Workflow
Ads-Tec Energy(ADSE) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report
ADSEAds-Tec Energy(ADSE)2024-04-30 20:50

Company Classification and Financial Reporting - The company is classified as an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act, allowing it to provide only two years of audited financial statements and selected financial data [92]. - The company will maintain its status as an emerging growth company until it reaches total annual gross revenue of 1.235billionorotherspecifiedconditions[93].MarketandEconomicRisksTheongoingmilitaryconflictinUkrainemayadverselyaffectthecompanysoperationsandexpansionplansintheEuropeanUnionduetosanctionsandmarketdisruptions[95].TheconflictbetweenIsraelandHamashasnegativelyimpactedtheglobaleconomy,whichcouldaffectthecompanysbusinessandfinancialcondition[96][98].Thecompanyfacesrisksfrominflationarypressuresandmarketfluctuations,includingtariffsthatcouldincreasethecostofproductsandlabor[99][100][101].DemandandCompetitionThedemandforelectricvehicles(EVs)iscrucialforthecompanysgrowth,withpotentialimpactsfromregulatorychangesandcompetitionfromalternativefuelvehicles[105][107].Thecompanyreliesonlithiumionbatteries,whichhavefacedsafetyconcerns,potentiallyaffectingmarketconditionsandcustomerperceptions[111][112].Changesinenergystoragestandardsorthesuccessofalternativetechnologiescouldnegativelyimpactthedemandforthecompanysbatteryenergystorageproducts[113][114].Thecompanymayincursignificantcostsrelatedtoenvironmentalregulationsforthestorageandshipmentoflithiumionbatterypacks[115].Thecompanysfuturegrowthispartlydependentontherapidadoptionofdecentralizedrenewableenergy[117].Themarketforindividualinstalledrenewableenergyisrapidlyevolving,influencedbychangingtechnologies,competitivepricing,andgovernmentregulations[118].Demandforbatteryenergystoragesystemshasgrown,butfuturedemandisuncertainandcouldbeaffectedbyvariousfactorsincludingcompetitionandcostvolatility[120].TheEVandbatteryenergystoragemarketreliesongovernmentincentives,whichifreducedoreliminated,couldadverselyaffectdemandforproducts[121].InnovationandProductDevelopmentThecompanymustcontinuetoinnovateanddevelopnewproductstokeeppacewithrapidtechnologicalchangesintheEVandbatteryenergystoragemarkets[123].Delaysinproductdevelopmentorfailuretomeetcustomerrequirementscoulddamagecustomerrelationshipsandmarketshare[126].ResearchanddevelopmentexpensesforADSEwerekEUR2,012,kEUR1,701,andkEUR2,832forthefiscalyearsendedDecember31,2021,2022,and2023respectively,indicatingatrendofincreasinginvestmentinproductdevelopment[145].CustomerConcentrationandRevenueIn2023,onemajorcustomeraccountedforapproximately91.235 billion or other specified conditions [93]. Market and Economic Risks - The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine may adversely affect the company's operations and expansion plans in the European Union due to sanctions and market disruptions [95]. - The conflict between Israel and Hamas has negatively impacted the global economy, which could affect the company's business and financial condition [96][98]. - The company faces risks from inflationary pressures and market fluctuations, including tariffs that could increase the cost of products and labor [99][100][101]. Demand and Competition - The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for the company's growth, with potential impacts from regulatory changes and competition from alternative fuel vehicles [105][107]. - The company relies on lithium-ion batteries, which have faced safety concerns, potentially affecting market conditions and customer perceptions [111][112]. - Changes in energy storage standards or the success of alternative technologies could negatively impact the demand for the company's battery energy storage products [113][114]. - The company may incur significant costs related to environmental regulations for the storage and shipment of lithium-ion battery packs [115]. - The company's future growth is partly dependent on the rapid adoption of decentralized renewable energy [117]. - The market for individual installed renewable energy is rapidly evolving, influenced by changing technologies, competitive pricing, and government regulations [118]. - Demand for battery-energy storage systems has grown, but future demand is uncertain and could be affected by various factors including competition and cost volatility [120]. - The EV and battery energy storage market relies on government incentives, which if reduced or eliminated, could adversely affect demand for products [121]. Innovation and Product Development - The company must continue to innovate and develop new products to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the EV and battery energy storage markets [123]. - Delays in product development or failure to meet customer requirements could damage customer relationships and market share [126]. - Research and development expenses for ADSE were kEUR 2,012, kEUR 1,701, and kEUR 2,832 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, indicating a trend of increasing investment in product development [145]. Customer Concentration and Revenue - In 2023, one major customer accounted for approximately 9% of total revenues, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting efforts to diversify the customer base [150]. - 80% of total revenue in 2023 was generated from 6 customers, highlighting the ongoing risk associated with customer concentration [150]. Financial Position and Reporting - The company reported a loss carryforward of kEUR 128,587 as of December 31, 2023, which may be used to offset future taxes in Germany [161]. - The company anticipates significant fluctuations in financial results due to factors such as timing and volume of new sales, service costs, and demand for products [155]. - The company has identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, which could impair compliance with financial reporting requirements [164]. - The company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, which could adversely affect its ability to report financial results accurately and timely [173]. - The remediation plan for these weaknesses is ongoing, but there is no assurance that future material weaknesses will be prevented [178]. - The company restated its previously issued financial statements to report all Public Shares as temporary equity, impacting its financial position [178]. - Significant costs are anticipated in building accounting and financial functions, which may disrupt operations and divert management's attention [171]. - Compliance with Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is critical; failure to comply could harm business operations and investor confidence [172]. - The company faces potential litigation or disputes due to the identified material weaknesses and restatements, which could adversely affect its financial condition [179]. - The company incurs significant legal and accounting expenses due to U.S. reporting requirements, which may impact future operating results [189]. Governance and Shareholder Rights - Environmental, social, and governance requirements are increasing, potentially leading to additional operational costs and reputational damage [186]. - The trading price of the company's Ordinary Shares and Warrants may be volatile, influenced by various external factors beyond its control [191]. - Certain shareholders have registration rights that could lead to significant sales of Ordinary Shares, potentially reducing market prices [194]. - Two shareholders own approximately 56.2% of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, allowing them to significantly influence the board and management decisions [197]. - The Company has outstanding warrants to purchase up to 16,218,433 Ordinary Shares and options for 77,100 Ordinary Shares as of April 26, 2024 [201]. - The issuance of additional Ordinary Shares or equity securities could dilute existing shareholders' ownership and potentially depress the market price of the Ordinary Shares [201]. - The Company may redeem Public Warrants at a price of 0.01 per warrant if the Ordinary Shares have been trading at or above 18.00for20outof30tradingdays[212].RecenttradingpricesfortheOrdinaryShareshavenotmetthe18.00 for 20 out of 30 trading days [212]. - Recent trading prices for the Ordinary Shares have not met the 18.00 threshold for Public Warrants to become redeemable [213]. - The Company may lose its foreign private issuer status, resulting in higher regulatory and compliance costs under U.S. securities laws [206]. - Investors may face difficulties in protecting their interests due to the Company's formation under Irish law and the location of its assets outside the U.S. [215]. - The rights of shareholders and fiduciary responsibilities of directors are governed by Irish law, which may not be as clearly established as in the U.S. [216]. - The Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement provides that disputes are governed by New York law, which may limit the ability of warrant holders to pursue claims in other jurisdictions [218]. Currency and Market Risks - As of December 31, 2023, the company has a currency exposure of kEUR 9,806 in USD bank balances, down from kEUR 10,087 in 2022, with 95% of revenues generated in EUR [599]. - The company has no significant exposure to interest rate risk as shareholder loans have a remaining term of less than six months and interest rates are fixed [598]. - Equity risks related to warrant liabilities amount to EUR 21.6 million as of December 31, 2023, which could impact future share-based payments [600]. - The company does not intend to pay dividends on Ordinary Shares in the foreseeable future, and if dividends were declared, a withholding tax of 25% may apply [223]. - The company's M&A includes provisions that may delay or prevent a change of control, including a classified board of directors and restrictions on shareholder actions [228]. - The company is subject to the Irish Takeover Rules, which ensure fair treatment in takeover situations and require offers for shares if an acquirer reaches 30% voting rights [237][238]. - The company has entered into arrangements with DTC to indemnify against any Irish stamp duty assessed, allowing for efficient trading of Ordinary Shares and Warrants [221]. - The company’s M&A excludes pre-emptive rights until December 22, 2026, which may limit shareholder flexibility regarding new share issuances [236]. - The company has no significant exposure to other market risks beyond currency and equity risks [601]. - The company’s financial instruments are primarily affected by market risks related to foreign exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices [597].