Item 1. Business.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. The forward-looking statements are dependent upon events, risks and uncertainties that may be outside of our control. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K, particularly in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, new developments or otherwise, except to the extent that such disclosure is required by applicable law.
Our Vision
A clean future for all.
Our Mission
Create the world’s most emotional and sustainable vehicles.
Overview
We have built a technology-enabled, capital-light automotive business model that we believe is among the first of its kind and aligned with the future state of the automotive industry. This involves innovations in vehicle development, customer experience, and sales and service that improve the personal mobility experience through technological innovation, ease of use and flexibility. Fisker brings the legendary design and product development expertise of Henrik Fisker – the visionary behind such iconic vehicles as the BMW Z8 sports car and the famed Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage – to deliver high quality, sustainable, affordable electric vehicles that create a strong emotional connection with customers. Central to our business model is the development of platforms designed with engineering flexibility for high content carryover to reduce development time and lower cost to bring multiple derivatives to the market. Our Ocean SUV and Alaska mid-size EV pick up are derived from the same F platform. Fisker also designed the world’s first, low-cost EV platform with 35% fewer parts versus comparable EV’s in the market for lower weight and cost. This, combined with rapid decision-making, focused supply chain management and outsourced manufacturing, reduces development cost and time to market, creating a new business model for the industry and one that gives Fisker an advantage in bringing vehicles to market faster, more efficiently, and with more modern and advanced technology than many competitors.
Our first model, the all-electric Fisker Ocean, has already garnered numerous awards for its design. As of April 16, 2024, the Company has delivered over 6,400 Oceans.
The Fisker Ocean is an all-electric SUV and targets the large and rapidly expanding “premium with volume” segment (meaning a premium automaker producing more than 100,000 units of a single model, such as the BMW X3 Series or Tesla Model 3) of the SUV market. The Fisker Ocean is a five-passenger vehicle with a certified range, depending on specification, of between 231 and a class-leading 360-miles (depending on the customer’s chosen battery pack, driving conditions, wheel size and testing procedures).
Our goal is to revolutionize how customers view personal mobility and vehicle ownership by employing an innovative customer-focused Dealer Partnership model offering a seamless haggle-free (where permitted) buying experience with an efficient easy-to-access vehicle service network. Fisker’s transformative strategic efforts will offer outstanding customer service with easy to access test drives to meet customers’ demand for the Fisker Ocean and to prepare for the launch of additional future models.
Through our design and engineering process combined with rapid product development decision-making and an intense focus on supply chain management, our goal is to significantly reduce the capital intensity and investments typically associated with a new car manufacturing business, accelerate the development cycle of new products, and expedite the adoption of advanced technology in several ways, including:
•Launching with a highly respected brand name in the automotive and EV categories. The Fisker name is a recognized part of automotive industry history and has established premium EV brand value in the global EV marketplace. Henrik Fisker, Fisker’s co-founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, is a pioneer in the EV industry, having launched the world’s first luxury plug-in hybrid EV, and has a track record of successful designs as the former Chief Executive Officer and President of BMW Designworks USA and the former Design Director for Aston Martin. We enter the market with an established brand name that is associated with automotive innovation and superior design.
•Magna collaboration. We entered into a cooperation agreement with Magna International Inc. (“Magna”), an industry-leading supplier, and manufacturer of premium high-quality vehicles. The cooperation agreement sets out the main terms and conditions for certain operational agreements related to manufacturing engineering, component sourcing and manufacturing for the Fisker Ocean. By working with an established contract manufacturer such as Magna Steyr, we accelerated our time to market, reduced risk for quality vehicle assembly, and gained access to an established global supply chain. We previously entered into a Non-Exclusive Car Platform Sharing Agreement with a Magna subsidiary and while that agreement remains in place, we have substantially re-engineered an original platform proposal with the Fisker owned FM29 platform, which we have the right to commercialize accordingly.
•Fisker EV Platforms. We created FM29, a unique EV platform, that has unique Fisker intellectual property. Our proprietary FF-PAD process is hardware agnostic which will enable us to collaborate with multiple suppliers for development of new, advanced EV platforms. Fisker FM29 Platform is a premium, cross-over SUV platform developed for global markets that we are exploring to adapt into other derivatives, such as a pickup truck FT32 (Project Alaska/Kayak). SLV1 (Project PEAR) is a brand new cost-efficient platform which we plan to adapt into other potential derivatives. A third platform is conceptualized (Project Ronin) for high-end luxury vehicles at low volumes.
•Using an existing manufacturing facility. We are leveraging contract manufacturers with existing modern manufacturing facilities and trained workforce, which positions us well to meet timing, cost, and quality expectations while optimally matching our cost structure with our projected production ramp. Partnering with Magna on manufacturing is intended to position us to meet our projected production and delivery targets and will enable us to focus on what we believe will be the key differentiators for a new car company: delivering truly innovative design features, a superior customer experience, and a leading user interface that leverages sophisticated software and other technology advancements.
•New Dealer Partnership model. As a high-growth startup, Fisker is transforming its strategic efforts by offering customers a no haggle (where permitted), transparent sales experience and improved access to vehicle test drive, delivery and service. As a company, Fisker intends to improve customer satisfaction, increase sales for the Fisker Ocean and prepare the foundation for successful new product launches. In keeping with our asset light strategy, the Dealer Partnership model should enable Fisker to expand its sales and delivery network at a faster pace.
Manufacturing Approach
We decided to seek out partnerships with existing manufacturers rather than constructing new production capacity. On June 12, 2021, we executed a binding Contract Manufacturing Agreement with Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG (“Magna Steyr”) for the manufacture of the Fisker Ocean. This contract manufacturing approach is intended to lower our upfront costs, while also supporting our ESG mission by reducing the carbon footprint of our operations.
A significant advantage of working with established manufacturing partners is that such enterprises are already connected to the existing automotive supply chain. The maturity of supply chain relationships is critical and is reflected in the connectivity of business systems and IT infrastructure. A typical vehicle consists of over 5,000 individual parts and assemblies, each of which is sourced from an extended supply chain consisting of thousands of suppliers. Compounding this further is the fact that there is complexity in the vehicle build specifications to suit customer choice. These parts must be delivered to the final point of assembly at a rate and in a sequence that matches planned vehicle production. Considering that a typical automotive facility will assemble more than 5,000 parts into a complete vehicle at a rate of one vehicle every 45-120 seconds, the smooth running of that logistics effort becomes critical to the running of the operation. Such organizational efficiency is the result of decades of experience and cannot be easily replicated. These critical relationships extend beyond the simple supply of parts and into areas such as local government, where support and cooperation are vital to ensure that local infrastructure updates are considered at a strategic local government level. Such partnerships are also decades in the making and are critical to the ongoing success of the enterprise.
Growth Strategy
We intend to implement the following strategies to drive stakeholder value from the following actions:
•Re-imagine the customer experience for personal transportation and car ownership. We believe immense opportunities exist to re-imagine the customer experience for personal transportation and car ownership. We plan to continue to design EVs that will be differentiated in the marketplace by proprietary design innovation and a customer experience delivered through a state-of-the-art, software-based user interface and experience. We plan to also continue to develop our proprietary Fisker App to improve the customer experience throughout the entire personal transportation lifecycle. In addition, we are designing our EVs to be compliant with the CCS standard and adaption of the NACS standard in North America, where we have already signed an agreement with Tesla that will allow all Fisker Ocean owners in North America to use the Tesla charging network by January 1, 2025. This will allow our vehicles to charge with existing public charging infrastructure in North America. We have executed charging network agreements with ChargePoint in North America and Deftpower in Europe. We've entered into an agreement with ChargePoint and their roaming partners, who are committed to utilizing renewable energy for their charging stations.
•Develop additional high value, sustainable EV models. We believe the combination of our superior design expertise, along with the power and versatility of platforms engineered with industry-leading OEMs and tier-one automotive suppliers, will enable us to efficiently achieve our goal of providing the world with a range of high value, sustainable EVs. We intend to utilize one or more platforms over time to develop a lifestyle pickup truck and a sport crossover to complement the Fisker Ocean. In addition, we also plan to explore additional EV platform opportunities that will facilitate the company’s mission to revolutionize the personal transportation industry.
Fisker Vehicles
Our first vehicle is the Fisker Ocean, an all-electric premium SUV that we launched with one of the lowest entry price points in the EV SUV segment. The Fisker Ocean offers an electric range of 231 to 360 miles per U.S. EPA standard or 288 to 435 miles per WLTP standard (used in Europe), depending on the battery pack in the customer’s chosen trim, driving conditions, wheel size and testing procedures.
The Fisker Ocean has many selling points that set Fisker apart from its competitors, including:
•California Mode. Patented California Mode delivers an open-air experience with the push of “one button”. With California Mode, customers can drop the front door windows, both rear-seat door windows, both rear Doggie windows next to the D-pillar, and the Rear Lift Gate Window while opening the SolarSky roof at the same time. The rear liftgate window opening is particularly appealing for an EV SUV as there are no exhaust fumes from the vehicle that could enter the cabin. The rear liftgate window opening allows for long items to be transported without having to drive with an open hatch.
•Extra wide track. For the size of the vehicle and category, we believe the Ocean’s extra wide track, among other technical features, gives the Ocean best-in-class ride and handling while maintaining the same tire aspect ratios. The wide track on sports cars contribute to a visually powerful “stance,” and we believe this further distinguishes the Ocean’s design. It has also allowed for a more dramatically sculptured body side design and, combined with the dynamic silhouette, we believe it has achieved a class-leading aesthetically arresting and emotional design.
•User Interface. The Ocean features a revolve screen with integrated physical buttons. We have done extensive design development on the highest quality user interface (“UI”) to enhance the driving experience. We believe combining Ocean’s large 17.1” touch screen with several physical buttons provides drivers a user-friendly interface that allows drivers to access the most-often-used functions while maintaining their eyes on the road.
•Autonomy. The Ocean is engineered with hardware to support future upgrades delivered through post-production software-based updates. Fisker and Magna are working together to develop an industry-unique feature set and a suite of software packages powered by a scalable domain controller architecture. We intend to equip Fisker Ocean
with a class-competitive suite of Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) features supported by a sensor suite that includes state-of-the-art computer vision technology and digital imaging radar.
•SolarSky roof. The Fisker brand is a pioneer and leader in full length curved photo voltaic roof design and integration into a passenger vehicle. The photo voltaic roof makes a strong personal statement for those customers that want to fully optimize for zero emissions and sustainability. Fisker Ocean’s SolarSky roof produces up to 1,500 clean, emissions-free miles per year. Under ideal conditions may increase to beyond 2,000 miles, all powered by pure sunshine.
•Vegan interior. We offer a full vegan interior in the Fisker Ocean without any leather or animal sourced materials.
•Recycled materials throughout the vehicle. Sustainability is represented throughout the Fisker Ocean. Specifically, the interior has carpeting and acoustical backing made from recycled polyester and recycled nylon, seating made from recycled plastic bottles, and coatings derived from plant-based materials. Like our carbon neutral manufacturing, some of our key suppliers also produce materials through full carbon neutral processes.
•Sustainability. We designed the Fisker Ocean to be the world’s most sustainable vehicle, measured through the entire life cycle, from upstream sourcing of low carbon and recycled materials, through logistics, manufacturing, use phase and re-use and recycling when the vehicles finally come off the road. Use of recycled materials is enhanced by other features, such as offering a full-length photo-voltaic roof, and the fact that we are using existing manufacturing rather than building new plants as part of our asset-light strategy. In addition, we work with our suppliers to source and produce through highly sustainable methods. The sustainability features extend to the full vehicle, where Fisker utilizes innovative materials. Our available SolarSky roof can add over 1,500 miles of clean, free charging from the sun and materials that reinforce our focus on recycling and reuse. For example, through the reuse of tire manufacturing by-products, recycled and bio-based materials, we significantly reduce the amount of process waste that would otherwise go to landfill and reduce the overall CO2 footprint of the Fisker Ocean. In the Fisker Ocean, this deliberate effort delivered the lowest published carbon footprint of any electric SUV, using over 110 lbs. of recycled and bio-based materials. We are also working with suppliers who recover and repurpose materials such as plastics and carbon fiber. These suppliers recover materials that are landfill and ocean-bound, such as plastic bottles and fishing nets, and reprocess them into automotive grade feedstock which can then be used to produce new interior trim, fabrics, acoustic backing, and moldings. In doing so, we reinforce our requirement to minimize ‘new’ hydrocarbon-based feedstock, while simultaneously providing an outlet for, and supporting, those suppliers who are investing in ocean clean up and potentially landfill commodities as an alternate source of raw material.
Fisker has plans to introduce new vehicles in the next three years. For these vehicles, we plan to use our own platforms and in-house design and engineering processes with one or more industry-leading OEMs and suppliers.
New Electronics Architecture
The Fisker Ocean electronics architecture is based around a small number of key domain controllers, for advanced driver assistance functions, drivetrain and battery management, and infotainment. A traditional vehicle electronics architecture typically contains a high number of independent and self-contained modules, each a black box to the rest of the car. This architecture, based on domain computers, opens new avenues for integration, sensor fusion, and an adaptive and evolving user experience. A connectivity module enables full communication with the Fisker cloud and the possibility for edge computing, while over-the-air (“OTA”) software updates ensure the in-car experience can stay ahead of market expectations.
We anticipate that future generations of Fisker architecture will integrate automotive requirements into customized electronic boards, with hardware accelerators for AI, machine-learning, and computer-vision. This further reduction in electronics component counts is designed to lower power consumption, increase computational power, and allow for even greater scope for feature integration and optimization.
Digital Car of the Future: Delivered Over the Air
The new electric, digital car is more technologically sophisticated than its predecessors. Many immediate benefits to the customer of this always-online car will be evident in the infotainment system. Entertainment and productivity apps, mobility services, and navigation aids can keep pace with the latest regional trends. The integrated and fully connected nature of the digital car opens new opportunities for innovation, and enables functions previously impossible, such as predictive maintenance and remote fault diagnosis.
Through edge computing and 4G, later ultra-low latency 4G connectivity, it also becomes possible for cloud computing resources to be used as a seamless extension of the computing power in the car. Continuous software updates, both for embedded systems in the car and functions hosted in the cloud, let the digital car grow and become smarter over its lifetime. Fisker automotive design is meeting all functional safety requirements as outlined by ISO 26262 and SO/SAE 21434, which covers security management, and cybersecurity within the Fisker product development lifecycle.
We intend to fully utilize software to improve the powertrain performance, making the cars more efficient, allowing more instantaneous power output, and improving the charging experience. In the future, the powertrain parameters could be tailored to each driver in real time, optimal characteristics of the motors could be constantly measured and altered, and the level of the recuperation system could be adjusted. On-board diagnostics, combined with predictive models and anomaly detection could guide the customer to schedule a service appointment before they even perceive any symptoms, possibly averting a costly repair.
We are designing our EVs to always be “connected” Our next-generation connectivity platform is already heavy at work seamlessly integrating online services and functions, Fisker-unique as well as third party services. Features that are visualized on the large 17.1” high-definition center touchscreen or digital instrument cluster meet strict driver-distraction guidelines with Fisker’s custom UI framework. The My Fisker app seamlessly connects to the car, ensuring the customer’s digital life and driving experience meet in the car.
With data analysis, cloud computing, and the ability to push OTA updates to the vehicle, we expect the in-car experience will evolve over time for the driver and passengers and not the other way around as has traditionally been the case.
Sales - Go To Market Strategy
We believe over the next several years, the EV markets in the U.S. and EU will be broken down into three fundamental segments: the white space segment, the value segment and the conservative premium segment. All three segments will attract customers from traditional ICE vehicles, but the largest growth, by volume, will be the white space segment and the value segment.
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EV Segment | | Attributes of Segment | | Fisker Plan within Segment |
White space segment | | Currently occupied by Tesla globally and by a few Chinese EV independent start-ups operating in China only. Appeals to customers who want to be part of the new EV movement, who value sustainability and ESG. Can only be occupied by pure EV brands that only produce EVs with a clear commitment towards zero emission vehicles. | | We believe we will be the primary alternative to Tesla in this segment with the Fisker Ocean priced around the base price of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. We believe other EV startups will move into the higher premium priced segments due to the lack of volume pricing of components. We expect to sell approximately 50% of our vehicles into this segment. |
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Value segment | | Focus on price and value proposition—customers will buy vehicles in this segment when the purchase price and cost of maintaining/running fits the budget and is better than an ICE vehicle. Yet to be dominated by any auto maker. | | We believe we will penetrate the upper end of this segment by offering a compelling and differentiated price/ performance vehicle, compared to other traditional car makers struggling to compete due to lack of volume pricing. We expect to sell approximately 10% of our vehicles into this segment. |
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Conservative premium segment | | Emerging segment currently occupied by several traditional auto makers that are trying to keep their own customers from defecting to EV makers like Tesla. Vehicles in this segment, produced by the traditional premium automakers, are struggling with a clear EV identity as they try to bridge the traditional ICE attributes with new EV attributes. | | We believe our vehicles will be very attractive to customers sitting “on the fence” in this segment, ready to leave their ICE brand, but needing assurance of quality and reliability. This is a segment where we believe we can attract new customers that will come from traditional ICE brands.
We believe we will sell approximately 40% of our vehicles into this segment, but it will grow rapidly, as we will be able to offer a more emotional design, an exclusive EV brand, a larger battery and better equipment for the price due to our volume pricing versus the lower volume traditional brands |
Service, Marketing and Insurance
Media coverage, digital and non-traditional marketing, and word-of-mouth have been the primary drivers of Fisker’s sales leads, helping us achieve a high volume of reservations without traditional marketing efforts and with a relatively low marketing budget. In 2024, we plan to increase our marketing budget as we roll out our new Dealer Partnership model, while decreasing our internal spending through the elimination of costs associated with the direct-to-consumer business model. We plan to continue to expand our social media presence as a key part of our marketing efforts. We plan to attend and participate in global events and to activate pop-up show rooms to give customers the opportunity to experience Fisker vehicles. We support our customers by providing reference to reputable third-party automotive insurance options.
Direct Sales, Service, and Vehicle Financing
We historically marketed and sold our vehicles directly to customers using our proprietary digital platforms, including the “My Fisker App” and website. During 2024, we will be transitioning to a dealer model from a direct-to-consumer model but expect to operate under both models during 2024. Europe will operate under both models.
New Dealer Partnership
Fisker is making this move to scale for significant acceleration of Fisker Ocean deliveries and higher volume production of additional future models. The Dealer Partnership model also aligns with its asset light business strategy.
The Fisker dealer strategy is multi-faceted, designed to benefit customers and dealers, as well as Fisker. Fisker dealers will provide retail, service, test drive and delivery functions for Fisker vehicles. Fisker dealers will be able to open at a faster pace due to the lower amounts of upfront capital investment versus traditional dealer strategies employed by other OEMs. The reduced facilities related capital investment is consistent with Fisker’s commitment to sustainability principles: use-less, and re-use. Fisker will offer dealers large market areas and no cost sales and service training programs for early dealer partners for a period of time. Dealers may have service area, back-of-house, and administrative functions for a period of time until the dealer’s operation requires dedicated non-customer facing functions. However, customer facing dealership personnel will be dedicated to Fisker.
Fisker is selecting its dealers based upon multiple criteria, including a dealer’s ability to deliver a high level of customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction will be a key performance metric that dealers will be expected to achieve.
Vehicle Maintenance
Our vehicles are designed to have no “first mandatory service”. We expect service will be needed for mainly two reasons: (1) a fault shows up in the on-board diagnostics/request to go to service, or (2) the customer notices something needs to be “fixed” and service is needed. In each case, we will be alerted by either the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics or the customer and we will then refer the customer to their nearest Fisker dealership.
Fisker Added Value
Fisker's Platform Strategy supports its growth plan objectives, firstly by intelligent re-use of the Ocean platform to define a new EV market segment with the Alaska mid-size EV pick up (labelled the Kayak in the EU); followed by the introduction of an all new, lower cost, higher volume, global platform for the PEAR and future derivatives. This new platform features Fisker's novel 'Steel++' body structure which has 35% less parts than the industry norm due to an intensive focus on component integration and advanced tooling methods. Finally, the ultra low volume, bonded aluminum
Ronin platform concept will be a technology test bed for future Fisker products, and features a novel, structurally integrated battery amongst many other innovations.
Key among the attributes defining Fisker-brand design and engineering is exterior and interior design language. The Fisker Ocean is establishing the look and feel of Fisker products going forward—an evolution of the design language Henrik Fisker developed over his career and with which he has become synonymous. A key element of this design language is the broad shouldered, “muscular” stance of the vehicle. In creating an exterior design with these proportions, our team has taken some key decisions intended to move typical autobody engineering solutions, such as a fixed hood, to a position more relevant to EVs. Not only does this give our vehicles a distinctive, unique look, it also simplifies an otherwise complex manufacturing build tolerance issue. This approach provides greater control of the front-end package and removes certain hardware, ultimately facilitating our desire to design a vehicle with class-leading frontal high-speed impact and pedestrian impact safety.
Fisker-brand design and engineering also encompasses our goal to build the world’s most sustainable vehicles. Fisker Ocean offers SolarSky, a large photo-voltaic glass roof. Our internal testing indicates that this feature has the capability to deliver annually the equivalent of up to 1,500 miles of completely carbon free miles in optimum conditions.
Our design language extends further into the interior of the vehicle with the deployment of our unique UI. In addition to seamless integration of user devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, Fisker has developed a central screen display that is the largest in its class. This screen is the centerpiece of the Fisker UI and will integrate all main vehicle electrical functions and settings into a single, simple interface. The ergonomics of the central screen are further enhanced by combining user programmable “soft keys” on the touch screen surface, with five fixed switches that control the five most frequently used functions. In this way we expect to deliver a futuristic EV “glass cockpit” without the annoyance of searching through several menus to find that critical function, which has been a criticism of similar systems. The combination of this unique central screen and the digital driver’s display will ensure a class-leading user experience.
Research and Development
Our research and development activities primarily take place at our facilities located in La Palma, San Francisco, and Culver City, California. The majority of our current activities are primarily focused on the research and development of our EVs and software technology platforms. We undertake significant testing and validation of our products in order to ensure that we will meet the demands of our future customers. We are working with various strategic partners to improve the Ocean and to bring other future EV models into commercialization.
Sustainability Actions
As demonstrated in our vision and mission, we are committed to sustainability, which includes our dedication not only to the environment, but also our communities and other stakeholders. ESG is foundational to Fisker and, as a purpose driven company, it is embedded in everything we do. We engage with our community through direct actions such as beach clean-ups and employee food drives. We are currently evaluating incentives and other programs to support sustainability and social accountability throughout our corporate activities.
Fisker’s Commitment to Building a Leading ESG, Digital Mobility Company
Our commitment is to build the world’s leading, digital-first, next generation mobility company. We are building towards that vision with a commitment to a broad foundation of environmental, sustainability and ethical governance policies. Through this approach, we believe we will create a company that can better serve the needs of all our stakeholders and ultimately deliver greater returns.
We are committed to leading the automotive industry in alignment with our mission, from the thorough analysis of the full life-cycle impact of our vehicles to creating solutions that minimize our carbon footprint and ensuring we responsibly source all of our materials. Our focus is on the total environmental and social impacts of our business throughout our supply chain. We seek to optimize our internal practices and build mutually beneficial relationships with the communities in which we operate.
We have set strong performance standards through our policies, such as our Human Rights and Labor Policy and our Responsible Supplier Policy, including conflict materials chain of custody, of which we will validate. We have aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG’s), as a guidance framework for our internal targets and are using Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) requirements for measurement and reporting of our vehicles and related metrics. Through dedicated work streams and detailed research with investors, we are focused on providing best-in-class metrics and public ESG disclosures. We published our first ESG Impact Report in 2022.
In June 2023 we released our 2023 Fisker Ocean Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) detailing the progress we've made toward our mission of creating the world's most emotional and sustainable electric vehicles.
Our diverse management team and board of directors is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We will continue to evaluate our governance structure, hiring practices and pay equity, in accordance with our company policies, industry benchmarks and reporting agencies. We have also created an ESG Advisory Council, comprised of non-company ESG leaders, who will help shape our strategy, our commitments and, work with us to engage in dialogue with NGO’s and other stakeholders on important civic issues. In addition to the ESG Advisory Board, we have an internal ESG governance structure, led by the head of ESG, with a leadership planning team that meets weekly, a monthly executive management strategy review team and review of critical material by the Board of Directors.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends in part upon our ability to protect its core technology and intellectual property. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, both in the U.S. and abroad, through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as nondisclosure and invention assignment agreements with our consultants and employees, and we seek to control access to and distribution of our proprietary information through non-disclosure agreements with our vendors and business partners. Unpatented research, development and engineering skills make an important contribution to our business, but we pursue patent protection when we believe it is possible and consistent with our overall strategy for safeguarding intellectual property.
As of March 6, 2024, we owned 16 issued U.S. patents, have 56 pending or allowed U.S. patent applications, 51 issued foreign designs and 16 pending foreign design applications. In addition, we have 162 registered trademarks, and 13 pending trademark applications. Our patents and patent applications are directed to, among other things, vehicle design, engineering and battery technology.
Government Regulation and Credits
We operate in an industry that is subject to extensive environmental regulation, which has become more stringent over time. The laws and regulations to which we are subject govern, among others, water use; air emissions; use of recycled materials; energy sources; the storage, handling, treatment, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials; the
protection of the environment, natural resources and endangered species; and the remediation of environmental contamination. Compliance with such laws and regulations at an international, regional, national, provincial and local level is an important aspect of our ability to continue our operations.
Environmental standards applicable to us are established by the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate, standards adopted by regulatory agencies and the permits and licenses granted. Each of these sources is subject to periodic modifications and what we anticipate will be increasingly stringent requirements. Violations of these laws, regulations or permits and licenses may result in substantial civil and criminal fines, penalties, and possibly orders to cease the violating operations or to conduct or pay for corrective works. In some instances, violations may also result in the suspension or revocation of permits and licenses.
Emissions
In the U.S., EU and China, there are vehicle emissions performance standards that will provide an opportunity for us to sell emissions credits.
United States
In the U.S., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) promulgates and enforces emissions standards for motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. The EPA requires that Fisker obtain a Certificate of Conformity concerning emissions for its vehicles before offering them for sale. California also regulated motor vehicle emissions even before the Clean Air Act’s passage. Therefore, California is permitted to issue its own emissions standards, and other states may adopt California’s standards instead of the EPA’s standards. The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) is responsible for setting California’s emissions standards. CARB requires Fisker to obtain an Executive Order, confirming that its vehicles conform to California’s emissions standards.
Greenhouse Gases
Both the EPA and California have greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles. These regulations restrict the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and non-methane organic gases and nitrous oxide gas (NMOG+NOx) that a vehicle is permitted to emit. California’s greenhouse gas emissions standards were established in 2012 under California’s “Advanced Clean Cars I” program; Advanced Clean Cars II (“ACCII”) was adopted in 2022. California continues to consider potential amendments to ACCII to further scale down emissions of new motor vehicles sold in California (and the states which have adopted California’s standards). Both the EPA and CARB enforce their greenhouse gas standards by issuing credits for over-compliance with the given standard and penalizing a manufacturer’s failure to meet the standard. Manufacturers who have an excess of these credits may transfer or sell them to a manufacturer which is deficient in the credits. Because Fisker vehicles are all-electric, Fisker vehicles will necessarily comply (and over-comply) with these standards, offering Fisker significant opportunity to sell these credits to other manufacturers. Fisker already has one such agreement in place. Finally, because these standards become more stringent over time, Fisker’s opportunity to sell these credits will also increase over time.
Zero Emission Vehicles
California also requires manufacturers to maintain a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles (“ZEVs”) as part of their overall number of new vehicles sold in that state. The ZEV program assigns ZEV credits to each vehicle sold in California. The number of credits is based on the drivetrain type and the all-electric range (“AER”) of the vehicle under the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule Test Cycle. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (“PHEVs”) receive between 0.4 and 1.3 credits per vehicle. Battery electric and fuel cell vehicles receive between 1 and 4 credits per vehicle, based on range. The Fisker Ocean receives 3.4 credits or 4.0 credits, depending on trim and wheel options.
Vehicle manufacturers are then required to maintain ZEV credits equal to a set percentage of non-electric vehicles sold in California. By 2035, all new passenger vehicles sold in California must be a ZEV. Similar to the greenhouse gas standards, CARB permits manufacturers who over-comply with the ZEV standard of a given model year to sell those credits to a manufacturer who is not in compliance. CARB has established a $5,000 penalty for each credit that a manufacturer is short of the standard for that year.
Other states have adopted California’s ZEV sales requirements including Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont (the “ZEV states”). Additionally, some states
have legislation to adopt California’s ZEV standard beginning in 2025 including Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, and Washington. New Mexico will adopt these standards in 2026.
Because of the increasingly stringent ZEV sales requirements and the increasing number of states adopting these standards, we believe Fisker has significant opportunity to sell its ZEV credits to manufacturers who do not meet their quotas.
European Union
Regulation (EU) No. 443/2009 setting emissions performance standards for new passenger cars in the EU (as amended) provides that if the average CO2 emissions of a manufacturer’s fleet exceed its limit value in any Calendar Year from Calendar Year 2019 onwards, the manufacturer will have to pay to the European Commission an excess emissions premium of €95 for each subsequent CO2 g/km of exceedance per vehicle registered in the EU.
In the EU, manufacturers of passenger cars may act jointly through a pooling arrangement to collectively meet their CO2 emissions targets.
The indicative average EU fleet-wide emissions target for new passenger cars for the calendar year 2019 was 130 CO2 g/km. From 1 January 2020 this target has been reduced to 95 CO2 g/km. From 1 January 2020 until 31 December 2024 this target will be complemented by additional measures corresponding to a reduction of 10 CO2 g/km. Between 2025 and 2029 the target will be 15% stricter compared to 2021. From 1 January 2030, the target will be equal to a 37.5% reduction of the target in 2021.
The European Commission adjusts the Specific Emissions Target each year for each manufacturer on the basis of the average mass of the relevant passenger cars using a limit value curve. This is laid down in Implementing Decisions.
Manufacturers of passenger cars are given additional incentives to put on the European market zero and low-emission passenger cars emitting less than 50 CO2 g/km through a “super-credits” system. These are taken into account for the calculation of a manufacturer’s specific average emissions. Such passenger cars are to be counted as 2 vehicles in 2020, 1.67 vehicles in 2021, 1.33 vehicles in 2022, and 1 vehicle from 2023 onwards (subject to a cap of 7.5 CO2 g /km over the 2020-2022 period for each manufacturer).
Given that the specific average emissions of CO2 of Fisker’s electric passenger cars will be 0.000 CO2 g/km per vehicle registered in the EU, this will provide an opportunity for other manufacturers, which may not otherwise meet their specific CO2 emissions targets, to pay Fisker to consolidate their fleets with those of Fisker via a pooling arrangement for CO2 emissions compliance purposes.
Fuel Economy
The United States Department of Transportation, through its agency the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), sets fuel economy standards for new vehicles sold in the U.S. NHTSA does so by setting standards for Corporate Average Fuel Economy (“CAFE”). The CAFE program assesses a manufacturer’s fleet of vehicles for its fuel economy, expressed in miles per gallon.
Manufacturers who over-comply with NHTSA’s CAFE standards are given a credit for every one-tenth of a mile per gallon by which they exceed the standard. For manufacturers whose fleet fails to meet the year’s standard, NHTSA set a penalty of $14 per credit deficiency. This penalty increased to $15 per credit in model year 2022.
Because Fisker vehicles are all electric, they not only comply with NHTSA standards but also generate CAFE credits. Fisker continues to engage manufacturers on selling these credits.
Vehicle Safety and Testing
Our vehicles are subject to, and will be required to comply with, numerous regulatory requirements established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), including applicable U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standards (“FMVSS”). We intend for the Fisker Ocean to fully comply with all applicable FMVSSs without the need for
any exemptions, and expect future Fisker vehicles to either fully comply or comply with limited exemptions related to new technologies. Additionally, there are regulatory changes being considered for several FMVSSs, and while we anticipate compliance, there is no assurance until final regulation changes are enacted.
On January 11, 2024, NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation regarding the Ocean’s braking performance. On February 14, 2024, NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation regarding alleged unintended movement. And on April 1, 2024, NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation regarding alleged failure of the Ocean’s latch and handle that prevents doors from opening. The Company is fully cooperating with NHTSA with respect to these matters.
As a manufacturer, Fisker must self-certify that its vehicles meet all applicable FMVSSs, as well as the NHTSA bumper standard, or otherwise are exempt, before the vehicles can be imported or sold in the U.S. Numerous FMVSSs will apply to Fisker’s vehicles, such as crash-worthiness requirements, crash avoidance requirements and EV requirements. We will also be required to comply with other federal laws administered by NHTSA, including the CAFE standards, Theft Prevention Act requirements, consumer information labeling requirements, Early Warning Reporting requirements regarding warranty claims, field reports, death and injury reports and foreign recalls and owner’s manual requirements.
The Automobile Information and Disclosure Act requires manufacturers of motor vehicles to disclose certain information regarding the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, optional equipment and pricing. In addition, this law allows inclusion of city and highway fuel economy ratings, as determined by EPA, as well as crash test ratings as determined by NHTSA if such tests are conducted.
Fisker vehicles sold outside of the U.S. are subject to similar foreign safety, environmental and other regulations. Many of those regulations are different from those applicable in the U.S. and may require redesign and/or retesting. The EU established new rules regarding additional compliance oversight, and there is also regulatory uncertainty related to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. These changes could impact the rollout of new vehicle features in the EU. Fisker has completed the homologation testing process in the EU and U.S. during 2023. The Company has received regulatory approvals including the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Certificate, EPA Certificate of Conformity, and CARB Executive Order, after which we commenced retail customer deliveries in both the U.S. and EU in 2023.
In addition to the various territorial legal requirements we are obligated to meet, the Fisker Ocean is engineered to deliver 5-star performance in the two main voluntary vehicle safety performance assessment programs, U.S. New Car Assessment Program (“NCAP”) and Euro NCAP. Five-star is the maximum attainable score. These independent organizations have introduced a number of additional safety related tests aimed at improving the safety of passenger vehicles, both for occupants and pedestrians involved in collisions with vehicles. Some of these tests are derived from the legal tests, such as side impact, but have higher performance requirements. Others are unique to the program. Areas covered by these tests in 2020 include:
•Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier
•Full Width Rigid Barrier
•Mobile Side Impact Barrier
•Side Pole
•Far Side Impact
•Whiplash
•Vulnerable Road Users (Pedestrians and Cyclists)
•Safety Assist
•Rescue and Extrication
Strategic Collaborations
Magna
On October 14, 2020, Legacy Fisker and Spartan entered into a cooperation agreement with Magna setting forth certain terms for the development of a full electric vehicle (the “Cooperation Agreement”). The Cooperation Agreement sets out the main terms and conditions of the operational phase agreements (the “Operational Phase Agreements”) that will extend from the Cooperation Agreement and other agreements with Magna that are expected to be entered into by and between us and Magna (or its affiliates). The upcoming Operational Phase Agreements referenced in the Cooperation Agreement relate to various platform and manufacturing agreements. The Cooperation Agreement provides that we would issue to Magna warrants to purchase Class A Common Stock in an amount equal to six percent (6%) of our capital stock on a fully diluted basis (which means for these purposes, after giving effect to the deemed conversion or exercise of all of our options, warrants and other convertible securities outstanding on the issuance date; provided, however, that the “public warrants” sold as part of the units issued by Spartan in its initial public offering which closed on August 14, 2018 shall not be deemed to be exercised for these purposes) after giving effect to the Business Combination and issuance of the warrants to purchase such shares to Magna, with an exercise price of $0.01 per share of (the “Magna Warrants”). On October 29, 2020, we issued to Magna 19,474,454 Magna Warrants. The Magna Warrants were subject to the satisfaction of certain vesting criteria related to the development and start of production of the Fisker Ocean, all of which have been satisfied as of December 31, 2023.
The shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the Magna Warrants are entitled to registration rights pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 29, 2020, among us, Spartan Energy Acquisition Sponsor LLC, Magna, Henrik Fisker, Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker and certain former stockholders of Legacy Fisker.
On December 17, 2020, we announced that our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Fisker Group Inc., entered into (i) a non-exclusive car platform sharing agreement with Steyr USA LLC (an affiliate of Magna), and (ii) an initial contract manufacturing agreement with Magna, which were originally contemplated by the Cooperation Agreement. On April 27, 2021 we entered into a Supplement No 1 to Development Services Agreement with Magna Steyr which provides for the completion of the development and launch of Fisker Ocean. On June 12, 2021 Fisker entered into the Detailed Manufacturing Agreement with Magna Steyr which provides for the contract manufacturing of the Fisker Ocean by Magna Steyr.
Human Capital Resources
We pride ourselves on the quality of our diverse team by seeking to hire only employees that are dedicated and aligned with our strategic mission. We work to leverage partnerships and modulate hiring based on our product roadmap. We employed approximately 1,560 full-time employees as of December 31, 2023, 760 as of December 31, 2022 and 327 as of December 31, 2021 based primarily in our California, Munich and Hyderabad facilities. The majority of our employees are engaged in marketing, sales and service with research and development and related functions close behind. To date, we have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our relationships with our employees to be in good standing. None of our employees are either represented by a labor union or subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
As of April 19, 2024, we employed approximately 1,135 employees. The decrease since December 31, 2023 primarily reflects actions taken to reduce our headcount.
We strive to attract a pool of diverse and exceptional candidates and support their career growth once they become employees. In addition, we seek to hire based on talent rather than solely on educational pedigree. We also emphasize in our evaluation and career development efforts internal mobility opportunities for employees to drive professional development.
We also believe that our ability to retain our workforce is dependent on our ability to foster an environment that is sustainably safe, respectful, fair and inclusive of everyone and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion inside and outside of our business. We engage diverse networks as key business resources and sources of actionable feedback. We are also working on diversity efforts in our supply chain to expand our outreach and support to small- and large-scale suppliers from underrepresented communities to emphasize this culture with our own employees.
Corporate Information
We were originally incorporated in Delaware in October 2017 as a special purpose acquisition company f/k/a Spartan Energy Acquisition Corp. In October 2020, we consummated our business combination with Fisker Group Inc. (f/k/a Fisker Inc.) through a reverse merger (the “Business Combination”). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, we changed our name to Fisker Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1888 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach, California 90266. Our telephone number at that location is (833) 434-7537. Our corporate website address is www.fiskerinc.com. Information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fisker is a registered trademark of Fisker Inc. All other brand names or trademarks appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective holders. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto.
Available Information
We make available, free of charge through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our operations and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described below that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our Class A Common Stock. You should carefully consider the following risks, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RISK FACTORS SUMMARY
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Below please find a summary of the principal risks we face. These risks are discussed more fully below:
Operational Risks
•There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
•Our ability to develop, manufacture and obtain required regulatory approvals for a car of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale is unproven.
•We are substantially reliant on our relationships with suppliers and service providers for the parts and components in our vehicles, as well as for the manufacture of our initial vehicles. If any of these suppliers or service partners choose to not do business with us, then we would have significant difficulty in procuring and producing our vehicles and our business prospects would be significantly harmed.
•Our relationship with automotive suppliers is integral to our platform procurement and manufacturing plan, and we may not be able to obtain such commitments in the future. We therefore may seek alternative arrangements with a number of component suppliers, and contract manufacturers, which we may not be successful in obtaining.
•If we are unable to continue to contract with OEMs or suppliers on manufacturing of our future vehicles, we would need to develop our own platform and manufacturing facilities, which may not be feasible and, if feasible at all, would significantly increase our capital expenditure and would significantly delay production of our vehicles.
•There are complex software and technology systems that need to be developed in coordination with vendors and suppliers in order to reach production for our electric vehicles, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed.
•We may experience significant delays in the design, manufacture, regulatory approval, launch and financing of our vehicles, which could harm our business and prospects.
•We are dependent on our suppliers, a significant number of which are single or limited source suppliers, and the inability of our suppliers to deliver necessary components for our vehicles in a timely manner and at prices and volumes acceptable to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and operating results.
•Our vehicles make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame.
•We have a limited operating history and face significant challenges as a new entrant into the automotive industry.
•We are an early-stage company with a history of losses, and we expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses in the future.
•Our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and will increase the risk of investing in us.
•If our vehicles fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market, and sell or lease our electric vehicles could be harmed.
•We may not succeed in establishing, maintaining and strengthening our brand, which would materially and adversely affect customer acceptance of its vehicles and components and its business, revenues and prospects.
•Our direct-to-consumer distribution model which we historically deployed has been different from the predominant current distribution model for automobile manufacturers. We are transitioning to a dealer sales model, which makes evaluating our business, operating results and future prospects difficult.
•We depend on revenue generated from a single model and in the foreseeable future will be significantly dependent on a limited number of models.
Macroeconomic, Market, and Strategic Risks
•Our asset-light business model is unique in the automotive industry and any failure to commercialize our strategic plans would have an adverse effect on our operating results and business, harm our reputation and could result in substantial liabilities that exceed our resources.
•We could experience cost increases or disruptions in supply of raw materials or other components used in our vehicles. The automotive market is highly competitive, and we may not be successful in competing in this industry.
•Our future growth is dependent on the demand for, and upon consumers’ willingness to adopt, electric vehicles.
•Doing business internationally creates operational and financial risks for our business.
•We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation of such material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to develop and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired, which could adversely affect investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements and adversely affect our business and operating results and the market price for our Class A common stock.
•The issuance of shares of our Class A Common Stock upon the conversion of the 2025 Notes or the exercise of the outstanding Magna Warrants would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our stockholders.
Financial Risks
•Our operating and financial results forecast relies in large part upon assumptions and analyses developed by us. If these assumptions or analyses prove to be incorrect, our actual operating results may be materially different from our forecasted results.
•Retail vehicle sales depend significantly on affordable interest rates and availability of credit for vehicle financing and a substantial increase in interest rates could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
•Our business plans require a significant amount of capital. In addition, our future capital needs are likely to require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that may dilute our stockholders or introduce covenants that may restrict our operations or our ability to pay dividends.
•Absent relief, as a result of our failure to timely file a periodic report with the SEC, we are currently ineligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, which is likely to impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.
•Our Class A Common Stock is currently traded on the OTC Market Pink Sheets, which may have an unfavorable impact on our stock price and liquidity.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
•Compliance with and changes to state dealer franchise laws could adversely impact our ability to successfully move to a dealership sales model.
•We retain certain information about our users and may be subject to various privacy and consumer protection laws.
•We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
•Our patent applications may not issue as patents, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to prevent others from commercially exploiting products similar to ours.
•Our vehicles are subject to motor vehicle standards and the failure to satisfy such mandated safety standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
•We will face risks associated with potential international operations, including unfavorable regulatory, political, tax and labor conditions, which could harm our business.
•The dual class structure of our Common Stock has the effect of concentrating voting with Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, our co-founders, members of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. This may limit or preclude other stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters, including the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
Risks Related to Our Convertible Senior Notes
•The 2026 Notes are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness and structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries.
•We did not make a required interest payment of approximately $8.4 million payable in cash on March 15, 2024 with respect to the 2026 Notes. Under the indenture governing the 2026 Notes, such non-payment is a default and we had a 30-day grace period to make the interest payment which now has elapsed. Such non-payment constitutes an Event of Default with respect to the 2026 Notes. For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, the 2026 Notes (in addition to the 2025 Notes) are expected to be classified as a current liability.
•We may be unable to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the 2026 Notes for cash following a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture) or to pay any cash amounts due upon conversion, and our other indebtedness limits our ability to repurchase the 2026 Notes or pay cash upon their conversion.
•Our indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for our operations, expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and impair our ability to satisfy our obligations under the Notes.
•Our obligations to the Investor pursuant to the 2025 Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the existing and future assets of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries, and because of a default, the Investor could foreclose on, liquidate and/or take possession of such assets. If that were to happen, we could be forced to curtail, or even to cease, our operations.
We have listed below the material risk factors applicable to us grouped into the following categories: Operational Risks; Macroeconomic, Market, and Strategic Risks; Financial Risks; Legal and Regulatory Risks; and Risks Related to Our Convertible Notes.
Operational Risks
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
We used $904.9 million in cash in operating and investing activities in 2023, and our cash balance reduced from $736.5 million at December 31, 2022 to $325.5 million at December 31, 2023. Our cash and cash equivalents balance further reduced to $53.9 million of unrestricted and $11.2 million of restricted at April 16, 2024, reflecting significant payments to certain suppliers. We expect to require additional cash in 2024 for debt service and investment needs, and our ability to generate cash from operating activities will depend on our ability to transition to a dealer model and sell vehicles. Accordingly, we have concluded there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional debt or equity financings, enter into a strategic partnership with an OEM, and generate cash from the sale of vehicles. We need significant additional funding in the near term to execute our business plan and to continue our operations. We continue to seek and evaluate opportunities to raise additional funds through the issuance of our securities, through one or more potential strategic partnerships, and from the sale of vehicles. If capital is not available to us when, and in the amounts needed, we could be required to further curtail our operations. Moreover, if we do not raise capital in the near term or receive a forbearance agreement and/or waivers from our debt holders (for relief from current defaults), we will be unable to satisfy our debt service obligations and expect to seek protection under applicable bankruptcy laws.
Our ability to develop, manufacture and obtain required regulatory approvals for a car of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale is unproven.
Our business depends in large part on our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell or lease our electric vehicles. Initially, we plan to manufacture vehicles in collaboration with contract manufacturers such as Magna Steyr, automotive component and large tier-one automotive suppliers.
Our ability to successfully manufacture vehicles, including the Fisker Ocean, is subject to risks, including with respect to:
•securing necessary funding;
•negotiating and executing definitive agreements with various suppliers for hardware, software, or services;
•manufacturing vehicles within specified design tolerances;
•obtaining required regulatory approvals and certifications;
•complying with environmental, safety, and similar regulations;
•securing necessary components, services, or licenses on acceptable terms and in a timely manner;
•timely delivering final component designs to our suppliers;
•attracting, recruiting, hiring, retaining, and training skilled employees;
•utilizing quality controls;
•timely receipt of supplies, including raw materials;
•maintaining arrangements on reasonable terms with its manufacturing partners and suppliers, engineering service providers, delivery partners, and after sales service providers; and
•avoiding delays in manufacturing and research and development of new models, and cost overruns.
Our ability to develop, manufacture and obtain required regulatory approvals for a vehicle of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale is unproven, and our business plan may continue to evolve. We may be required to introduce new vehicle models and enhanced versions of existing models. To date, we have limited
experience, as a company, designing, testing, manufacturing, marketing and selling or leasing our electric vehicles and therefore cannot assure you that we will be able to meet customer expectations. Any failure to develop such manufacturing processes and capabilities within our projected costs and timelines would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
We are substantially reliant on our relationships with suppliers and service providers for the parts and components in our vehicles, as well as for the manufacture of our initial vehicles. If any of these suppliers or service partners choose to not do business with us, then we would have significant difficulty in procuring and producing our vehicles and our business prospects would be significantly harmed.
We have entered into a number of definitive agreements with third parties in order to implement our capital-light business model and will need to enter into definitive agreements with one or more suppliers in order to produce other vehicles in a manner contemplated by our business plan. Furthermore, we have explored and intend to secure alternative suppliers and providers for many of the most material aspects of our business model.
Collaboration with third parties for the manufacturing of vehicles is subject to risks with respect to operations that are outside our control. We could experience delays to the extent our current or future partners do not continue doing business with us, meet agreed upon timelines, experience capacity constraints or otherwise are unable to deliver components or manufacture vehicles as expected. There is risk of potential disputes with partners, and we could be affected by adverse publicity related to our partners whether or not such publicity is related to their collaboration with us. Our ability to successfully build a premium brand could also be adversely affected by perceptions about the quality of our partners’ vehicles or other vehicles manufactured by the same partner. In addition, although we intend to be involved in material decisions in the supply chain and manufacturing process, given that we also rely on our partners to meet our quality standards, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain high quality standards.
We may in the future enter into strategic alliances, including joint ventures or minority equity investments, with various third parties to further our business purpose. These alliances could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information, non-performance by the third party, and increased expenses in establishing new strategic alliances, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business.
To sell or lease Fisker vehicles as currently contemplated, we will need to enter into certain additional agreements and arrangements, some of which are not currently in place. These include entering into definitive agreements with third party service partners for fleet management, vehicle storage, dockside collection, mobile fleet servicing, financing and end of lease collections. If we are unable to enter into such definitive agreements, or if we are only able to do so on terms that are unfavorable to us, we may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
Our relationship with automotive suppliers is integral to our platform procurement and manufacturing plan, and we may not be able to obtain such commitments in the future. We therefore may seek alternative arrangements with a number of component suppliers, and contract manufacturers, which we may not be successful in obtaining.
To manufacture our vehicles as currently contemplated, we will need to enter into definitive agreements and arrangements in the future. If we are unable to enter into definitive agreements or are only able to do so on terms that are unfavorable to us, we may not be able to timely identify adequate strategic relationship opportunities, or form strategic relationships, and consequently, we may not be able to fully carry out our business plans.
If we are unable to continue to contract with OEMs or suppliers on manufacturing of our future vehicles, we would need to develop our own platform and manufacturing facilities, which may not be feasible and, if feasible at all, would significantly increase our capital expenditure and would significantly delay production of our vehicles.
We may be unable to continue to enter into definitive agreements with OEMs and suppliers for manufacturing on terms and conditions acceptable to us and therefore we may need to contract with other third parties or establish our own production capacity. There can be no assurance that in such event that we would be able to partner with other third parties or establish our own production capacity to meet our needs on acceptable terms, or at all. The expense and time required to complete any transition and to assure that vehicles manufactured at facilities of new third-party partners comply with our quality standards and regulatory requirements would likely be greater than currently anticipated. If we need to develop our
own manufacturing and production capabilities, which may not be feasible, it would significantly increase our capital expenditures and would significantly delay production of our vehicles. This may require that we attempt to raise or borrow money, which may not be successful. Also, it may require that we change the anticipated pricing of our vehicles, which would adversely affect our margins and cash flows. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Manufacturing in collaboration with partners is subject to risks.
Our business model relies on outsourced manufacturing of our vehicles. Collaboration with third parties to manufacture vehicles is subject to risks that are outside of our control. We could experience delays if our partners do not meet agreed upon timelines or experience capacity constraints. There is risk of potential disputes with partners, which could stop or slow vehicle production, and we could be affected by adverse publicity related to our partners, whether or not such publicity is related to such third parties’ collaboration with us. Our ability to successfully build a premium brand could also be adversely affected by perceptions about the quality of our partners’ products. In addition, we cannot guarantee that our suppliers will not deviate from agreed-upon quality standards.
We may be unable to continue to enter into agreements with manufacturers on terms and conditions acceptable to us and therefore we may need to contract with other third parties or significantly add to our own production capacity. We may not be able to engage other third parties or establish or expand our own production capacity to meet our needs on acceptable terms, or at all. The expense and time required to adequately complete any transition may be greater than anticipated. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
There are complex software and technology systems that need to be developed in coordination with vendors and suppliers in order to reach production for our electric vehicles, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed.
Fisker vehicles will use a substantial amount of third-party and in-house software codes and complex hardware to operate. The development of such advanced technologies is inherently complex, and we will need to coordinate with our vendors and suppliers in order to reach production for our electric vehicles. A late software delivery by one or more of our vendors may cause resulting delay in whole vehicle integration and validation. Defects and errors may be revealed over time and our control over the performance of third-party services and systems may be limited. Thus, our potential inability to develop the necessary software and technology systems may harm our competitive position. There can be no assurances that our suppliers will be able to meet the technological requirements, production timing and volume requirements to support our business plan. In addition, such technology may not satisfy the cost, performance useful life and warranty characteristics we anticipate in our business plan, which could materially adversely affect our business, prospects and results of operations.
We are relying on third-party suppliers to develop a number of emerging technologies for use in our products, including lithium-ion battery technology. These technologies may not be commercially viable. There can be no assurances that our suppliers will be able to meet the technological requirements, production timing, and volume requirements to support our business plan. In addition, the technology may not comply with the cost, performance useful life and warranty characteristics we anticipate in our business plan. As a result, our business plan could be significantly impacted and we may incur significant liabilities under warranty claims which could adversely affect our business, prospects, and results of operations.
We may experience significant delays in the design, manufacture, regulatory approval, launch and financing of our vehicles, which could harm our business and prospects.
Any delay in the financing, design, manufacture, regulatory approval or launch of our vehicles, including entering into agreements for supply of component parts, and manufacturing, could materially damage our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results and could cause liquidity constraints. Vehicle manufacturers often experience delays in the design, manufacture and commercial release of new products. To the extent we delay the launch of our vehicles, our growth prospects could be adversely affected as we may fail to establish or grow our market share. We rely on third-party suppliers for the provision and development of the key components and materials used in our vehicles.
To the extent our suppliers experience any delays in providing us with or developing necessary components, we could experience delays in delivering on our timelines.
We are dependent on our suppliers, a significant number of which are single or limited source suppliers, and the inability of our suppliers to deliver necessary components for our vehicles in a timely manner and at prices and volumes acceptable to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and operating results.
While we obtain components from multiple sources whenever possible, many of the components used in our vehicles are purchased from a single source. We believe that we may be able to establish alternate supply relationships and can obtain or engineer replacement components for many single sourced components, but we may be unable to do so in the near term (or at all) at prices or quality levels that are acceptable to us for some single sourced components. In addition, we could experience delays if our suppliers do not meet agreed upon timelines or they experience production constraints that in turn limit our production.
Any disruption in the supply of components, including semiconductor shortages, whether or not from a single source supplier, could temporarily disrupt production of our vehicles until an alternative supplier is able to supply the required components. Changes in business conditions, unforeseen circumstances, governmental changes, and other factors beyond our control could also affect our suppliers’ ability to deliver components to us on a timely basis. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our ability to produce vehicles, increase our costs and negatively affect our liquidity and financial performance. For example, the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine or the conflicts in the Middle East, including international sanctions, the potential impact on inflation and increased disruption to supply chains may impact us, result in an economic downturn or recession either globally or locally within the U.S. or other economies, reduce business activity, spawn additional conflicts (whether in the form of traditional military action, reignited “cold” wars or in the form of virtual warfare such as cyberattacks) with similar and perhaps wider ranging impacts and consequences and have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Such consequences also may increase our funding cost or limit our access to the capital markets.
If any of our significant suppliers experience substantial financial difficulties, cease operations, or otherwise face business disruptions, we may be required to provide financial support or take other measures in an effort to ensure components and materials remain available to us. Financial support provided by us to distressed suppliers could adversely impact our liquidity and results of operations.
Our vehicles make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame.
The battery packs within our vehicles make use of lithium-ion cells. On rare occasions, lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion cells. While the battery pack is designed to contain any single cell’s release of energy without spreading to neighboring cells, once our vehicles are commercially available, a field or testing failure of battery packs in our vehicles could occur, which could result in bodily injury or death and could subject us to lawsuits, product recalls, or redesign efforts, all of which would be time consuming and expensive and could harm our brand image. Also, negative public perceptions regarding the suitability of lithium-ion cells for automotive applications, the social and environmental impacts of cobalt mining, or any future incident involving lithium-ion cells, such as a vehicle or other fire, could seriously harm our business and reputation.
We have a limited operating history and face significant challenges as a new entrant into the automotive industry.
Fisker was incorporated in September 2016 and we have a short operating history in the automobile industry, which is continuously evolving. We may not be able to develop efficient, automated, cost-efficient manufacturing capability and processes, and reliable sources of component supplies that will enable us to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards, as well as the production volumes, required to successfully mass market the Fisker Ocean and future vehicles. We face significant risks as a new entrant into the automotive industry, including, among other things, with respect to our ability to:
•design and produce safe, reliable and quality vehicles on an ongoing basis;
•obtain the necessary regulatory approvals in a timely manner;
•build a well-recognized and respected brand;
•establish and expand our customer base;
•successfully market not just our vehicles but also our other services, including our Flexee lease and other services we intend to provide;
•properly price our services, including our charging solutions, financing and lease options, and successfully anticipate the take-rate and usage of such services by users;
•successfully service our vehicles after sales and maintain a good flow of spare parts and customer goodwill;
•improve and maintain our operational efficiency;
•maintain a reliable, secure, high-performance and scalable technology infrastructure;
•predict our future revenues and appropriately budget for our expenses;
•attract, retain and motivate talented employees;
•anticipate trends that may emerge and affect our business;
•anticipate and adapt to changing market conditions, including technological developments and changes in competitive landscape; and
•navigate an evolving and complex regulatory environment.
If we fail to adequately address any or all of these risks and challenges, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
We are an early-stage company with a history of losses, and we expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses in the future.
We have incurred a net loss since our inception. We expect to incur losses in future periods as we, among other things, design, develop and manufacture our vehicles; build up inventories of parts and components for our vehicles; increase our sales and marketing activities; develop our distribution infrastructure; and increases our selling, general and administrative functions to support our growing operations. We may find that these efforts are more expensive than we currently anticipate or that these efforts may not result in expected revenues, which would further increase our losses.
We may not be able to accurately estimate the supply and demand for our vehicles, which could result in a variety of inefficiencies in our business and hinder our ability to generate revenue. If we fail to accurately predict our manufacturing requirements, we could incur additional costs or experience delays.
It is difficult to predict our future revenues and appropriately budget for our expenses, and we may have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect our business. We are required to provide forecasts of our demand to our suppliers several months prior to the scheduled delivery of products to our prospective customers. Currently, there is no historical basis for making judgments on the demand for our vehicles or our ability to develop, manufacture, and deliver vehicles, or our profitability in the future. If we overestimate our requirements, our suppliers may have excess inventory, which indirectly would increase our costs. If we underestimate our requirements, our suppliers may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt the manufacturing of our products and result in delays in shipments and revenues. In addition, lead times for materials and components that our suppliers order may vary significantly and depend on factors such as the specific supplier, contract terms and demand for each component at a given time. If we fail to order sufficient quantities of product components in a timely manner, the delivery of vehicles to our customers could be delayed, which would harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and will increase the risk of investing in us.
As an early-stage company with a limited operating history, we face various risks and difficulties. If we do not successfully address these risks, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition will be materially and adversely harmed. We have a very limited operating history on which investors can base an evaluation of our business, operating results and prospects. It is difficult to predict our future revenues and appropriately budget for our expenses, and we have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect our business. In the event that actual results differ from our
estimates or we adjust our estimates in future periods, our operating results and financial position could be materially affected.
If our vehicles fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market, and sell or lease our electric vehicles could be harmed.
Our vehicles may contain defects in design and manufacture that may cause them not to perform as expected or that may require repair, recalls, and design changes. Our vehicles use a substantial amount of software code to operate and software products are inherently complex and often contain defects and errors when first introduced. We have a limited frame of reference by which to evaluate the long-term performance of our systems and vehicles. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any defects in the vehicles prior to their sale to consumers. If any of our vehicles fail to perform as expected, we may need to delay deliveries or initiate product recalls, which could adversely affect our brand in our target markets and could adversely affect our business, prospects, and results of operations.
Our services may not be generally accepted by our users. If we are unable to provide quality customer service, our business and reputation may be materially and adversely affected.
Our servicing may primarily be carried out through third parties certified by us or dealers. Although such servicing partners may have experience in servicing other vehicles, they will initially have limited experience in servicing Fisker vehicles. There can be no assurance that our service arrangements will adequately address the service requirements of our customers to their satisfaction, or that we and our partners will have sufficient resources to meet these service requirements in a timely manner as the volume of vehicles we deliver increases.
We have received various complaints relating to the timing of delivery of titles and registration paperwork. These claims – and any other complaints or negative publicity about our business practices, our marketing, and advertising campaigns, our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the integrity of the data that we provide to users, our cybersecurity measures and privacy practices and other aspects of our business – could diminish customer confidence in our business and adversely affect our brand. Moreover, the use of social media increases the speed that information, misinformation, and opinions can be shared and thus the speed that our reputation can be affected.
In addition, if we are unable to roll out and establish a widespread dealership and/or service network that complies with applicable laws, user satisfaction could be adversely affected, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our reputation and thus our sales, results of operations, and prospects.
Reservations for our vehicles are cancellable.
Deposits paid to reserve our vehicles are cancellable by our customers. Because all of our reservations are cancellable, it is possible that a significant number of customers who submitted reservations may not purchase Fisker vehicles. Such cancellations could harm our financial condition, business, prospects, and operating results.
If we fail to manage our future growth effectively, we may not be able to market and sell or lease our vehicles successfully direct to consumers or through dealerships.
Assuming we are able to secure sufficient capital, we may expand our operations, which would require hiring, retaining and training new personnel, controlling expenses, establishing facilities and experience centers, and implementing administrative infrastructure, systems and processes. In addition, because our electric vehicles are based on a different technology platform than traditional ICE vehicles, individuals with sufficient training in electric vehicles may not be available to be hired, and we will need to expend significant time and expense training employees we hire. We also require sufficient talent in additional areas such as software development. Furthermore, as we are a relatively young company, our ability to train and integrate new employees into its operations may not meet the growing demands of our business, which may affect our ability to grow. Any failure to effectively manage our growth could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
We may not succeed in establishing, maintaining and strengthening our brand, which would materially and adversely affect customer acceptance of its vehicles and components and its business, revenues and prospects.
Our business and prospects heavily depend on our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen the Fisker brand. If we are not able to establish, maintain and strengthen our brand, we may lose the opportunity to build a critical mass of customers. Our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen the Fisker brand will depend heavily on the success of our marketing efforts. The automobile industry is intensely competitive, and we may not be successful in building, maintaining and strengthening our brand. Many of our current and potential competitors, particularly automobile manufacturers headquartered in the United States, Japan, the European Union and China, have greater name recognition, broader customer relationships and substantially greater marketing resources than we do. If we do not develop and maintain a strong brand, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be materially and adversely impacted.
Our direct-to-consumer distribution model which we historically deployed has been different from the predominant current distribution model for automobile manufacturers. We are transitioning to a dealer sales model, which makes evaluating our business, operating results and future prospects difficult.
We initially began sales of our vehicles through a direct-to-consumer distribution model, which is different from the predominant current distribution model for automobile manufacturers. In January 2024, we announced that we would begin using a dealer sales model more aligned with the traditional dealer distribution model used by automobile manufacturers. The historical use of a direct-to-consumer distribution model and the change to using a dealer sales model makes evaluating our business, operating results and future prospects difficult. Our historical direct-to-consumer distribution model is not common in the automotive industry today. While the dealer sales model is common in the automotive industry, there are limited instances where an automobile company has changed its distribution model, which makes it difficult to assess the impact of such change. Consumers may have been attracted to our historical direct-to-consumer model and may determine not to move forward with the purchase of a vehicle for which they have made a deposit if required to purchase through a dealership. There may be delays in arranging for all necessary licenses and/or permits to enable us to use a dealer sales model. During any such delay, we may also be unable to sell cars in a direct-to-consumer format due to state restrictions on competition with franchise dealers. Any such delays or restrictions will negatively impact our ability to sell vehicles and generate revenue. If we are unable to successfully transition our distribution model, including minimizing loss of sales to existing deposit holders during the transition, it would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial results and results of operations.
We depend on revenue generated from a single model and in the foreseeable future will be significantly dependent on a limited number of models.
We depend on revenue generated from a single vehicle model, the Fisker Ocean, and in the foreseeable future will be significantly dependent on a limited number of models. Historically, automobile customers have come to expect a variety of vehicle models offered in a manufacturer’s fleet and new and improved vehicle models to be introduced frequently. Given that for the foreseeable future our business will depend on a single or limited number of models, to the extent a particular model is not well-received by the market, our sales volume, business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
We are highly dependent on the services of Henrik Fisker, our Chief Executive Officer.
We are highly dependent on the services of Henrik Fisker, our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, and, together with his wife, our Chief Financial Officer, our largest stockholder. Mr. Fisker is the source of many, if not most, of the ideas and execution driving Fisker. If Mr. Fisker were to discontinue his service to Fisker due to death, disability or any other reason, we would be significantly disadvantaged.
Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our executive officers and qualified personnel, and our operations may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our success depends substantially on the continued efforts of our executive officers and qualified personnel, and our operations may be severely disrupted if we lose their services. As we build our brand and we become more well known, the risk that competitors or other companies may poach our talent increases. The failure to attract, integrate, train, motivate and retain these personnel could seriously harm our business and prospects.
Failure of information security and privacy concerns could subject us to penalties, damage our reputation and brand, and harm our business and results of operations.
We expect to face significant challenges with respect to information security and privacy, including the storage, transmission and sharing of confidential information. We will transmit and store confidential and private information of our customers, such as personal information, including names, accounts, user IDs and passwords, and payment or transaction related information.
We have adopted strict information security policies and deployed advanced measures to implement the policies, including, among others, advanced encryption technologies, and plans to continue to deploy additional measures as we grow. However, advances in technology, an increased level of sophistication and diversity of our products and services, an increased level of expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or others can still result in a compromise or breach of the measures that it uses. If we are unable to protect our systems, and hence the information stored in our systems, from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction, such problems or security breaches could cause a loss, give rise to our liabilities to the owners of confidential information or even subject us to fines and penalties. In addition, complying with various laws and regulations could cause us to incur substantial costs or require it to change our business practices, including our data practices, in a manner adverse to our business.
In addition, we are required to comply with complex and rigorous regulatory standards enacted to protect business and personal data in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. For example, the European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became effective on May 25, 2018 and the State of California adopted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), both as amended. Both the GDPR and the CCPA impose additional obligations on companies regarding the handling of personal data and provides certain individual privacy rights to persons whose data is stored. Compliance with existing, proposed and recently enacted laws (including implementation of the privacy and process enhancements called for under the GDPR) and regulations can be costly; any failure to comply with these regulatory standards could subject us to legal and reputational risks.
Compliance with any additional laws and regulations could be expensive, and may place restrictions on the conduct of our business and the manner in which we interact with our customers. Any failure to comply with applicable regulations could also result in regulatory enforcement actions against us, and misuse of or failure to secure personal information could also result in violation of data privacy laws and regulations, proceedings against us by governmental entities or others, and damage to our reputation and credibility, and could have a negative impact on revenues and profits.
Significant capital and other resources may be required to protect against information security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches or to comply with our privacy policies or privacy-related legal obligations. The resources required may increase over time as the methods used by hackers and others engaged in online criminal activities are increasingly sophisticated and constantly evolving. Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with privacy policies or privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of personally identifiable information or other customer data, could cause our customers to lose trust in us and could expose us to legal claims. Any perception by the public that online transactions or the privacy of user information are becoming increasingly unsafe or vulnerable to attacks could inhibit the growth of online retail and other online services generally, which may reduce the number of orders we receive.
Any unauthorized control or manipulation of our vehicles’ systems could result in loss of confidence in us and our vehicles and harm our business.
Our vehicles contain complex information technology systems. For example, our vehicles are outfitted with built-in data connectivity to accept and install periodic remote updates from us to improve or update the functionality of our vehicles. We have designed, implemented and tested security measures intended to prevent cybersecurity breaches or unauthorized access to our information technology networks, our vehicles and their systems, and we intend to implement additional security measures as necessary. However, hackers may attempt in the future to gain unauthorized access to modify, alter and use such networks, vehicles and systems to gain control of, or to change, our vehicles’ functionality, user interface and performance characteristics, or to gain access to data stored in or generated by the vehicle. Vulnerabilities could be identified in the future, and our remediation efforts may not be successful. Any unauthorized access to or control of our vehicles or their systems or any loss of data could result in legal claims or proceedings. In addition, regardless of their veracity, reports of unauthorized access to our vehicles, their systems or data, as well as other factors that may result
in the perception that our vehicles, their systems or data are capable of being “hacked,” could negatively affect our brand and harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could impact our ability to effectively provide our services.
We outfit our vehicles with in-vehicle services and functionality that utilize data connectivity to monitor performance and timely capture opportunities for cost-saving preventative maintenance. The availability and effectiveness of our services depend on the continued operation of information technology and communications systems, which we have yet to fully develop. Our systems will be vulnerable to damage or interruption from, among others, fire, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, computer denial of service attacks, cyber attacks or other attempts to harm our systems. Our data centers could also be subject to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism causing potential disruptions. Some of our systems will not be fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Any problems at our data centers could result in lengthy interruptions in our service. In addition, our vehicles are highly technical and complex and may contain errors or vulnerabilities, which could result in interruptions in our business or the failure of our systems.
We need to continue to improve our operational and financial systems to support our expected growth, increasingly complex business arrangements, and rules governing revenue and expense recognition and any inability to do so will adversely affect our billing and reporting.
To manage the expected growth of our operations and increasing complexity, we will need to continue to improve our operational and financial systems, procedures, and controls and continue to increase systems automation to reduce reliance on manual operations. Any inability to do so will affect our billing and reporting. Our current and planned systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our complex arrangements and the rules governing revenue and expense recognition for our future operations and expected growth. Delays or problems associated with any improvement or expansion of our operational and financial systems and controls could adversely affect our relationships with our customers, cause harm to our reputation and brand and could also result in errors in our financial and other reporting.
Our management has limited experience in operating a public company.
Our executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly traded company. Their limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of the combined company. The development and implementation of the standards and controls necessary for the combined company to achieve the level of accounting standards required of a public company in the United States may require costs greater than expected. It is possible that we will be required to expand our employee base and hire additional employees to support our operations as a public company, which will increase our operating costs in future periods.
Macroeconomic, Market, and Strategic Risks
Our asset-light business model is unique in the automotive industry and any failure to commercialize our strategic plans would have an adverse effect on our operating results and business, harm our reputation and could result in substantial liabilities that exceed our resources.
Investors should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by a new enterprise, many of which are beyond our control, including substantial risks and expenses while establishing or entering new markets, setting up operations and undertaking marketing activities. The likelihood of our success must be considered in light of these risks, expenses, complications, delays, and the competitive environment in which we operate. There is, therefore, little at this time upon which to base an assumption that our asset-light business model will prove successful, and we may not be able to generate significant revenue, raise additional capital or operate profitably. We will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by early commercial stage companies, including scaling up our infrastructure and headcount, and may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties or delays in connection with our growth. In addition, as a result of the capital-intensive nature of our business, it can be expected to continue to sustain substantial operating expenses without
generating sufficient revenues to cover expenditures. Any investment in our company is therefore highly speculative and could result in the loss of your entire investment.
We could experience cost increases or disruptions in supply of raw materials or other components used in our vehicles.
We may be unable to adequately control the costs associated with our operations. We expect to incur significant costs related to procuring raw materials required to manufacture and assemble our vehicles. We expect to use various raw materials in our vehicles including steel, recycled rubber, recycled polyester, carpeting from fishing nets and bottles recycled from ocean waste. The prices for these raw materials fluctuate depending on factors beyond our control. Our business also depends on the continued supply of battery cells for our vehicles. We are exposed to multiple risks relating to availability and pricing of quality lithium-ion battery cells.
Furthermore, currency fluctuations, tariffs or shortages in petroleum and other economic or political conditions may result in significant increases in freight charges and raw material costs. Substantial increases in the prices for our raw materials or components would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our margins. In addition, a growth in popularity of electric vehicles without a significant expansion in battery cell production capacity could result in shortages, which would result in increased costs in raw materials to us or impact of prospects.
The automotive market is highly competitive, and we may not be successful in competing in this industry.
Both the automobile industry generally, and the electric vehicle segment in particular, are highly competitive, and we will be competing for sales with both ICE vehicles and other EVs. Many of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and other resources than we do and may be able to devote greater resources to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of our products, including our electric vehicles. We expect competition for electric vehicles to intensify due to increased demand and a regulatory push for alternative fuel vehicles, continuing globalization, and consolidation in the worldwide automotive industry. Factors affecting competition include product quality and features, innovation and development time, pricing, reliability, safety, fuel economy, customer service, and financing terms. Increased competition may lead to lower vehicle unit sales and increased inventory, which may result in downward price pressure and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, and prospects.
The automotive industry and its technology are rapidly evolving and may be subject to unforeseen changes. Developments in alternative technologies, including but not limited to hydrogen, may adversely affect the demand for our electric vehicles.
We may be unable to keep up with changes in electric vehicle technology or alternatives to electricity as a fuel source and, as a result, our competitiveness may suffer. Developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol, fuel cells, or compressed natural gas, or improvements in the fuel economy of the ICE, may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects in ways we do not currently anticipate. Any failure by us to successfully react to changes in existing technologies could materially harm our competitive position and growth prospects.
We may be subject to risks associated with autonomous driving technology.
Our vehicles will be designed with connectivity for future installation of an autonomous hardware suite and our plans to partner with a third-party software provider in the future to implement autonomous capabilities. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify a third party to provide the necessary hardware and software to enable autonomous capabilities in an acceptable timeframe, on terms satisfactory to us, or at all. Autonomous driving technologies are subject to risks and there have been accidents and fatalities associated with such technologies. The safety of such technologies depends in part on drive interactions, and drivers may not be accustomed to using or adapting to such technologies. To the extent accidents associated with our autonomous driving systems occur, we could be subject to liability, negative publicity, government scrutiny, and further regulation. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and growth prospects.
Our future growth is dependent on the demand for, and upon consumers’ willingness to adopt, electric vehicles.
Our future growth is dependent on the demand for, and upon consumers’ willingness to adopt electric vehicles, and even if electric vehicles become more mainstream, consumers choosing us over other EV manufacturers. Demand for electric vehicles may be affected by factors directly impacting automobile prices or the cost of purchasing and operating automobiles such as sales and financing incentives, prices of raw materials and parts and components, cost of fuel and governmental regulations, including tariffs, import regulation and other taxes. Volatility in demand may lead to lower vehicle unit sales, which may result in downward price pressure and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.
In addition, the demand for our vehicles and services will highly depend upon the adoption by consumers of new energy vehicles in general and electric vehicles in particular. The market for new energy vehicles is still rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, competitive pricing and competitive factors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, and changing consumer demands and behaviors.
•Other factors that may influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include:
•perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety, design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of electric vehicles, whether or not such vehicles are produced by us or other manufacturers;
•range anxiety;
•the availability of new energy vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;
•the availability of service and charging stations for electric vehicles;
•the environmental consciousness of consumers, and their adoption of EVs;
•perceptions about and the actual cost of alternative fuel; and
•macroeconomic factors.
Any of the factors described above may cause current or potential customers not to purchase electric vehicles in general, and Fisker electric vehicles in particular. If the market for electric vehicles does not develop as we expect or develop more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be affected.
Doing business internationally creates operational and financial risks for our business.
Our business plan includes operations in international markets, including initial manufacturing and supply activities in Europe, initial sales in North America and Europe, and eventual expansion into other international markets. Conducting and launching operations on an international scale requires close coordination of activities across multiple jurisdictions and time zones and consumes significant management resources. If we fail to coordinate and manage these activities effectively, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. International sales entail a variety of risks, including currency exchange fluctuations, challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, tariffs and other trade barriers, unexpected changes in legislative or regulatory requirements of foreign countries into which we sell our products and services, difficulties in obtaining export licenses or in overcoming other trade barriers, laws and business practices favoring local companies, political and economic instability, difficulties protecting or procuring intellectual property rights, and restrictions resulting in delivery delays and significant taxes or other burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws.
Our business may be adversely affected by labor and union activities.
Although none of our employees are currently represented by a labor union, it is common throughout the automobile industry generally for many employees at automobile companies to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. We may also directly and indirectly depend upon other companies with unionized work forces, such as parts suppliers and trucking and freight companies, and work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or operating results.
We face risks related to public health issues, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We continue to face various risks related to public health issues, including epidemics, pandemics, and other outbreaks, including the pandemic of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. The impact of COVID-19, including changes in consumer and business behavior, pandemic fears and market downturns, and restrictions on business and individual activities, has created significant volatility in the global economy and led to reduced economic activity. The spread of COVID-19 has also created a disruption in the manufacturing, delivery and overall supply chain of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, and has led to a global decrease in vehicle sales in markets around the world.
The spread of COVID-19 caused us to modify our business practices, and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or that we determine is in the best interests of our employees, customers, suppliers, vendors and business partners. There is no certainty that such actions will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by the virus or otherwise be satisfactory to government authorities. If significant portions of our workforce are unable to work effectively, including due to illness, quarantines, social distancing, government actions or other restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, our operations will be impacted.
Difficult macroeconomic conditions, such as decreases in per capita income and level of disposable income, increased and prolonged unemployment, or a decline in consumer confidence as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our vehicles. Under difficult economic conditions, potential customers may seek to reduce spending by forgoing our vehicles for other traditional options or may choose to keep their existing vehicles and cancel reservations.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.
Our facilities or operations could be adversely affected by events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars, health epidemics (as more fully described in the risk factor “We face risks related to public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations” located elsewhere in these Risk Factors), and other calamities. Although we have servers that are hosted in an offsite location, our backup system does not capture data on a real-time basis, and we may be unable to recover certain data in the event of a server failure. We cannot assure you that any backup systems will be adequate to protect us from the effects of fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, terrorist attacks or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect our ability to provide services.
The military conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, Iran and Gaza, including the related disruptions to international shipping in the Red Sea and the global response to these conflicts, may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
In response to the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S., U.K. EU, and others have imposed significant new sanctions and export controls against Russia and certain Russian individuals and entities. This conflict has also resulted in significant volatility and disruptions to the global markets. It is not possible to predict the short- or long-term implications of this conflict, which could include but are not limited to further sanctions, uncertainty about economic and political stability, increases in inflation rates and energy prices, supply chain challenges and adverse effects on currency exchange rates and financial markets. In addition, the U.S. government has reported that U.S. sanctions against Russia in response to the conflict could lead to an increased threat of cyberattacks (including increased risk of data breach and other threats from ransomware, destructive malware, distributed denial-of-service attacks, as well as fraud, spam, and fake accounts, or other illegal activity conducted generally by bad actors seeking to take advantage of us, our partners or end-customers) against U.S. companies. These increased threats could pose risks to the security of our information technology systems, our network and our product offerings and/or service offerings for our products, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data.
We have operations, as well as potential new customers, in Europe. If the conflict extends beyond Ukraine or further intensifies, it could have an adverse impact on our operations in Europe or other affected areas. While we do not offer any services in Ukraine, we are continuing to monitor the situation in that country and globally as well as assess its
potential impact on our business, including the supply of natural gas in Europe. Although neither Russia nor Belarus constitutes a material portion of our business (if any), a significant escalation or further expansion of the conflict's current scope or related disruptions to the global markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our dual class structure may depress the trading price of our Class A Common Stock.
We cannot predict whether our dual class structure will result in a lower or more volatile market price of our Class A Common Stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indexes. S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, pursuant to which companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock are excluded. In addition, several stockholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our Common Stock may cause stockholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause Fisker to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices or any actions or publications by stockholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could adversely affect the value and trading market of our Class A Common Stock.
Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker are married to each other. The separation or divorce of the couple in the future could adversely affect our business.
Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, Fisker’s co-founders, members of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, are married to each other. They are two of our executive officers and are a vital part of our operations. If they were to become separated or divorced or could otherwise not amicably work with each other, one or both of them may decide to cease his or her employment with Fisker or it could negatively impact our working environment. Alternatively, their work performance may not be satisfactory if they become preoccupied with issues relating to their personal situation. In these cases, our business could be materially harmed.
Future sales of shares by existing stockholders may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A Common Stock and may make it more difficult for you to sell your shares of our Class A Common Stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.
We are unable to predict the effect that these sales, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers and significant stockholders, may have on the prevailing market price of our Class A Common Stock. If holders of these shares sell, or indicate an intent to sell, substantial amounts of our Class A Common Stock in the public market, the trading price of our Class A Common Stock could decline significantly and make it difficult for us to raise funds through securities offerings in the future.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If our remediation of such material weaknesses is not effective, or if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to develop and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable laws and regulations could be impaired, which could adversely affect investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements and adversely affect our business and operating results and the market price for our Class A common stock.
As a public company, we are required to establish and periodically evaluate procedures with respect to our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting. As discussed in Item 9A, we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in our internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. We will not be able to fully remediate these material weaknesses until appropriate steps have been completed and controls have been operating effectively for a sufficient period of time.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. Further, additional weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. If we are unable to remediate the material weaknesses in a timely manner and further implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures, our ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within required time periods could be adversely affected, which could result in material misstatements in our financial statements that may continue undetected or a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. This may negatively impact the public perception of the Company and cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which could negatively affect the market price of our common stock, harm our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all, in the future, and subject us to litigation or investigations by regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources or otherwise have a negative impact on our financial condition.
If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research or reports about our business or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A Common Stock will depend on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover Fisker downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of Fisker company or fail to regularly publish reports on Fisker, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
The issuance of shares of our Class A Common Stock upon the conversion of the 2025 Notes or the exercise of the outstanding Magna Warrants would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our stockholders.
The holder of the 2025 Notes has and in the future may receive a substantial number of shares of Class A Common Stock upon conversion of the 2025 Notes. The conversions are expected to cause a significant dilution in the relative percentage interests of the Company’s stockholders and lead to volatility in the price of shares of Class A Common Stock. Moreover, the Investor may seek to sell their shares. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, coupled with the increase in the outstanding number of shares of Class A Common Stock, could cause the market price of Class A Common Stock to decline.
The Magna Warrants entitle Magna to purchase an aggregate of approximately 19,474,454 million shares of our Class A Common Stock. The exercise price of these warrants are $0.01 per share. To the extent such warrants are exercised, additional shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to holders of our Class A Common Stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market or the fact that such warrants may be exercised could adversely affect the market price of our Class A Common Stock.
Financial Risks
Our operating and financial results forecast relies in large part upon assumptions and analyses developed by us. If these assumptions or analyses prove to be incorrect, our actual operating results may be materially different from our forecasted results.
Our projected financial and operating information reflects current estimates of future performance. Whether actual operating and financial results and business developments will be consistent with our expectations and assumptions as reflected in our forecast depends on a number of factors, many of which are outside our control, including, but not limited to:
• whether we can obtain sufficient capital to sustain and grow our business;
•our ability to manage its growth;
•whether we can manage relationships with key suppliers;
•the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals;
•demand for our products and services;
•the timing and costs of new and existing marketing and promotional efforts;
•competition, including from established and future competitors;
•our ability to retain existing key management, to integrate recent hires and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel;
•the overall strength and stability of domestic and international economies;
•regulatory, legislative and political changes; and
•consumer spending habits.
Unfavorable changes in any of these or other factors could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.
The unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Any reduction, elimination, or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives because of policy changes, or the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of the electric vehicle or other reasons, may result in the diminished competitiveness of the alternative fuel and electric vehicle industry generally or our electric vehicles in particular. This could materially and adversely affect the growth of the alternative fuel automobile markets and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. For example, recent German and U.S. legislative efforts, including the Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”), have eliminated certain tax incentives for purchasers of Fisker vehicles in those markets.
While certain tax credits and other incentives for alternative energy production, alternative fuel and electric vehicles have been available in the past, there is no guarantee these programs will be available in the future. If current tax incentives are not available in the future, our financial position could be harmed.
Retail vehicle sales depend significantly on affordable interest rates and availability of credit for vehicle financing and a substantial increase in interest rates could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
In certain regions, including North America and Europe, financing for new vehicle sales has been available at relatively low interest rates for several years due to, among other things, expansive government monetary policies. As interest rates have risen, market rates for new vehicle financing have also risen, which may make our vehicles less affordable to customers or steer customers to less expensive vehicles that would be less profitable for us, adversely affecting our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Additionally, if consumer interest rates continue to increase substantially or if financial service providers tighten lending standards or restrict their lending to certain classes of credit, customers may not desire or be able to obtain financing to purchase our vehicles. As a result, a continuing substantial increase in customer interest rates or tightening of lending standards could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We may not be able to obtain or agree on acceptable terms and conditions for all or a significant portion of the government grants, loans and other incentives for which we may apply. As a result, our business and prospects may be adversely affected.
We may apply for federal and state grants, loans and tax incentives under government programs designed to stimulate the economy and support the production of alternative fuel and electric vehicles and related technologies. We anticipate that in the future there will be new opportunities for it to apply for grants, loans and other incentives from the United States, state and foreign governments. Our ability to obtain funds or incentives from government sources is subject to the availability of funds under applicable government programs and approval of our applications to participate in such programs. The application process for these funds and other incentives will likely be highly competitive. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining any of these additional grants, loans and other incentives. If we are not successful in obtaining any of these additional incentives and we are unable to find alternative sources of funding to meet our planned capital needs, our business and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
Insufficient warranty reserves to cover future warranty claims could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We need to maintain warranty reserves to cover warranty-related claims. If our warranty reserves are inadequate to cover future warranty claims on our vehicles, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. We may become subject to significant and unexpected warranty expenses. There can be no assurances that our warranty reserves will be sufficient to cover all claims.
Our business plans require a significant amount of capital. In addition, our future capital needs are likely to require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that may dilute our stockholders or introduce covenants that may restrict our operations or our ability to pay dividends.
We expect our expenditures to continue to be significant in the foreseeable future. The fact that we have a limited operating history means we have limited historical data on the demand for our products and services. As a result, our future capital requirements may be uncertain and actual capital requirements may be different from those we currently anticipate. We need to seek equity or debt financing to finance our capital expenditures. Such financing might not be available to us in a timely manner or on terms that are acceptable, or at all.
Our ability to obtain the necessary financing to carry out our business plan is subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and investor acceptance of our asset-light business model. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our corporate structure. We might not be able to obtain any funding, and we might not have sufficient resources to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations.
In addition, our future capital needs and other business reasons require us to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit facility, which is not feasible with the 2025 Notes outstanding. The sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities could dilute our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations or our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders.
If we cannot raise additional funds when we need or want them, our operations and prospects could be negatively affected.
Absent relief, as a result of our failure to timely file a periodic report with the SEC, we are currently ineligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, which is likely to impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.
Form S-3 permits eligible issuers to conduct registered offerings using a short form registration statement that allows the issuer to incorporate by reference its past and future filings and reports made under the Exchange Act. In addition, Form S-3 enables eligible issuers to conduct primary offerings under Rule 415 of the Securities Act. The shelf registration process, combined with the ability to forward incorporate information, allows issuers to avoid delays and interruptions in the offering process and to access the capital markets in a more expeditions and efficient manner than raising capital in a standard registered offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3. The ability to newly register securities for resale may also be limited as a result of the loss of Form S-3 eligibility with respect to such registrations.
As a result of our failure to timely file our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, absent a waiver of the Form S-3 eligibility requirements, we are ineligible to file new registration statements on Form S-3 until no earlier than March 1, 2025. In the event of the absence of a waiver, our S-3 ineligibility may significantly impair our ability to raise necessary capital needed for our business. If we seek to access the capital markets through a registered offering pursuant to a new registration statement on Form S-1, we would be required to disclose the proposed offering and the material terms thereof before the offering commences. As a result of such disclosure and potential for SEC review of such registration statement on Form S-1, we may experience delays in the offering process and we may incur increased offering and transaction costs and other considerations. If we are unable to raise capital through a registered offering, we would be required to raise capital on a private placement basis, which may be subject to pricing, size and other limitations, or seek other sources of capital. In addition, absent a waiver of the Form S-3 eligibility
requirements, we will not be permitted to conduct sales in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act. Any of the foregoing may impair our ability to raise capital on terms favorable to us, in a timely manner or at all.
Our Class A Common Stock is currently traded on the OTC Market Pink Sheets, which may have an unfavorable impact on our stock price and liquidity.
Our Class A Common Stock is currently quoted on the OTC Markets Pink Sheets. The OTC Markets Pink Sheets is significantly more limited market than the national securities exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange, or Nasdaq stock exchange, and there are lower financial or qualitative standards that a company must meet to have its stock quoted on the OTC Markets Pink Sheets. OTC Markets pink Sheets is an inter-dealer quotation system much less regulated than the major exchanges, and trading in our Class A Common Stock may be subject to abuses and volatility, which may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our Class A Common Stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. These factors may result in investors having difficulty reselling any shares of our Class A Common Stock and could have a long-term adverse impact on our ability to raise capital in the future.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
Compliance with and changes to state dealer franchise laws could adversely impact our ability to successfully move to a dealership sales model.
Compliance with and changes to state dealer franchise laws could adversely affect our ability to successfully move to a dealership sales model. Certain manufacturers have been challenging state dealer franchise laws in many states and some have expressed interest in selling directly to customers, including us prior to our transition to a dealership sales model. Our future dealership sales model could be adversely affected if new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted on the internet without the involvement of franchised dealers, or by increased market share by direct-to-consumer competitors.
We retain certain information about our users and may be subject to various privacy and consumer protection laws.
We intend to use our vehicles’ electronic systems to log information about each vehicle’s use, such as charge time, battery usage, mileage and driving behavior, in order to aid us in vehicle diagnostics, repair and maintenance, as well as to help us customize and optimize the driving and riding experience. Our users may object to the use of this data, which may harm our business. Possession and use of our users’ driving behavior and data in conducting our business may subject us to legislative and regulatory burdens in the United States and other jurisdictions that could require notification of any data breach, restrict our use of such information, and hinder our ability to acquire new customers or market to existing customers. If users allege that we have improperly released or disclosed their personal information, we could face legal claims and reputational damage. We may incur significant expenses to comply with privacy, consumer protection and security standards and protocols imposed by laws, regulations, industry standards or contractual obligations. If third parties improperly obtain and use the personal information of our users, we may be required to expend significant resources to resolve these problems.
We may need to defend against patent or trademark infringement claims brought against us, which may be time-consuming and would cause us to incur substantial costs.
Companies, organizations, or individuals, including our competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use, develop, sell, leasing or market our vehicles or components, which could make it more difficult for us to operate our business. From time to time, we may receive communications from holders of patents or trademarks regarding their proprietary rights. Companies holding patents or other intellectual property rights may bring suits alleging infringement of such rights or otherwise assert their rights and urge us to take licenses. Our applications and uses of trademarks relating to our design, software or artificial intelligence technologies could be found to infringe upon existing trademark ownership and rights. In addition, if we are
determined to have infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, we may be required to do one or more of the following:
•cease selling or leasing, incorporating certain components into, or using vehicles or offering goods or services that incorporate or use the challenged intellectual property;
•pay substantial damages;
•seek a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all;
•redesign our vehicles or other goods or services; or
•establish and maintain alternative branding for our products and services.
In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us and our failure or inability to obtain a license to the infringed technology or other intellectual property right, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs, negative publicity and diversion of resources and management attention.
We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We may not be able to prevent others from unauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position. We rely on a combination of patents, trade secrets (including know-how), employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, copyrights, trademarks, intellectual property licenses, and other contractual rights to establish and protect our rights in its technology. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property or seek court declarations that they do not infringe upon our intellectual property rights. Monitoring unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly, and the steps we have taken or will take will prevent misappropriation. From time to time, we may have to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources.
Patent, trademark, and trade secret laws vary significantly throughout the world. A number of foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Therefore, our intellectual property rights may not be as strong or as easily enforced outside of the United States. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights could result in our competitors offering similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of our competitive advantage and a decrease in our revenue which, would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our patent applications may not issue as patents, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to prevent others from commercially exploiting products similar to ours.
We cannot be certain that we are the first inventor of the subject matter to which we have filed a particular patent application, or if we are the first party to file such a patent application. If another party has filed a patent application for the same subject matter as we have, we may not be entitled to the protection sought by the patent application. Further, the scope of protection of issued patent claims is often difficult to determine. As a result, we cannot be certain that the patent applications that we file will issue, or that our issued patents will afford protection against competitors with similar technology. In addition, our competitors may design around our issued patents, which may adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition or operating results.
As our patents may expire and may not be extended, our patent applications may not be granted and our patent rights may be contested, circumvented, invalidated or limited in scope, our patent rights may not protect us effectively. In particular, we may not be able to prevent others from developing or exploiting competing technologies, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot assure you that we will be granted patents pursuant to our pending applications. Even if our patent applications succeed and we are issued patents in accordance with them, we are still uncertain whether these patents will be contested, circumvented or invalidated in the future. In addition, the rights granted under any issued patents may not
provide us with meaningful protection or competitive advantages. The claims under any patents that issue from our patent applications may not be broad enough to prevent others from developing technologies that are similar or that achieve results similar to ours. The intellectual property rights of others could also bar us from licensing and exploiting any patents that issue from our pending applications. Numerous patents and pending patent applications owned by others exist in the fields in which we have developed and are developing our technology. These patents and patent applications might have priority over our patent applications and could subject our patent applications to invalidation. Finally, in addition to those who may claim priority, any of our existing or pending patents may also be challenged by others on the basis that they are otherwise invalid or unenforceable.
We may be subject to damages resulting from claims that we or our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of our employees’ former employers.
Many of our employees were previously employed by other automotive companies or by suppliers to automotive companies. We may be subject to claims that we or these employees have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of our former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. A loss of key personnel or our work product could hamper or prevent our ability to commercialize our products, which could severely harm our business. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and demand on management resources.
Our vehicles are subject to motor vehicle standards and the failure to satisfy such mandated safety standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
All vehicles sold must comply with international, federal, and state motor vehicle safety standards. In the United States, vehicles that meet or exceed all federally mandated safety standards are certified under the federal regulations. Rigorous testing and the use of approved materials and equipment are among the requirements for achieving federal certification. Failure by us to have the Fisker Ocean or any future model electric vehicle satisfy motor vehicle standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
We are subject to substantial regulation and unfavorable changes to, or our failure to comply with, these regulations could substantially harm our business and operating results.
Our electric vehicles, and the sale of motor vehicles in general, are subject to substantial regulation under international, federal, state, and local laws. We expect to incur significant costs in complying with these regulations. Regulations related to the electric vehicle industry and alternative energy are currently evolving, and we face risks associated with changes to these regulations.
To the extent the laws change, our vehicles may not comply with applicable international, federal, state or local laws, which would have an adverse effect on our business. Compliance with changing regulations could be burdensome, time consuming, and expensive. To the extent compliance with new regulations is cost prohibitive, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected.
Internationally, there may be laws in jurisdictions we have not yet entered or laws we are unaware of in jurisdictions we have entered that may restrict our sales or other business practices. Even for those jurisdictions we have analyzed, the laws in this area can be complex, difficult to interpret and may change over time. Continued regulatory limitations and other obstacles interfering with our ability to sell or lease vehicles directly to consumers could have a negative and material impact on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We will face risks associated with potential international operations, including unfavorable regulatory, political, tax and labor conditions, which could harm our business.
We will face risks associated with any potential international operations, including possible unfavorable regulatory, political, tax and labor conditions, which could harm our business. We anticipate having international operations and subsidiaries that are subject to the legal, political, regulatory and social requirements and economic conditions in these jurisdictions. We have no experience to date selling or leasing and servicing our vehicles internationally and such expansion would require us to make significant expenditures, including the hiring of local employees and establishing
facilities, in advance of generating any revenue. We will be subject to a number of risks associated with international business activities that may increase our costs, impact our ability to sell or lease our EVs and require significant management attention. These risks include:
•conforming our vehicles to various international regulatory requirements where our vehicles are sold which requirements may change over time;
•difficulty in staffing and managing foreign operations;
•difficulties attracting customers in new jurisdictions;
•foreign government taxes, regulations and permit requirements, including foreign taxes that we may not be able to offset against taxes imposed upon it in the United States, and foreign tax and other laws limiting our ability to repatriate funds to the United States;
•fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, including risks related to any foreign currency swap or other hedging activities we undertake;
•United States and foreign government trade restrictions, tariffs and price or exchange controls;
•foreign labor laws, regulations and restrictions;
•changes in diplomatic and trade relationships;
•political instability, natural disasters, war or events of terrorism; and
•the strength of international economies.
If we fail to successfully address these risks, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed.
Our business could be adversely affected by trade tariffs or other trade barriers.
In recent years, both China and the United States have each imposed tariffs indicating the potential for further trade barriers. These tariffs may escalate a nascent trade war between China and the United States. Tariffs could potentially impact our raw material prices and impact any plans to sell vehicles in China. In addition, these developments could have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our financial condition and liquidity if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.
We may become subject to product liability claims, even those without merit, which could harm our business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. The automobile industry experiences significant product liability claims, and we face inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event our vehicles do not perform as expected or malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. Our risks in this area are particularly pronounced given we have limited field experience of our vehicles. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about our vehicles and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future vehicle candidates, which would have material adverse effect on our brand, business, prospects and operating results. Any insurance coverage might not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of our coverage, or outside of our coverage, may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and financial condition. We may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on commercially acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed, particularly if we face liability for our products and are forced to make a claim under our policy.
We are or will be subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions and similar laws, and non-compliance with such laws can subject us to administrative, civil and criminal fines and penalties,
collateral consequences, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.
We are or will be subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions and similar laws and regulations in various jurisdictions in which we conduct or in the future may conduct activities, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, and other anti-corruption laws and regulations. The FCPA and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 prohibit us and our officers, directors, employees and business partners acting on our behalf, including agents, from corruptly offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to a “foreign official” for the purposes of influencing official decisions or obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. The FCPA also requires companies to make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. The U.K. Bribery Act also prohibits non-governmental “commercial” bribery and soliciting or accepting bribes. A violation of these laws or regulations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. Our policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these regulations may not be sufficient, and our directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants, agents, and business partners could engage in improper conduct for which we may be held responsible.
Non-compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering or financial and economic sanctions laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, and severe administrative, civil and criminal sanctions, collateral consequences, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation. In addition, changes in economic sanctions laws in the future could adversely impact our business.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a chosen judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.
Our Certificate of Incorporation requires to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm its business, operating results and financial condition.
Charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also reduce the market price of our stock.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of Fisker. These provisions could also make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include:
•authorizing our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could discourage a takeover attempt or delay changes in control;
•prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
•providing that vacancies on its Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum;
•prohibiting the adoption, amendment or repeal of our Bylaws or the repeal of the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation regarding the election and removal of directors without the required approval of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors;
•limiting the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders; and
•requiring advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals.
These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board of Directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) govern Fisker. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with Fisker for a certain period of time without the consent of its Board of Directors.
These and other provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Class A Common Stock and result in the market price of Class A Common Stock being lower than it would be without these provisions.
Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provides that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, our Bylaws and our indemnification agreements that we entered into with our directors and officers provide that:
•We will indemnify our directors and officers for serving Fisker in those capacities or for serving other business enterprises at our request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that a corporation may indemnify such person if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the registrant and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful;
• We may, in our discretion, indemnify employees and agents in those circumstances where indemnification is permitted by applicable law;
•We will be required to advance expenses, as incurred, to our directors and officers in connection with defending a proceeding, except that such directors or officers shall undertake to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification;
•We will not be obligated pursuant to our Bylaws to indemnify a person with respect to proceedings initiated by that person against Fisker or our other indemnitees, except with respect to proceedings authorized by our Board of Directors or brought to enforce a right to indemnification;
•the rights conferred in our Bylaws are not exclusive, and we are authorized to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers, employees and agents and to obtain insurance to indemnify such persons; and
•We may not retroactively amend our amended and restated bylaw provisions to reduce our indemnification obligations to directors, officers, employees and agents.
The dual class structure of our Common Stock has the effect of concentrating voting with Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, our co-founders, members of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively. This may limit or preclude other stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters, including the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
Shares of our Class B common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (“Class B Common Stock”) have 10 votes per share, while shares of our Class A Common Stock have one vote per share. Henrik Fisker and Dr. Geeta Gupta-Fisker, Fisker’s co-founders, members of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
respectively, hold all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B Common Stock. Mr. Fisker and Dr. Gupta-Fisker may have interests that differ from other stockholders. This may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change in control of Fisker, could deprive its stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their capital stock as part of a sale of Fisker, and might ultimately affect the market price of shares of our Class A Common Stock.
Our ability to utilize our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.
In general, under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards, or NOLs, to offset future taxable income. The limitations apply if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” which is generally defined as a greater than 50 percentage point change (by value) in its equity ownership by certain stockholders over a three-year period. If we have experienced an ownership change at any time since our incorporation, we may already be subject to limitations on our ability to utilize our existing NOLs and other tax attributes to offset taxable income or tax liability. In addition, the Business Combination and future changes in our stock ownership, which may be outside of our control, may trigger an ownership change. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit our use of accumulated state tax attributes. As a result, even if we earn net taxable income in the future, our ability to use our pre-change NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset such taxable income or tax liability may be subject to limitations, which could potentially result in increased future income tax liability to us.
Changes to applicable U.S. tax laws and regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
New laws and policy relating to taxes may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, existing tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us. For example, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”), and certain provisions of the Tax Act may adversely affect us. Changes under the Tax Act include, but are not limited to, a federal corporate income tax rate decrease to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, a reduction to the maximum deduction allowed for net operating losses generated in tax years after December 31, 2017 and the elimination of carrybacks of net operating losses. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which modified the Tax Act, U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards generated in taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2017, may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such net operating loss carryforwards in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020, is limited to 80% of taxable income. The Tax Act is unclear in many respects and could be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections, and is subject to interpretations and implementing regulations by the Treasury and IRS, any of which could mitigate or increase certain adverse effects of the legislation. Furthermore, the U.S. government recently enacted the IRA, which includes changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a 15% minimum tax based on “adjusted financial statement income” for certain large corporations, which is effective in 2023, and a 1% excise tax on share repurchases after December 31, 2022. The IRA also provides financial incentives in the form of tax credits to incentivize the purchase of clean vehicles including electric vehicles. To claim the retail tax credit, the IRA establishes multiple prerequisites, including that the vehicle must be assembled in North America; the vehicle must be under specified manufacturer suggested retail prices (“MSRP”); purchaser income limitations; have a specified percentage of critical minerals that are “extracted or produced” in the United States, in a country with which the United States has a Free Trade Agreement, or that is “recycled” in North America, and that have a specified percentage of “value” of its battery “components” that are “manufactured or assembled” in North America. The Fisker Ocean is manufactured in Austria and therefore not eligible for the retail tax credit. In addition, the current administration has announced a proposal to increase such excise tax to 4%. While Fisker does not believe that the aforementioned provisions of the IRA will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements, any future corporate tax legislation could have that effect. In addition, it is unclear how these U.S. federal income tax changes will affect state and local taxation. Generally, future changes in applicable U.S. tax laws and regulations, or their interpretation and application could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Convertible Senior Notes
The 2026 Notes are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness and structurally subordinated to the liabilities of our subsidiaries.
In August 2021, we entered into a purchase agreement with certain counterparties for the sale of an aggregate of $667.5 million principal amount of 2.50% convertible senior notes due in September 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2026 Notes have been designated as green bonds, whose proceeds will be allocated in accordance with the Company’s green bond framework. The 2026 Notes consisted of a $625 million initial placement and an over-allotment option that provided the initial purchasers of the 2026 Notes with the option to purchase an additional $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes, of which $42.5 million was exercised. The 2026 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated August 17, 2021. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Notes were $562.2 million, net of debt issuance costs and cash used to purchase the capped call transactions (“2026 Capped Call Transactions”) discussed below. The debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method.
The 2026 Notes are unsecured obligations which bear regular interest at 2.50% annually and will be payable semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on March 15, 2022. The 2026 Notes will mature on September 15, 2026, unless repurchased, redeemed, or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The 2026 Notes are convertible into cash, shares of our Class A common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our Class A common stock, at our election, at an initial conversion rate of 50.7743 shares of Class A common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $19.70 per share of our Class A common stock. The conversion rate is subject to customary adjustments for certain events as described in the indenture governing the 2026 Notes. We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the 2026 Notes, at our option, on or after September 20, 2024 if the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
The 2026 Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the Notes and effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness.
In addition, because none of our subsidiaries guarantee the 2026 Notes, the 2026 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent we are not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2023 we had approximately $1,227.0 million in total indebtedness. Our subsidiaries had no outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2023. The Indenture governing the 2026 Notes does not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness, including senior or secured indebtedness, in the future.
If a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding occurs with respect to us, then the holders of any of our secured indebtedness may proceed directly against the assets securing that indebtedness. Accordingly, those assets will not be available to satisfy any outstanding amounts under our unsecured indebtedness, including the 2026 Notes, unless the secured indebtedness is first paid in full. The remaining assets, if any, would then be allocated pro rata among the holders of our senior, unsecured indebtedness, including the 2026 Notes. There may be insufficient assets to pay all amounts then due.
If a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization, or similar proceeding occurs with respect to any of our subsidiaries, then we, as a direct or indirect common equity owner of that subsidiary (and, accordingly, holders of our indebtedness, including the 2026 Notes), will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors and preferred equity holders, if any. We may never receive any amounts from that subsidiary to satisfy amounts due under the 2026 Notes.
We may be unable to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the 2026 Notes for cash following a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture) or to pay any cash amounts due upon conversion, and our other indebtedness limits our ability to repurchase the 2026 Notes or pay cash upon their conversion.
Noteholders may require us to repurchase their 2026 Notes following a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture), such as the fundamental change related to the formal delisting of our Class A Common Stock from the NYSE, at a cash repurchase price generally equal to the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any. In addition, upon conversion, we will satisfy part or all of our conversion obligation in cash unless we elect to settle conversions solely in shares of our Class A common stock. We may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to repurchase the 2026 Notes or pay the cash amounts due upon conversion. In addition, applicable law, regulatory authorities and the agreements governing our other indebtedness may restrict our ability to repurchase the Notes or pay the cash amounts due upon conversion. Our failure to repurchase 2026 Notes or to pay the cash amounts due upon conversion when required will constitute a default under the Indenture.
A default under the Indenture or a fundamental change (as defined in the Indenture) itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing our other indebtedness, which may result in that other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full. We may not have sufficient funds to satisfy all amounts due under the other indebtedness and the 2026 Notes.
Our indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for our operations, expose us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and impair our ability to satisfy our obligations under the Notes.
As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,227.0 million indebtedness. We may anticipate incurring dditional indebtedness to meet future financing needs. Our indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for our stockholders and our business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:
•increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions;
•limiting our ability to obtain additional financing;
•requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, which will reduce the amount of cash available for other purposes;
•limiting our flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in our business;
•diluting the interests of our existing stockholders as a result of issuing shares of our Class A common stock upon conversion of the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes; and
•placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage with competitors that are less leveraged than us or have better access to capital.
We cannot provide assurance that we will maintain sufficient cash reserves or that our business will generate cash flow from operations at levels sufficient to permit us to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or that our cash needs will not increase.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain funds necessary to make required payments, or if we fail to comply with the various requirements of our existing indebtedness or any indebtedness which we may incur in the future, we would be in default, which would permit the acceleration of the maturity of such indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The accounting method for the 2026 Notes could adversely affect our reported financial condition and results.
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board published an Accounting Standards Update, which we refer to as ASU 2020-06, which amends the accounting standards for convertible debt instruments that may be settled entirely or partially in cash upon conversion. ASU 2020-06 eliminates requirements to separately account for liability and equity components of such convertible debt instruments and eliminates the ability to use the treasury stock method for calculating diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments whose principal amount may be settled using shares. Instead, ASU 2020-06 requires (i) the entire amount of the security to be presented as a liability on the balance sheet and
(ii) application of the “if-converted” method for calculating diluted earnings per share. Under the “if-converted” method, diluted earnings per share will generally be calculated assuming that all the 2026 Notes were converted solely into shares of common stock at the beginning of the reporting period, unless the result would be anti-dilutive, which could adversely affect our diluted earnings per share. However, if the principal amount of the convertible debt security being converted is required to be paid in cash and only the excess is permitted to be settled in shares, the if-converted method will produce a similar result as the “treasury stock” method prior to the adoption of ASU 2020-06 for such convertible debt security.
We early adopted ASU 2020-06 as of January 1, 2021 and as such we did not bifurcate the liability and equity components of the 2026 Notes on our balance sheet and used the if-converted method of calculating diluted earnings per share. In order to qualify for the alternative treatment of calculating diluted earnings per share under the if-converted method, we would have to irrevocably fix the settlement method for conversions to combination settlement with a specified dollar amount of at least $1,000, which would impair our flexibility to settle conversions of notes, require us to settle conversions in cash in an amount equal to the principal amount of notes converted and could adversely affect our liquidity.
Furthermore, if any of the conditions to the convertibility of the 2026 Notes are satisfied, then, under certain conditions, we may be required under applicable accounting standards to reclassify the liability carrying value of the Notes as a current, rather than a noncurrent, liability. This reclassification could be required even if no noteholders convert their Notes and could materially reduce our reported working capital.
The Capped Call transactions may affect the value of the 2026 Notes and our common stock.
In connection with the 2026 Notes, we entered into Capped Call transactions with certain financial institutions, which we refer to as the “option counterparties”. The Capped Call transactions are expected generally to reduce the potential dilution to our common stock upon any conversion of the 2026 Notes and/or offset any potential cash payments we are required to make in excess of the principal amount upon conversion of any 2026 Notes, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap.
In connection with establishing their initial hedges of the Capped Call transactions, the “option counterparties” and/or their respective affiliates purchased shares of our common stock and/or entered into various derivative transactions with respect to our Class A common stock. This activity could have increased (or reduced the size of any decrease in) the market price of our Class A common stock or the 2026 Notes at that time.
In addition, the “option counterparties” and/or their respective affiliates may modify their hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives with respect to our common stock and/or purchasing or selling our common stock in secondary market transactions (and are likely to do so following any conversion of 2026 Notes, any repurchase of the 2026 Notes by us on any fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2026 Notes) repurchase date, any redemption date, or any other date on which the 2026 Notes are retired by us). This activity could also cause or avoid an increase or a decrease in the market price of our Class A common stock or the 2026 Notes.
The potential effect, if any, of these transactions and activities on the market price of our common stock or the 2026 Notes will depend in part on market conditions and cannot be ascertained at this time. Any of these activities could adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.
We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the Capped Call transactions, and the Capped Calls may not operate as planned.
The “option counterparties” are financial institutions, and we will be subject to the risk that they might default under the Capped Call transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the “option counterparties” will not be secured by any collateral. Global economic conditions have from time to time resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions. If an option counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at that time under our transactions with that option counterparty. Our exposure will depend on many factors, but, generally, the increase in our exposure will be correlated with increases in the market price or the volatility of our common stock. In addition, upon a default by an option counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our Class A common stock. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any option counterparty.
In addition, the Capped Call transactions are complex and they may not operate as planned. For example, the terms of the Capped Call transactions may be subject to adjustment, modification, or, in some cases, renegotiation if certain corporate or other transactions occur. Accordingly, these transactions may not operate as we intend if we are required to adjust their terms as a result of transactions in the future or upon unanticipated developments that may adversely affect the functioning of the Capped Call transactions.
The issuance or sale of shares of our common stock, or rights to acquire shares of our common stock, could depress the trading price of our common stock and our notes.
We may conduct future offerings of our common stock, preferred stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for our common stock to finance our operations or fund acquisitions, or for other purposes. If we issue additional shares of our common stock or rights to acquire shares of our common stock, if any of our existing stockholders sells a substantial amount of our common stock, or if the market perceives that such issuances or sales may occur, then the trading price of our common stock, and, accordingly, our 2026 Notes may significantly decline. In addition, our issuance of additional shares of common stock will dilute the ownership interests of our existing common stockholders, including noteholders who have received shares of our common stock upon conversion of their 2026 Notes.
The terms of the 2025 Notes restrict our current and future operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes or take certain actions, including some of which may affect completion of our strategic plan.
The 2025 Notes contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose operating restrictions on us and may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness, incur liens, enter into mergers or consolidations, dispose of assets, enter into affiliate transactions, pay dividends, make acquisitions and make investments, loans and advances.
These restrictions may affect our ability to execute on our business strategy, limit our ability to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate our business, including during economic or business downturns, and limit our ability to compete effectively or take advantage of new business opportunities.
Provisions in the 2025 Notes may deter or prevent a business combination that may be favorable to you.
Under the terms of the 2025 Notes we are prohibited from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the 2025 Notes. These and other provisions could prevent or deter a third party from acquiring us, even where the acquisition could be beneficial to you.
We may not have the ability to pay the installments on the 2025 Notes or to redeem the 2025 Notes.
The amortization payments with respect to the principal amount of the 2025 Notes were due and payable on July 11, 2023 for the Series A-1 Notes, September 29, 2023 for the Series B-1 Notes and then on each three-month anniversary thereafter until each maturity date in 2025. If we are unable to satisfy certain equity conditions, we will be required to pay all amounts due on any installment date in cash. As previously disclosed, the Company did not pay amortization payments due on the March 29, 2024 Installment Date under the Series B-1 Notes or on the April 11, 2024 Installment Date due under the Series A-1 Notes, resulting in an event of default under such Notes and the Company entering the Forbearance Agreement with the Investor as described below. If a change of control occurs, the Investor may require us to repurchase, for cash, all or a portion of their 2025 Notes. Our ability to pay amortization payments and interest on the 2025 Notes, to repurchase the 2025 Notes, to fund working capital needs, and fund planned capital expenditures depends on our ability to generate cash flow in the future. To some extent, this is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors, and other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will maintain sufficient cash reserves or that our business will generate cash flow from operations at a level sufficient to permit us to pay the interest on the 2025 Notes or to repurchase or redeem the 2025 Notes or that our cash needs will not increase.
The Investor can defer an installment payment due on any installment date to another installment date and may, on any installment date accelerate the payment of amounts due on up to an additional two times the installment payment of the 2025 Notes at the current installment price until the next installment date. Therefore, we may be required to repay the entire principal amount in one lump sum on the maturity date of the 2025 Note. If we are unable to satisfy certain equity conditions, we will be required to pay all amounts due whether by deferral or acceleration in cash and we may not have sufficient funds to repay the 2025 Notes under such circumstances.
Our failure to make the required payments on the 2025 Notes would permit the Investor to accelerate our obligations under the 2025 Notes. Such default may also lead to a default under our agreements governing any of our current and future indebtedness.
If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations in the future to service our indebtedness and meet our other needs, we may have to refinance all or a portion of the indebtedness, seek forbearance of a waiver, obtain additional financing, reduce expenditures, or sell assets that we deem necessary to our business. We cannot assure you that any of these measures would be possible or that additional financing could be obtained on favorable terms, if at all. The inability to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to meet our obligations to you under the 2025 Notes.
We are party to a Forbearance Agreement which expires on May 1, 2024, unless extended by the Investor, and if we are unable to comply with the Forbearance Agreement, then the Investor could require us to immediately repay the amounts due under the 2025 Notes.
On April 22, 2024, the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company who are guarantors of the 2025 Notes (the “Guarantors” and together with the Company, the “Obligors”) and the Investor (in its capacity as collateral agent and noteholder) entered into a Forbearance Agreement (the “Forbearance Agreement”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to, among other things, forbear from enforcing its right to immediate redemption and forbear from exercising any of its other rights or remedies (including enforcement and collection actions) under the Transaction Documents until May 1, 2024, by operation of law or otherwise against the Obligors or any of the Collateral or other property owned by the Obligors (including, without limitation, via set-off or recoupment) with respect to certain defaults and events of default that have occurred, or that may occur, as described further in the Forbearance Agreement.
A termination event under the Forbearance Agreement consists of, among other things, the occurrence of a new event of default under the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes, or the Company engaging in any transaction (including the incurrence of Indebtedness), making any divided, investment, payment or transfer, or taking any other action, in each case, outside the ordinary course of business (taking into consideration the current circumstances of the Company and its subsidiaries).
If we fail to comply with the terms of the Forbearance Agreement, or fail to get the Forbearance Agreement extended as needed, the Investor could declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable. In addition, since the borrowings under the 2025 Notes are secured by a first priority lien on our assets, upon such acceleration, the Investor may foreclose on our assets, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The market price of shares of Class A Common Stock may decline in the future as a result of the sale of Class A Common Stock held by the Investor, and the issuance of shares upon conversion of the 2025 Notes in accordance with the terms thereof is expected to cause a significant dilution in the relative percentage interests of the Company’s stockholders and may lead to volatility in the price of shares of Class A Common Stock.
The Investor has and in the future may receive a substantial number of shares of Class A Common Stock. While the number of shares of Class A Common Stock that will be issued is uncertain, the issuance of shares upon conversion of the 2025 Notes in accordance with the terms thereof is expected to cause a significant dilution in the relative percentage interests of the Company’s stockholders and may lead to volatility in the price of shares of Class A Common Stock. The Investor may seek to sell their shares. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, coupled with the increase in the outstanding number of shares of Class A Common Stock, could cause the market price of Class A Common Stock to decline.
The Company has incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs in connection with the offering of 2025 Notes, which may be in excess of those anticipated by the Company.
The Company has incurred and will continue to incur substantial non-recurring costs and expenses in connection with the offering of the 2025 Notes. These costs and expenses include, without limitation, expenses associated with its entry into the definitive documentation and financial and legal advisory and other professional fees incurred related to the transactions and costs associated related to the Forbearance Agreement and any additional forbearance if needed. Furthermore, the cost to the Company of defending any potential litigation or other proceeding relating to the transactions could be substantial. These costs and expenses, as well as other unanticipated costs and expenses, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Our obligations to the Investor pursuant to the 2025 Notes are secured by a first priority security interest in all of the existing and future assets of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries, and if we default on those obligations, the Investor could foreclose on, liquidate and/or take possession of such assets. If that were to happen, we could be forced to curtail, or even to cease, our operations.
On December 28, 2023, the Company and certain of its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries entered into an Amended Pledge Agreement, in favor of the Investor as collateral agent, pursuant to which the entirety of the Pledge Agreement was amended and restated to, among other things, amend and define the scope of the security interest created by the Pledge Agreement in all of the existing and future assets of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries. In addition, on December 28, 2023, certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into the Guaranty in favor of the Investor as collateral
agent, pursuant to which, among other things, such subsidiaries have guaranteed the Company’s outstanding obligations in respect of the 2025 Notes. As a result, if we default on our obligations under the 2025 Notes, the Investor could foreclose on their security interest and liquidate or take possession of some or all of the assets of the Company and certain of our subsidiaries, which would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations and could require us to curtail, or even to cease our operations.
The value of the collateral securing the 2025 Notes may not be sufficient to pay the amounts owed under the 2025 Notes.
The proceeds of any sale of collateral securing the 2025 Notes following an event of default with respect thereto may not be sufficient to satisfy, and may be substantially less than, amounts due on the 2025 Notes. No appraisal of the value of the collateral securing the 2025 Notes has been made. The value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend upon market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and similar factors. The value of the collateral could be impaired in the future as a result of changing economic and market conditions, our failure to successfully implement our business strategy, competition and other factors. By its nature, some or all of the collateral may not have a readily ascertainable market value or may not be salable or, if salable, there may be substantial delays in its liquidation. Bankruptcy laws and other laws relating to foreclosure and sale also could substantially delay or prevent the ability of the collateral agent or any holder of the 2025 Notes to obtain the benefit of any collateral securing the 2025 Notes. Such delays could have a material adverse effect on the value of the collateral.
Some of the collateral is located in foreign jurisdictions, and thus subject to the laws, procedures and market conditions of such jurisdictions and applicable bankruptcy laws.
Some of the collateral is located in jurisdictions outside of the United States. As a result, enforcement of the security interests and any foreclosure or realization against such collateral will be subject to and depend upon the laws, procedures and economic and market conditions of such foreign jurisdictions. Such laws and procedures may vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and may be less favorable than those applicable in the United States. Additionally, the timing, expense and procedural hurdles related to enforcement of security interests in foreign jurisdictions may vary and are difficult to predict.
The rights of the collateral agent and the holders of the 2025 Notes to enforce remedies may be significantly impaired by application of foreign bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring laws. There also can be no assurance that courts outside of the United States would recognize the jurisdiction of a U.S. bankruptcy court. Accordingly, difficulties may arise in administering a U.S. bankruptcy proceeding against the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to collateral and other property located outside of the United States, and any orders or judgments of a bankruptcy court in the United States may not be enforceable in certain foreign jurisdictions.