delivered, and services performed, that are subject to additional performance obligations or customer acceptance. These deferred contract costs are expensed at the time the related revenue is recognized.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid insurance premiums, prepaid license fees, purchase deposits, advance payments to contractors, unbilled receivables, prepaid taxes and miscellaneous receivables. Prepaid expenses and other current assets include the following (dollars in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		March 31, 2016
Unbilled accounts receivable	$	1,031	$	4,307
Other prepaid expenses	654		731
Total	$	1,685	$	5,038

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized, while replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed as incurred. Properties sold, or otherwise disposed of, are removed from the property accounts, with gains or losses on disposal credited or charged to income from operations.

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

On June 30, 2016, Orion completed the sale of its Manitowoc manufacturing and distribution facility for gross cash proceeds of $2,600,000, which approximated the assets' net carrying values. In conjunction with the sale, Orion entered into an agreement with the buyer to leaseback approximately 197,000 square feet of the building for not less than three years, subject to mutual options to reduce the amount of leased space.

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



	December 31, 2016			March 31, 2016
Land and land improvements	$	424		$	421
Buildings and building improvements	9,245			11,849
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment	7,028			7,233
Leasehold improvements	162			148
Equipment leased to customers	4,997			4,997
Plant equipment	11,327			10,805
Construction in progress	266			128
	33,449			35,581
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(19,599		)	(18,577		)
Property and equipment, net	$	13,850		$	17,004

Equipment included above under capital leases was as follows (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016			March 31, 2016
Equipment	$	581		$	408
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(166		)	(65		)
Equipment, net	$	415		$	343

Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, using the straight-line method. Orion recorded depreciation expense of $348,000 and $1,103,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, respectively, and $759,000 and $2,320,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

Depreciable lives by asset category are as follows:



Land improvements	10-15 years
Buildings and building improvements	3-39 years
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment	2-10 years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of asset life or life of lease
Equipment leased to customers	20 years
Plant equipment	3-10 years

Other Intangible Assets

The costs of specifically identifiable intangible assets that do not have an indefinite life are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are reviewed for impairment annually, as of January 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their estimated economic useful life to reflect the pattern of economic benefits consumed based upon the following lives and methods:



Patents	10-17 years	Straight-line
Licenses	7-13 years	Straight-line
Customer relationships	5-8 years	Accelerated based upon the pattern of economic benefits consumed
Developed technology	8 years	Accelerated based upon the pattern of economic benefits consumed
Non-competition agreements	5 years	Straight-line

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

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



	December 31, 2016							March 31, 2016
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Patents	$	2,620	$	(1,174	)	$	1,446	$	2,377	$	(1,053	)	$	1,324
Licenses	58		(58		)	—		58		(58		)	—
Trade name and trademarks	1,965		—			1,965		1,956		—			1,956
Customer relationships	3,600		(2,976		)	624		3,600		(2,512		)	1,088
Developed technology	900		(386		)	514		900		(265		)	635
Non-competition agreements	100		(70		)	30		100		(55		)	45
Total	$	9,243	$	(4,664	)	$	4,579	$	8,991	$	(3,943	)	$	5,048

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $239,000 and $351,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Amortization expense on intangible assets was $721,000 and $1,055,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, the weighted average useful life of intangible assets was 6.14 years.

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



Fiscal 2017, remaining quarter	$	178
Fiscal 2018	618
Fiscal 2019	442
Fiscal 2020	357
Fiscal 2021	282
Fiscal 2022	164
Thereafter	573
Total	$	2,614

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets include the following (dollars in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		March 31, 2016
Deferred financing costs	$	9	$	92
Security deposits	116		87
Other	40		6
Total	$	165	$	185

Deferred financing costs relate to Orion’s revolving credit agreement and are recognized to interest expense straight-line over the remaining term of the credit agreement.

Accrued Expenses and Other

Accrued expenses and other include the following (dollars in thousands):



	December 31, 2016		March 31, 2016
Compensation and benefits	$	1,982	$	1,794
Sales tax	174		913
Contract costs	551		586
Legal and professional fees (1)	2,122		2,348
Warranty	612		554
Other accruals	521		391
Total	$	5,962	$	6,586

(1) Includes a $1,400 loss contingency.

Orion generally offers a limited warranty of one to ten years on its lighting products in addition to those standard warranties offered by major original equipment component manufacturers. The manufacturers’ warranties cover lamps and ballasts, which are significant components in Orion's lighting products.

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



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Beginning of period (1)	$	1,114		$	1,043		$	864		$	1,015
Provision (adjustment) to product cost of revenue	(190		)	(1		)	61			88
Charges	(2		)	(104		)	(3		)	(165		)
End of period (1)	$	922		$	938		$	922		$	938

(1) Includes a $310 reserve related to solar operating system warranties.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized on the sales of Orion's lighting and related energy-efficiency systems and products when the following four criteria are met:

1.persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

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

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

4.collectability is reasonably assured.

These four criteria are met for Orion’s product-only revenue upon delivery of the product and title passing to the customer. At that time, Orion provides for estimated costs that may be incurred for product warranties and sales returns. Revenues are presented net of sales tax and other sales related taxes.

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

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

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

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

Orion offers a financing program, called a power purchase agreement, or PPA, for Orion’s renewable energy product offerings. A PPA is a supply side agreement for the generation of electricity and subsequent sale to the end user. Upon the customer’s acknowledgment that the system is operating as specified, product revenue is recognized on a monthly basis over the life of the PPA contract, which is typically in excess of 10 years.

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

Net Loss per Common Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period and does not consider common stock equivalents.

For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Orion was in a net loss position; therefore, the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are equal because any increase to the basic shares would be anti-dilutive. Net loss per common share is calculated based upon the following:



	Three Months Ended December 31,						Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Numerator:
Net loss (in thousands)	$	(1,086	)	$	(2,004	)	$	(4,996	)	$	(9,256	)
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	28,258,742			27,671,633			28,106,209			27,584,288
Weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding	28,258,742			27,671,633			28,106,209			27,584,288
Net loss per common share:
Basic	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.34	)
Diluted	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.18	)	$	(0.34	)

The following table indicates the number of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Amounts are as of the end of each period:



	December 31, 2016	December 31, 2015
Common stock options	1,561,953	2,178,826
Restricted shares	1,661,543	1,005,539
Total	3,223,496	3,184,365

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

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

Orion purchases components necessary for its lighting products, including ballasts, lamps and LED components, from multiple suppliers. For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, no supplier accounted for more than 10% of total cost of revenue. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, two suppliers accounted for 18.1% and 12.6% of total cost of revenue. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015, no supplier accounted for more than 10% of total cost of revenue.

For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, no customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue.

As of December 31, 2016, no customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivable. As of March 31, 2016, one customer accounted for 10.3% of accounts receivable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Issued: Not Yet Adopted

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provides clarification and additional guidance as to the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU provides guidance, as to the classification of a number of transactions including: contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The new standard will be effective for Orion in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and will be applied through retrospective adjustment to all periods presented. Orion does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting," which changes how companies account for certain aspects of share-based payment awards to employees, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as the classification of related matters in the statement of cash flows. The ASU is effective for Orion in the first quarter of Orion's fiscal 2018. Management is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Subtopic 842)." This ASU requires that lessees recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by long-term leases and disclose additional quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. This ASU also provides clarifications surrounding the presentation of the effects of leases in the income statement and statement of cash flows. This guidance will be effective for Orion on April 1, 2019. Management is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for Orion's annual reporting period, and interim periods therein, beginning on April 1, 2017 with earlier adoption permitted. The guidance may be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively. Orion does not expect adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to the lower of cost or net realizable value for entities that measure inventory using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This ASU is effective for Orion on April 1, 2017. Orion does not expect adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern" ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires an entity's management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and if those conditions exist, the required disclosures. The standard is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. Orion does not expect adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Since the issuance of this ASU, the FASB has issued further ASU’s to provide additional guidance and clarification as to the application of ASU 2014-09 and delaying its original effective date. These ASU’s are effective for Orion beginning on April 1, 2018 (as amended by ASU 2015-14). Companies may use either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach to adopt this ASU. Orion is in the initial stages of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09, ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-11, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 and continues to evaluate the available transition methods.

Recently Adopted Standards

As of April 1, 2016. Orion adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-03 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” and the related ASU 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line of Credit Arrangements- Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update).” This guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, with the exception of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit agreements which may remain classified as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. As Orion’s only deferred debt issuance costs relate to its revolving line of credit, upon adoption of these standards a reclassification of the deferred financing costs was not required and there was no impact on Orion’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Orion purchased goods and services in the amount of approximately $21,000 and $9,000, respectively, from an entity for which a director of Orion is a minority owner and serves as president and chairman of the board of directors and from an immediate family member of a named executive officer.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Orion purchased goods and services in the amount of approximately $53,000 and $15,000, respectively, from an entity for which a director of Orion is a minority owner and serves as president and chairman of the board of directors and from an immediate family member of a named executive officer.

NOTE 4 — LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):



	December 31, 2016			March 31, 2016
Revolving credit facility	$	5,882		$	3,719
Harris seller's note	—			546
Equipment lease obligations	373			345
Customer equipment finance notes payable	8			90
Other long-term debt	27			67
Total long-term debt	6,290			4,767
Less current maturities	(192		)	(746		)
Long-term debt, less current maturities	$	6,098		$	4,021

Revolving Credit Agreement

Orion has an amended credit agreement (Credit Agreement) that provides for a revolving credit facility (Credit Facility)subject to a borrowing base requirement based on eligible receivables and inventory. As of December 31, 2016 Orion's borrowing base was approximately $9,648,000. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of February 6, 2019 and includes a $2,000,000 sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject in each case to Orion's applicable borrowing base limitations, the Credit Agreement otherwise provides for a $15,000,000 Credit Facility. This limit may increase to $20,000,000 based on a borrowing base requirement, if Orion satisfies certain conditions. Orion did not meet the requirements to increase the borrowing limit to $20,000,000 as of July 31, 2016, the most recent measurement date.

From and after any increase in the Credit Facility limit from $15,000,000 to $20,000,000, the Credit Agreement requires that Orion maintain, as of the end of each month, a minimum ratio for the trailing twelve-month period of (i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, subject to certain adjustments, to (ii) the sum of cash interest expense, certain principal payments on indebtedness and certain dividends, distributions and stock redemptions, equal to at least 1.10 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement contains additional customary covenants, including certain restrictions on Orion’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, guarantee obligations of third parties, make loans or advances, declare or pay any dividend or distribution on Orion’s stock, redeem or repurchase shares of Orion’s stock, or pledge or dispose of assets.

Each subsidiary of Orion is a joint and several co-borrower or guarantor under the Credit Agreement, and the Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in substantially all of Orion’s and each subsidiary’s personal property (excluding various assets relating to customer OTAs) and a mortgage on certain real property.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the daily three-month LIBOR plus 3.0% per annum, with a minimum interest charge for each year or portion of a year during the term of the Credit Agreement of $130,000, regardless of usage. As of December 31, 2016, the interest rate was 4.00%. Orion must pay an unused line fee of 0.25% per annum of the daily average unused amount of the Credit Facility and a letter of credit fee at the rate of 3.0% per annum on the undrawn amount of letters of credit outstanding from time to time under the Credit Facility.

Consolidated Balance Sheet. Orion estimates that as of December 31, 2016, it was eligible to borrow an additional $2,036,554 under the Credit Facility based upon current levels of eligible inventory and accounts receivable.

Orion was in compliance with its covenants in the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2016.

Harris Seller's Note

On July 1, 2013, Orion issued an unsecured and subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of $3,124,000 to partially fund the acquisition of Harris Manufacturing, Inc. and Harris LED, LLC (collectively, "Harris"). The note is included in the table above as Harris seller's note. The note's interest rate was 4% per annum. Principal and interest were payable quarterly. The note matured in July 2016 and was paid in full upon maturity.

Equipment Lease Obligation

In March 2016 and June 2015, Orion entered into lease agreements with a financing company in the principal amount of $19,000 and $377,000, respectively, to fund certain equipment. The leases are secured by the related equipment. The leases bear interest at a rate of 5.94% and 3.6%, respectively, and mature in February 2018 and June 2020. Both leases contain a one dollar buyout option.

Customer Equipment Finance Notes Payable

In December 2014, Orion entered into a secured borrowing agreement with a financing company in the principal amount of $446,000 to fund completed customer contracts under its OTA finance program that were previously funded under a different OTA credit agreement. The loan amount is secured by the OTA-related equipment and the expected future monthly payments under the supporting 25 individual OTA customer contracts. The borrowing agreement bears interest at a rate of 8.36% and matures in April 2018.

In June 2011, Orion entered into a note agreement with a financial institution that provided Orion with $2,831,000 to fund completed customer contracts under Orion’s OTA finance program. This note is included in the table above as customer equipment finance notes payable in the prior year. The note bore interest at 7.85%. The note matured in April 2016 and was paid in full upon maturity.

Other Long-Term Debt

In September 2010, Orion entered into a note agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce that provided Orion with $260,000 to fund Orion’s rooftop solar project at its Manitowoc facility. This note is included in the table above as other long-term debt. The note is collateralized by the related solar equipment. The note allowed for two years without interest accruing or principal payments due. Beginning in July 2012, the note bears interest at 2% and requires monthly payments of $4,600. The note matures in June 2017. The note agreement requires Orion to maintain a certain number of jobs at its Manitowoc facilities during the note’s duration. Orion was in compliance with all covenants in the note agreement as of December 31, 2016.

NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES

The income tax provision for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate of 0.1% to loss before income tax. The estimated effective tax rate for the three month period ended December 31, 2015 was (0.1)%. The estimated effective income tax rate was determined by applying statutory tax rates to pretax loss adjusted for certain permanent book to tax differences and tax credits.

The income tax provision for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 was determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate of (0.4)% to loss before income tax. Orion had discrete tax items in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 that increased the rate by 5.4% which resulted in a net rate for the quarter of 5.0%. The discrete tax items related to federal tax refunds and the release of a valuation reserve. The estimated effective tax rate for the nine month period ended December 31, 2015 was (0.1)%.

Orion is eligible for tax benefits associated with the excess of the tax deduction available for exercises of non-qualified stock options (NQSOs) over the amount recorded at grant. The amount of the benefit is based upon the ultimate deduction reflected in the applicable income tax return.

As of December 31, 2016, Orion had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $61,254,000, of which $3,151,000 are associated with the exercise of NQSOs that have not yet been recognized by Orion in its financial statements. Orion also has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $52,022,000, of which $3,471,000 are associated with the exercise of NQSOs. Orion also had federal tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1,403,000 and state tax credits of $724,000. Orion's net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in varying amounts between 2020 and

2036. As of December 31, 2016, Orion had recorded a valuation allowance of $27,325,000 equaling the net deferred tax asset due to the uncertainty of its realization value in the future. Orion considers future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event that Orion determines that the deferred tax assets are able to be realized, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination is made.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As of December 31, 2016, the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $113,000, all of which would reduce Orion’s effective tax rate if recognized.

Orion has classified the amounts recorded for uncertain tax benefits in the balance sheet as other liabilities (non-current) to the extent that payment is not anticipated within one year. Orion recognizes penalties and interest related to uncertain tax liabilities in income tax expense. Penalties and interest are immaterial and are included in the unrecognized tax benefits.

NOTE 6 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

Orion leases office space and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2020. Rent expense under operating leases was $290,000 and $130,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $612,000 and $376,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

On March 1, 2016, Orion entered into a lease agreement as a lessor for excess office space at its corporate headquarters in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The initial term of the lease is 24 months and the tenant has the option to extend the term for up to three additional twelve-month periods. The monthly rental payment Orion receives is $21,000 and is included as a reduction to general and administrative expenses.

On March 31, 2016, Orion entered into a purchase and sale agreement ("Agreement") with Tramontina to sell and leaseback Orion's manufacturing and distribution facility for a gross cash proceeds of $2,600,000. The transaction closed on June 30, 2016. Pursuant to the Agreement, a lease was entered into on June 30, 2016, in which Orion is leasing approximately 197,000 square feet of the building for not less than three years, with rent at $2.00 per square foot per annum. Orion's monthly payment under this lease is approximately $40,000. The lease contains options by either party to reduce the amount of leased space after March 1, 2017.

Litigation

Orion is subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this report, Orion is unable to currently assess whether the final resolution of any of such claims or legal proceedings may have a material adverse effect on Orion. In addition to ordinary-course litigation, Orion is a party to the proceedings described below.

On March 27, 2014, Orion was named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by Neal R. Verfuerth, Orion's former chief executive officer who was terminated for cause in November 2012, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay Division). The plaintiff alleged, among other things, that Orion breached certain agreements entered into with the plaintiff, including the plaintiff’s employment agreement, and violated certain laws. The complaint sought, among other relief, unspecified pecuniary and compensatory damages, fees and such other relief as the court may deem just and proper. On November 4, 2014, the court granted Orion's motion to dismiss six of the plaintiff's claims. On January 9, 2015, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint re-alleging claims that were dismissed by the court, including, among other things, a retaliation claim and certain claims with respect to prior management agreements and certain intellectual property rights. On January 22, 2015, Orion filed a motion to dismiss and a motion to strike certain of the claims made in the amended complaint. On May 18, 2015, the court dismissed the intellectual property claims re-alleged in the January 9, 2015 amended complaint. At the court's direction, the parties attempted to mediate the matter in May 2016, but were unsuccessful in resolving the matter.

On August 25, 2016, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Green Bay Division) dismissed all claims against Orion brought by the plaintiff, including his claims that Orion had allegedly breached the plaintiff’s employment agreement and had allegedly violated the plaintiff's whistleblower rights. On September 22, 2016, the plaintiff filed an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals challenging the judgment rendered on August 25, 2016. The plaintiff’s appeal is currently subject to court mandated mediation.

Orion intends to continue to defend against the claims vigorously. Orion believes that it has substantial legal and factual defenses to the claims and allegations remaining in the case and that Orion will prevail in this proceeding. Based upon the current status of the lawsuit, Orion does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the lawsuit will have a material adverse impact on its future continuing results of operations.

State Tax Assessment

Orion negotiated a settlement with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue with respect to an assessment regarding the proper classification of its products for tax purposes under Wisconsin law. Orion resolved this matter with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in June 2016 for $460,000.

NOTE 7 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In August 2010, Orion’s board of directors approved a non-compensatory employee stock purchase plan, or ESPP. Orion had the following shares issued from treasury during the nine months ended December 31, 2016:



	Shares Issued Under ESPP Plan	Closing Market Price
Quarter Ended June 30, 2016	1,771	$1.16
Quarter Ended September 30, 2016	1,511	$1.33
Quarter Ended December 31, 2016	840	$2.17
Total issued in fiscal 2017	4,122

In prior years, Orion issued loans to non-executive employees to purchase shares of its stock. As of December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016, $4,000 of such loans remained outstanding and are reflected on Orion’s balance sheet as a contra-equity account. No new loans were issued during the periods presented as the loan program was discontinued.

NOTE 8 — STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED SHARES

At Orion's 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on August 3, 2016, Orion's shareholders approved the Orion Energy Systems, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes grants of equity-based and incentive cash awards to eligible participants designated by the Plan's administrator. Awards under the Plan may consist of stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance units, shares of Orion's common stock ("Common Stock"), restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive awards or dividend equivalent units. An aggregate of 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the Plan.

Prior to shareholder approval of the Plan, the Company maintained its 2004 Stock and Incentive Awards Plan, as amended, which authorized the grant of cash and equity awards to employees (the “Former Plan”). No new awards will be granted under the Former Plan, however, all awards granted under the Former Plan that were outstanding as of August 3, 2016 will continue to be governed by the Former Plan.

Certain non-employee directors have elected to receive stock awards in lieu of cash compensation pursuant to elections made under Orion’s non-employee director compensation program. The plans also permit accelerated vesting in the event of certain changes of control of Orion as well as under other special circumstances.

Orion has historically granted stock options and restricted stock under the Former Plan. Orion has not issued stock options since fiscal 2014 and instead has issued restricted stock.

Orion accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures.

For the three months ended December 31, 2016, an aggregate of 14,000 restricted shares were granted valued at a price per share of $1.42, which was the closing market price as of the grant date. For the three months ended December 31, 2015, an aggregate of 154,281 restricted shares were granted valued at a price per share of between $1.76 and $2.04, which was the closing market price as of each grant date.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, an aggregate of 1,061,142 restricted shares were granted valued at a price per share of between $1.35 and $1.50, which was the closing market price as of each grant date. For the nine months ended December 31, 2015, an aggregate of 723,815 restricted shares were granted valued at a price per share of between $1.76 and $2.62, which was the closing market price as of each grant date.

On June 7, 2016, Orion issued and sold 57,065 shares of its common stock to an executive. On August 5, 2016, Orion sold an aggregate of 63,381 shares of its common stock, in equal amounts, to three recently retired members of Orion's board of

directors. In each case, the purchase price for the shares was calculated based on the closing price of Orion's common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market of the date of the issuance. The shares of common stock were offered and sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) and Rule 701.

The following amounts of stock-based compensation were recorded (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended December 31,				Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Cost of product revenue	$	7	$	9	$	30	$	29
General and administrative	283		327		1,035		902
Sales and marketing	64		74		116		210
Research and development	30		19		71		25
Total	$	384	$	429	$	1,252	$	1,166

The following table summarizes information with respect to the Plans:



			Outstanding Awards
	Shares Available for Grant		Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance at March 31, 2016	787,686		2,017,046		$	3.32	4.54
Shares reserved under new plan	1,750,000		—
Granted stock options	—		—		—
Granted shares	(53,079	)	—		—
Restricted shares	(1,061,142	)	—		—
Forfeited restricted shares	90,300		—		—
Forfeited stock options	375,093		(375,093	)	3.54
Exercised	—		(80,000	)	2.20
Balance at December 31, 2016	1,888,858		1,561,953		$	3.33	4.06	$	125,842
Exercisable at December 31, 2016			1,423,753		$	3.41	4.03	$	107,391

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, which is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock options and the fair value of Orion’s closing common stock price of $2.17 as of December 31, 2016.

A summary of the status of Orion’s outstanding non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:



Non-vested at March 31, 2016	205,900
Granted	—
Vested	(65,300	)
Forfeited	(2,400	)
Non-vested at December 31, 2016	138,200

As of December 31, 2016, compensation cost related to non-vested common stock-based compensation, excluding restricted share awards, amounted to $100,000 over a remaining weighted average expected term of 0.94 years.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2017, Orion granted restricted shares as follows (which are included in the above stock plan activity tables):



Balance at March 31, 2016	1,053,389
Shares issued	1,061,142
Shares vested	(362,688	)
Shares forfeited	(90,300	)
Shares outstanding and non-vested at December 31, 2016	1,661,543
Per share price on grant date	$1.35 - $6.80

As of December 31, 2016, the weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted for the period was $1.39.

As of December 31, 2016, the amount of deferred stock-based compensation expense related to grants of restricted shares, to be recognized over a remaining period of 2.19 years, was approximately $2,200,000.

NOTE 9 — SEGMENTS

Orion has the following business segments: Orion U.S. Markets Division ("USM"), Orion Engineered Services Division ("OES") and Orion Distribution Services Division ("ODS"). The accounting policies are the same for each business segment as they are on a consolidated basis.

Orion U.S. Markets Division ("USM")

The USM segment sells commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets. USM customers include domestic energy service companies, or ESCOs, and electrical contractors. During fiscal 2017, sales from this division are in the process of migrating to distribution channel sales through manufacturer's representative agents. The migrated sales are included in Orion's Distribution Services Division.

Orion Engineered Systems Division ("OES")

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

Orion Distribution Services Division ("ODS")

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

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other is comprised of operating expenses not directly allocated to Orion’s segments and adjustments to reconcile to consolidated results.



	Revenues				Operating Income (Loss)
	For the Three Months Ended December 31,				For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2016			2015
(dollars in thousands)
Segments:
Orion U.S. Markets	$	5,368	$	9,569	$	367		$	235
Orion Engineered Systems	8,288		6,408		(81		)	(577		)
Orion Distribution Services	6,961		774		229			2
Corporate and Other	—		—		(1,543		)	(1,602		)
	$	20,617	$	16,751	$	(1,028	)	$	(1,942	)

	Revenues				Operating Income (Loss)
	For the Nine Months Ended December 31,				For the Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016		2015		2016			2015
(dollars in thousands)
Segments:
U.S. Markets	$	16,462	$	31,075	$	558		$	(593	)
Engineered Systems	22,062		17,012		(878		)	(3,395		)
Distribution Services	16,397		980		(132		)	(157		)
Corporate and Other	—		—		(4,823		)	(4,967		)
	$	54,921	$	49,067	$	(5,275	)	$	(9,112	)

NOTE 10 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transaction that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Nonrecognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date. Management has reviewed events occurring through the date the financial statements were issued and noted no subsequent event requiring accrual or disclosure.


ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-Q, as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, prospects, financial condition, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined under the federal securities laws. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “should”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “expects”, “estimates”, “projects”, “positioned”, “strategy”, “outlook” and similar words. You should read the statements that contain these types of words carefully. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. There may be events in the future that we are not able to predict accurately or over which we have no control. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. We urge you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or uncertainties after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview

We are a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance, energy-efficient LED and other lighting platforms. We research, develop, design, manufacture, market, sell and implement energy management systems consisting primarily of high-performance, energy-efficient commercial and industrial interior and exterior lighting systems and related services. Our products are targeted for applications in three primary market segments: commercial office and retail, area lighting and industrial applications, although we do sell and install products into other markets. Virtually all of our sales occur within North America.

Our lighting products consist primarily of Light Emitting Diode ("LED") and High Intensity Fluorescent ("HIF") lighting fixtures. Our principal customers include national accounts, Energy Service Companies ("ESCOs"), electrical contractors and electrical distributors. Currently, substantially all of our products are manufactured at our leased production facility location in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, although we are increasingly sourcing products and components from third parties as the LED market continues to evolve and in order to provide versatility in our product development.

While we also continue to sell customers some lighting products using our legacy HIF technology, the market for lighting products is currently in a significant technology shift to LED lighting systems. Compared to legacy lighting systems, we believe that LED lighting technology allows for better optical performance, significantly reduced maintenance costs due to performance longevity and reduced energy consumption. Due to their size and flexibility in application, we also believe that LED lighting systems can address opportunities for retrofit applications that cannot be satisfied by fluorescent or other legacy technologies. Our LED lighting technologies have become the primary component of our revenue as we continue to strive to be a leader in the industry transition to LED lighting technology. Based on a July 2015 United States Department of Energy report, we estimate the potential North American LED retrofit market within our key product categories to be approximately 1.1 billion lighting fixtures. We plan to continue to primarily focus on developing and selling innovative LED products, although we will continue to sell legacy HIF solutions in circumstances in which LED solutions may not be our customers' best alternative.

We do not have long-term contracts with our customers that provide us with recurring revenue from period to period and we typically generate substantially all of our revenue from sales of lighting systems and related services to governmental, commercial and industrial customers on a project by project basis. We typically sell our lighting systems in replacement of our customers’ existing fixtures. We call this replacement process a “retrofit.” We frequently engage our customer’s existing electrical contractor to provide installation and project management services. We also sell our lighting systems on a wholesale basis, principally to electrical contractors, ESCOs, and electrical distributors to sell to their own customer bases.

Our ability to achieve our desired growth and profitability depends on our ability to expand our reseller network, develop recurring revenue streams, effectively engage distribution and sales agents and improve our marketing, new product development, project management, margin enhancement and operating expense management, as well as other factors. In addition, the gross margins of our products can vary significantly depending upon the types of products we sell, with margins ranging from 15% to

50%. As a result, a change in the total mix of our sales toward higher or lower margin products can cause our profitability to fluctuate from period to period.

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. We refer to our prior fiscal year which ended on March 31, 2016, as “fiscal 2016”, and our current fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2017, as “fiscal 2017.” Our fiscal first quarter of each fiscal year ends on June 30, our fiscal second quarter ends on September 30, our fiscal third quarter ends on December 31 and our fiscal fourth quarter ends on March 31.

Market Shift to Light Emitting Diode Products

The rapid market shift in the lighting industry from legacy lighting products to LED lighting products has caused us to adopt new strategies, approaches and processes in order to respond proactively to this paradigm shift. These changing underlying business fundamentals in this paradigm shift include:


•	Rapidly declining LED product end user customer pricing and related component costs, improving LED product performance and customer return on investment payback periods, all of which are driving increasing customer preferences for LED lighting products compared to legacy lighting products.


•	Increasing LED lighting product customer sales compared to decreasing HIF product sales.


•	A broader and more diverse customer base and market opportunities compared to our historical commercial and industrial facility customers.


•	Increased importance of highly innovative product designs and features, and faster speed to market product research and development capabilities.


•	Significantly reduced product technology life cycles; significantly shorter product inventory shelf lives and the related increased risk of rapidly occurring product technology obsolescence.


•	Increased reliance on international component sources.


•	Less internal product fabrication and production capabilities needed to support LED product assembly.


•	Different and broader types of components, fabrication and assembly processes needed to support LED product assembly compared to our legacy products.


•	Expanding customer bases and sales channels.


•	Significantly longer end user product warranty requirements for LED products compared to our legacy products.

As we continue to focus our primary business on selling our LED product lines to respond to the rapidly changing market dynamics in the lighting industry, we face intense competition from an increased number of other LED product companies, a number of which have substantially greater resources and more experience and history with LED lighting products than we do.

Fiscal 2017 Outlook

Despite recent economic challenges, we remain optimistic about our near-term and long-term financial performance. We believe that customer purchases of LED lighting systems will continue to increase in the near-term as expected improvements in LED performance and expected decreases in LED product costs make our LED products even more economically compelling to our customers. Our near-term optimism is based upon: (i) our efforts to expand our distribution services customer base; (ii) our intentions to continue to selectively expand our sales force; (iii) our investments into new high-performance LED industrial lighting fixtures; (iv) our recent improvements in gross margin as a result of our cost containment initiatives and development of higher-performance LED products; and (v) the increasing volume of unit sales of our new higher margin products, specifically our LED high bay lighting fixtures. Our long-term optimism is based upon the considerable size of the existing market opportunity for lighting retrofits, including the market opportunities in commercial office, government and retail markets, the continued development of our new higher margin products and product enhancements, including our new LED product offerings, our efforts to expand our channels of distribution and our cost reduction initiatives. As we continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving lighting market, we have implemented significant changes to our manufacturing operations to increase our flexibility, lower our cost structure and remain competitive.

We expect that, based on the above circumstances, our revenues and margin will increase during fiscal 2017, when compared to fiscal 2016, as we continue to recognize the benefits of higher purchase volumes of LED components at lower costs, increasing sales volumes of our newly introduced and higher-margin LED high bay products and increased utilization of our manufacturing facility. Our increase in revenues in fiscal 2017 has positively impacted our available cash and borrowing capacity.

We expect that our marketing expenditures will increase in the remainder of fiscal 2017 primarily to support more robust customer lead generation and to further enhance our brand awareness with our agents to support their efforts to sell our products through our new indirect channel partners.

Results of Operations - Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 versus Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

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



	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015					2016		2015
	Amount			Amount			% Change		% of Revenue		% of Revenue
Product revenue	$	19,259		$	16,094		19.7	%	93.4	%	96.1	%
Service revenue	1,358			657			106.7	%	6.6	%	3.9	%
Total revenue	20,617			16,751			23.1	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of product revenue	13,577			11,574			17.3	%	66.0	%	69.1	%
Cost of service revenue	885			468			89.1	%	4.3	%	2.8	%
Total cost of revenue	14,462			12,042			20.1	%	70.1	%	71.9	%
Gross profit	6,155			4,709			30.7	%	29.9	%	28.1	%
General and administrative expenses	3,541			3,861			(8.3	)%	17.2	%	23.1	%
Sales and marketing expenses	3,147			2,409			30.6	%	15.3	%	14.4	%
Research and development expenses	495			381			29.9	%	2.3	%	2.3	%
Loss from operations	(1,028		)	(1,942		)	47.1	%	(5.0	)%	(11.6	)%
Interest expense	(65		)	(71		)	8.5	%	(0.3	)%	(0.4	)%
Interest income	7			27			(74.1	)%	—	%	0.2	%
Loss before income tax	(1,086		)	(1,986		)	45.3	%	(5.3	)%	(11.9	)%
Income tax expense	—			18			NM		—	%	0.1	%
Net loss and comprehensive loss	$	(1,086	)	$	(2,004	)	45.8	%	(5.3	)%	(12.0	)%

*NM - Not Meaningful

Revenue. Product revenue increased 19.7%, or $3,165,000, for the third quarter of fiscal 2017 versus the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase in product revenue was primarily due to growth in our high bay lighting products and increased traction in our transition to the agency model. LED lighting revenue increased by 28.7% from $12,020,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 to $15,469,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Service revenue increased 106.7%, or $701,000, primarily due to more installation project revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Total revenue increased by 23.1%, or $3,866,000, primarily due to the items discussed above.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of product revenue increased 17.3%, or $2,003,000, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2016 due primarily to increased sales of high-margin products, better absorption due to higher volumes and improved margins compared to the prior year period. Cost of service revenue increased 89.1%, or $417,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2016 primarily due to larger projects in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Gross margin improved from 28.1% of revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 to 29.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Our gross margin was positively impacted by a favorable mix of higher-priced and higher-margin LED high bay fixtures, negotiated price decreases for lighting components, and the benefits of our cost containment initiatives.

Operating Expenses

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased 8.3%, or $320,000, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to decreases in depreciation, amortization, stock based compensation and consulting expenses.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased 30.6%, or $738,000, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase was due to increased commissions related to our agency channel and increased rebranding costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased by 29.9% or $114,000, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to our investment in product innovation related to new product development.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased by 8.5%, or $6,000, from the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The decrease in interest expense was due to decreased borrowings under our revolving credit facility during the comparative three month period.

Interest Income. Interest income in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 decreased by 74.1%, or $20,000, from the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Our interest income decreased as we have entered into fewer financed projects with our customers who are utilizing third party finance providers.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 represented minimum state tax liabilities. The decrease over the prior year period is primarily related to an effort to reduce state and local taxes by jurisdiction in fiscal 2017.

Orion U.S. Markets Division

Our Orion U.S. Markets Division ("USM") sells commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets.

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



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	5,368		$	9,569		(43.9	)%
Operating income (loss)	$	367		$	235		56.2	%
Operating margin	6.8		%	2.5		%

USM segment revenue decreased from the third quarter of fiscal 2016 by 43.9%, or $4,201,000. The decrease in revenue during the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter a year ago was primarily due to our transition to more sales through manufacturer representative agents. These sales are now reflected within Orion's Distribution Services Division.

USM segment operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 increased from the third quarter of fiscal 2016 by $132,000. The increase in operating income in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to a more favorable sales mix, offset by the transition to more sales through manufacturer representative agents as described above.

Orion Engineered Systems Division

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



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	8,288		$	6,408		29.3	%
Operating loss	$	(81	)	$	(577	)	86.0	%
Operating margin	(1.0		)%	(9.0		)%

OES revenue increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 by 29.3%, or $1,880,000, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016. This increase in revenue was primarily driven by an increase in customer capital spending within the manufacturing and industrial sector. Revenue increases were also driven by more high bay product sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 when compared to the prior year period.

OES segment operating loss in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 improved by $496,000, from the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase was due to improvements in our third quarter of fiscal 2017 revenues and gross margin related to cost decreases on LED components.

Orion Distribution Services Division

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

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



	For the Three Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	6,961		$	774		799.4	%
Operating income	229			2			NM
Operating margin	3.3		%	0.3		%

ODS segment revenue increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 from the third quarter of fiscal 2016 by $6,187,000. The increase in revenue in fiscal 2017 was due to our transition from ESCO to distribution channel sales through manufacturer representative agents.

ODS segment operating income increased by $227,000, in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The operating income improvement over the prior year, for the comparable period was due to the increased contribution margin dollars earned from our increasing revenue offset by our continued investment in selling costs and increasing commission expenses due to our new manufacturer representative agents as we complete our selling channel transition.

Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016 versus Nine Months Ended December 31, 2015



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015					2016		2015
	Amount			Amount			% Change		% of Revenue		% of Revenue
Product revenue	$	52,286		$	46,872		11.6	%	95.2	%	95.5	%
Service revenue	2,635			2,195			20.0	%	4.8	%	4.5	%
Total revenue	54,921			49,067			11.9	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of product revenue	36,748			35,988			2.1	%	67.0	%	73.3	%
Cost of service revenue	1,748			1,700			2.8	%	3.2	%	3.5	%
Total cost of revenue	38,496			37,688			2.1	%	70.1	%	76.8	%
Gross profit	16,425			11,379			44.3	%	29.9	%	23.2	%
General and administrative expenses	11,040			11,135			(0.9	)%	20.1	%	22.7	%
Sales and marketing expenses	9,167			8,112			13.0	%	16.7	%	16.5	%
Research and development expenses	1,493			1,244			20.0	%	2.7	%	2.5	%
Loss from operations	(5,275		)	(9,112		)	42.1	%	(9.6	)%	(18.6	)%
Other income	190			—			NM		0.3	%	—	%
Interest expense	(203		)	(223		)	9.0	%	(0.4	)%	(0.4	)%
Interest income	31			107			(71.0	)%	0.1	%	0.2	%
Loss before income tax	(5,257		)	(9,228		)	43.0	%	(9.6	)%	(18.8	)%
Income tax (benefit) expense	(261		)	28			NM		(0.5	)%	0.1	%
Net loss and comprehensive loss	$	(4,996	)	$	(9,256	)	46.0	%	(9.1	)%	(18.9	)%

*NM - Not Meaningful

Revenue. Product revenue increased 11.6%, or $5,414,000, for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 versus the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The increase in product revenue was primarily a result of strengthening sales of Orion’s high bay lighting products in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017. Our increase in product revenue was partially offset by negative impacts resulting from our distribution sales channel transitioning to an agent driven model which did not gain traction until the second and third quarters

of fiscal 2017. LED lighting revenue increased by 14.5% to $40,848,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from $32,156,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Service revenue increased 20.0%, or $440,000, primarily due to more installation project revenue and lower solar project revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 when compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Total revenue increased by 11.9%, or $5,854,000, primarily due to the items discussed above.

Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin. Cost of product revenue increased 2.1%, or $760,000, in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2016 due primarily to higher sales and better absorption. Cost of service revenue increased 2.8%, or $48,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 versus the comparable period in fiscal 2016 primarily due to higher service revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Gross margin improved from 23.2% of revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 to 29.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Lighting gross margin was positively impacted by a favorable mix of higher-priced and higher-margin LED high bay fixtures, better absorption due to higher volumes, negotiated price decreases for lighting components, and the benefits of our cost containment initiatives.

Operating Expenses

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses decreased 0.9%, or $95,000, in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, primarily due to a reduction in depreciation and amortization expense, offset by increases in employee costs, stock compensation, audit, legal and consulting expenses.

Sales and Marketing. Our sales and marketing expenses increased 13.0%, or $1,055,000, in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased commissions related to our agency channel and rebranding costs incurred in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 when compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2016.

Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased by 20.0% or $249,000, in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016 primarily due to our investment in product innovation related to new product development.

Other income. Other income in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 represented product royalties received from licensing agreements for our patents.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 decreased by 9.0%, or $20,000, from the first nine months of fiscal 2016. A reduction in our debt, other than our revolving credit facility, is attributable to the decrease in interest expense.

Interest Income. Interest income in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 decreased by 71.0%, or $76,000, from the first nine months of fiscal 2016. Our interest income decreased as we have entered into fewer financed projects with our customers who are using outside third party finance providers.

Income Taxes. Income tax benefit in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 primarily represented federal tax refunds and the release of a valuation reserve. Our income tax expense is due primarily to minimum state tax liabilities.

Orion U.S. Markets Division

Our Orion U.S. Markets Division ("USM") sells commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets.

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



	For the Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	16,462		$	31,075		(47.0	)%
Operating income (loss)	$	558		$	(593	)	194.1	%
Operating margin	3.4		%	(1.9		)%

USM segment revenue decreased from the first nine months of fiscal 2016 by 47.0%, or $14,613,000. The decrease in revenue during the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was primarily due to our transition to more sales through manufacturer representative agents. These sales are now reflected within ODS.

USM segment operating income in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 increased from the operating loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 by $1,151,000. The increase in operating income in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to a more favorable sales mix of higher-margin LED high bay products offset by costs associated with the transition to more sales through manufacturer representative agents as described above.

Orion Engineered Systems Division

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



	For the Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	22,062		$	17,012		29.7	%
Operating loss	$	(878	)	$	(3,395	)	74.1	%
Operating margin	(4.0		)%	(20.0		)%

OES revenue increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 by 29.7%, or $5,050,000, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016. This increase in revenue was primarily driven by an increase in lighting revenue due to an increase in customer capital spending within the manufacturing and industrial sector. OES completed more turnkey jobs in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 when compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2016

OES segment operating loss in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 improved by $2,517,000, from the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The increase was due to improvements to our first nine months of fiscal 2017 revenues, increases in gross margin related to cost decreases on LED components.

Orion Distribution Services Division

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

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



	For the Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016			2015			% Change
Revenues	$	16,397		$	980		1,573.2	%
Operating loss	(132		)	(157		)	15.9	%
Operating margin	(0.8		)%	(16.0		)%

ODS segment revenue increased in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 from the first nine months of fiscal 2016 by $15,417,000. The increase in revenue in fiscal 2017 was due to our transition from ESCO to distribution channel sales through manufacturer representative agents. Sales further increased due to the shift of customers from the U.S. Markets Division to this division as a result of our transition to the distribution model.

ODS segment operating loss decreased by $25,000, in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The operating loss decrease was minimized by our continued investment in selling costs and increasing commission expenses due to our manufacturer representative agents as we complete our selling channel transition.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

We had approximately $19,118,000 in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016, compared to $15,542,000 at March 31, 2016. Our cash position as of December 31, 2016 benefited from improvements in working capital, the gross proceeds of our $2,600,000 sale and leaseback on June 30, 2016 of our manufacturing facility, and recent borrowings on our revolving credit facility.

Our future liquidity needs are dependent upon many factors, including our relative revenue, gross margins, cash management practices, capital expenditures, pending or future litigation results, cost containment measures and future potential acquisition transactions. In addition, our working capital costs and needs increase as we increase sales from existing levels. Based on our current expectations, while we anticipate realizing improved net income performance during fiscal 2017, we also currently believe that we may experience negative working capital cash flows during some future quarters. While we believe that we will likely have adequate available cash and equivalents and credit availability under our Credit Agreement to satisfy our currently anticipated working capital and liquidity requirements during the near-term, there can be no assurance to that effect.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended December 31,
	2016		2015
Operating activities	$	266	$	(3,325	)
Investing activities	1,972		(308		)
Financing activities	1,338		1,089
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	3,576	$	(2,544	)

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

Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $266,000 and consisted of net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1,298,000 and a net loss adjusted for non-cash expense items of $1,032,000. Cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of an increase of $857,000 in accounts receivable due to the increase in lighting revenue and the timing of collections from customers at period end, an increase of inventory by $169,000 due to the timing of product shipments at quarter end, a decrease of $661,000 in accrued expenses due to the payment of a state tax liability and an increase in deferred contract costs of $1,296,000 due to the timing of project completions. Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included an increase of $602,000 in accounts payable due to the timing of payments on balances at quarter end, a decrease in prepaid and other assets of $3,294,000 primarily due to the timing of project billings, and an increase in deferred revenue of $385,000 due to the timing of project completions.

Cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $3,325,000 and consisted of net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1,030,000 and a net loss adjusted for non-cash expense items of $4,355,000. Cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities consisted of an increase in inventory of $4,192,000 due to the increasing mix of higher value LED component products and finished goods, a decrease in accrued expenses of $1,333,000 related to the timing of accrued project installation costs and legal costs, and decrease in deferred revenue of $117,000 due to the timing of project completion. Cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities included a decrease of $3,660,000 in accounts receivable due to cash collections of government projects and utility incentives related to several large national account projects, a decrease in prepaid and other expenses of $1,951,000 due to a reduction in unbilled revenue related to the timing of customer billings, an increase in accounts payable of $1,017,000 due to the timing of payments on balances at quarter end, and a reduction in deferred contract costs of $44,000.

Cash Flows Related to Investing Activities. Cash provided by investing activities was $1,972,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 which consisted of $2,600,000 of proceeds from the sale of the Manitowoc manufacturing facility. Cash used by investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2017 was $376,000 for capital improvements related to production enhancements and technology purchases and $252,000 of additions to patents.

Cash used in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 was $308,000 which included $6,000 for patent additions and $302,000 for capital improvements related to information systems, the build out of our Chicago innovation hub, investments for marketing and trade show signage to reflect our new brand and new product tooling.

Cash Flows Related to Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities was $1,338,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2017. This included $814,000 cash used for the repayment of long-term debt, $11,000 for stock option exercises and stock related tax settlements, and net proceeds from the revolving credit facility of $2,163,000.

Cash used in financing activities was $1,089,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2016. This included increased borrowing on our credit facility of $2,473,000 and $66,000 received from stock option exercises and stock related tax settlements, partially offset by $1,450,000 related to the payment of long-term debt.

Working Capital

Our net working capital as of December 31, 2016 was $31,279,000, consisting of $50,438,000 in current assets and $19,159,000 in current liabilities. Our net working capital as of March 31, 2016 was $29,239,000, consisting of $48,530,000 in current assets and $19,291,000 in current liabilities. Our current accounts receivable balance increased by $841,000 from the fiscal 2016 year end due to the increase in lighting sales and the timing of collections from customers during the first nine months of fiscal 2017. Our inventory decreased from the fiscal 2016 year end by $452,000 due to decreases in raw materials and components due to better management of purchasing activities to enable more efficient throughput, offset by an increase in finished goods. Our prepaid and other current assets decreased by $3,353,000 due to decreased unbilled revenue for completed projects from fiscal year end of 2016. Our accounts payable increased by $602,000 due to the timing of purchases and payments for the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Our accrued expenses decreased from our fiscal 2016 year end by $624,000 due to the payment of a state tax settlement offset by increases in legal and warranty accruals.

We generally attempt to maintain at least a three month supply of on-hand inventory of purchased components and raw materials to meet anticipated demand, as well as to reduce our risk of unexpected raw material or component shortages or supply interruptions. Our accounts receivables, inventory and payables may increase to the extent our revenue and order levels increase.

Indebtedness

Revolving Credit Agreement

We have an amended credit agreement (Credit Agreement) that provides for a revolving credit facility (Credit Facility) subject to a borrowing base requirement based on eligible receivables and inventory. As of December 31, 2016, our borrowing base was approximately $9,648,000. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of February 6, 2019 and includes a $2,000,000 sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject in each case to our applicable borrowing base limitations, the Credit Agreement otherwise provides for a $15,000,000 Credit Facility. This limit may increase to $20,000,000 based on a borrowing base requirement, if we satisfy certain conditions. We did not meet the requirements to increase the borrowing limit to $20,000,000 as of July 31, 2016, the most recent measurement date.

From and after any increase in the Credit Facility limit from $15,000,000 to $20,000,000, the Credit Agreement requires us to maintain, as of the end of each month, a minimum ratio for the trailing twelve-month period of (i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, subject to certain adjustments, to (ii) the sum of cash interest expense, certain principal payments on indebtedness and certain dividends, distributions and stock redemptions, equal to at least 1.10 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement contains additional customary covenants, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, consolidate or merge, enter into acquisitions, guarantee obligations of third parties, make loans or advances, declare or pay any dividend or distribution on our stock, redeem or repurchase shares of our stock, or pledge or dispose of assets.

average unused amount of the Credit Facility and a letter of credit fee at the rate of 3.0% per annum on the undrawn amount of letters of credit outstanding from time to time under the Credit Facility.

As of December 31, 2016, Orion had no outstanding letters of credit. Borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2016, amounted to approximately $5,882,000 and are included in non-current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. Orion estimates that as of December 31, 2016, it was eligible to borrow an additional $2,036,554 under the Credit Facility based upon current levels of eligible inventory and accounts receivable.

Orion was in compliance with its covenants in the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2016.

Capital Spending

Our capital expenditures are primarily for general corporate purposes for our corporate headquarters and technology center, production equipment and tooling and for information technology systems. Our capital expenditures totaled $376,000 and $302,000 for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We plan to incur approximately $200,000 in capital expenditures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and approximately $800,000 in fiscal 2018. We expect to finance these capital expenditures primarily through our existing cash, equipment secured loans and leases, to the extent needed, long-term debt financing, or by using our available capacity under our Credit Facility.

Backlog

Backlog represents the amount of revenue that we expect to realize in the future as a result of firm, committed orders. Backlog at December 31, 2016 totaled $9,600,000 and at March 31, 2016 totaled $5,600,000. We generally expect our backlog to be recognized as revenue within one year.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

Inflation

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and judgments that affect our reported assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and our related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, including those related to revenue recognition, inventories, allowance for doubtful accounts, recoverability of long-lived assets, indefinite lived intangible assets, stock-based compensation and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. A summary of our critical accounting policies is set forth in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016. For the nine months ended December 31, 2016, there were no material changes in our accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a complete discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2 in the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our exposure to market risk was discussed in the “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” section contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2016. There have been no material changes to such exposures since March 31, 2016.


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Material Weaknesses on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:


i.	pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;


ii.	provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and


iii.	provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

As previously disclosed under "Item 9A. Controls and Procedures" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, we identified the following material weaknesses that existed as of March 31, 2016. A material weakness is a control deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.

•

Risk Assessment and Monitoring Activities. We determined that our controls pertaining to risk assessment and monitoring activities did not operate effectively, resulting in a material weakness pertaining to these COSO components. Specifically, (i) with respect to risk assessment, we did not sufficiently identify and address risks associated with (a) the adequacy of training needs of employees whose job functions bear upon our accounting and financial reporting; and (b) certain processes, further noted in the Control Activities discussion below, resulting in inadequate contract review activities; and (ii) with respect to monitoring activities: (a) we did not maintain effective controls for the review, supervision and monitoring of our accounting operations and for evaluating the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting; and (b) there were insufficient procedures to effectively determine the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting. The deficiencies in these COSO components are interrelated and represent a material weakness.


•	Control Activities - Revenue Recognition. The operating effectiveness of our controls were inadequate to ensure that the review of revenue transactions involving contracts and the related accounting entries was performed. Revenue recognition controls ensure that the reported amount and timing of revenue recognition are accurate.

For the year ended March 31, 2016 and subsequent interim periods, we enhanced our closing procedures to ensure that, in all material respects, our financial statements are presented in conformity with GAAP and free of material misstatement as of and for the periods ended March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2016.

Remediation Actions and Material Weakness Status

Subsequent to our March 31, 2016 fiscal year end, we have taken the following actions to strengthen our controls and organizational structure in order to remediate the material weakness described above:


•	Redesigned the process for the review and analysis of complex revenue transactions involving multiple elements; improved and updated the related procedures documentation; evaluated the skills of the process owners, and provided additional training over this process.


•	Strengthened and enhanced the order entry process including: (i.) implemented a sales order audit validation and review; (ii.) provided in depth order entry training; (iii.) issued enhanced order entry process documentation, checklists, guidelines and targeted, specific guides; and (iv.) implemented and enhanced order entry system controls.


•	Implemented additional revenue control enhancements including: (i.) a strengthened credit approval process; (ii.) an updated credit memo policy; and (iii.) additional review procedures over bonding fee and deferred revenue.


•	Implemented a revised sub-assertions process to obtain certifications from individuals across all functions and levels within the organization and provided training to all sub-assertions respondents.


•	Implemented a formal disclosure committee, consisting of senior management across the organization, to review the results of the quarterly sub-assertions, our internal controls environment, and financial reporting prior to issuance of the financial statements.


•	Additional staffing has taken place to ensure both the adequacy of our staff and their skillset.

•

We have implemented specific remediation actions by training process owners and allowing time for process adoption and adequate transaction volume for testing. We have provided additional training to employees whose job functions bear upon our accounting and financial reporting, including members of the sales and operations departments, in order to ensure that our employees develop a greater understanding of the control activities that they perform.

•

We have enhanced our risk assessment process with regard to control design deficiencies and are now performing a more robust assessment of risks impacting our accounting and financial reporting. In addition, we have implemented new controls or revised existing controls to address such risks. We have enhanced our documented controls and procedures related to our revenue cycle and other key business cycles.


•	We have implemented an enterprise risk management program to highlight organizational risks and develop strategies for monitoring and mitigating risks. Risk assessment and control monitoring remediation steps completed include the implementation of a number of control enhancements.

We completed our remediation plan during the period ended December 31, 2016. We have tested the design and operating effectiveness of the newly implemented and enhanced controls related to the above remediation actions concluding that the controls are designed and operating effectively as of December 31, 2016.

We have reviewed and obtained acceptance of completion of the remediation effort by our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and the Audit & Finance Committee.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, other than with respect to the implementation of remediation efforts, as described above.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the quarter ended December 31, 2016 pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act of 1934. Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject to various claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date hereof, we are unable to currently assess whether the final resolution of any of such claims or legal proceedings may have a material adverse effect on Orion’s future results of operations.

See Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation", to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

We operate in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of risks that could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results, some of which are beyond our control. In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the risks and uncertainties that we believe are most important for you to consider are discussed in Part I - Item 1A under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, which we filed with the SEC on June 23, 2016 and in Part 1 - Item 2 under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-Q.


ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None


ITEM 5.	OTHER INFORMATION

None


ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS

(a)Exhibits



10.1	First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016, by and among Orion Energy Systems, Inc., the subsidiary Borrowers party thereto, the subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2016 (File No. 001-33887)]

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. +

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. +

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +

32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. +

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	Taxonomy extension schema document

101.CAL	Taxonomy extension calculation linkbase document

101.LAB	Taxonomy extension label linkbase document

101.PRE	Taxonomy extension presentation linkbase document



+	Filed herewith

SIGNATURE

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, on February 8, 2017.



ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC. Registrant

By		/s/ William T. Hull
		William T. Hull
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory)

Exhibit Index to Form 10-Q for the Period Ended December 31, 2016



10.1	First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Security Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016, by and among Orion Energy Systems, Inc., the subsidiary Borrowers party thereto, the subsidiary Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 29, 2016 (File No. 001-33887)]

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Orion Energy Systems, Inc. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	Taxonomy extension schema document

101.CAL	Taxonomy extension calculation linkbase document

101.LAB	Taxonomy extension label linkbase document

101.PRE	Taxonomy extension presentation linkbase document

Exhibit

Exhibit 31.1

Certification

I, John H. Scribante, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Orion Energy Systems, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 8, 2017

/s/ John H. Scribante

John H. Scribante

Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit

Exhibit 31.2

Certification

I, William T. Hull, certify that:


1.	I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Orion Energy Systems, Inc.;


2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:


a.	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;


b.	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;


c.	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and


d.	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):


a.	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and


b.	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 8, 2017

/s/ William T. Hull

William T. Hull

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of CEO Pursuant To

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant To

Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Orion Energy Systems, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (the “Company”), on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John H. Scribante, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:


1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



Date:	February 8, 2017

/s/ John H. Scribante
John H. Scribante
Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

Exhibit

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of CFO Pursuant To

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant To

Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Orion Energy Systems, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (the “Company”), on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, William T. Hull, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, based on my knowledge:


1.	The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and


2.	The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



Date:	February 8, 2017

/s/ William T. Hull
William T. Hull
Chief Financial Officer