Empery Digital Inc 10-K for FY2023
Empery Digital Inc. (EMPD)
About this 10-K
Empery Digital Inc filed this 10-K on March 28, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (FY2023).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $3.26M
- down 28.3% from $4.55M a year earlier
- Net loss
- $45.07M
- compared with a net loss of $34.24M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$234.37
- compared with -$325.20 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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OR
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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As of March
27, 2024, there were outstanding shares of our common
stock. The aggregate market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2023 was $
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-K, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by our company, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions.
In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; our product development and production releases; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this document and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this document and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.
While we believe we have identified material risks, these risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Form 10-K describe additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-K to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations, and we do not intend to do so.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| · | our ability to generate revenues from sales, generate cash from operations, or obtain additional funding to market our vehicles and develop new products; | |
| · | our ability to successfully implement and effectively manage our outsourced manufacturing, design and development model and achieve any anticipated benefits; | |
| · | the ability of third party manufacturers to produce our vehicles in accordance with our design and quality specifications, with sufficient scale to satisfy customers and within a reasonable cost; | |
| · | anticipated timing for the manufacture, design, production, shipping and launch of our vehicles; | |
| · | the inability of our suppliers to deliver the necessary components for our vehicles at prices and volumes acceptable to our third party manufacturers; | |
| · | our ability to establish a network of dealers and international distributors to sell and service our vehicles on the timeline we expect; | |
| · | whether our vehicles will perform as expected; | |
| · | our facing product warranty claims or product recalls; | |
| · | our facing adverse determinations in significant product liability claims; | |
| · | customer adoption of electric vehicles; | |
| · | the development of alternative technology that adversely affects our business; | |
| · | increased government regulation of our industry; | |
| · | tariffs and currency exchange rates; | |
| · | the conflict with Russia and Ukraine and the potential adverse effect it may have on the availability of materials used in the manufacturing of batteries for our vehicles; and | |
| · | our ability to maintain our listing on Nasdaq. |
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
We are an all-electric, off-road powersports vehicle company developing electric two and four-wheel motorcycles and utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, along with a line of upgrades and accessories. In October 2020, we began building and testing prototypes for our future offerings with two off-road motorcycles – the Grunt and the Runt. Our motorcycles feature unique frame designs protected by design patents. Additional utility and design patents have been filed for other aspects of Volcon’s vehicles.
Initially, we began to sell and distribute the Grunt and related accessories in the United States on a direct-to-consumer sales platform. However, we terminated our Grunt direct-to-consumer sales platform in November 2021. Beginning in November 2021, we began negotiating dealership agreements with powersports dealers to display and sell our vehicles and accessories. Customers can now, or will soon be able to, buy our vehicles and accessories directly from a local dealership. Some of these dealers will also provide warranty and repair services to customers. As of March 15, 2024, we have 103 active dealers. Dealers can order any of our available products provided they are current on their accounts receivable and are within their established credit limit. We are offering dealers payment terms 30 to 90 days to make larger purchases of our vehicles. We have entered into an accounts receivable factoring arrangement to allow the Company the ability to generate cash for working capital. We have agreements with third party financing companies to provide financing to qualified customers of each dealer. There is no recourse to the Company or the dealer if the dealer’s customer defaults on the financing agreement with the third party.
We sell our vehicles internationally through importers. Each importer buys vehicles by the container and sells vehicles and accessories to local dealers or directly to consumers. Local dealers or the importer will provide warranty and repair services for vehicles purchased in their country. In October 2023, we made a decision to postpone expanding our dealer network in Canada for the foreseeable future and we have terminated the employment of our Canadian regional sales managers. As of March 15, 2024, we have signed agreements with six importers in Latin America, one importer for the Caribbean Region, collectively referred to herein as the LATAM importers, one importer in New Zealand, and one importer in Australia to sell our vehicles and accessories in their assigned countries/markets. In 2024, we expect to expand our global sales of our vehicles and accessories beyond our current distributor base.
In June 2022, we signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Torrot Electric Europa S.A., referred to herein as Torrot, to distribute their electric motorcycles for youth riders in Latin America. In October 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot, which superseded the June 2022 agreement, to also be the exclusive distributor of Torrot and Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in the U.S. as well as Latin America. Finally, in December 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to be the exclusive distributor of Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in Canada. In June 2023, we wrote down all remaining Torrot branded inventory in the amount of $84,000. In December 2023 we notified Torrot that we were terminating our agreements due to continued lower than expected sales at significantly discounted pricing. In 2023, we wrote down the Volcon co-branded Torrot youth motorcycles by $2,674,352 to reduce their cost to the estimated net realizable value due to lower than expected sales. We have agreed to give Torrot a total of 1,000 Volcon branded Torrot motorcycles originally purchased for $1.8 million, an up front payment of $370,000 and an additional $1.7 million to be paid out at $100,000 over 17 months beginning in April 2024 in exchange for unfulfilled 2023 and 2024 unit purchases. As of December 31, 2023, we have Volcon Youth inventory of approximately $239,935, after reducing these to the estimated net realizable value, of Volcon branded Torrot motorcycles and accessories which we intend to liquidate and we have agreed to give Torrot sales rights in the U.S., Canada and LATAM after June 30, 2024.
In July 2022, we expanded our offerings with the introduction of the first of our Volcon UTV models, the Stag, which we initially anticipated would be available for delivery to customers in the fourth quarter of 2023, followed by additional models of the Stag expected in 2024 and 2025. We delivered the first Stag to a customer in February 2024. The Stag is being manufactured by a third party and incorporates electrification units, which include batteries, drive units and control modules provided by General Motors. Beginning in June 2022, we took non-binding pre-production orders which were cancelable prior to delivery. In the third quarter of 2023 we canceled all of the original pre-production orders due to the introduction of multiple models and new pricing. We began taking new pre-production orders for the newly introduced models in the third quarter of 2023.
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In August 2022, we ceased manufacturing of the Grunt and we outsourced the manufacturing of the remaining Grunts and the 2023 Grunt EVO to the same third party manufacturer as the Stag. The 2023 Grunt EVO has replaced the Grunt and has a belt drive rather than a chain drive as well as an updated rear suspension. We began selling the Grunt EVO in the third quarter of 2023.
We began taking pre-orders for an E-Bike, the Brat, in September 2022 and shipments to customers began in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Brat is being manufactured by a third party. In January 2023, we began selling the Brat directly to consumers through our website. Consumers who order the Brat from our website can have the Brat shipped to their specified destination.
In November 2022, we finalized an agreement for the same third party that manufactures the Stag and Grunt EVO to manufacture the Runt LT. We received prototypes of the Runt LT in the first quarter of 2023. We are evaluating the market for the Runt LT and will determine whether to proceed with production in the first half of 2024.
The estimated fulfillment of all orders we have received assumes that our third party manufacturers can successfully meet our order quantities and deadlines. If they are unable to satisfy orders on a timely basis, our customers may cancel their orders.
In September and October 2023, we reduced our headcount in several departments to reduce costs and we continue to evaluate other cost reduction opportunities.
Our Industry
The powersports industry is made up of on-road and off-road motorcycles, scooters, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), UTVs, PWC (personal watercraft) and snowmobiles. The ATV market, in which a single rider sits on top of a four-wheeled vehicle (as opposed to sitting inside a UTV), is not a market we currently intend to pursue but will continue to evaluate our lineup of vehicles in the future. We have also developed an electric bicycle, or eBike, the Brat, primarily designed for on-road use but can also be ridden off-road.
While we are focusing solely on off-road for our motorcycles and UTVs, we are evaluating requirements in other countries where our vehicles will need to be homologated for on-road and off-road use in order to sell them there. We are also considering homologation kits that customers could purchase to allow them to use our vehicles both on-road and off-road depending on federal, state and local government rules and regulations.
Outdoor recreation is a major driver of the American economy. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, or the BEA, found that outdoor recreation drives $563 billion of the current-dollar gross domestic product for the U.S. The BEA noted that motorcycles and ATVs make up $11.5 billion of that total.
According to Stratview Research – Powersports Market Research Report, the powersports industry grew by 10% in terms of units in 2020, its highest growth rate ever achieved. The long-term outlook for growth and demand for powersports, according to the report, especially off-road vehicles, or ORVs, and power watercraft, or PWCs is positive. The Stratview Research report estimates the powersports market to grow at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 5.7% during 2022 to 2027 to reach a value of
$47.9 billion by 2027.
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global ATV and UTV market was valued at $7.6 billion in 2017, and is projected to reach $11.95 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 6.7% from 2020 to 2027.
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According to Market Reports World, the global off-road motorcycles market size is estimated to grow at CAGR of almost 8% with new vehicle sales of 124,950 units during the forecast period 2022 to 2027.
According to the PowerSports Business 2023 Market Data Book:
| · | In the U.S., UTV sales were just under 550,000 units in 2022, according to leading industry research firm Power Products Marketing. New motorcycle sales in 2022, meanwhile, were 733,537 units, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Reversing a trend where in 2021 where more new UTVs were sold at retail in 2021 than new motorcycles. | |
| · | According to dealership feedback, turnover of new unit inventory in 2022 at dealerships was 4.6 turns (compared to 7.5 turns) average. Similarly, new unit gross margin percentage at the dealership level was 17.1% on average during 2022 (comparted to 17.4% in 2021). | |
| · | Accessory sales for UTVs on average are $977 worth of accessories at the time of a UTV sport purchase in 2022, Lightspeed data shows. | |
| · | According to S&P Global Mobility, 2022 new and used UTV registrations were 318,216 compared to 334,000 in 2021, showing continued post-pandemic strength in the segment. |
While inflationary pressures may have impacted demand, we believe the new culture of escape and outdoor activities will continue to drive off-road powersports recreation. We believe there are very few all-electric off-road powersports companies, and traditional powersports companies have only recently started making electric products, so significant data on off-road electric vehicles does not exist yet.
Our Products
We feature motorcycle and UTV products that are all-electric and primarily designed for off-road use, in addition to a Class 2 eBike, the Brat, that can be used on or light off-road. The off-road market is growing faster than on-road and on-road products require costly levels of certification, homologation and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other government regulators. For our motorcycles and UTVs, we are solely focusing on developing them for the off-road market. Due to these regulations, our motorcycles and UTVs are not legal for on-road use without homologation by customers who may be able to purchase parts or kits from other third parties. All vehicles other than the Brat come or will come with a warning label stating “This vehicle is designed and manufactured for off-road use only. It does not conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards and operation on public streets, roads, or highways is illegal”, and therefore our vehicles cannot be legally registered for on-road use in any state in the U.S and in many countries without the customer homologating the vehicle. In addition to powersports vehicles, we source, market and sell accessories and upgrades and continue to source new accessories and upgrades. These do or will feature parts designed to increase performance or appearance, in addition to practical add-ons to equip Volcon vehicles for hunters, anglers, ranchers and farmers.
The Stag
In July 2022, we publicly introduced a prototype of the Stag. We began taking pre-production orders from dealers in June 2022 and consumers in July 2022. These original pre-production orders were canceled in the third quarter of 2023 and new pre-production orders were taken from dealers and consumers. The consumer pre-production orders will be transferred to dealers located near the consumer. We delivered our first Stag to the Army Corps. of Engineers in February 2024. Pre-production orders of the Stag are non-binding and cancelable prior to delivery. The Stag will be Volcon’s first utility/sport UTV with a 64” width to ensure it is able to operate in states with 65”-maximum-width trails.
The 2024 Stag LTD is our first UTV model launched and will seat up to four people, with folding rear seats, a four point harness system, high performance shocks and tires, on demand all-wheel drive, variable power steering, and a full line of accessories.
We expect to introduce additional UTV models in the future but the timing and specifications have not yet been determined.
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We also expect to introduce a larger, longer range UTV (to be named) in the future, which will be the largest, most powerful model in the Volcon line. We are designing this vehicle to have superior range and speed, but still be able to haul and tow far more than a traditional UTV. The timing of the release of this vehicle has not been determined.
Our ability to release new future products is dependent on the success of our current model and our ability to receive future financing of which there is no assurance.
The Grunt EVO
Our first product to market, the Grunt, began shipping to customers in the third quarter of 2021. The Grunt EVO was introduced in 2023 and we began selling it in September 2023. The Grunt EVO is different from the Grunt as it has a belt drive rather than a chain drive, an upgraded rear shock and rear suspension, and a new seat design and is available in three different colors. There are also aftermarket accessories available.
The Grunt EVO’s frame, low seat height and oversize tires are designed to make it look like the fat tire bikes of the 1970s and ’80s. These unique elements of the Grunt EVO are not just for styling, but we believe they help make it easier to ride as compared to other off-road motorcycles on the market. The low seat height and large tires are designed to make the Grunt EVO stable at all speeds on all surfaces in the off-road environment. The electric drivetrain has no clutch and no gears, making it easy for almost anyone to operate.
Although the Grunt EVO can be used as delivered, we have developed an app, which can be downloaded at no additional cost, that we believe will enhance the riding experience. The Grunt EVO has a small, optional, dash with limited data; however, the rider can use their smartphones and the app (subject to the rider’s cellular connectivity) as a dashboard by mounting it on the handlebars. The app makes it easier for users to set ride modes, check battery status, and update the bike’s firmware.
The Grunt EVO is designed for family off-road adventures, work on the farm or fun transport around private land. Its range can be up to 35 miles (with an optional second battery that provides an additional 35 miles) in its “explore” mode setting and it can be completely charged in less than three hours from a standard wall outlet.
The Runt LT
The Runt LT, which is a smaller version of the Grunt EVO, is better suited for small statured riders, more compact properties and trails, or as a pit bike at race events, while still delivering robust off-road capabilities. Unlike the Grunt EVO, the Runt LT will only have a display to show the rider certain aspects of the vehicle such as speed, battery charge and mode. The app will not be available in the initial version of the Runt LT but could be developed for future models.
Like the Grunt EVO, the Runt LT’s large tires and low-slung chassis will make it easier to ride than traditional off-road motorcycles. The Runt LT will have a range of up to 35 miles in its “explore” mode setting and charges in less than three hours from a standard wall outlet. We are currently evaluating the market for the Runt LT to determine if we will produce it. We expect to make this decision in the first half of 2024.
The Brat
Similar to the lineup of Volcon motorcycles, the Brat has a low seat height, large tires and hydraulic front and rear disc brakes. The Brat is a Class 2 eBike capable of achieving 20 mph maximum speed from throttle assistance. The Volcon app will also work with the Brat provided the rider has downloaded the app to their smartphone and has cellular connectivity. We began selling the Brat in December 2022.
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Assembly and Manufacturing
We have outsourced the manufacturing of all of our vehicles to third parties. The Brat is manufactured by a supplier in China and the Grunt EVO, Runt and Stag are or will be manufactured by a supplier in Mexico. The Volcon Youth motorcycles were manufactured by Torrot in Spain.
We provide a one-year warranty on the Grunt EVO, Volcon Youth motorcycles and the Brat, and a two-year warranty on the battery pack subject to a specified number of charging cycles. We expect the warranty for our other motorcycles will be consistent with these warranties. Warranty for the Brat and Volcon Youth motorcycles is provided by the manufacturer provided that we timely submit the claim to them. The warranty for the Stag is also one year on parts and labor and two years on the battery. Certain parts will be warranted by the part manufacturer or the vehicle manufacturer whereas other parts will be warranted by the Company.
We accrue warranty reserves at the time a vehicle is delivered to the customer. Warranty reserves include our best estimate of the projected cost to repair or to replace any items under warranty, based on actual warranty experience as it becomes available and other known factors that may impact our evaluation of historical data. We review our reserves quarterly to ensure that our accruals are adequate in meeting expected future warranty obligations, and we will adjust our estimates as needed. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of revenues in the statement of operations. The warranty obligation is classified as a current liability on our balance sheet.
Sales and Marketing
Through March 15, 2024, we have 103 dealers covering 28 states. We are currently negotiating additional dealership agreements with retail partners to display and sell our vehicles and accessories. Some of these dealers will also provide warranty and repair services to our customers. Customers can also purchase the Brat and Volcon Youth motorcycles and related accessories on our website.
We anticipate our vehicles and accessories will be sold globally in a three-phase rollout of export sales– Latin American importers started in 2022, New Zealand in 2023 and Australia in 2024, subject to meeting each countries homologation requirements, if any. Export sales are expected to be executed through individual importers in each country that purchase vehicles from us by the container. Each importer is expected to sell vehicles to local dealers or directly to customers. Local dealers are intended to provide warranty and repair services for vehicles purchased within their markets.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends, at least in part, on our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property. To accomplish this, we currently rely on a combination of trade secrets, including know-how, employee and third party non-disclosure agreements, and other contractual rights to establish and protect our proprietary rights in our technology.
Our industrial designs are protected by design patents. In addition, we intend to file for additional utility patents. There is no assurance that we will be granted any such patents. We do not know whether any patent applications will result in the issuance of patents or whether the examination process will require us to narrow our claims. Even if granted, there can be no assurance that our issued patents or new patent applications will provide us with protection.
We have registrations for the trademarks VOLCON and GRUNT in the U.S. We have also applied to register additional trademarks – including VOLCON, VOLCON BRAT, VOLCON STAG, GRUNT EVO, EMPOWERING ADVENTURE, RUNT, VOLCON RUNT, STAG, and VOLCON STAG - in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and certain additional countries in Latin America, and many of these trademarks are now allowed or registered in these countries. We have resolved some conflicts and potential conflicts that have arisen with regard to the use and registration of our trademarks through coexistence agreements and the submission of arguments. We have received notice from an entity in Brazil who has opposed our applications for trademarks including the word VOLCON, but we believe the trademarks and the goods being sold under them are not similar and there is no potential for confusion.
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We have also identified that in Australia, VOLCON is similar to another trademark that does not appear to be in use. We have filed a removal application to remove the use of the other trademark so that we can use VOLCON. However, there is no guarantee that our application to remove will be accepted. Our efforts to secure trademark registrations for VOLCON and other trademarks referenced above are ongoing and we may encounter resistance from other companies, particularly as we expand into additional territories. If we receive objections from other entities and are unsuccessful in obtaining agreements or otherwise resolving the matters with these entities, we will need to consider the use of different trademarks for our Company and our products.
Competition
There are dozens of manufacturers that sell off-road motorcycles, UTVs and eBikes in the U.S. and even more globally. The markets for powersport vehicles and eBikes are highly competitive based on a number of factors, including innovation, performance, price, technology, product features, styling, fit and finish, brand recognition, quality and distribution. We believe our ability to compete successfully in these markets depends on our ability to capitalize on our competitive strengths and build brand recognition.
Many companies, which have greater financial and marketing resources than Volcon, make electric street motorcycles, including Zero Motorcycles. Some companies make electric UTVs as part of their product line. For example, Polaris has a joint venture with Zero Motorcycles to help them design dedicated electric UTVs, the first product of which began selling in 2023. Many companies, like Super 73, make and sell eBikes and have a stronger established brand name and product line.
Government regulations
We have focused on the off-road-only portion of the market because it is free of many of the homologation issues and highway certifications required to produce and sell an on-road vehicle. In some states, off-road vehicles do have legislative restrictions, but they are related to noise and exhaust emissions, two things our vehicles do not produce.
Federal, state, and local governments have promulgated and/or are considering promulgating laws and regulations relating to the safety of our products. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has federal oversight over product safety issues related to off-road vehicles and eBikes. We believe that our products comply with all applicable CPSC safety standards as well as all other applicable safety standards in the U.S.
The assembly, use, storage, transport and disposal of battery packs is subject to extensive regulation. Complying with these requirements involves substantial costs, and any failure to do so may result in heavy fines or other restrictions on our operations. Additionally, we may be responsible for the recycling and proper disposal of expended batteries from our vehicles. We may enter into agreements with third parties to manage such recycling and disposal; however, we may be found liable for any failures in compliance by these third parties and subject to fines or remediation liabilities, which costs may be substantial.
We intend to sell and distribute our vehicles internationally through international distributors. As such, we will be subject to the local laws of each jurisdiction in which we sell our vehicles. These regulations may result in increased costs and expenses, which may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
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Human Capital
Volcon Mission
People are at the core of our DNA. Our mission is to build industry leading products that connect people to outdoor experiences through the intentional blending of leading technology and design. Our vision is to amplify the powersports experience for all. Our values are building the future of powersports. Our employees recognize that everyone is someone’s customer, which is why our goal is for each employee at Volcon is to treat others as you would want to be treated.
Professional Employer Organization
Since inception through December 31, 2022, we have used professional employer organizations ("PEOs") to outsource our employee base, including processing of payroll and administration of benefits. Beginning January 1, 2023, we discontinued the use of a PEO and have hired a third party payroll processing service and a third party administrator of benefits. As of December 31, 2023, in the U.S we have 35 full-time employees and one part-time employee and we do not have any employees outside of the U.S. Currently, our employees have not chosen representation by a labor union. We also occasionally engage the services of independent contractors for special projects.
Our employees and contractors focus on customer care, developing our products, and building our marketing channels. We believe we offer competitive benefits and training programs to develop employees’ expertise, performance, and engagement, while implementing corporate policies to provide a safe, harassment-free work environment. This work environment is guided by principles of fair and equal treatment and prioritizes effective communication and employee engagement.
Employee Engagement
We are committed to building a strong culture with high levels of employee engagement. We hold quarterly all-hands and ad hoc meetings where management discusses various topics with employees including operational updates, vehicle development, financing activities, company policies and safety. Management is also committed to being available to discuss any employee concerns on a one-on-one basis. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset and are striving to consistently evaluate our progress in developing and maintaining engagement.
Available Information
Our website is at www.volcon.com. We make available, free of charge, on our corporate website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website does not, and shall not be deemed to, constitute part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our reference to the URL for our website is intended to be an inactive textual reference only.
ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider each of the following risks, together with all other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and the related notes, in evaluating an investment in our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.
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Risks Related to the Company’s Business, Operations, and Industry
Our losses from operations could continue to raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations.
To date we have funded operations through equity and debt offerings. As of December 31, 2023, we have an accumulated deficit of $120.8 million.
In February and March 2024, certain holders of the May 2023 Convertible Notes issued in May 2023 converted approximately $7.4 million of principal to common stock. In March 2024, the holders exchanged the remaining May 2023 Convertible Notes of $24.7 million for Series A convertible preferred stock with a $1,000 per share value and an initial conversion price of $1.33 per share for common stock. All covenants from the Convertible Notes were terminated upon this exchange. In March 2024, certain holders of the Series A convertible preferred stock converted $2.3 million shares to 1.7 million shares of common stock.
Management anticipates that our cash on hand as of December 31, 2023 plus the cash expected to be generated from operations will not be sufficient to fund planned operations and maintain required cash balances for the Convertible Notes beyond one year from the date of the issuance of the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. There can be no assurance that we will not require additional funding to support our operations. There can be no assurance that such additional funding, if needed, would be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
The material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting identified in our 2020 audit have not been remediated. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses or we or our auditor identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business and stock price.
The material weaknesses identified by our independent registered public accounting firm in our internal control over financial reporting in our 2020 audit have not been remediated as of December 31, 2023. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. These material weaknesses are as follows:
| · | Inadequate segregation of duties within account processes due to limited personnel | |
| · | Insufficient formal written policies and procedures for accounting, IT, financial reporting and record keeping |
In addition to hiring more finance and accounting personnel in 2021 to improve our segregation of duties, through 2023, we have made further progress towards remediating these material weaknesses. We have hired more experienced accounting and finance personnel. We have prepared some formal written policies and procedures for accounting, IT, and financial reporting and record keeping. We have also started the process of documenting our internal controls. However, we have not fully completed documentation or testing of these policies, procedures, and internal controls.
While we believe these efforts have improved the internal control over financial reporting during 2023, they did not fully remediate the material weaknesses as we have not fully documented all of our policies or procedures and we have not performed any testing of our internal controls.
We cannot assure you that the measures we have taken to date and may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to our material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting is subject to various inherent limitations, including cost limitations, judgments used in decision making, assumptions about the likelihood of future events, the possibility of human error and the risk of fraud. If we are unable to remediate the material weakness, our ability to record, process and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within the time periods required of public companies could be adversely affected which, in turn, may adversely affect our reputation and business and the market price of our common stock. In addition, any such failures could result in litigation or regulatory actions by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, loss of investor confidence, delisting of our securities and harm to our reputation and financial condition, or diversion of financial and management resources from the operation of our business.
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Our transition to an outsourced manufacturing, design and development business model may not be successful, which could harm our ability to deliver products and recognize revenue.
In March 2022, we signed an agreement with a manufacturer in China to develop and manufacture the Brat, our first eBike. We provided this vendor with our specifications and design drawings, and they developed prototypes and the manufacturing process to build the Brat at a cost that was acceptable to us. We launched the Brat in December 2022 and have sold the Brat throughout 2023 and expect to continue to sell the Brat in 2024.
In June 2022, we signed a distribution agreement with Torrot Electric Europa, S.A. (“Torrot”) to distribute their youth motorcycles through our LATAM distributors. In October 2022, we signed an exclusive distribution and co-branding agreement with Torrot, which replaces the original distribution agreement and allows Volcon to co-brand Torrot’s youth motorcycles using the Volcon name and branding in the U.S. and Latin America. This was expanded to Canada through a separate agreement signed in December 2022. These products are manufactured by Torrot in Spain. Due to lower than expected sales of youth motorcycles, in 2023 we have written down our inventory of these motorcycles to its estimated net realizable value and recorded an expense of $2.7 million. In December 2023 we notified Torrot that we want to terminate this agreement and we will liquidate any remaining Volcon Youth motorcycle inventory. We have agreed to give Torrot a total of 1,000 Volcon branded Torrot motorcycles originally purchased for $1.8 million, an up front payment of $370,000 and an additional $1.7 million to be paid out at $100,000 over 17 months beginning in April 2024 in exchange for unfulfilled 2023 and 2024 unit purchases.
In 2022 we entered into a manufacturing agreements with GLV Ventures (“GLV”) to produce the Grunt and Grunt EVO, as well as the Stag and the Runt and we have transitioned from a manufacturing model in which we manufactured and assembled the Grunt at our manufacturing facility located in Round Rock, Texas, to one where we rely on this third party manufacturer to build the Grunt EVO, Stag and, if we decide to build the Run, in Mexico.
As a result of moving to an outsourced design, development and manufacturing model, we have reduced headcount in all departments to reduce costs. We continue to evaluate further cost reductions while developing our sales and marketing team to sell and promote our products to customers in the U.S and to our international distributors.
We rely on third party manufacturers, designers and developers, which subjects us to risk of product delivery delays, reduced control over product costs and quality control.
Our business success will depend in large part on our third party vendors’ ability to economically produce our vehicles at sufficient capacity to meet the demands of our customers.
Our reliance on third parties for the manufacture, design and development of our vehicles exposes us to a number of risks which are outside our control, including:
| · | delays due to design and development of our products to meet our product specifications | |
| · | delays due to defective parts or components | |
| · | unexpected increases in manufacturing costs; | |
| · | interruptions in vehicle deliveries if a third party vendor is unable to complete production or design in a timely manner; | |
| · | shipping delays due to availability of ships, trains, trucks or containers to ship products or delays at ports to ship products to us or to our customers; and | |
| · | inability to control the quality of finished products. |
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Our reliance on third parties reduces our control over the manufacturing, design and development processes, including reduced control over timing to release products, quality, product costs and product supply. We have experienced delays in the design and development of the Stag due to mechanical and electrical components that failed or did not operate as expected. Significant time and development effort was required to address these issues which resulted in significant delays in releasing the Stag. The first Stag unit was shipped to a customer in February 2024. We can provide no assurance that we will not realize future delays in production, and until we have multiple manufacturers or manufacture our products internally, our ability to release products on the timeline we expect will be dependent on our current outside manufacturers.
If any of our third party vendors suffer interruptions, experience delays in shipments or issues concerning product quality, supply chain or disruptions, including by reason of natural disasters, work stoppages or capacity constraints, our ability to ship products to dealers and our international distributors would be delayed. Additionally, if any of our third party vendors experience quality control problems in their operations, we could be required to cover the repair or replacement of any defective products. These delays or product quality issues could have an immediate and material adverse effect on our ability to fulfill orders and could have a negative impact on our operating results. In addition, such delays or issues with product quality could harm our reputation and our relationship with our dealers, distributors and customers.
Our third party manufacturers may be unable to meet our growing sales and delivery plans, which could harm our business and prospects.
Our sales growth and delivery plan contemplate achieving and sustaining increases in vehicle deliveries. Our ability to achieve this plan depends upon several factors, including our ability to identify third party manufacturers who can meet our forecasted demand while maintaining our desired quality levels and optimize design and product changes. Although we believe that the third party manufacturers we have contracted with have the ability to meet our forecasted demand, there is no assurance that they will be successful in these efforts. In addition, as we do not have a long-term history of sales, our forecasted demand may be materially incorrect, which could cause us to fail to meet unforeseen demand and incur higher costs for excess inventory purchased to meet our forecast. If we are unable to realize our sales and delivery plan, our brand, business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results could be materially damaged.
We are dependent on our third party manufacturers, who are dependent on their suppliers, some of which could be single-source suppliers. The inability of these suppliers to deliver necessary components for our vehicles according to our schedule and at prices, quality levels and volumes acceptable to us, or our inability to efficiently manage these third party manufacturers and their suppliers has in the past and could in the future have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Our vehicles contain numerous purchased parts that our third party manufacturers either (a) source globally from direct suppliers, some of whom could be single-source suppliers, or (b) manufacture themselves from components or materials. Any significant unanticipated demand would require our third party manufacturers to procure or manufacture additional components in a short amount of time. While we believe our third party manufacturers would be able to secure additional or alternate sources of supply for most of our components and raw materials in a relatively short time frame, there is no assurance that they will be able to do so or develop their own replacements for certain highly customized components of our products. We have in the past realized production delays due to delays in sourcing certain parts from single-source suppliers. We can provide no assurance that we will not in the future realize additional such delays.
If our third party manufacturers encounter unexpected difficulties with key suppliers, and if they are unable to fill these needs from other suppliers, we could experience production delays and potential loss of access to important technology and parts for producing, servicing and supporting our vehicles. This limited, and in many cases single-source, supply chain exposes our third party manufacturers and us to multiple potential sources of delivery failure or component shortages for the production of our vehicles. The loss of any single or limited source supplier or the disruption in the supply of components from these suppliers could lead to design changes and delays in product deliveries to our customers, which could hurt our relationships with our customers and result in negative publicity, damage to our brand and reputation, and a material and adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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Our third party manufacturers operate outside of the U.S., subjecting us to risks of international operations.
Our third party manufacturers operate outside of the U.S. and as a result we are increasingly exposed to the challenges and risks of doing business outside the U.S., which could reduce our revenues or profits, increase our costs, result in significant liabilities or sanctions, or otherwise disrupt our business. These challenges include: (1) compliance with complex and changing laws, regulations and policies of governments that may impact our operations, such as foreign ownership restrictions, import and export controls, tariffs, and trade restrictions; (2) compliance with U.S. and foreign laws that affect the activities of companies abroad, such as anti-corruption laws, competition laws, currency regulations, and laws affecting dealings with certain nations; (3) the difficulties involved in managing an organization doing business in many different countries; (4) uncertainties as to the enforceability of contract and intellectual property rights under local laws; and (5) rapid changes in government policy, political or civil unrest, acts of terrorism, or the threat of international boycotts or U.S. anti-boycott legislation.
Products that we have manufactured for us in Mexico and China may also be subject to any uncertainty of trade relations between such countries and the U. S., which could cause the cost of our products manufactured there to rise, or result in our inability to continue to use third party manufacturers in such country, resulting in a need to find alternative sources of manufacture, which could result in the delay of manufacture and supply of our products, increase our cost of manufacture, and cause a delay in our shipments to customers and a delay or cancellation of orders. Our future operating results and financial condition could be materially affected to the extent any of these actions occur.
In addition, the prosecution of intellectual property infringement and trade secret theft outside of the U.S. may be more difficult than in the U.S. Although we take precautions to protect our intellectual property, using our third party manufacturers in Mexico and China could subject us to an increased risk that unauthorized parties will be able to copy or otherwise obtain or use our intellectual property, and we may be unsuccessful in monitoring and enforcing our intellectual property rights against them, which could harm our business. We may also have limited legal recourse in the event we encounter patent or trademark infringers, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. While we take measures to protect our trade secrets, the use of third party manufacturers may also risk disclosure of our innovative and proprietary manufacturing methodologies, which could adversely affect our business.
We are utilizing a small number of vendors to assist us with the manufacturing, development and design of our vehicles, including the chassis, electrical systems, safety requirements, body components and accessories, and the inability of these vendors to complete our respective design requirements may delay our ability to release these vehicles for production, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
We have entered into manufacturing, design and development agreements with vendors with experience in the manufacturing, design and development of two-wheel and four-wheel off-road vehicles to assist us with the development of certain aspects of and manufacturing of our vehicles. Although these vendors have successfully assisted other companies with manufacture, design and development of vehicles, they may not be able to successfully design, develop and manufacture our vehicles. These vendors may experience delays in fulfilling their obligations under these contracts due to the inability to source parts from other vendors, lack of employees available to work on our projects due to labor shortages or other competing projects from other customers or COVID-19-related issues impacting employees. Failure of these vendors to complete the contracted design, development and manufacture projects for our vehicles will result in delays in obtaining regulatory approvals and delay production and release of the vehicles for sale, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations or financial condition.
Increases in costs, disruption of supply, or shortage of materials could harm our business.
Our third party manufacturers may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of materials. Any such increase, supply interruption or shortage could materially and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. The prices for these materials fluctuate, and their available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of increased production of electric vehicle (EV) products by our competitors, and could adversely affect our business and operating results. For instance, we are exposed to multiple risks relating to battery packs.
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These risks include:
| · | an increase in the cost, or decrease in the available supply, of materials used in the battery packs; | |
| · | disruption in the supply of battery packs due to quality issues or recalls by battery cell manufacturers; | |
| · | sanctions imposed by the U.S. on countries in which our products are manufactured or where parts are manufactured for our third party manufacturers; and | |
| · | tariffs on the products we source in China. |
Our business is dependent on the continued supply of battery cells for the battery packs used in our vehicles. Any disruption in the supply of battery cells, including those caused by the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine and sanctions imposed on Russia noted below, could disrupt production of our vehicles. Substantial increases in the prices charged to us, such as those charged by battery cell suppliers, would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased selling prices of our vehicles. Any attempts to increase prices in response to increased material costs could result in the cancellation of vehicle orders and therefore materially and adversely affect our brand, image, business, prospects and operating results.
We have and could continue to experience delays and other complications in the design, manufacture, launch and production ramp of our vehicles and our future planned vehicles, which could harm our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We have encountered unanticipated challenges, such as supply chain constraints, that led to initial delays in producing our vehicles. We have experienced longer lead times with certain suppliers to obtain parts, especially those imported where shipping delays from outbound and inbound ports have caused delays or required us to use air freight and incur higher shipping costs. We have outsourced the manufacturing of all of our vehicles and plan to outsource all manufacturing of our vehicles for the foreseeable future. We also reduced headcount in all our departments, as we have outsourced the design and development of our vehicles. Any significant delay or other complications in the production of our vehicles or the development, manufacture, and production ramp of our future vehicles, including complications associated with our third party manufacturers’ supply chains or obtaining or maintaining regulatory approvals, and/or coronavirus impacts, could materially damage our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We are an early-stage company and we have delivered a limited number of vehicles to customers.
We have delivered a limited number of vehicles to customers and we have no meaningful historical financial data upon which we may base our projected revenue and operating expenses. Our limited operating history makes it difficult for potential investors to evaluate our products or prospective operations and business prospects. We are subject to all the risks inherent in business development, financing, unexpected expenditures, and complications and delays that often occur in a new business. Investors should evaluate an investment in us in light of the uncertainties encountered by developing companies in a competitive environment. There can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that we will ultimately be able to attain profitability.
The conflict with Russia and the Ukraine could have an impact on the availability of components used in the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries that we use to power our vehicles.
The recent conflict between Russia and the Ukraine could impact the availability of nickel, an element used in the production of lithium ion cells used in batteries that power our vehicles. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russia produces 5%-6% of the world’s nickel supply and 17% of the high purity nickel production. The shortage of these cells could have an impact on our ability to produce vehicles to meet our customers’ demands. In addition, sanctions against Russia could impact the price of elements, including nickel, that are used in the production of batteries which would result in higher costs to produce our vehicles. These sanctions have also impacted the U.S. and global economy and could result in an economic recession which could cause a broader disruption to the Company’s supply chain and distribution network and customer demand for our products. These factors would have a negative impact on our results of operations and cash flows.
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We are currently taking orders for the Brat Ebike, Grunt EVO and Volcon Youth motorcycles and the Stag UTV, and if these vehicles fail to perform as expected, our reputation could be harmed and our ability to develop, market and sell our vehicles could be harmed.
If our vehicles were to contain defects in design and manufacture that cause them not to perform as expected or that require repair or take longer than expected to deliver, our ability to develop, market and sell our vehicles could be harmed. While we intend to perform internal testing on the vehicles, as a start-up company our frame of reference by which to evaluate detailed long-term quality, reliability, durability and performance characteristics of our vehicles is based on industry metrics rather than historical data. Although we have procedures to test all of our vehicles for defects, there can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix all defects in our products prior to their sale to consumers. Any product defects, delays, or other failure of our products to perform as expected could harm our reputation and result in delivery delays, product recalls, product liability claims, significant warranty and other expenses, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
We may not succeed in establishing, maintaining and strengthening our brand, which could materially and adversely affect customer acceptance of our products, which could in turn materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our business and prospects heavily depend on our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen the Volcon brand. If we are unable to establish, maintain and strengthen our brand, we may lose the opportunity to build and maintain a critical mass of customers. Our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen our brand will depend heavily on the success of our marketing efforts. Failure to develop and maintain a strong brand would materially and adversely affect customer acceptance of our vehicles, could result in suppliers and other third parties being less likely to invest time and resources in developing business relationships with us, and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
An adverse determination in any significant product liability claim against us could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The development, production, marketing, sale and usage of our vehicles will expose us to significant risks associated with product liability claims. The powersports vehicles industry in particular is vulnerable to significant product liability claims, and we may face inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event our vehicles do not perform or are claimed to not have performed as expected. If our products are defective, malfunction or are used incorrectly by our customers, it may result in bodily injury, property damage or other injury, including death, which could give rise to product liability claims against us. Any losses that we may suffer from any liability claims and the effect that any product liability litigation may have upon the brand image, reputation and marketability of our products could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. No assurance can be given that material product liability claims will not be made in the future against us, or that claims will not arise in the future in excess or outside of our insurance coverage and contractual indemnities with suppliers and manufacturers. We believe we have adequate product liability insurance; however, as we release new products and expand our sales channels, we may not be able to obtain adequate product liability insurance or the cost of doing so may be prohibitive. Adverse determinations of material product liability claims made against us could also harm our reputation and cause us to lose customers and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
The markets in which we operate are in their infancy and highly competitive, and we may not be successful in competing in these industries as the industry further develops. We currently face competition from new and established competitors and expect to face competition from others in the future, including competition from companies with new technology.
The EV market is in its infancy, and we expect it will become more competitive in the future. There is no assurance that our vehicles will be successful in the respective markets in which they compete. A significant and growing number of established and new companies have entered or are reported to have plans to enter the EV market, including the off-road market that we intend to pursue. Most of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, sales networks, 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 their products. Increased competition could result in lower vehicle sales, price reductions, revenue shortfalls, loss of customers and loss of market share, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and operating results.
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We may need to defend ourselves against intellectual property infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and could cause us to incur substantial costs.
Others, including our competitors, may hold or obtain patents, copyrights, trademarks or other proprietary rights that could prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use, develop, sell or market our products and services, which could make it more difficult for us to operate our business. From time to time, the holders of such intellectual property rights may assert their rights and may bring suits alleging infringement or misappropriation of such rights. In addition, if we are determined to have infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease making, selling or incorporating certain components or intellectual property into the products we offer, to pay substantial damages and/or license royalties, to redesign our products, and/or to establish and maintain alternative branding for our products.
We have registrations for the trademarks VOLCON and GRUNT in the U.S. We have also applied to register additional trademarks – including VOLCON, VOLCON BRAT, VOLCON STAG, GRUNT EVO, EMPOWERING ADVENTURE, RUNT, VOLCON RUNT, STAG, and VOLCON STAG - in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia and certain additional countries in Latin America, and many of these trademarks are now allowed or registered in these countries. We have resolved some conflicts and potential conflicts that have arisen with regard to the use and registration of our trademarks through coexistence agreements and the submission of arguments. We have received notice from an entity in Brazil who has opposed our applications for trademarks including the word VOLCON, but we believe the trademarks and the goods being sold under them are not similar and there is no potential for confusion.
We have also identified that in Australia, VOLCON is similar to another trademark that does not appear to be in use. We have filed a removal application to remove the use of the other trademark so that we can use VOLCON. However, there is no guarantee that our application to remove will be accepted. Our efforts to secure trademark registrations for VOLCON and other trademarks referenced above are ongoing and we may encounter resistance from other companies, particularly as we expand into additional territories. If we receive objections from other entities and are unsuccessful in obtaining agreements or otherwise resolving the matters with these entities, we will need to consider the use of different trademarks for our Company and our products.
In the event that we were required to take one or more such actions, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially 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.
Potential tariffs or a global trade war could increase our costs and could further increase the cost of our products, which could adversely impact the competitiveness of our products and our financial results.
The Grunt EVO, Runt LT (if we decide to begin production) Brat depend on materials from China, namely batteries, which are among the main components of our vehicles. In addition, components for the Stag, mainly wiring harnesses, are also sourced from China. We cannot predict what actions may be taken with respect to tariffs or trade relations between the U.S. and China, what products may be subject to such actions, or what actions may be taken by China in retaliation. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs, trade agreements or related policies have the potential to adversely impact our supply chain and access to equipment, our costs and our product margins. Any such cost increases or decreases in availability could slow our growth and cause our financial results and operational metrics to suffer.
We primarily sell our vehicles and accessories through a network of third parties, and there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully build out this network.
As of March 15, 2024, we have 103 active dealers to sell our vehicles and accessories. In 2022 we hired our first regional sales manager in Canada to begin developing our dealer network for Canadian powersports vehicle dealers but in 2023 we determined we would defer selling our products in Canada and as of December 31, 2023 and we no longer have any Canadian employees.
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We are required to comply with manufacture/dealer laws in each state in which we sell our vehicles through dealers. Dealer laws vary by state and although our dealer agreements are intended to comply with these laws, we may be required to amend our agreements if these laws are changed or are challenged by dealers or other OEMs. Our dealer and distribution agreements are generally short-term in nature and the dealer, distributor or we may cancel these agreements under certain circumstances and we may not be able to retain or expand the scope of our dealer and/or distribution network in the future.
We have entered into an accounts receivable factoring arrangement to allow the Company the ability to generate cash for working capital. We will incur financing costs under this arrangement. On a longer term basis we intend to obtain a “flooring” financing arrangement to allow financing sources for our dealers to purchase vehicle inventory. We may incur costs to incentivize dealers to buy our vehicles including free dealer financing for certain periods or based on purchase volumes, interest rate buydowns on the dealers’ customer financing to incentivize their customers’ purchase of our vehicles. Because we are a young company with limited sales history and recurring losses, we may not be able to obtain these inventory financing sources which may result in dealers not wanting to sell our vehicles.
In the U.S., we began to sell the Brat and Volcon youth motorcycles on our website in 2023, in addition to our dealer network and bicycle retailers. Customers can request that these vehicles be delivered to a local Volcon dealer or directly to a location they can designate. We do not intend to compete with dealers who sell these products and we provide for price protection to them in the event we are selling these products below the retail price they are selling them for in order for them to maintain their margin.
We also sell our vehicles and accessories internationally through international distributors. As of December 31, 2023, we have signed distribution agreements with six distributors in Latin America, one distributor in New Zealand and one distributor in the Caribbean region and in January 2024 we signed an agreement with a distributor in Australia. We are relying on these distributors to market, promote, sell and service our vehicles and sell accessories in their designated countries/territories.
We believe our success will be highly dependent on our ability to build out this network in the major markets in which we intend to compete for customers, and to maintain this network in the future. Our business model is dependent not only on our ability to create the foregoing network, but also on the commitment and motivation of these third parties to promote our brand and products.
Orders for vehicles are cancelable and there can be no assurance that all orders will result in revenue being recognized.
Orders from U.S. dealers do not require an upfront payment and are cancelable prior to shipment with no penalty. Orders from U.S. consumers for the Stag required a minimal reservation fee and all orders are cancelable prior to shipment, although the reservation fee is forfeited unless it must be refunded in accordance with state laws. Most importers must pay for orders in advance of shipment but can cancel an order prior to shipment and receive a refund without penalty.
The estimated fulfillment of all orders we have received assumes our third party manufacturers can successfully increase their production capacity in the future, of which there is no assurance. If we are unable to satisfy pending orders on a timely basis, customers may cancel their orders.
In some cases, there will be significant time between a customer ordering a vehicle and the eventual delivery of the vehicle, which creates a heightened risk that a customer that ordered a vehicle may change his or her mind and not ultimately take delivery of the vehicle, and accessories, if purchased, in their order. Any cancellations could harm our financial condition, business, prospects and operating results.
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We may be unable to improve our existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance.
We may not be able to compete as effectively with our competitors, and ultimately satisfy the needs and preferences of our customers, unless we can successfully enhance current products, develop new innovative products, maintain or lower product costs and distinguish our products from our competitors’ products through innovation and design. Product development requires significant financial, technological, and other resources. There can be no assurance that we will be able to incur a level of investment in research and development that will be sufficient to successfully make us competitive in product innovation and design. In addition, even if we are able to successfully enhance existing products and develop new products, there is no guarantee that the markets for our existing products and new products will progress as anticipated. If any of the markets in which our existing products compete do not develop as expected, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We have limited experience servicing our vehicles, we intend to primarily utilize third parties to service our vehicles, and if we are unable to address the service requirements of our customers, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We have limited experience servicing or repairing our vehicles and we are developing our service manuals and service procedures to repair our vehicles. We are in the process of developing a network of service providers who will also be our dealers as many states require that only dealers can provide warranty service on vehicles. For our international distributors, they will be service providers or will identify third parties who will be service providers to service our vehicles.
Servicing electric vehicles is different from servicing vehicles with internal combustion engines and requires specialized skills, including high voltage training and servicing techniques. If we are unable to successfully address the service requirements of our customers, our business and prospects will be materially and adversely affected. If we are unable to successfully address the servicing requirements of our customers or establish a market perception that we maintain high-quality support, our reputation could be harmed, we may be subject to claims from our customers, and our business, results of operations or financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.
Significant product repair and/or replacement due to product warranty claims or product recalls could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We provide a one-year warranty against defects for the Grunt EVO, Brat and Volcon youth motorcycles and a two-year warranty on the battery. The manufacturers of the Brat and Volcon youth motorcycles provide the warranty for these products and we are reimbursed for warranty claims provided we obtain approval of the claim from the manufacturer.
We currently expect to provide a similar warranty the Runt LT when it is released for sale. Our warranty for the Stag is also one-year against defects and two years for the batteries. Our warranty will generally require us to repair or replace defective products during such warranty periods at no cost to the consumer. Some of the parts are warrantied by the part manufacturer where others are no. We record provisions based on an estimate of product warranty claims, but there is the possibility that actual claims may exceed these provisions and therefore negatively impact our results of operations of financial condition.
In addition, we may in the future be required to make product recalls or could be held liable in the event that some of our products do not meet safety standards or statutory requirements on product safety, even if the defects related to any such recall or liability are not covered by our limited warranty. The repair and replacement costs that we could incur in connection with a recall could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Product recalls could also harm our reputation and cause us to lose customers, particularly if recalls cause consumers to question the safety or reliability of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
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Our success is dependent upon the success of the off-road vehicle industry and upon consumers’ willingness to adopt electric vehicles.
Our success is dependent upon the success of the off-road vehicle industry as a whole, and in particular upon consumers’ willingness to adopt electric vehicles as an alternative to combustion vehicles. If the market for electric off-road vehicles does not develop at the rate or in the manner or to the extent that we expect, our business, results of operations or financial condition may be adversely materially affected. The market for electric vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standard, frequent new vehicle announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the adoption of electric vehicles include:
| · | perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety, design, performance and costs; | |
| · | the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge, and the decline of an electric vehicle’s range resulting from deterioration over time in the battery’s ability to hold a charge; | |
| · | the ability to easily charge electric vehicles | |
| · | volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline, and improvements in the fuel economy of combustion engines; and | |
| · | the environmental consciousness of off-road vehicles customers. |
The influence of any of the factors described above may cause our customers not to purchase our vehicles and may otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Higher inflation and interest rates, volatile financial markets, unemployment and consumer confidence may cause consumers to defer or not purchase our products.
Globally inflation and interest rates rose in 2023 compared to 2022 and could continue to rise or remain at current levels in the future. Our vehicles represent a discretionary purchase. Many consumers finance the purchase of an off-road vehicle and higher interest rates will result in higher monthly payments which some consumers may not qualify for or consumers may elect to defer their purchase until interest rates decline.
In addition, global financial markets overall have seen significant volatility in 2023 and could continue to experience volatility in the future and could decline. A number of large companies have announced layoffs. Public companies in the EV sector have seen significant declines and volatility in 2023. Consumer confidence in the U.S. has declined.
The influence of any of the factors described above may cause our customers not to purchase our vehicles and may otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We currently operate in an area of the vehicle sector that is not heavily regulated, and future changes in government oversight may subject us to increased regulations, which may increase our expenses.
The off-road vehicle market is not heavily regulated, as compared to on-road vehicles, and, as such, we are not currently subject to significant government regulations. As this market develops and grows, it may come under increased regulatory scrutiny, which may result in increased regulations. This increase in regulations may result in increased costs and expenses, which may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
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We could be negatively impacted by cybersecurity attacks and are subject to evolving privacy laws in the U.S. and other jurisdictions that could adversely impact our business and require that we incur substantial costs.
We use a variety of information technology systems in the ordinary course of business, which are potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, ransomware software viruses and other similar types of malicious activities and cyber-attacks, including cyber-attacks to our information technology infrastructure and attempts by others to gain access to our proprietary or sensitive information, and ranging from individual attempts to advanced persistent threats. Additionally, our vendors and potentially our customers, such as federal, state and local governments, require us to maintain and protect our information technology infrastructure to specified standards in order to protect not only our sensitive information, but also their sensitive information. Further, ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent and severe. To alleviate the financial, operational, and reputational impact of a ransomware attack, it may be preferable to make extortion payments, but we may be unwilling or unable to do so, including, for example, if applicable laws or regulations prohibit such payments. The procedures and controls we use to monitor these threats and mitigate our exposure may not be sufficient to prevent cybersecurity incidents. The results of these incidents could include misstated financial data, theft of trade secrets or other intellectual property, liability for disclosure of confidential customer, supplier or employee information, increased costs arising from the implementation of additional security protective measures, litigation and reputational damage, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, business or results of operations. Any remedial costs or other liabilities related to cybersecurity incidents may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. Moreover, we or our third party vendors or business partners may be more vulnerable to such attacks in remote work environments, which have increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, security breaches could result in a violation of applicable U.S. and international privacy and other laws and subject us to governmental investigations and proceedings, which could result in our exposure to material civil or criminal liability.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
In March 2024, we exchanged our outstanding convertible notes for Preferred Stock and a significant number of shares of common stock could be issued upon conversion.
In March 2024, we issued Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”) at $1,000 per share in exchange for $24.7 million principal of convertible notes. The initial conversion price for the Preferred Stock is $1.33 and is convertible at any time. On March 5, 2024, certain holders of the Preferred Stock converted approximately $2.3 million for approximately 1.7 million shares of common stock. The total number of shares of common stock that could be issued as of March 27, 2024 for the outstanding Preferred Stock on this date is approximately 16.8 million shares. The conversion price of the Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment if certain events such as a stock split, reverse stock split, or stock dividend occurs, or if we issue equity or convertible instruments at offering prices below the conversion price. In addition, in the event of a change of control or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets, the Preferred Stock agreement provides for distributions that are either based on the number of common stock shares issuable under these agreements or based on other valuations as defined in the agreement.
The Preferred Stock holders may resell all, or some of the shares of common stock underlying the Preferred Stock after conversion, at any time or from time to time at their discretion. Resales of our common stock may cause the market price of our securities to drop significantly, regardless of the performance of our business. The adjustment of the conversion price for the Preferred Stock held by these investors based on the price of future issuances of securities could also limit our ability to raise capital as potential investors may not make an investment in a new issuance of securities if their investment could be immediately diluted due to adjustments in the conversion price or warrant exercise prices.
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We have issued Series B warrants in connection with the public offering completed in November 2023 that have provisions that can increase the number of warrants and reduce the exercise price if we complete certain transactions.
Our public offering completed in November 2023 included Series A and Series B warrants (“Series A Warrants” and “Series B Warrants”) to purchase our common stock with initial exercise prices of $24.75 and $37.80, respectively. As of March 27, 2023, approximately 42,000 and 14.5 million Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants, respectively, remain outstanding and the Series A Warrants have an exercise price of $1.8636 and the Series B Warrants have an exercise price of $0.9059. Series A Warrants may be exercised on an alternative cash basis where each warrant exercised will result in the Company issuing three shares of common stock.
The Series B Warrants provide, subject to certain exemptions, that if we sell or issue, any common stock or convertible securities, at an effective price per share less than the exercise price of the Series B Warrant then in effect, or a Dilutive Issuance, the exercise price of the Series B Warrant will be reduced to an amount equal to the lowest daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) during the period commencing five consecutive trading days following the Dilutive Issuance and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series B Warrant shall be proportionally adjusted so that the aggregate exercise price of the Series B Warrant shall remain unchanged.
Further, if at any time on or after the date of issuance there occurs any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction involving our common stock and the lowest daily VWAP during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of such event and the five consecutive trading days after the date of such event is less than the exercise price then in effect, then the exercise price shall be reduced to the lowest daily VWAP during such period and the number of warrant shares issuable shall be increased such that the aggregate exercise price payable thereunder, after taking into account the decrease in the exercise price, shall be equal to the aggregate exercise price on the date of issuance.
As a result of the 1 for 45 reverse stock split we completed on February 5, 2024, the exercise price of approximately 15.8 million Series B Warrants were reset to $1.8646 based on the lowest VWAP over the course of the five day trading period through February 12, 2024 and the new amount of Series B Warrants as of this date became approximately 7.1 million.
As a result of the exchange of the Convertible Notes for Preferred Stock (convertible at $1.33 per share of common stock) in March 2024 noted above, the exercise price of the Series B warrants adjusted to $0.91 per share based on the lowest VWAP in the five day trading period through March 12, 2024 and the total number of Series B Warrants adjusted to approximately 14.5 million.
Further adjustments to the Series B Warrant exercise price and number of warrants may occur if we complete any additional transactions or complete another reverse stock split per the terms of the Series B Warrants.
Although some of the holders of Series A and Series B Warrants have ownership limitations, if and when we do issue shares of common stock to holders of the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants upon the exercise by the holder, such stockholders may resell all, some or none of those shares of common stock at any time or from time to time at their discretion. Resales of our common stock may cause the market price of our securities to drop significantly, regardless of the performance of our business.
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Your ownership may be diluted if additional capital stock is issued to raise capital, to finance our operations, to complete acquisitions or in connection with strategic transactions.
We will need to raise additional funds to finance our operations, to complete acquisitions or to develop strategic relationships by issuing equity or convertible debt securities, which would reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders. Our board of directors has the authority, without action or vote of the stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Future issuances of common or preferred stock would reduce your influence over matters on which stockholders vote and would be dilutive to earnings per share. In addition, any newly issued preferred stock could have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of the common stock. Those rights, preferences and privileges could include, among other things, the establishment of dividends that must be paid prior to declaring or paying dividends or other distributions to holders of our common stock or providing for preferential liquidation rights. These rights, preferences and privileges could negatively affect the rights of holders of our common stock, and the right to convert such preferred stock into shares of our common stock at a rate or price that would have a dilutive effect on the outstanding shares of our common stock.
If our stock price fluctuates, you could lose a significant part of your investment.
Since our initial public offering through March 27, 2024 our share price has fluctuated from a high of $3,933.00 to a low of $0.565, (as adjusted for the 1 for 5 and 1 for 45 reverse stock splits completed in October 2023 and February 2024, respectively) and closed at $0.68 on March 27, 2024. The market price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, the risk factors described in this filing and other factors beyond our control, such as fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us. Furthermore, the stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political, and market conditions, such as recessions, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. In the past, many companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.
We are party to certain agreements with a founder of the Company and certain executive officers that may create a conflict of interest for our board of directors in evaluating a potential change of control transaction.
We had previously entered into a consulting agreement Highbridge Consultants, LLC (“Highbridge”), an entity controlled by Mr. Adrian James, who is a former member of our board of directors and current stockholder, pursuant to which Mr. James would provide us with services. Pursuant to the consulting agreements, upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction (as contemplated by such agreement), which generally includes a business combination, merger, or sale of all or substantially all of our assets (or similar events), for an aggregate gross sales price of $100.0 million or more, Highbridge will receive a cash payment equal to 1% of such gross sales price. This payment upon the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction may make our company less attractive to a potential acquirer or may reduce the valuation we receive in connection with a Fundamental Transaction.
Furthermore, if our market capitalization exceeds $300.0 million for a period of 21 consecutive trading days, Highbridge will receive an additional cash payment equal to $15.0 million; provided that we will have the right, in our sole discretion, to make the foregoing $15.0 million payment by the issuance of shares of our common stock. If we elect to make any payments to the entities in the form of stock, it would reduce the ownership percentage of our other stockholders.
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In January 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John Kim, a member of the board of directors of the Company, to become the Company’s CEO and President. Also in January 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Greg Endo, the Company’s CFO and Executive Vice President. As part of the employment agreements with Mr. Kim and Mr. Endo, they are each entitled to a payment of 5% of the gross proceeds from any merger, sale or change of control transaction (as determined by the board of directors) entered by the Company for a period of up to 6 months after termination of employment; provided that they are not terminated for Cause (as defined in the employment agreement).
In March 2024, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Christian Okonsky, a founder of the Company, chairman of the board of directors and former Chief Technology Officer. As part of the consulting agreement Mr. Okonsky is entitled to a payment of 1% of the gross proceeds from any merger, sale or change of control transaction (as determined by the board of directors) entered by the Company for a period of up to 6 months following the termination of the consulting agreement.
These change of control payments may create a conflict of interest for these directors and officers in evaluating any future change of control transactions.
If we agree to complete additional warrant inducements to the holders of warrants issued in in our August 2022 and May 2023 convertible note offerings (the “Investors”), we may reduce the exercise price of warrants held by Investors and we may issue additional warrants to the Investors to replace some or all of the warrants that were exercised.
In September and October 2023, in an effort to raise cash, we entered into warrant inducement agreements with certain investors where we reduced the exercise price of certain warrants to induce them to these exercise warrants.
To the extent we complete similar warrant inducements in the future, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution.
We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. We do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in any financing instruments, provisions of applicable law and other factors the board deems relevant.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about us, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our common stock, then our stock price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us, our industry and our market. If no analyst elects to cover us and publish research or reports about us, the market for our common stock could be severely limited and our stock price could be adversely affected. As a small-cap company, we are more likely than our larger competitors to lack coverage from securities analysts. In addition, even if we receive analyst coverage, if one or more analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. If one or more analysts who elect to cover us issue negative reports or adversely change their recommendations regarding our common stock, our stock price could decline.
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If we fail to satisfy all applicable continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market our common stock may be delisted from Nasdaq, which could have an adverse impact on the liquidity and market price of our common stock.
Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain that listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum bid price, and certain corporate governance requirements. There can be no assurances that we will be able to comply with the applicable listing standards.
On July 5, 2023, we received a notice from Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(b)(2), which requires that we maintain a market value of listed securities (“MVLS”) of $35 million. MVLS is calculated by multiplying our shares outstanding by the closing price of our common stock. On July 6, 2023, we received a notice from Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), (the “Bid Price Rule”) as the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. On October 30, 2023, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq that it has now regained compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of its common stock was above $1.00 for 10 consecutive business days.
On December 19, 2023, the Company received a notice from the Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), (the “Bid Price Rule”) as the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days.
On December 26, 2023, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that we that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iii) as the closing bid price of our common stock had been below $0.10 for ten consecutive trading days from December 11, 2023 through December 22, 2023 (the “Low Priced Stocks Rule”) and was subject to delisting on January 2, 2024. On January 4, 2024 we received notice from Nasdaq that we did not meet the MVLS requirement and we were subject to delisting. The Company submitted a hearing request to Nasdaq’s Hearings Department for both of these matters, which stayed the suspension of the Company’s common stock. We participated in the hearing on March 26, 2024 and we were informed that we may be provided with a decision two weeks from this date, although the timing of the decision is at the discretion of Nasdaq.
In the event that our common stock is delisted from Nasdaq and is not eligible for quotation or listing on another market or exchange, trading of our common stock could be conducted only in the over-the-counter market or on an electronic bulletin board established for unlisted securities such as the Pink Sheets or the OTC Bulletin Board. In such an event, it could become more difficult to dispose of, or obtain accurate price quotations for, our common stock, and there would likely also be a reduction in our coverage by securities analysts and the news media, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline further. Also, it may be difficult for us to raise additional capital if we are not listed on a major exchange.
In an effort to regain compliance with Nasdaq listing rules, we completed a reverse stock split on October 13, 2023 and a reverse stock split on February 5, 2024. We cannot predict whether we will need to complete an additional reverse stock split and the effect that such reverse stock split will have on the market price for shares of our common stock.
As noted in the risk factor above, we were out of compliance with the Bid Price Rule and the Low Priced Stocks Rule in December 2023. In an effort to regain compliance with these rules our board of directors authorized a reverse stock split of one for forty-five (1 for 45) on January 27, 2024 and we completed the reverse stock split on February 5, 2024. The Company’s stock price as of March 27, 2024 is below $1.00 and we may complete another reverse stock split before June 17, 2024 in order to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule.
We cannot predict the effect that the reverse stock split will have on the market price for shares of our common stock, and the history of previous reverse stock splits has not resulted in our share price remaining above $1.00. Some investors may have a negative view of a reverse stock split. Even if the reverse stock split has a positive effect on the market price for shares of our common stock, performance of our business and financial results, general economic conditions and the market perception of our business, and other adverse factors which may not be in our control could lead to a decrease in the price of our common stock following the reverse stock split.
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Furthermore, even if the reverse stock split does result in an increased market price per share of our common stock, the market price per share following the reverse stock split may not increase in proportion to the reduction of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the implementation of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, even with an increased market price per share, the total market capitalization of shares of our common stock after a reverse stock split could be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split. Also, even if there is an initial increase in the market price per share of our common stock after a reverse stock split, the market price may not remain at that level.
If the market price of shares of our common stock declines following the reverse stock split, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the reverse stock split due to decreased liquidity in the market for our common stock. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock following the reverse stock split could be lower than the total market capitalization before the reverse stock split.
If we complete a reverse stock split, the conversion price of our Preferred Stock and some of our outstanding warrants will adjust and some of the warrants will be adjusted to increase the number of warrants outstanding which will result in additional dilution to shareholders.
As an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or JOBS Act, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements.
As an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. We are an emerging growth company until the earliest of:
| · | the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of $1.235 billion or more; | |
| · | the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering; | |
| · | the date on which we have, during the previous 3-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt; or | |
| · | the date on which we are deemed a “large accelerated issuer” as defined under the federal securities laws. |
For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:
| · | have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; | |
| · | comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis); | |
| · | submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholders advisory votes pursuant to the “say on frequency” and “say on pay” provisions (requiring a non-binding stockholder vote to approve compensation of certain executive officers) and the “say on golden parachute” provisions (requiring a non-binding stockholder vote to approve golden parachute arrangements for certain executive officers in connection with mergers and certain other business combinations) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010; and | |
| · | include detailed compensation discussion and analysis in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and instead may provide a reduced level of disclosure concerning executive compensation. |
Additionally, for so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we:
| · | may present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A; and | |
| · | are eligible to claim longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act. |
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We intend to take advantage of all of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, other than the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under §107 of the JOBS Act.
Certain of these reduced reporting requirements and exemptions were already available to us due to the fact that we also qualify as a “smaller reporting company” under SEC rules. For instance, smaller reporting companies are not required to obtain an auditor attestation and report regarding management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting; are not required to provide a compensation discussion and analysis; are not required to provide a pay-for-performance graph or CEO pay ratio disclosure; and may present only two years of audited financial statements and related MD&A disclosure.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
We have established policies and procedures for assessing, identifying, and managing material risk from cybersecurity threats. We monitor cybersecurity threats, including any potential unauthorized occurrence on or conducted through our information systems that we use through third party providers that may result in adverse effects on the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information systems or any information residing therein.
We conducted a NIST risk assessment and perform as needed updates to our risks to identify cybersecurity threats, as well as assessments in the event of a material change in our business practices that may affect information systems that are vulnerable to such cybersecurity threats. We engage a managed service provider (“MSP”) and other third parties in connection with our cybersecurity and information technology risk assessment processes and our MSP also assists us with managing and monitoring our network and local compute systems. These service providers assist us in designing and implementing our cybersecurity policies and procedures, as well as monitoring and testing our safeguards. Personnel at all levels and departments are made aware of our cybersecurity policies through communications.
As of December 31, 2023, and through the date of the filing of this report, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For additional information regarding risks from cybersecurity threats, please refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Annual report on Form 10-K.
Governance
One of the key responsibilities of our board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process, including risks from cybersecurity threats. Our board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, and our executive officers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the material risks we face.
Our Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) is primarily responsible for assessing and managing our material risks from cybersecurity threats. In this regard, our CFO has assistance from service providers, other consultants and third parties. Our CFO has served as an executive officer for three years and prior to this was an audit and advisory partner at a public accounting firm overseeing financial statement audits of public and private companies. Audit procedures performed for his clients included evaluating internal controls and risk assessment evaluations over information technology and cybersecurity policies.
Our CFO oversees our cybersecurity policies and procedures, including those described in “Risk Management and Strategy” above. Under such policies and procedures, our CFO is responsible for reporting to our board of directors regarding any cybersecurity incident including the results of cybersecurity risk assessments.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters is located in Round Rock, Texas, where we currently lease approximately 23,300 square feet of space across three facilities.
We believe that our existing space is adequate for our current operations. We believe that suitable replacement and additional space, if necessary, will be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time in the ordinary course of our business, we may be involved in legal proceedings, the outcomes of which may not be determinable. The results of litigation are inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in diversion of significant resources. We are not able to estimate an aggregate amount or range of reasonably possible losses for those legal matters for which losses are not probable and estimable. We have insurance policies covering potential losses where such coverage is cost effective.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “VLCN”.
Holders
As of March 26, 2024, we had 1,159 stockholders of record and 18,748,955 outstanding shares.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock. The payment of dividends in the future will be contingent upon our revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition. We currently intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not expect to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in any financing instruments, provisions of applicable law and other factors the board deems relevant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
All information related to equity securities sold by us during the period covered by this report that were not registered under the Securities Act have been included in our Form 10-Q filings or in a Form 8-K filing. We did not issue any equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2023 that were not registered under the Securities Act.
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We are an all-electric, off-road powersports vehicle company developing electric two and four-wheel motorcycles and utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, along with a line of upgrades and accessories. In October 2020, we began building and testing prototypes for our future offerings with two off-road motorcycles – the Grunt and the Runt. Our motorcycles feature unique frame designs protected by design patents. Additional utility and design patents have been filed for other aspects of Volcon’s vehicles.
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We initially began to sell and distribute the Grunt and related accessories in the United States (‘U.S.”) on a direct-to-consumer sales platform. We terminated our Grunt direct-to-consumer sales platform in November 2021. Prior to the termination of our direct-to-consumer sales platform, U.S. consumers made deposits for 360 Grunts (net of cancellations) and five Runts, plus accessories and a delivery fee representing total deposits of $2.2 million. These orders were cancelable by the consumer until the vehicle was delivered and after a 14-day acceptance period, therefore the deposits were recorded as deferred revenue. As of June 30, 2022, we had completed shipping of all Grunts sold through our direct-to-consumer sales platform. Due to delays in developing the Runt, we refunded the deposits made for all Runts.
Beginning in November 2021, we began negotiating dealership agreements with powersports dealers to display and sell our vehicles and accessories. Customers can now, or will soon be able to, buy our vehicles and accessories directly from a local dealership. Some of these dealers will also provide warranty and repair services to customers. As of March 15, 2024, we have 103 active dealers. Dealers can order any of our available products provided they are current on their accounts receivable and are within their established credit limit. We are offering dealers payment terms 30 to 90 days to make larger purchases of our vehicles. We have entered into an accounts receivable factoring arrangement to allow the Company the ability to generate cash for working capital. We have agreements with third party financing companies to provide financing to qualified customers of each dealer. There is no recourse to the Company or the dealer if the dealer’s customer defaults on the financing agreement with the third party.
We sell our vehicles internationally through importers. Each importer buys vehicles by the container and sells vehicles and accessories to local dealers or directly to consumers. Local dealers or the importer will provide warranty and repair services for vehicles purchased in their country. In October 2023, the Company made a decision to postpone expanding our dealer network in Canada for the foreseeable future and we have terminated the employment of our Canadian regional sales managers. As of March 15, 2024, we have signed agreements with six importers in Latin America, one importer for the Caribbean Region, collectively referred to herein as the LATAM importers, one importer in New Zealand, and one importer in Australia to sell our vehicles and accessories in their assigned countries/markets. In 2024, we expect to expand our global sales of our vehicles and accessories beyond our current distributor base.
In June 2022, we signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Torrot Electric Europa S.A., referred to herein as Torrot, to distribute their electric motorcycles for youth riders in Latin America. In October 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot, which superseded the June 2022 agreement, to also be the exclusive distributor of Torrot and Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in the U.S. as well as Latin America. Finally, in December 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to be the exclusive distributor of Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in Canada. In June 2023, we wrote down all remaining Torrot branded inventory in the amount of $84,000. In December 2023 we notified Torrot that we were terminating our agreements due to continued lower than expected sales at significantly discounted pricing. In 2023, we wrote down the Volcon co-branded Torrot youth motorcycles by $2,674,352 to reduce their cost to the estimated net realizable value due to lower than expected sales. We have agreed to give Torrot a total of 1,000 Volcon branded Torrot motorcycles originally purchased for $1.8 million, an upfront payment of $370,000 and an additional $1.7 million to be paid out at $100,000 over 17 months beginning in April 2024 in exchange for unfulfilled 2023 and 2024 unit purchases. As of December 31, 2023, we have Volcon Youth inventory of approximately $239,935, after reducing these to the estimated net realizable value, of Volcon branded Torrot motorcycles and accessories which we intend to liquidate and we have agreed to give Torrot sales rights in the U.S., Canada and LATAM after June 30, 2024.
In July 2022, we expanded our offerings with the introduction of the first of our Volcon UTV models, the Stag, which we initially anticipated would be available for delivery to customers in the fourth quarter of 2023, followed by additional models of the Stag expected in 2024 and 2025. Due to a delay in certain parts from third party vendors, we expect delivery to customers to begin in the first quarter of 2024. The Stag is being manufactured by a third party and incorporates electrification units, which include batteries, drive units and control modules provided by General Motors. Beginning in June 2022, we took non-binding pre-production orders which are cancelable prior to delivery. In the third quarter of 2023 we canceled all of the original pre-production orders due to the introduction of multiple models and new pricing. We began taking new pre-production orders for the newly introduced models in the third quarter of 2023. We also expect to introduce a higher performance, longer range UTV (to be named) but development of this vehicle has not yet begun and no timeline for its development and release has been determined.
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In August 2022 we ceased manufacturing of the Grunt and we outsourced the manufacturing of the remaining Grunts and the 2024 Grunt EVO to the same third party manufacturer as the Stag. The 2024 Grunt EVO has replaced the Grunt and has a belt drive rather than a chain drive as well as an updated rear suspension. We began selling the Grunt EVO in the third quarter of 2023.
We began taking pre-orders for an E-Bike, the Brat, in September 2022 and shipments to customers began in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Brat is being manufactured by a third party. In January 2023, we began selling the Brat directly to consumers through our website. Consumers who order the Brat from our website can have the Brat shipped to their specified destination.
In November 2022, we finalized an agreement with the same third party that manufactures the Stag and Grunt EVO to manufacture the Runt LT. We received prototypes of the Runt LT in the first quarter of 2023. We are evaluating the market for the Runt LT and will determine whether to proceed with production in the first half of 2024.
The estimated fulfillment of all orders we have received assumes that our third party manufacturers can successfully meet our order quantities and deadlines. If they are unable to satisfy orders on a timely basis, our customers may cancel their orders.
In September and October 2023, we reduced our headcount in several departments to reduce costs and we continue to evaluate other cost reduction opportunities.
Results of Operations
The following financial information is for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 3,260,988 | $ | 4,546,686 | ||||
| Cost of goods sold | 11,391,040 | 13,412,820 | ||||||
| Gross margin | (8,130,052 | ) | (8,866,134 | ) | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 7,405,705 | 5,694,556 | ||||||
| Product development | 7,868,985 | 8,456,157 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 6,388,007 | 9,046,778 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 21,662,697 | 23,197,491 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (29,792,749 | ) | (32,063,625 | ) | ||||
| Interest and other expense | (15,278,462 | ) | (2,171,780 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (45,071,211 | ) | $ | (34,235,405 | ) | ||
Due to recurring losses, there is no provision for income taxes for any period presented.
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Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $3,260,988 which represents sales of Brats of $2,341,097, Grunt EVO motorcycles of $465,438, Grunt motorcycles of $129,117, Volcon Youth and Torrot motorcycles of $498,160 and accessories and parts of $261,663 offset by $436,333 for rebates and dealer discounts.
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $4,546,686, which represents sales of Grunts of $3,576,796 and accessories and parts of $250,780. The sales of Grunts are offset by promotional rebates and discounts provided to dealers and distributors during 2022 resulting in $930,422 being recorded to reduce revenue. The rebate is provided as a year-end incentive to dealers and distributors to sell their remaining 2022 Model Year Grunt inventory. Revenue of $489,769 and $129,383 represents the sale of Brats and Torrot kids motorcycles, respectively.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $11,391,040, including payroll costs of $1,200,098 and stock-based compensation of $211,981 for employees performing warehouse and logistics management and quality control testing. Product costs for Brats, Grunt EVOs, and Volcon Youth motorcycles sold during the period were $1,674,987, $711,807 and $3,236,773, respectively. We recorded a write down of $2,674,352 for Volcon Youth motorcycles to reduce their costs to the expected net realizable value. We also recorded an expense of $2,070,000 for the termination of the Torrot agreement. We recorded an expense of $450,282 related to fees paid to cancel purchase orders to reduce raw material quantities. The Company also recorded an expense of $1,401,490 to write off inventory contributed to our third party manufacturer of the Grunt EVO in return for a credit that would be provided for each unit purchased up to 900 units.
Facilities costs for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $509,360 for our warehouse facility and third party warehousing costs. Accrued warranty costs were $205,069 offset by a reversal of the accrued warranty liability in the amount of $472,978 for the Grunt where the one year warranty for defects had expired and claims were not as high as estimated.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $13,412,820 including labor costs of $1,740,645 for employees and contractors performing assembly, logistics, quality control testing, and service and warranty of Grunts through August 2022, when assembly of the Grunt was discontinued, and stock-based compensation of $344,374 for share-based awards for these employees. Subsequent to August 2022, labor costs of $453,471 relate to employee and contractor costs for logistics, quality control testing and service and warranty, including stock-based compensation of $234,178 for share-based awards for these employees. Total cost of materials for Grunts during the year were $5,460,943 which include parts costs for Grunts sold of $3,814,424, adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory of $460,744 and adjustments to record inventory at its net realizable value of $1,692,217. We paid $128,137 for fees owed to cancel purchase orders for Grunt parts to reduce quantities ordered to expected sales demand. Cost of goods sold for Brats and Torrot Youth motorcycles, excluding shipping, was $235,160 and $206,596, respectively, this includes a $82,627 write-down for Torrot Youth inventory to sell remaining quantities on hand in anticipation of the Volcon Youth branded motorcycles which arrived in the first quarter of 2023.
Facilities costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $585,114 for our manufacturing facility and inventory warehousing costs. Shipping costs and duties/tariffs for inventory purchases and shipments to customers were $2,627,658 which includes an accrual of $350,000 for costs expected to be incurred to ship our raw materials and work-in-process inventory to our third party manufacturer offset by $242,772 for shipping fees paid by customers. Accrued warranty costs were $575,608. Depreciation expense of $285,564 was recorded in the year and a loss on the write-off of property and equipment of $170,657 was recognized for the disposal of manufacturing assets due to the outsourcing of Grunt assembly.
In 2024 we expect revenue and cost of goods sold, other than inventory write downs, Torrot contract termination costs and PO cancellation costs, to increase due to the expected increase in sales of the Grunt EVO and Stag. Additional cost savings may be realized if the third party manufacturer can source or manufacture parts at a lower cost. The increase in costs for products will partially be offset by reductions in cost for salaries and benefits due to reductions in headcount completed in 2023.
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Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expenses relate to costs to increase exposure and awareness for our products and developing our network of U.S. dealers and international distributors.
Sales and marketing expenses were $7,405,705 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and were primarily related to expenses associated with promoting our products and brand of $2,889,421, employee payroll costs of $2,789,652, stock-based compensation of $693,559 for share-based awards granted to employees and consultants, and travel costs of $294,323 primarily related to costs incurred for travel to build our dealer and distributor network and to attend events to promote our products. Facilities costs were $168,000. Bad debt expense was $105,687 and professional fees in the amount of $201,125, mainly related to legal fees in the amount of $74,090 related to entering into international distribution agreements and sales consultant fees in the amount of $73,132.
For the year ended December 31, 2022 sales and marketing expenses were $5,694,556 and include $1,636,619 for promoting our products, employee payroll costs of $1,949,064, stock-based compensation of $764,517 for share-based awards granted to employees and consultants, $66,625 for professional fees, $356,958 for facilities costs primarily to operate our now closed dealership in Denver, Colorado, including costs of $148,323 for closing this store, and travel costs of $294,878 primarily related to costs incurred for travel to build our dealer network.
We also expect sales expenses to increase as we begin expanding our international distributors and selling commissions for increased sales of Grunt EVOs and the Stag offset by overall lower expenses as we seek to reduce costs.
Product Development Expense
Product development expenses relate to development of our products and process to manufacture these products.
Product development expenses were $7,868,985 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and were primarily related to expenses associated with employee payroll costs of $1,772,836, stock-based compensation of $837,271 for share-based awards granted to employees and consultants, professional fees of $298,713 for consultants assisting with product design and programming, prototype vehicles and parts costs of $3,662,908, testing costs of $240,472 to complete testing of vehicles including any required regulatory tests, $198,224 for supplies and software and facilities costs of $192,998.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, product development expenses totaled $8,456,157 and primarily related to expenses associated with employee payroll costs of $3,646,927, stock-based compensation of $704,152 for share-based awards granted to employees and consultants, $1,010,895 for consulting fees for product design, other professional fees of $133,680, primarily for employee recruiting, prototype parts and tooling costs of $2,201,706, facilities cost of $262,762 and software fees, small equipment, tools and shop supplies of $183,761.
We expect 2024 product development costs related to employee costs to remain consistent with 2023. We expect costs to decrease for design and development costs and costs related to prototype costs for the current version of the Stag since the Stag is essentially ready for production in early 2024. We expect design and development costs to increase for development of other versions of our UTV lineup being considered for future release. We expect costs for design and development costs related to the Grunt EVO to decrease since it is in production and we expect costs related to the design and development of the Runt LT to be minimal since we already have prototypes of the product.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses relate to costs for our finance, accounting and administrative functions to support the development, manufacturing and sales of our products.
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For the year ended December 31, 2023, general and administrative expenses were $6,388,007 and were primarily related to expenses associated with employee payroll costs of $1,613,575, stock-based compensation of $885,113 for share-based awards granted to employees, professional fees of $1,024,774 (including legal fees of $522,334, tax and audit fees of $326,702 and recruiting fees of $50,297), software costs were $444,318, insurance costs of $1,465,092, facilities costs of $249,074, which includes $85,756 of lease termination costs, annual and special stockholder meeting costs of $227,439 and board compensation expense of $117,000.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, general and administrative expenses were $9,046,778 and were primarily related to expenses associated with employee payroll costs of $2,497,956, stock-based compensation of $1,211,788, professional fees of $2,197,734, including legal fees of $1,714,350 and recruiting fees of $173,122, insurance costs of $1,539,798, public company costs of $416,629 excluding legal fees of $496,364 included above, and software fees of $361,014.
We expect general and administrative expenses to remain relatively consistent with the fourth quarter of 2023 over the next several quarters as we have decreased staffing in some administrative areas but expect costs such as insurance and public company reporting and compliance requirements to offset the employee cost reductions.
Interest and Other Expenses, net
Interest and other income/expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $15,278,462. A loss on extinguishment of the Convertible Notes of $22,296,988 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements). Non-cash interest expense of $4,969,590 was recognized for the amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of principal on the Convertible Notes issued in August 2022 prior to extinguishment of the Convertible Notes and for the May 2023 Notes. A gain on the change in the valuation of derivative financial liabilities and warrant liabilities of $13,473,218 was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2023 (see Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements). Offering costs related to the November 2023 public offering for the amount allocated to the issuance of Series A and Series B Warrants in the amount of $1,444,547.
Interest and other expenses, net for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $2,171,780. Non-cash interest expense of $2,231,403 was recognized for the amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of principal on the Convertible Notes issued in August 2022.
We expect interest expense to decrease in the future due to the exchange of the May 2023 Notes for Preferred Stock.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $45,071,211, compared to $34,235,405 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On December 31, 2023, we had cash of $8.2 million, including $0.2 million of restricted cash and we had a negative working capital of $21.4 million. Since inception in February 2020, we have funded our operations from proceeds from debt and equity offerings.
Cash used in operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and includes all of our operating costs except stock-based compensation of $2.6 million, write-down of inventory of $4.3 million, depreciation and amortization of $0.2 million, non-cash interest expense for the amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of principal on Convertible Notes and May 2023 Notes of $5.0 million, gain on change in derivative financial liabilities of $13.5 million, loss on extinguishment of Convertible Notes of $22.3 million, bad debt expense of $0.1 million. Cash used in operating activities includes a decrease in accounts receivable of $0.6 million due to collections, increases in inventory of $7.6 million due to the purchase of Brats, Volcon Youth motorcycles and purchases of inventory for the Stag after considering the write down of Grunt and Volcon Youth motorcycle inventory, a decrease of $0.2 million in accounts payable, and an increase of $1.1 million in accrued liabilities due primarily to the accrual recorded for the settlement to Torrot. As of December 31, 2023, we have an increase of $0.4 million in customer deposits, primarily for orders to be fulfilled from two of our Latin American distributors for shipments of Brats and Grunt EVOs.
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Net cash used in operating activities was $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and includes all of our operating costs except non-cash expenses including stock-based compensation of $3.3 million, write-down of inventory and prepaid inventory of $1.7 million, depreciation and amortization of $0.8 million, non-cash interest expense for the amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of principal on Convertible Notes of $2.2 million, amortization of right of use assets and lease costs of $0.4 million and losses on write-off of assets and leases of $0.6 million. Cash used in operating activities includes increases in accounts receivable of $0.8 million for sales made to dealers, an increase in inventory of $5.1 million offset by a reduction in inventory deposits of $1.6 million as we made fewer deposits based on outsourcing of the assembly of the Grunt in August 2022 as the third party manufacturer will purchase raw materials prospectively, a decrease of $2.3 million of customer deposits as we fulfilled all direct to consumer orders, a decrease of $0.4 million due to timing of payments on accounts payable, a decrease of $0.2 million in accrued liabilities and an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.8 million.
Cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, consisting of $0.9 million of purchases of equipment and tooling offset by proceeds of $0.1 million received for the sale of two vehicles.
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily consisting of $0.3 million of purchases of equipment and tooling related to our Brat, Grunt, and Runt manufacturing and product development, $0.2 million for the cost of Grunts capitalized as demonstration units, and $0.2 million related to computers and equipment due to headcount growth prior to headcount reductions that occurred in the third quarter of 2022.
Cash provided by financing activities
Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $27.1 million and was related primarily to proceeds from the public offerings of 32,889 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of $4.6 million, issuance of convertible notes in a private offering with a principal amount of $4.9 million and net proceeds of $3.9 million, and proceeds from the public offering of 73,913 common stock units and 878,469 pre-funded warrants units for net proceeds of $16.2 million. We also received proceeds of $1.0 million from the exercise of 9,156 warrants and reduction of the exercise price for 7,778 warrants.
Cash provided from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, was $40.4 million and was related to proceeds received from both the public offering of our common stock in February 2022 where we sold 29,630 shares at $675.00 per share for net cash proceeds of $18.1 million and the issuance of senior Convertible Notes and Note Warrants in August 2022 for net cash proceeds of $22.3 million.
Our continuation as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to attain profitable operations and if necessary, obtain continued financial support from the issuance of debt or equity. As of December 31, 2023, we had incurred an accumulated deficit of $120.8 million since inception.
Management anticipates that our cash on hand as of December 31, 2023 plus the cash expected to be generated from operations will not be sufficient to fund planned operations during the near term and not beyond one year from the date of the issuance of the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. As such, to continue our operations in the near term we will be required to raise additional financing in the third quarter of 2024. We do not have commitments for any such financing, and there can be no assurance that such additional funding would be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to raise additional near-term financing, we will be required to modify or curtail our operations. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
JOBS Act Accounting Election
The recently enacted JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this extended transition period and, as a result, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for other public companies.
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We have implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and may impact our financial statements and we do not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following critical accounting policies:
Derivative Financial Liabilities and Warrant Liabilities
We do not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. We evaluate all of our financial instruments, including conversion features of our convertible debt and warrants issued in connection with our convertible debt, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives, pursuant to ASC 480 ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”). The classification of derivative financial instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is reassessed at the end of each reporting period.
We accounted for the conversion
features of our New Notes and Exchange Notes and related Note Warrants and Exchange Warrants issued in connection with the New Notes and
Exchange Notes, all issued May 2023, as derivative financial liabilities in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, we recognized these
derivative financial liabilities at fair value initially and adjusted them to fair value at each reporting period. These liabilities were
subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised or until the conversion feature share price and the warrant exercise
price become fixed, and any change in fair value was recognized in the statement of operations. The fair value of these financial instruments
were initially measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model and subsequently, the fair value was also estimated using a
Monte Carlo simulation model until they were no longer deemed derivative liabilities as of August 3, 2023. In addition, we made a probability
assessment as to whether our stockholders would approve the adjustment of the conversion prices and exercise prices of the derivative
financial liabilities.
We account for the Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants issued in connection with the November 2023 Common Units and Prefunded Warrant Units as financial liabilities in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, we recognize these financial liabilities at fair value initially and adjust them to fair value at each reporting period. The liabilities are subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised or until warrant exercise price and number of warrants become fixed, and any change in fair value is recognized in the statement of operations. The fair value of these financial instruments were initially measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model and subsequently, the fair value was also estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model as of December 31, 2023. In addition, we made a probability assessment as to whether our stockholders would approve the adjustment of the exercise prices of the financial liabilities. The determination of the fair value of the warrant liability may be subject to change as more current information becomes available and accordingly the actual results could differ significantly. The Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants are classified as current liabilities as the timing of their exercise is at the discretion of the warrant holders and the warrants were fully vested as of the date they were issued.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information required under this item.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Volcon, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Volcon, Inc. and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Going Concern Matter
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net working capital deficiency that raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
www.malonebailey.com
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.
March 28, 2024
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VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023
AND 2022
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Inventory deposits | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Long-term assets: | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Other long-term assets | ||||||||
| Right-of-use asset - operating lease | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Accrued purchase commitments | ||||||||
| Current portion of notes payable | ||||||||
| Convertible notes, net of issuance costs | ||||||||
| Warrant liabilities | ||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease liability, short-term | ||||||||
| Customer deposits | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Notes payable, net of discount and current portion | ||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease liability, long-term | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity (deficit): | ||||||||
| Preferred stock: $ par value, shares authorized, shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Common stock: $ par value, shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) | ( | ) | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
AND 2022
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Revenue: | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||
| Gross margin | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Sales and marketing | ||||||||
| Product development | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss from extinguishment | ( | ) | ||||||
| Issuance costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Gain on derivative liabilities and warrant liabilities | ||||||||
| Total other expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Loss before provision for income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Provision for income taxes | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per common share – basic | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per common share – diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic | ||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 37 |
VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
| Common stock | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||
| Number of | paid-in | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in public offerings, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock units in public offering, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of pre-funded warrant units, net of issuance costs of
$ | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of pre-funded warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds received for reduction of warrant exercise price | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of derivative liabilities to equity | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 38 |
VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
| Common stock | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||
| Number of | paid-in | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | capital | deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for public offering, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for cashless exercise of warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options and restricted shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeiture of performance shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of note warrants and underwriter warrants, net of issuance costs of $ | – | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | – | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 39 |
VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023
AND 2022
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash flow from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Loss on debt extinguishment | ||||||||
| Gain on change in fair value of financial derivatives and warrant liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | ||||||||
| Loss on write down of inventory and inventory deposits | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Loss on lease terminations | ||||||||
| Loss on write-off of property & equipment | ||||||||
| Write-off of intangible assets | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventory deposits | ||||||||
| Prepaid assets and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accrued liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Right-of-use liabilities - operating lease | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Customer deposits | ( | )) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flow from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sale of vehicles | ||||||||
| Net cash used by investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flow from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Repayment of notes payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock from public offerings, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes and warrants, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock units, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of pre-funded warrant units, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds for issuance of Series A and Series B warrants issued with common stock and pre-funded warrant units | ||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | ||||||||
| Proceeds from reduction of exercise price of warrants | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock from public offering, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of warrants to convertible note holders, net of issuance costs of $ | ||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH | ( | ) | ||||||
| CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | ||||||||
| CASH AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 40 |
VOLCON, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash transactions | ||||||||
| Recognition of initial right-of-use asset - operating lease | $ | $ | ||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment with note payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Reclassification of derivative liabilities to equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
| 41 |
VOLCON, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION, NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
Volcon, Inc. (“Volcon” or the “Company”) was formed on February 21, 2020, as a Delaware corporation, under the name Frog ePowersports, Inc. The Company was renamed Volcon, Inc. on October 1, 2020. Volcon designs and sells all-electric off-road powersport vehicles.
On January 5, 2021, the Company created Volcon ePowersports, LLC (“Volcon LLC”), a Colorado wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, to sell Volcon vehicles and accessories in the U.S. Volcon LLC is no longer used for selling vehicles and accessories.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has recurring losses and has generated negative cash flows from operations since inception.
In August 2022, the Company received net proceeds
of approximately $
The Company received net proceeds of approximately
$
In May 2023, the Company received net proceeds
of approximately $
On September 14, 2023, the holders of the New Notes and Exchange Notes (collectively the “May 2023 Notes”) entered into an agreement to modify the terms to extend the due date to January 31, 2025. In addition, the requirement to have unrestricted and unencumbered cash on deposit of $10 million if the outstanding principal (and interest, if any) of the Exchange Notes is $15 million or greater as of December 31, 2023 was amended to reduce the unrestricted and unencumbered cash on deposit to $5 million if the outstanding principal (and interest, if an) of the Exchange Notes is $15 million or greater as of June 30, 2024. The cash on deposit requirement is reduced dollar for dollar to the extent the outstanding principal (and interest, if any) of the Exchange Notes is less than $15 million on this date. The Company may factor up to $10 million of its accounts receivables provided the factoring lender executed a subordination and intercreditor agreement on terms acceptable to the holders of the May 2023 Notes, which was completed on October 17, 2023. The Company was also required to perfect a security interest in the assets of the Company no later than September 22, 2023, which the Company has completed.
On September 18, 2023, the Company received net
proceeds of approximately $
In a series of warrant inducement transactions
from September 29, 2023 to October 30, 2023, as more fully discussed below, the Company raised $
| 42 |
On
November 17, 2023, received net proceeds of approximately $
In February and March 2024, certain holders of the May 2023 Convertible
Notes issued in May 2023 converted approximately $
Management anticipates that our cash on hand as of December 31, 2023 plus cash expected to be generated from operations will not be sufficient to fund planned operations beyond one year from the date of the issuance of the financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. There can be no assurance that additional funding, if needed, would be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. These factors raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Nasdaq Compliance
On July 5, 2023, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq that it was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(b)(2), which requires that it maintain a market value of listed securities (“MVLS”) of $35 million. MVLS is calculated by multiplying the Company’s shares outstanding by the closing price of its common stock. On July 6, 2023, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq that it was not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of its common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. On October 13, 2023, the Company completed a 1 for 5 reverse stock split and the Company’s common stock price increased to over $1.00. On October 30, 2023, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq that it had regained compliance with Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of its common stock was above $1.00 for 10 consecutive business days. On December 19, 2023, the Company received a notice from Nasdaq that it was again not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of its common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days.
On December 26, 2023, the Company was notified by Nasdaq that it is not in compliance with Nasdaq’s Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iii) as the closing bid price of our common stock had been below $0.10 for ten consecutive trading days from December 11, 2023 through December 22, 2023 and was subject to delisting on January 2, 2024. On January 4, 2024, the Company received notice from Nasdaq that we did not meet the MVLS requirement and we were subject to delisting. The Company submitted a hearing request to Nasdaq’s Hearings Department for both of these matters, which stayed the suspension of the Company’s common stock. The Company participated in a hearing with Nasdaq;s Hearings Department on March 26, 2024 and they informed the Company that it could receive a decision within two weeks from the hearing date, although the timing of the decision is at the discretion of Nasdaq.
Impact of Russia and Ukraine Conflict
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could impact the availability of nickel, an element used in the production of lithium-ion cells used in batteries that power our vehicles. The shortage of these cells could have an impact on our ability to produce vehicles to meet our customers’ demands. In addition, sanctions against Russia could impact the price of elements, including nickel, which are used in the production of batteries which would result in higher costs to produce our vehicles. These sanctions have also impacted the U.S. and global economies and could result in an economic recession which could cause a broader disruption to the Company’s supply chain and distribution network and customer demand for our products.
| 43 |
NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are as follows:
Basis of Presentation
The basis of accounting applied is the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All intercompany accounts, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
As discussed in Notes 9 and 14, the Company completed a reverse 1 for 5 stock split on October 13, 2023 and a reverse 1 for 45 stock split on February 2, 2024, all share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the impact of these reverse stock splits.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods.
Making estimates requires management to exercise judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term investments
with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase. The recorded value of our cash and cash equivalents approximates
their fair value. There were
Revenue Recognition
For sales to dealers or distributors revenue is recognized when transfer of control of the product is made as there is no acceptance period or right of return. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring control of vehicles, parts, and accessories. Beginning in February 2023 the Company began selling the Brat E-Bike and Volcon Youth motorcycles directly to consumers in addition to dealers. Revenue for direct to consumer sales is recognized when transfer of control of the product is made to the consumer.
Consideration that is received in advance of the transfer of goods is recorded as customer deposits until delivery has occurred or the customer cancels their order, and the consideration is returned to the customer. Sales and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company’s sales do not presently have a financing component.
Sales promotions and incentives. The Company provides for estimated sales promotions and incentives, which are recognized as a component of sales in measuring the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Examples of sales promotion and incentive programs include rebates, distributor fees, dealer co-op advertising and volume incentives. Sales promotions and incentives are estimated based on contractual requirements. The Company records these amounts as a liability in the balance sheet until they are ultimately paid. Adjustments to sales promotions and incentives accruals are made as actual usage becomes known to properly estimate the amounts necessary to generate consumer demand based on market conditions as of the balance sheet date.
| 44 |
Shipping and handling charges and costs. The Company records shipping and handling amounts charged to the customer and related shipping costs as a component of cost of goods sold when control has transferred to the customer.
Product Warranties
The Company provides a one-year warranty on vehicles, and a two-year warranty on the battery pack. The Company accrues warranty reserves at the time revenue is recognized. Warranty reserves include the Company’s best estimate of the projected cost to repair or to replace any items under warranty, based on actual warranty experience as it becomes available and other known factors that may impact the evaluation of historical data. The Company reviews its reserves quarterly to ensure that the accruals are adequate to meet expected future warranty obligations and will adjust estimates as needed. Factors that could have an impact on the warranty reserve include the following: changes in manufacturing quality, shifts in product mix, changes in warranty coverage periods, product recalls and changes in sales volume. Warranty expense is recorded as a component of cost of goods sold in the statement of operations and is recognized as a current liability.
Inventory and Inventory Deposits
Inventories and prepaid inventory deposits are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value.
Certain vendors require the Company to pay an upfront deposit before they manufacture and ship the Company’s parts or accessories. These payments are classified as prepaid inventory deposits on the balance sheet until title and risk of loss transfers to the Company, at which time they are classified as inventory.
Raw materials inventory costs include the cost of parts, including duties, tariffs, and shipping. Work-in-process and finished goods include the cost of parts, labor and manufacturing overhead costs associated with the assembly of the vehicle. Finished goods also include accessories for the vehicle and branded merchandise such as hats and shirts.
Through August 2022 the Company assembled the Grunt motorcycle in a leased facility. The Company ceased assembly operations at the end of August and outsourced the assembly of the Grunt to a third party.
In May 2023, the Company transferred substantially all of its raw materials and work-in-process inventory for the Grunt to the third party manufacturer in the second quarter of 2023. Title to the inventory transferred to the third party manufacturer and the manufacturer provides the Company with a credit towards future purchases of the Grunt EVO.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are valued at cost. Additions are capitalized and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions of equipment are reflected in operations. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
| Schedule of estimated useful lives of the assets | ||
| Category | Estimated Useful Lives | |
| Machinery, tooling and equipment | ||
| Vehicles | ||
| Internal use manufactured vehicles | ||
| Furniture & Fixtures | ||
| Computers |
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter period of their estimated useful life or term of the lease.
| 45 |
Long-Lived Assets
The Company’s long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the historical carrying cost value of an asset may no longer be appropriate. The Company assesses recoverability of the asset by comparing the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the asset to the carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flows of the asset, an impairment loss is measured and recognized. An impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value and the fair value of the long-lived asset.
Leases
Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; the Company recognizes lease expenses for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not separate non-lease components from the lease components to which they relate, and instead accounts for each separate lease and non-lease component associated with that lease component as a single lease component.
ASC 842 defines initial direct costs as only the incremental costs of signing a lease. Initial direct costs related to leasing that are not incremental are expensed as general and administrative expenses in our statements of operations.
The Company’s operating lease agreements primarily consist of leased real estate and are included within ROU assets – operating leases and ROU lease liabilities – operating leases on the balance sheets. The Company’s lease agreements may include options to extend the lease, which are not included in minimum lease payments unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised at lease commencement. The Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Research and Development Expenses
The Company records research and development expenses in the period in which they are incurred as a component of product development expenses.
Income Taxes
Deferred taxes are determined utilizing the “asset and liability” method, whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company provides a valuation allowance, when it’s more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or non-current based on the underlying asset or liability or if not directly related to an asset or liability based on the expected reversal dates of the specific temporary differences.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
ASC Topic 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”) provides a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
| 46 |
ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).
The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under ASC Topic 820 are described as follows:
| · | Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. | |
| · | Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. | |
| · | Level 3 — Inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability. |
The following section describes the valuation methodologies that the Company used to measure different financial instruments at fair value.
Debt
The fair value of the Company’s debt approximated the carrying value of the Company’s debt as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Factors that the Company considered when estimating the fair value of its debt included market conditions, and term of the debt. The level of the debt would be considered as Level 2.
The Company relies on the guidance provided by ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, to classify certain convertible instruments. The Company first determines whether a financial instrument should be classified as a liability. The Company will determine the liability classification if the financial instrument is mandatorily redeemable, or if the financial instrument, other than outstanding shares, embodies a conditional obligation that the Company must or may settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares.
The Company accounts for derivative instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC Topic 815”), and all derivative instruments are reflected as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses estimates of fair value to value its derivative instruments. Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between able and willing market participants. In general, the Company’s policy in estimating fair values is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates and credit spreads, relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. The Company categorizes its fair value estimates in accordance with ASC Topic 820, based on the hierarchical framework associated with the three levels or price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value as discussed above.
Once the Company determines that a financial instrument should not be classified as a liability, the Company determines whether the financial instrument should be presented between the liability section and the equity section of the balance sheet (“temporary equity”). The Company will determine temporary equity classification if the redemption of the financial instrument is outside the control of the Company (i.e., at the option of the holder). Otherwise, the Company accounts for the financial instrument as permanent equity.
| 47 |
Initial Measurement
The Company records its financial instruments classified as a liability, temporary equity or permanent equity at issuance at the fair value, or cash received.
Subsequent Measurement - Financial instruments classified as liabilities
The Company records the fair value of its financial instruments classified as liabilities at each subsequent measurement date. The changes in fair value of its financial instruments classified as liabilities are recorded as other expense/income. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the fair value of derivatives for instruments with embedded conversion features and for free standing warrants as discussed further in Note 7.
Additional Disclosures Regarding Fair Value Measurements
The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, inventory, other assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturity of those items.
Warrant Liabilities and Convertible Liabilities
The fair value of the derivative liabilities and warrant liabilities is classified as Level 3 within the Company’s fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 7, Derivative Instruments, for further discussion of the measurement of fair value of the derivatives and their underlying assumptions.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has a stock-based incentive award plan for employees, consultants and directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation at the estimated fair value on the grant date and recognizes the amortization of stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, or when it is probable criteria will be achieved for performance-based awards. Fair value is determined based on assumptions related to the fair value of the Company common stock, stock volatility and risk-free rate of return. The Company has elected to recognize forfeitures when realized.
Concentration Risk
The Company outsources certain portions of product design and development for its vehicles to third parties. In addition, the Company has outsourced the manufacturing of all of its vehicles to third party manufacturers, including one manufacturer for two of its vehicles, the Stag and Grunt EVO, and this third party is also performing product design and development services on the Stag.
One supplier provides the battery and drivetrain components for the Company’s utility terrain vehicle, the Stag. The components are critical to the operation of the Stag. The Company also sources some of the other components from third party suppliers and the third party manufacturer sources other components from third party suppliers or fabricates them from materials sourced from third parties.
On January 8, 2024, the Company notified the manufacturer
of the Volcon Youth motorcycles that it was terminating the co-branding and distribution agreement with them due to lower than anticipated
sales of these units. In March 2024, the Company agreed to allow the manufacturer
to keep all fully paid for units manufactured and held by the manufacturer and pay cash of $
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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 requires companies to measure credit losses utilizing a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 effective January 1, 2023. The Company determined that the update applied to trade receivables, but that there was no material impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of ASU 2016-13.
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standard Board or other standard setting bodies that the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. The Company does not believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
NOTE 3 – INVENTORY
Inventory consists of the following:
| Schedule of inventory | ||||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||
| Work-in-process | ||||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||
| Total inventory | $ | $ | ||||||
In June 2023, the Company wrote down all remaining
Torrot branded inventory in the amount of $
NOTE 4 – LONG – LIVED ASSETS
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following:
| Schedule of property and equipment | ||||||||
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Machinery, tooling and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Vehicles | ||||||||
| Internal use manufactured vehicles | ||||||||
| Fixtures & furniture | ||||||||
| Leasehold improvements | ||||||||
| Computers | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total property and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
Depreciation expense for the year ended December
31, 2023 and 2022 was $
| 49 |
NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE
In December 2020, the Company entered into a financing
arrangement for $
In March 2023, the Company entered into two financing
arrangements to purchase two vehicles. The total principal of these arrangements is $
The following table provides the maturities of notes payable as of December 31, 2023:
| Schedule of maturities for notes payable | ||||
| 2024 | $ | |||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| 2029 | ||||
| Total future payments | ||||
| Less: Interest | ( | ) | ||
| Total notes payable | ||||
| Less current portion | ( | ) | ||
| Long-term notes payable | $ | |||
NOTE 6 - CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On August 24, 2022, the Company issued senior
convertible notes with an aggregate principal amount of $
Company allocated the net proceeds received from the issuance of the
Convertible Notes and Note Warrants based on the relative fair values of each resulting in net proceeds of $
| 50 |
On May 24, 2023, the Company issued additional
senior convertible notes (“New Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $
The holders of the New Notes also received fully
vested warrants (the “New Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial exercise
price of $
Concurrent with the issuance of the New Notes,
the Company exchanged the Convertible Notes into two new notes, Series A Notes and Series B Notes both due February 24, 2024 (collectively
the “Exchange Notes” and collectively with the New Notes the “May 2023 Notes”). The aggregate principal amount
of Series A Notes is $
The Company also exchanged the Note Warrants with an exercise price of $641.25 per share issued with the Convertible Notes in August 2022 for warrants which had an initial exercise price of $245.25 per share (the “Exchange Warrants”), and which exercise price was adjusted to $168.75 per share upon stockholder approval, which approval was received on August 3, 2023. The Exchange Warrants expire August 24, 2027.
In September 2023, the Company completed a public
offering and sold shares of common stock at $per share. The holders of the May 2023 Notes waived their right to reduce the
conversion price to the equity issuance price and agreed to reduce the conversion price to $123.75 per share. The exercise price of the
May 2023 Warrants were reduced to $
In September 2023, the holders of the May 2023 Notes agreed to modify the due date of these notes to January 31, 2025. See discussion of further modifications below. The Company also executed a security interest to the holders for substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The May 2023 Notes contain certain conversion limitations, providing that no conversion may be made if, after giving effect to the conversion, the holder, together with any of its affiliates, would own in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock after giving effect to such conversion. The Company can force conversion of the Series A and Series B Notes at any time if the weighted average price of the Company’s common stock for ten consecutive trading days equals or exceeds $263.25 or $380.25, respectively, subject to the share limitations described above. In addition to default interest of 10% accruing on the May 2023 Notes, the holders may require the Company to redeem a portion or all of the outstanding May 2023 Notes.
| 51 |
Events of default for the May 2023 Notes are defined in the note agreements and include the following:
| · | Failure of the Company to file a registration statement, and have declared effective to register the shares of the Company’s common stock within a specified period (the Company has met this requirement as of September 28, 2023) | |
| · | Suspension of trading, or failure to be listed, of the Company’s common stock on an eligible market, as defined, for a period of two consecutive trading days or an aggregate of ten trading days in a 365 day period | |
| · | Failure to deliver shares of the Company’s common stock within five days following a conversion notification | |
| · | Failure to reserve shares of the Company’s common stock for the conversion of the May 2023 Notes and May 2023 Warrants | |
| · | Any acceleration prior to maturity of any indebtedness of the Company, declaration of bankruptcy, or court ordered bankruptcy | |
| · | Final judgment or judgments for payment aggregating in excess of $250,000 are rendered against the Company not covered by insurance or indemnity and are not discharged or stayed pending appeal within 60 days of judgment | |
| · | Breach of any representation, warranty or covenant by the Company to the transaction documents of the May 2023 Notes and Exchange Warrants | |
| · | Any material damage to, or loss, theft or destruction of a material amount of the property of the Company | |
| · | Failure to remove any restrictive legends on any shares of the Company’s common stock issued to the holders of the May 2023 Notes | |
| · | Electronic transfer of shares of the Company’s common stock is not available |
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with the above covenants.
The May 2023 Notes originally required the Company to have unrestricted
and unencumbered cash on deposit of $10 million if the outstanding principal (and interest, if any) of the May 2023 Notes is $15 million
or greater as of December 31, 2023. The cash on deposit requirement is reduced dollar for dollar to the extent that the outstanding principal
(and interest, if any) of the May 2023 Notes is less than $15 million on December 31, 2023. In September 2023, the note holders modified
this requirement to change the date from December 31, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and reduced the cash on deposit requirement to $
As discussed in Note 9, the Company completed
a
The conversion prices of the Exchange Notes, and
the exercise prices of the New Warrants and Exchange Warrants (collectively the “May
2023 Warrants”) are subject to further adjustment in the event that the Company issues additional common stock, stock options, warrants
or convertible notes with prices below the exercise price in effect at the time of issuance, or completes a stock split, reverse stock
split or recapitalization where the lowest day’s VWAP of the Company’s stock price is below $61.605 in the five days following
the stock split with a floor of $0.22 per share. See Note 14 for discussion of the impact
of the 1 for 45 reverse split on February 2, 2024.
Also in September 2023, the Company and the holders of the Exchange Warrants entered into a warrant inducement agreement whereby the Exchange
Warrant holders agreed to exercise Exchange Warrants at a reduced exercise price of $78.75 per share. The Company issued the holders
warrants (“Reload Warrants”) with an exercise price of $
Holders of the May 2023 Notes, the May 2023 Warrants and Reload Warrants (collectively the “Holders”) do not have voting rights to the extent they have not converted their notes or exercised their warrants.
The May 2023 Warrants and Reload Warrants contain certain conversion limitations, providing that a holder thereof may not exercise such warrants to the extent that, if after giving effect to such conversion, the holder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock immediately after giving effect to such exercise. The May 2023 Warrants and Reload Warrants provide the holders the right to exercise these warrants on a non-cash basis if the Company does not have an effective registration statement for the underlying shares of common stock.
| 52 |
The Company has evaluated the issuance of the
New Notes and Exchange Notes and related warrants and determined that the Convertible Notes were extinguished based on the conclusion
that the terms of the New Notes and Exchange Notes are substantially different from the Convertible Notes in accordance with ASC 470,
Debt. In addition, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of the Convertible Notes based on the carrying value of
the Convertible Notes at the transaction date, plus gross proceeds received from the issuance of New Notes and New Warrants, less the
fair value of the i) New Notes and conversion option, ii) New Warrants, iii) Exchange Notes and conversion options, and iv) Exchange
Warrants. The resulting loss on extinguishment was $
| Schedule of convertible notes | ||||||||
| Fair Value | Principal Amount | |||||||
| New Notes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Series A Exchange Notes | ||||||||
| Series B Exchange Notes | ||||||||
| Total May 2023 Notes | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company recognized interest expense of
$
The Company estimated the fair value of the conversion features of the New Notes, Exchange Notes, New Warrants and Exchange Warrants as of May 24, 2023 as discussed in Note 7 below.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $
As of December 31, 2023, there were no conversions of the May 2023 Notes. As discussed in Note 14, on March 4, 2024, the Company exchanged the May 2023 Notes for Series A preferred stock. As a result, there are no remaining covenants related to the May 2023 Notes that the Company must comply with and the security interest on the assets of the Company has been released by the noteholders.
NOTE 7 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND WARRANT LIABILITIES
May 2023 Notes and May 2023 Warrants
As discussed in Note 6, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of the Convertible Notes based on the fair values of the May 2023 Notes including the conversion feature, and the May 2023 Warrants. The Company determined that there was a derivative liability associated with the conversion features in the May 2023 Notes due to the conversion price being subject to stockholder approval in the conversion feature. Therefore, the Company has separated conversion features from the May 2023 Notes and has recorded them at fair value and will continue to adjust them to fair value until shareholder approval is received as the conversion price is then only adjusted based on anti-dilutive provisions. The Company has also determined that the May 2023 Warrants are derivative liabilities due to the potential adjustment in the exercise prices being subject to stockholder approval. Once shareholder approval is received, the exercise price of the warrants only adjusts based on anti-dilutive provisions.
| 53 |
The fair value of the conversion features and warrant liabilities were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions and methodologies:
| Schedule of assumptions | ||||||||
May 24, 2023 | August 3, 2023 | |||||||
| Conversion Feature Liabilities | ||||||||
| Company stock price on valuation date | $ | $ | ||||||
| Volatility (closing prices of guideline comparable public companies) | ||||||||
| Conversion price per share | $ | $ | ||||||
| Note term (years) | ||||||||
| Risk free interest rate | ||||||||
| Warrant Liabilities | ||||||||
| Company stock price on valuation date | $ | $ | ||||||
| Volatility (closing prices of guideline comparable public companies) | ||||||||
| Conversion price per share | $ | $ | ||||||
| Warrant term (years) | ||||||||
| Risk free interest rate | ||||||||
In addition to the above factors, the Company also used a probability assessment for the initial and August 3, 2023 valuation to evaluate whether stockholder approval would be received to lower the conversion and exercise prices. The Company utilized a 50/50 assessment that stockholders would or would not approve the lower conversion and exercise price. Management notes that at the time of the assessment, the stockholder vote had not yet started therefore there was no data to determine whether one scenario was more likely than another. Since the stockholders approved the lower conversion and exercise price on August 3, 2023, no probability assessment was used.
Based on the above factors, the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial derivative liabilities carried at fair value at May 24, 2023 and August 2, 2023 is as follows:
| Schedule of fair value of derivative liabilities | ||||||||
| May 24, 2023 | August 3, 2023 | |||||||
| Conversion Feature - New Notes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Conversion Feature - Series A Exchange Notes | ||||||||
| Conversion Feature - Series B Exchange Notes | ||||||||
| New Warrants | ||||||||
| Exchange Warrants | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
On August
3, 2023, stockholders approved the adjustment of the conversion price of the New Notes and Exchange Notes and the exercise price of
the New Warrants and Exchange Warrants. The conversion and exercise prices can adjust to a floor of $0.22 per share based on certain
events defined in the agreements related to these instruments. The Company has concluded that as of August 3, 2023, the conversion
feature of the May 2023 Notes and the May 2023 Warrants are no longer derivative liabilities and reclassified them to equity. The Company
recognized a gain of $
| 54 |
Series A and Series B Warrants
As discussed in Note 9 below, the Company issued Series A and Series B Warrants (the “November 2023 Warrants”) in connection with the sale of common units and pre-funded warrant units. Under the terms of the November 2023 Warrants, the number and exercise price are subject to adjustment if the Company completes certain transactions specified in these warrant agreements. Such adjustments are subject to shareholder approval, and some will result in a change in the exercise price and number of warrants, and others will only result in the change in exercise price due to standard anti-dilution provisions.
The Company has determined that these warrants should be classified as liabilities and has used a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair values until shareholder approval is received and the number of warrants becomes fixed. The following assumptions were used in the valuations:
| Schedule of warrants assumptions | ||||||||
| November 17, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Company stock price on valuation date | $ | $ | ||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||
| Risk free interest rate | ||||||||
| Dividend yield | ||||||||
| Warrant term (years) | ||||||||
| Time to future transaction (years) | ||||||||
| Future transaction probability | ||||||||
In addition to the above factors, the Company also used a probability assessment for the initial and December 31, 2023 valuation to evaluate whether stockholder approval would be received on January 12, 2024 to lower the conversion and exercise prices. Management notes that at the time of the assessment, the stockholder vote had not yet started but there was a requirement in the offering that the board of directors, management, and a significant shareholder vote in favor of these adjustments which included approximately 20.1% of the shares outstanding as of the transaction date. Further, significant investors in the transaction held shares acquired prior to the record date for eligible shareholders to vote. Although these same investors could not vote the shares received in the November 17, 2023 offering, they could abstain from voting those shares for the shareholder vote and such shares would count towards whether a quorum of shares was received to hold the special meeting for the shareholder approval. Finally, management notes that approval was overwhelmingly positive to adjust the conversion price for the May 2023 Notes and May 2023 Warrants and exercise prices. The Company concluded that it was 100% likely that stockholders would approve the provisions to adjust the number of warrants and exercise price.
Based on the above factors, the estimated fair value of the Series A and Series B Warrant liabilities at November 17, 2023 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:
| Schedule of estimated fair value | ||||||||
| November 17, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Series A Warrant | $ | $ | ||||||
| Series B Warrant | $ | $ | ||||||
The estimated
fair values as of November 17, 2023 were used to allocate the gross proceeds from the issuance of the common units and pre-funded warrant
units resulting in a value of $
Based on the above factors, the estimated fair value of the Company’s warrant liabilities carried at fair value at November 17, 2023 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:
| Schedule of warrant liabilities at fair value | ||||||||
| November 17, 2023 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
| Series A Warrants | $ | $ | ||||||
| Series B Warrants | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
Based
on the change in the estimated fair value of the Series A and Series B warrants from November 17, 2023 to December 31, 2023, the Company
recorded a gain of $
The following represents the activity associated with the May 2023 Notes, May 2023 Warrants and Series A and Series B Warrants for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Schedule of derivative activity | May 2023 Notes and May 2023 Warrants | Series A and Series B Warrants | ||||||
| Fair value on issuance date | $ | |||||||
| Gain on changes in fair value | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Reclassification to equity | ( | ) | ||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||
The total gain on the changes in fair value
of $
| 55 |
NOTE 8 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 2022, the Company issued purchase orders
and made prepayments for prototype parts of $
In November 2020, the Company entered into an operating lease with an entity controlled by the Company’s two founders for its future headquarters and production facility in Liberty Hill, Texas. The lease had a lease term of 5 years, and monthly payments ranging from approximately $15,000 per month to $17,000 per month over the lease term and gave the Company access to the land for use in testing its vehicles prior to the construction of any facilities. In February 2021, the Company entered into an amendment of the lease related to its future headquarters to expand the leased premises. The Company paid an additional security deposit of $139,230 and additional prepaid rent of $315,588. The total minimum lease payments under the amended lease totaled approximately $3,930,170.
In October 2021, the Company began discussions for an additional amendment to the lease, in anticipation of manufacturing the Stag at this location, which would have resulted in the monthly payment increasing to $100,000 for the first year of the lease and increasing annually throughout the term of the lease to $107,000 in the final year. Monthly payments for the initial lease and the amended agreement would have begun at the time a certificate of occupancy was received by the landlord.
The Company evaluated the cost of this facility
in relation to other lower cost options, including having a third party manufacturer the Stag, and determined that it would be in the
best interest of the Company to terminate this lease. On April 27, 2022, the Company informed the landlord that it would be terminating
the lease. On May 27, 2022, the landlord notified the Company that the landlord would refund $85,756 of the prepaid rent and security
deposit balance of $601,818 paid by the Company. The unrefunded portion of the prepaid rent and security deposit related to some survey,
architecture and construction design costs that were incurred by the landlord prior to the Company terminating the lease. In September
and October 2023, the landlord notified the Company that there were additional costs that exceeded the amount of the refund and the landlord
released the Company from paying any amounts in excess of the original expected refund. The landlord also released the Company from any
remaining obligations under the lease and amendments. The Company has recognized a loss on the termination of this lease of $
Total amortization expense for the right-of-use
asset recorded for the initial lease for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $
In June 2021, the Company entered into an agreement
with a company controlled by the Company’s Chairman and co-founder to lease office space for $2,000 per month for a period of one
year. In May 2022, the Company informed the landlord that it would terminate this lease, and the landlord confirmed that the lease terminated
effective September 1, 2022. Total expense recorded for this lease for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $
On August 28, 2020, the Company entered into three-year consulting agreements with Pink Possum, and Highbridge Consultants, LLC (“Highbridge”),
an entity controlled by Mr. Adrian James, a co-founder of the Company, pursuant to which Messrs. Okonsky and James provide the Company
with services. In consideration for entering into the consulting agreements, the Company issued the two entities ten-year warrants to
purchase the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share. The number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant
to the warrants was based on the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding at the time of exercise and provided
that Pink Possum and Highbridge would receive 18.75% and 25%, respectively, of the Company’s shares of common stock outstanding
at the time of exercise on a fully diluted basis. On March 26, 2021 and March 25, 2021, respectively, Pink Possum and Highbridge entered
into amendments to the consulting agreements agreeing to exchange the original warrants for new ten-year warrants to purchase
| 56 |
In addition, pursuant to the consulting agreements, upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Transaction (as defined below) for an aggregate gross sales price of $100.0 million or more, each entity will receive a cash payment equal to 1% of such gross sales price. For the purposes of the consulting agreements, “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (i) a consolidation or merger involving the Company if the holders of the voting securities of the Company that are outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such consolidation or merger do not, immediately after the consummation of such consolidation or merger, hold voting securities that collectively possess at least a majority of the voting power of all the outstanding securities of the surviving entity of such consolidation or merger or such surviving entity’s parent entity; (ii) a transfer or issuance (in a single transaction or series of related transactions) by one or more of the Company and its stockholders to one person or to any group of persons acting in concert, of shares of the Company’s capital stock then collectively possessing 50% or more of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of the Company’s capital stock (computed on an as-converted to common stock basis); or (iii) any sale, license, lease, assignment or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company. Furthermore, commencing upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering of the shares of our common stock, if the Company’s market capitalization exceeds $300.0 million for a period of 21 consecutive trading days, each of the entities will receive an additional cash payment equal to $15.0 million; provided that the Company will have the right, in its sole discretion, to make the foregoing $15.0 million payment by the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock. The foregoing amounts will be payable to the entities if the above milestones occur any time prior to the ten-year anniversary of the original consulting agreements, or August 28, 2030.
In December 2022, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Okonsky whereby Mr. Okonsky became an employee on January 2, 2023 and the consulting agreement with Pink Possum was terminated. However, the warrants to Pink Possum, and the provisions for a Fundamental Transaction and the market capitalization thresholds and related payments owed to Pink Possum if these were to occur remain in effect subsequent to the employment agreement. Mr. Okonsky informed the Company on January 27, 2024 that he would forfeit his salary and benefits effective February 1, 2024.
In March 2024, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Okonsky and he is entitled to a monthly fee of $5,000 and payment of 1% of the gross proceeds from any merger, sale or change of control transaction (as determined by the board of directors) entered by the Company for a period of up to 6 months following the termination of the consulting agreement. This consulting agreement terminates any remaining provisions of the Pink Possum agreement noted above other than the warrants remain outstanding.
NOTE 9 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On June 14, 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000 to . In addition, the Company is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock with a par value of $. The specific rights of the preferred stock, when so designated, shall be determined by the board of directors (see Note 14).
Common stock
On February 1, 2022, the Company sold shares
of its common stock in a public offering at $ per share. The Company received net proceeds of $
On May 24, 2023, the Company sold shares of its common stock in a public offering at $ per share. The Company received net
proceeds of $
On September 18, 2023, the Company sold
shares of its common stock in a public offering at $ per share. The Company received net proceeds of $
| 57 |
As discussed in Note 6 above, on May 24, 2023, the Company issued the May 2023 Notes and May 2023 Warrants, along with the warrants to the placement agent in August 2022 with the issuance of the Convertible Notes. The Company received consent from the underwriter to issue such securities. In addition, the Company was required to reserve shares of common stock for future issuance of shares for the conversion of the May 2023 Notes and exercise of the May 2023 Warrants and shares for the exercise of the placement agent warrants.
November 2023 Common Units and Pre-Funded Warrant Units
On November 17, 2023, the Company sold (i) common units (“Common Units”), each consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock, a Series A warrant
to purchase one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $24.75 per share or pursuant to an alternative cashless exercise
option (described below), which warrant will expire on the five-year anniversary of the original issuance date (the “Series A Warrants”)
and a Series B warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $37.80 per share, which warrant will expire
on the five-year anniversary of the original issuance date (the “Series B Warrants” and together with the Series A Warrants,
the “Warrants”); and (ii) pre-funded units (the “Pre-funded Units” and together with the Common Units, the “Units”), each consisting
of one pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of common stock (the “Pre-funded Warrants”), a Series A Warrant and a Series
B Warrant. The purchase price of each Common Unit was $18.90, and the purchase price of each Pre-Funded Unit was $18.8996. The Pre-Funded
Warrants are immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. As
of December 31, 2023,
In addition, the Company
granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase additional 142,858 shares of common stock and/or Pre-Funded Warrants, representing
up to 15% of the number of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants sold in the Public Offering, and/or additional 18,724 Series A Warrants
representing up to 15% of the Series A Warrants sold in the Public Offering, and/or additional 18,724 Series B Warrants representing
up to 15% of the Series B Warrants sold in the Public Offering solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriter partially exercised
its over-allotment option with respect to 18,724 Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants. A total of each of Series A and B Warrants were issued in the transaction. The net proceeds were approximately $
Series A Warrants
Each Series A Warrant has an initial exercise
price per share equal to $
Share Combination Event Adjustments
Conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval at a required special meeting of stockholders (“Special Meeting”), if at any time on or after the date of issuance there occurs any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction involving the Company’s common stock (collectively a “Share Event”) and the lowest daily VWAP during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of such event and the five consecutive trading days after the date of such event is less than the exercise price then in effect, then the exercise price of the Series A Warrant shall be reduced to the lowest daily VWAP during such period and the number of warrant shares issuable shall be increased such that the aggregate exercise price payable thereunder, after taking into account the decrease in the exercise price, shall be equal to the aggregate exercise price on the date of issuance. As discussed in Note 14 below, approval of this adjustment by the stockholders was made on January 12, 2024.
Cashless Exercise
If at the time a holder exercises its Series A Warrants, a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants under the Securities Act is not then effective or available and an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is not available for the issuance of such shares, then in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Series A Warrants.
| 58 |
Conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval at a required Special Meeting, a holder of Series A Warrants may also provide notice and elect an “alternative cashless exercise” pursuant to which they would receive an aggregate number of shares equal to the product of (x) the aggregate number of shares of common stock that would be issuable upon a cash exercise of the Series A Warrant and (y) 3.0. As discussed in Note 14 below, approval of this adjustment by the stockholders was made on January 12, 2024.
Adjustments and Activity Subsequent to December 31, 2023
As discussed in Note 14, the Company completed a 1 for 45 reverse stock split on February 2, 2024. Prior to this reverse split, 18,941 Series A Warrants were exercised under the alternative cashless exercise provision in the period from January 1, 2024 to February 2, 2024. As a result of the reverse stock split, the total number of Series A Warrants and exercise price for the remaining warrants was adjusted per the provisions of a Share Event and the total number of Series A Warrants became 3,979,955 and the exercise price became $1.8646. A total of 3,937,910 of the Series A Warrants were exercised under the alternative cashless exercise provision and 42,045 remain outstanding as of March 27, 2024.
Series B Warrants
Each Series B Warrant offered has an initial exercise
price per share equal to $
Anti-Dilution Provisions
Subject to certain exemptions outlined in the Series B Warrant, for the life of the warrant, if the Company sells, enters into an agreement to sell, or grants any option to purchase, or sells, enters into an agreement to sell, or grants any right to reprice, or otherwise disposes of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any common stock or convertible security, at an effective price per share less than the exercise price of the Series B Warrant then in effect (a “Dilutive Issuance”), the exercise price of the Series B Warrant will be reduced to an amount equal to the lowest daily VWAP during the period commencing five consecutive trading days following the Dilutive Issuance, subject to a floor price of $0.13; provided that upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval at a required Special Meeting, the floor price will be removed and, upon a Dilutive Issuance, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series B Warrant shall be proportionally adjusted so that the aggregate exercise price of the Series B Warrant shall remain unchanged. As discussed in Note 14 below, approval of this adjustment by the stockholders was made on January 12, 2024.
In addition, conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval at the Special Meeting, for the life of the Series B Warrant, the Company may voluntarily reduce the exercise price of the Series B Warrant. The Company refers to this price adjustment feature as the “Voluntary Adjustment Provision”. As discussed in Note 14 below, approval of this adjustment by the stockholders was made on January 12, 2024.
Share Combination Event Adjustments
Conditioned upon the receipt of the Warrant Stockholder Approval, if at any time on or after the date of issuance there occurs any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction involving the Company’s common stock (collectively a “Share Event”) and the lowest daily VWAP during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of such event and the five consecutive trading days after the date of such event is less than the exercise price then in effect, then the exercise price of the Series B Warrant shall be reduced to the lowest daily VWAP during such period and the number of warrant shares issuable shall be increased such that the aggregate exercise price payable thereunder, after taking into account the decrease in the exercise price, shall be equal to the aggregate exercise price on the date of issuance. As discussed in Note 14 below, approval of this adjustment by the stockholders was made on January 12, 2024.
| 59 |
Adjustments and Activity Subsequent to December 31, 2023
As discussed in Note 14, the Company completed a 1 for 45 reverse stock split on February 2, 2024. Prior to this reverse split, no Series B Warrants had been exercised. As a result of the reverse stock split, the total number of Series B Warrants and exercise price for the remaining warrants was adjusted per the provisions of a Share Event and the total number of Series B Warrants became 7,137,082 and the exercise price became $1.8646. A total of 70,000 of the Series B Warrants were exercised and 7,067,062 remained outstanding as of March 4, 2024, when the Company exchanged the May 2023 Notes for Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with a conversion price of $1.33 per share, as discussed further in Note 14. As a result of this exchange, the Series B Warrant amounts and exercise price were further adjusted based on the Anti-Dilution Provisions and the new number of Series B Warrants is 14,546,024 and the exercise price is $0.9059. As of March 27, 2024, 14,546,024 of the Series B Warrants remain outstanding.
Other Warrants
As discussed in Note 6, the Company issued the
Note Warrants, which were fully vested, to purchase
In May 2023, all of the Note Warrants to purchase
shares of the Company’s common stock were exchanged for Exchange Warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s
common stock with an initial exercise price of $245.25 per share (which was adjusted to $168.75 per share upon stockholder approval which
was received on August 3, 2023). The Exchange Warrants expire
As noted below, 6,824 of the Exchange Warrants
were exercised at a price of $78.75 per share and 6,824 Reload Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $
On October 11, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Stag UTV development and Stag supplier agreements with GLV Ventures (“GLV”). Pursuant to the Amendment, GLV agreed to provide the Company with extended payment terms and provide the Company with credit against new vehicles for the value of certain parts purchased by the Company. In consideration for entering into the Amendment No. 1, the Company agreed to issue GLV (or its designee) five-year warrants to purchase 8,889 shares of Company common stock with an exercise price of $94.50 per share, which was equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the Amendment No. 1, 4,445 shares were fully vested upon issuance and the remaining warrants vested 45 days from the issuance date.
| 60 |
Warrant Inducements
On October 13, 2023, the Company entered into an inducement offer letter agreement (the “Inducement Letter”) with the three holders (each, a “Holder”) of the May 2023 Warrants. The Company agreed to reduce the exercise price of up to 21,623 to the lesser of (i) $78.75 (after giving effect to the 1:5 reverse stock split that went into effect on October 13, 2023) and (ii) the exercise price in effect at the time of exercise of the Existing Warrants if further adjusted in accordance with the terms of the May 2023 Warrants ($61.605 per share after adjustment for the lowest day’s VWAP for the five days following the reverse stock split). The reduction of the exercise price of such Existing Warrants remained in effect until October 27, 2023 (the “Inducement Period”). The exercise price for any Warrants not exercised prior to the end of the Inducement Period would not result in a change in the exercise price under the original terms of the Existing Warrants. The Holders exercised 6,824 warrants of the 21,623 warrants available for exercise. Due to the exchange of the May 2023 Notes for Series A convertible preferred stock as discussed further in Note 14 below, the exercise price of the warrants issued for those exercised in the Inducement Period were adjusted to $1.33.
In addition, pursuant to the Inducement Letter, the Holders who exercise such Existing Warrants for cash on or prior to October 27, 2023 would receive a new warrant (“Reload Warrant”) to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock exercised under the Existing Warrants. The exercise price of the Reload Warrants was determined based on the terms of the Existing Warrants, which was $61.605 per share. On October 20, 2023, the Holders exercised 2,332 warrants at $61.605 per share. Due to the exchange of the May 2023 Notes for Series A convertible preferred stock as discussed further in Note 14 below, the exercise price of the Reload Warrants was adjusted to $1.33.
On October 29, 2023, in an effort to raise cash,
the Company entered into an inducement offer letter agreement (the “Inducement Reprice Letter”) with the Holders of the Company’s
May 2023 Warrants. Pursuant to the Inducement Reprice Letter, in exchange for an aggregate cash payment of $
The following is the activity related to common stock warrants during the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Schedule of warrants activity | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock Warrants | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Life in years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Granted (1) | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Canceled | $ | – | ||||||||||||||
| Exchanged | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Expired | $ | – | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| (1) |
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized expense of $ and $, respectively, related to common stock warrants.
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In January 2021, the Company’s board of directors adopted the Volcon, Inc. 2021 Stock Plan, (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan is a stock-based compensation plan that provides for discretionary grants of stock options, stock awards, and restricted stock unit awards to employees, members of the board of directors and consultants (including restricted stock units issued prior to the adoption of the plan as further discussed below). The Company initially reserved a total of shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance under the 2021 Plan. On July 26, 2022, the Company’s stockholders approved an increase of shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance under the 2021 plan, which may be adjusted for changes in capitalization and certain corporate transactions. To the extent that an award, if forfeitable, expires, terminates or lapses, or an award is otherwise settled in cash without the delivery of shares of common stock to the participant, then any unpaid shares subject to the award will be available for future grant or issuance under the 2021 Plan. Shares available for issuance under the 2021 Plan as of December 31, 2023, were shares. Awards vest according to each agreement and as long as the employee remains employed with the Company or the consultant continues to provide services in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
Restricted Stock Units
The following is the restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2023
| Schedule of restricted stock unit activity | ||||
| Outstanding January 1, 2023 | ||||
| Granted | ||||
| Vested (1) | ( | ) | ||
| Canceled | ( | ) | ||
| Outstanding December 31, 2023 | ||||
| (1) |
In January 2022, the Company modified the vesting terms of 445 RSUs that had vested as of December 31, 2021 to extend the vesting through May 15, 2022. The Company granted an additional 112 RSUs to the holders of these RSUs that vesting was extended and these additional RSUs vested as of May 15, 2022. The Company recorded an additional expense of $1,126,250 during 2022 related to these modifications.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized expenses for RSUs of $ and $, respectively.
Performance Shares
On March 1, 2022, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors approved a grant of shares for the achievement of some of the Company’s 2021 performance milestones, and the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses of $ related to the grant of these shares in the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Certain individuals whose employment terminated subsequent to December 31, 2021 forfeited their share grants totaling shares and such shares are available for future issuance under the 2021 Plan.
In 2022 the compensation committee approved reserving
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In addition, the compensation committee also approved
reserving
Stock Options
The following is the common stock options to employees and consultants for services during the year ended December 31, 2023:
| Schedule of stock options activity | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock Options | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted average Remaining Life in years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The Company valued the options using the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and the following assumptions:
| Schedule of assumptions | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Volatility (based on peer companies) | % - % | % - % | |||||
| Risk free interest rate | % - % | % - % | |||||
| Dividends | |||||||
| Estimated life in years | |||||||
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses of $, and $, respectively, related to common stock options. The Company expects to recognize additional compensation expense of $ related to these common stock options assuming all awards will vest.
Total stock-based compensation recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 for all stock based compensation awards, including warrants, has been recorded as follows:
| Schedule of stock-based compensation expense | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cost of Goods Sold | $ | $ | ||||||
| Sales and Marketing | ||||||||
| Product Development | ||||||||
| General and Administrative | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
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The basic net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the Company’s net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares during the year. The diluted net loss per common share is calculated by dividing the Company’s net loss available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of common shares adjusted for any potentially dilutive debt or equity.
| Schedule of loss per common share | ||||||||
| Year ended | Year ended | |||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Numerator: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Denominator: | ||||||||
| Denominator for basic and diluted net loss per common share - weighted average of common shares | ||||||||
| Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||
Common shares consisting of shares potentially dilutive as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Schedule of common shares consisting of shares potentially dilutive | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Convertible Notes | ||||||||
| Warrants | ||||||||
| Stock options | ||||||||
| Restricted stock units | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
NOTE 12 – INCOME TAXES
Deferred taxes are determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws and rates for the jurisdictions in which the Company operates to the estimated future tax effects of the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Company’s financial statements. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized.
Due to losses since inception and for all periods presented, no income tax benefit or expense has been recognized as a full valuation allowance has been established for any tax benefit that would have been recognized for the loss in any period presented.
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The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Expected federal income tax benefit at statutory rate | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Research and development credit | ||||||||
| Return to provision true up | ||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | $ | $ | ||||||
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets | ||||||||
| Net operating losses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Debt basis difference | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Research & development credit | ||||||||
| Lease liability | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Inventory | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Capital loss carryover | ||||||||
| Dealer rebates | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax asset | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Right-of-use assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total net deferred taxes Deferred tax liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Management currently believes that since the Company has a history
of losses it is more likely than not that the deferred tax regarding the loss carry forwards and other temporary differences will not
be realized in the foreseeable future. The utilization of the Company’s net operating losses and credit carryovers may be subject
to limitation due to the “change in ownership provisions” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company’s cumulative
net operating loss carry forward of $
The Company has recorded no liability for income taxes associated with unrecognized tax benefits and has not recorded any liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any interest or penalty in regard to any unrecognized benefit.
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NOTE 13 – LEASES
The components of lease cost for operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Schedule of lease cost for operating leases | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Lease Cost | ||||||||
| Operating lease cost | $ | $ | ||||||
| Short-term lease cost | ||||||||
| Variable lease cost | ||||||||
| Sublease income | ||||||||
| Total lease cost | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
| Schedule of supplemental cash flow information related to leases | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Other Lease Information | ||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||||||||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
The following table summarizes the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet at December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Schedule of lease-related assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Lease Position | ||||||||
| Operating Leases | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Right-of-use liability operating lease - short- term | ||||||||
| Right-of-use liability operating lease - long-term | ||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
The Company utilizes the incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. The Company did not recognize any initial right-of-use asset and lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2022.
| Schedule of right-of-use asset and lease liabilities | ||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||
| Lease Term and Discount Rate | ||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) | ||||
| Operating leases | ||||
| Weighted-average discount rate | ||||
| Operating leases | ||||
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The following table provides the maturities of lease liabilities at December 31, 2023:
| Schedule of maturities of lease liabilities | ||||
| Operating | ||||
| Leases | ||||
| 2024 | $ | |||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| Total future undiscounted lease payments | ||||
| Less: Interest | ( | ) | ||
| Present value of lease liabilities | $ | |||
The Company closed its Denver, Colorado, store location (the Company’s
only store) in June 2022 and entered into a lease termination agreement in July 2022 to relieve the Company of its future obligations
under the lease. The Company has recorded a loss of $
In July 2022, the Company entered into a new lease agreement for office space in Round Rock, Texas with the landlord of its current Round Rock facilities. The lease began in August 2022 and terminates in August 2026. In connection with signing this lease, the landlord has agreed to terminate the lease on one of the current facilities that would have expired in December 2023. The additional monthly rent after consideration of the rent on the facility being canceled is not significant. As discussed in Note 7 above, the Company terminated the lease, and related amendment, as of September 30, 2022 for a leased warehouse facility in conjunction with entering into the lease agreement for office space and the above does not include any amounts related to that lease. There was an insignificant impact to the Company’s operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the termination of this lease.
The total loss on lease terminations for the years ended December 31,
2023 and 2022 was $
NOTE 14 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Special Stockholder Meeting
On January 12, 2024, the Company held a special stockholder meeting and the following proposals were approved by stockholders:
A proposal to allow the board of directors of the Company to complete a reverse stock split between 1 for 2 shares outstanding, up to 1 for 45 shares outstanding.
A proposal to approve adjustments to certain terms of the Series A and Series B warrants (as more fully described in Note 9) issued in the November 2023 Offering as follows:
Series A Warrants
| · | Approval of the share combination adjustment provision | |
| · | Approval of the alternative cashless exercise provision |
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Series B Warrants
| · | Approval of the anti-dilution adjustment provision | |
| · | Approval of the voluntary adjustment provision | |
| · | Approval of the share combination adjustment provision |
Reverse Stock Split
On January 27, 2024, the board of directors approved a reverse 1 for 45 stock split effective at 4:01pm U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Any fractional shares as a result of the reverse stock split were rounded up to one full share of common stock. As discussed in Note 6, the conversion price of the May 2023 Notes and exercise price of the May 2023 Warrants were subject to adjustment to the lowest day’s VWAP in the five-day period following the reverse split, which was $1.8646 per share. As discussed below, some of the May 2023 Notes were converted subsequent to December 31, 2023 and the remainder were exchanged for Series A convertible Preferred Stock.
As discussed in Note 9, the November 2023 Warrants were subject to adjustment to the lowest day’s VWAP in the five days prior to and five days following the reverse split. The lowest VWAP during this period was $1.8646.
Employment Matters
On January 13, 2024, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Jordan Davis, resigned his employment with the Company effective February 2, 2024. The Company entered into a 30-day consulting agreement with Mr. Davis and paid him $12,500.
On January 27, 2024, the Company’s founder, Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”) and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Christian Okonsky, resigned as CTO effective February 1, 2024. Mr. Okonsky will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also entered into a consulting agreement as further discussed in Note 8, and to be paid a monthly fee of $5,000.
On January 30, 2024, John Kim, an independent board member of the Company signed an employment agreement with the Company to become the CEO effective February 3, 2024. Mr. Kim’s salary will be $800,000 and he will have an annual bonus of $250,000. Mr. Kim will also receive 5% of the gross proceeds or other consideration if the Company completes a sale of substantially all of its assets or otherwise enters into a change of control transaction. Mr. Kim is also entitled to an equity award equal to 10% of the Company’s fully diluted equity, subject to stockholder approval of an increase in the shares available under the 2021 Plan or a new equity plan.
On January 30, 2024, Greg Endo, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, signed a new employment agreement with the Company. Mr. Endo’s salary will be increased to $300,000 and he will have an annual bonus of up to 50% of his salary as determined by the compensation committee of the board of directors. Mr. Endo has agreed to a reduction in the salary to $238,500 through the end of 2024. Mr. Endo will also receive 5% of the gross proceeds or other consideration if the Company completes a sale of substantially all of its assets or otherwise enters into a change of control transaction. Mr. Endo is also entitled to an equity award equal to 4% of the Company’s fully diluted equity, subject to stockholder approval of an increase in the shares available under the 2021 Plan or a new equity plan.
On February 23, 2024, Katherine Hale resigned her position as Chief Marketing Officer. Ms. Hale was provided a severance amount of $112,500 which will be paid out over three monthly installments beginning in March 2024.
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Conversion and Exchange of May 2023 Notes for Preferred Stock
Subsequent to December 31, 2023 through March 1, 2024, holders of the May 2023 Notes converted principal of $7,414,025 to common stock at a conversion price of $1.8646. On March 4, 2024, the Company designated 25,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) with a par value of $0.00001 per share and exchanged the remaining May 2023 Notes (principal of $24,694,670) for Preferred Stock . For each $1,000 of May 2023 Note principal, one share of Preferred Stock was issued and any principal held by an investor below $1,000 was granted one additional share of Preferred Stock. A total of 24,698 shares were issued in connection with the exchange. The Preferred Stock is initially convertible into share of the Company’s common stock at $1.33 per share. Conversion of Preferred Stock to common stock of the Company by the holders of the Preferred Stock is limited based on ownership restrictions of either 4.99% or 9.99%. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for anti-dilution provisions with an initial floor of $0.98 per share, subject to adjustment to $0.50 per share if shareholder approval is received. The Company will include a proposal for shareholders to approve this adjustment in its 2024 annual meeting proposals. Such meeting is expected to be held on May 17, 2024.
As discussed further in Note 9, as a result of this exchange, the Series B Warrants exercise price was adjusted to the lowest VWAP in the five-day period following this exchange which resulted in the exercise price of $0.9059 and additional Series B warrants being issued.
Through March 27, 2024, certain Preferred Stockholders converted $2,287,600 of their shares for 1,720,000 shares of common stock. The total number of shares of common stock issuable for the conversion of the remaining Preferred Stock is 16,847,424 based on the $1.33 conversion price.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the appropriate time periods, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer, who is our principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer, who is our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure. We, under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective as of December 31, 2023.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or because the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has determined that internal controls over financial reporting are ineffective as the material weaknesses identified by our independent registered public accounting firm in our internal control over financial reporting in our 2020 audit have not been remediated as of December 31, 2023. These material weaknesses are as follows:
| · | Inadequate segregation of duties within account processes due to limited personnel | |
| · | Insufficient formal written policies and procedures for accounting, IT, financial reporting and record keeping |
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the SEC for an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
During the three months ended December 31, 2023,
no director or officer of the Company
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information as to Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information as to Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Information as to Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Information as to Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information as to Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file pursuant to Regulation 14A with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2023.
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PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1) Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of Volcon, Inc. and the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, "Item 8.— Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report. Reference is made to the accompanying Index to Financial Statements.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
(3) Index to Exhibits
The information required by this Item 15(a)(3) is set forth on the exhibit index, which immediately precedes the signature page to this report and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
We have elected not to provide summary information.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
|
Exhibit Number |
Description | |
| 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed October 8, 2021) | |
| 3.2 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed June 15, 2023) | |
| 3.3 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed October 16, 2023) | |
| 3.4 | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed February 5, 2024) | |
| 3.5 | Form of Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed March 4, 2024) | |
| 3.6 | Form of Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 of the Form 8-K filed March 25, 2024) | |
| 3.7 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Volcon, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.2 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 4.1 | Form of common stock (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 4.2 | Form of Warrant issued to Pink Possum, LLC and Highbridge Consulting, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 4.3 | Form of Underwriter Warrant (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 of the Form S-1 file number 333-262343) | |
| 4.4 | Form of Underwriter Warrant issued in IPO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 4.5 | Form of Senior Convertible Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2022) | |
| 4.6 | Note Amendment to Senior Convertible Note, dated September 6, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Form S-1 file number 333-267404) | |
| 4.7 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2022) | |
| 4.8 | Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2022) | |
| 4.9 | Form of Exchange Convertible Note issued in May 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 4.10 | Form of New Note issued in May 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 4.11 | Form of New Warrants issued in May 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 4.12 | Form of Exchange Warrants issued in May 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 4.13 | Form of Underwriter Warrant dated September 15, 2023, with Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 18, 2023) | |
| 4.14 | Form of New Warrants issued in September 2023 warrant inducement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 2, 2023) | |
| 4.15 | Form of Warrant issued to GLV Ventures (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2023) | |
| 4.16 | Form of Pre-Funded Warrant issued in November 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 4.17 | Form of Series A Warrant issued in November 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 4.18 | Form of Series B Warrant issued in November 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.3 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 4.19 | Form of Amended and Restated Convertible Note issued in November 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.4 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 4.20 | Form of Amended and Restated Warrant issued in November 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.5 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 4.21* | Description of Registrant’s Securities | |
| 10.1 | 2021 Stock Plan of Volcon, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) |
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| 10.2 | Consulting Agreement, as amended, between Volcon, Inc. and Pink Possum, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 10.3 | Consulting Agreement, as amended, between Volcon, Inc. and Highbridge Consulting, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 10.4 | Lease Agreement dated November 20, 2020, as amended between Volcon, Inc. and Alexander EV Park, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 10.5† | Employment Agreement between Volcon, Inc. and Greg Endo dated January 30, 2024 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed February 5, 2024) | |
| 10.6 | Sublease Agreement dated June 1, 2021 between Volcon, Inc. and Sustainability Initiatives, LLC (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.6 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 10.7† | Employment Agreement between Volcon, Inc. and Jordan Davis dated August 5, 2021 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.8 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 10.8 | Securities Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and the Buyers of Convertible Notes, dated August 22, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2022) | |
| 10.9 | Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Company and the Buyers of Convertible Notes, dated August 22, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 24, 2022) | |
| 10.10 | Placement Agent Agreement for Convertible Notes (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 of the Form 8-K filed August 24, 2022) | |
| 10.11† | Amendment to the Volcon, Inc. 2021 Stock Plan (as amended and restated) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed July 27, 2022) | |
| 10.12 | Supply Agreement with General Motors LLC executed as of August 9, 2022 and effective as of August 3, 2022 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Form 10-Q filed August 15, 2022) | |
| 10.13 | Supplier Agreement with GLV Ventures effective August 11, 2022 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of the Form 10-Q filed August 15, 2022) | |
| 10.14† | Employment Agreement between Volcon, Inc. and Stephanie Davis, dated January 3, 2022 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Form 10-Q filed May 12, 2022) | |
| 10.15 | Underwriting Agreement by and among Volcon, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp., dated January 28, 2022 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 of Form 8-K filed on April 28, 2022) | |
| 10.16 | Securities Purchase Agreement by and among the Company and the Buyers, dated May 19, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 25, 2023) | |
| 10.17 | Registration Rights Agreement by and among the Company and the Buyers, dated May 19, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 10.18 | Placement Agent Agreement by and among the Company and Aegis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 22, 2023) | |
| 10.19 | Underwriting Agreement by and among Volcon, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp., dated May 22, 2022 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 of Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2023) | |
| 10.20† | Amendment No. 2 to the Volcon, Inc. 2021 Stock Plan (as amended and restated) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed July 14, 2023) | |
| 10.21 | Form of Indemnification Agreement with the Company’s directors and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 12, 2023) | |
| 10.22 | Waiver and Modification Agreement dated September 14, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2023) | |
| 10.23 | Note Amendment dated September 14, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2023) | |
| 10.24 | Underwriting Agreement by and among Volcon, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp., dated September 15, 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) |
| 74 |
| 10.25 | Security Agreement between the Company, the Volcon Subsidiaries and Empery Tax Efficient, LP, in its capacity as collateral agent, dated September 22, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 27, 2023) | |
| 10.26 | Guaranty Agreement between the Company, the Volcon Subsidiaries and Empery Tax Efficient, LP, in its capacity as collateral agent, dated September 22, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 27, 2023) | |
| 10.27 | Form of Warrant Inducement Agreement dated September 29, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 2, 2023) | |
| 10.28+ | Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center Construction Engineering Research Laboratory dated October 4, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 10, 2023) | |
| 10.30 | First Amendment dated October 11, 2023 to Volcon Stag Supplier Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2023) | |
| 10.31 | Form of Warrant Inducement Agreement October 13, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 16, 2023) | |
| 10.32 | Form of Warrant Inducement Agreement October 30, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 30, 2023) | |
| 10.33 | Underwriting Agreement by and among Volcon, Inc. and Aegis Capital Corp., dated November 16, 2023 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 10.34 | Form of Note and Warrant Amendment Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2023) | |
| 10.35† | Employment Agreement between Volcon, Inc. and John Kim dated January 30, 2024 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 of the Form 8-K filed February 5, 2024) | |
| 10.36† | Consulting Agreement between Volcon, Inc. and Jordan Davis dated February 1, 2024 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 of the Form 8-K filed February 5, 2024) | |
| 10.37 | Form of Note Exchange Agreement dated March 3, 2024 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2024) | |
| 21.1 | List of subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to exhibit 21.1 of the Form S-1 file number 333-259468) | |
| 23.1* | Consent of MaloneBailey LLP | |
| 31.1* | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | |
| 31.2* | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | |
| 32.1*(1) | Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 32.2*(1) | Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 97* | Dodd-Frank Restatement Recoupment Policy | |
| 101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in IXBRL, and included in exhibit 101). |
| * | Filed herewith. |
| + | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, certain portions of this exhibit have been redacted. The Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon its request, an unredacted copy of this exhibit. |
| † | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. |
| (1) | The certifications on Exhibit 32 hereto are deemed not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section. Such certifications will not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. |
| 75 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| VOLCON, INC. | ||||
| SIGNATURE | TITLE | DATE | ||
|
|
||||
| /s/ John Kim | Chief Executive Officer and Director | March 28, 2024 | ||
| John Kim | (principal executive officer) | |||
| /s/ Greg Endo | Chief Financial Officer | March 28, 2024 | ||
| Greg Endo | (principal financial and accounting officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on March 28, 2024.
| Signature | Title | |
| /s/ John Kim | Chief Executive Officer | |
| John Kim | (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| Director | ||
| /s/ Greg Endo | Chief Financial Officer | |
| Greg Endo | (Principal Financial Officer and | |
| Principal Accounting Officer) | ||
| /s/ Christian Okonsky | Chairman of the Board, Director | |
| Christian Okonsky | ||
| /s/ Jonathan P. Foster | Director | |
| Jonathan P. Foster | ||
| /s/ Karin-Joyce Tjon | Director | |
| Karin Joyce Tjon |
| 76 |
Exhibit 4.21
DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
The following summary is a description of the material terms of our capital stock. This summary is not complete, and is qualified by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and our amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein. We encourage you to read our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporations Law for additional information.
Authorized Capital Stock
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 255,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 250,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share.
Common Stock
Shares of our common stock have the following rights, preferences and privileges:
Voting
Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Any action at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be decided by a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy, except in the case of any election of directors, which will be decided by a plurality of votes cast. There is no cumulative voting.
Dividends
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for payment, subject to the rights of holders, if any, of any class of stock having preference over the common stock. Any decision to pay dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors may or may not determine to declare dividends in the future. The board’s determination to issue dividends will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, any contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and the SEC, and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably on the basis of the number of shares held in any of the assets available for distribution after we have paid in full, or provided for payment of, all of our debts and after the holders of all outstanding series of any class of stock have preference over the common stock, if any, have received their liquidation preferences in full.
Other
Our issued and outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of shares of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. Shares of our common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock, nor are they subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the board to issue these shares in one or more series, to determine the designations and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, including the dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights (including the number of votes per share), redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions and the number of shares constituting the series. Our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of common stock which could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
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In March 2024, we issued 24,680 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which shares are convertible into Company common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.33 per share (“Conversion Price”), subject to potential future adjustment if the Company makes certain dilutive issuances or upon the completion of a reverse split transaction, on an as-converted basis at an assumed conversion price of the greater of the Conversion Price or $0.98 per share. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive out of the assets, whether capital or surplus, of the Company available to shareholders, an amount equal to the greater of: (i) $1,000 per share of Series A Preferred Stock then held, or (ii) the amount the holders would have received had the holders fully converted the Series A Preferred Stock to Company common stock, in each case, before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of the Company’s common stock.
Warrants
Below is a summary of our material warrants outstanding (share and per share amounts adjusted for the reverse 1 for 5 and 1 for 45 stock splits completed on October 13, 2025 and February 2, 2024):
Related Party Warrants
On August 28, 2020, the Company entered into consulting agreements with Pink Possum LLC (“Pink Possum”), an entity controlled by Christian Okonsky and Highbridge Consultants, LLC (“Highbridge”), an entity controlled by Adrian James, the Company’s founders, pursuant to which Messrs. Okonsky and James provide the Company with services. In consideration for entering into the consulting agreements, the Company issued the two entities ten-year warrants to purchase the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.90 per share. The number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the warrants was based on the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding at the time of exercise and provided that Pink Possum and Highbridge would receive 18.75% and 25%, respectively, of the Company’s shares of common stock outstanding at the time of exercise on a fully diluted basis. On March 26, 2021 and March 25, 2021, respectively, Pink Possum and Highbridge entered into amendments to the consulting agreements agreeing to exchange the original warrants for new ten-year warrants to purchase 20,312 and 37,778 shares, respectively, of common stock at an exercise price of $220.50, of which, as of December 31, 2023, only the warrants issued to Pink Possum remain outstanding.
Series A and Series B Warrant
Our public offering completed in November 2023 included Series A and Series B warrants (“Series A Warrants” and “Series B Warrants”) to purchase our common stock with initial exercise prices of $24.75 and $37.80, respectively. As of March 27, 2023, approximately 42,000 and 14.5 million Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants, respectively, remain outstanding and the Series A Warrants have an exercise price of $1.8636 and the Series B Warrants have an exercise price of $0.9059. Series A Warrants may be exercised on an alternative cash basis where each warrant exercised will result in the Company issuing three shares of common stock.
The Series B Warrants provide, subject to certain exemptions, that if we sell or issue, any common stock or convertible securities, at an effective price per share less than the exercise price of the Series B Warrant then in effect, or a Dilutive Issuance, the exercise price of the Series B Warrant will be reduced to an amount equal to the lowest daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) during the period commencing five consecutive trading days following the Dilutive Issuance and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Series B Warrant shall be proportionally adjusted so that the aggregate exercise price of the Series B Warrant shall remain unchanged.
Further, if at any time on or after the date of issuance there occurs any share split, share dividend, share combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction involving our common stock and the lowest daily VWAP during the five consecutive trading days prior to the date of such event and the five consecutive trading days after the date of such event is less than the exercise price then in effect, then the exercise price shall be reduced to the lowest daily VWAP during such period and the number of warrant shares issuable shall be increased such that the aggregate exercise price payable thereunder, after taking into account the decrease in the exercise price, shall be equal to the aggregate exercise price on the date of issuance.
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Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws include a number of anti-takeover provisions that may have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include:
Advance Notice Requirements. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely and given in writing to our corporate Secretary. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not fewer than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary date on which our notice of meeting and related proxy statement were mailed to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders. The notice must contain the information required by the bylaws, including information regarding the proposal and the proponent.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by only the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the board of directors.
No Written Consent of Stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
Amendment of Bylaws. Our stockholders may amend any provisions of our bylaws by obtaining the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company with the power to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class.
Preferred Stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to create and issue rights entitling our stockholders to purchase shares of our stock or other securities. The ability of our board to establish the rights and issue substantial amounts of preferred stock without the need for stockholder approval may delay or deter a change in control of us. See the section titled “Preferred Stock” above.
Delaware Takeover Statute
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any “business combination” (as defined below) with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (2) on consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding those shares owned (x) by persons who are directors and also officers and (y) by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to this plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or (3) on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2⁄3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
Section 203 of the DGCL defines generally “business combination” to include: (1) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; (2) any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; (3) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; (4) any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or (5) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
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Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws limit the liability of our officers and directors and provide that we will indemnify our officers and directors, in each case, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL.
Listing
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol “VLCN”.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock is Computershare.
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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-261312 and 333-266788), Form S-1 (333-274800, 333-272564 and 333-267404) and Form S-3 (No. 333-269644) of our report dated March 28, 2024 with respect to the audited consolidated financial statements of Volcon, Inc. and its subsidiary (collectively, the “Company") appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023 .
/s/ MaloneBailey, LLP
www.malonebailey.com
Houston, Texas
March 28, 2024
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION BY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, John Kim, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Volcon, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
March 28, 2024
By: /s/ John Kim
John Kim
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION BY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
I, Greg Endo, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Volcon, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
March 28, 2024
By: /s/ Greg Endo
Greg Endo
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer)
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Volcon, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:
The annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "Form 10-K") of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
March 28, 2024
By: /s/ John Kim
John Kim
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Volcon, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:
The annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "Form 10-K") of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
March 28, 2024
By: /s/ Greg Endo
Greg Endo
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer)
Exhibit 97
Volcon, Inc.
Dodd-Frank Restatement Recoupment Policy
| 1. | Introduction |
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Volcon, Inc. (the “Company”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company to adopt a policy providing for the recoupment by the Company of certain Incentive-Based Compensation paid to Executives Officers in the case of a Restatement (as defined below) (the “Policy”). In such case, the Company (a) may recoup the Incentive-Based Compensation that was paid or that vested and (b) may cancel any outstanding or unearned Incentive-Based Compensation.
| 2. | Definitions |
For purposes of this Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
“Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
“Erroneously Awarded Compensation” means the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation received that exceeds the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts resulting from a Restatement, and it must be computed without regard to any taxes paid. For Incentive-Based Compensation based on stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in a Restatement: (a) the amount must be based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Restatement on the stock price or total shareholder return upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was received; and (b) the Company must maintain documentation of the determination of that reasonable estimate and provide such documentation to the Nasdaq Stock Market.
“Executive Officer” means any employee of the Company who is currently, or within the period covered by this Policy, employed as the Company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the Company in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales, administration, or finance), any other officer who performs a significant policy-making function, or any other person who performs similar significant policy-making functions for the Company, including Executive Officers of the Company’s subsidiaries if they perform such policy making functions for the Company, and shall include each executive officer as determined under Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K.
“Financial Reporting Measures” mean those measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measures that are derived wholly or in part from such measures. Stock price and total shareholder return are also Financial Reporting Measures. A Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented within the financial statements or included in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure. For purposes of this Policy, Incentive-Based Compensation is deemed received in the Company’s fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the award is attained, even if the payment or grant occurs after the end of that period.
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“Non-Employee Board” means the members of the Board who are not employed by the Company or any affiliate thereof.
“Recoupment Rules” means Rule 10D-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 5608 of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
“Restatement” means an accounting restatement required to be prepared by the Company due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. The date of a Restatement shall be the earlier to occur of: (a) the date the Company’s board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement; or (b) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare a Restatement. The Company’s obligation to recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not dependent on if or when restated financial statements are filed.
| 3. | Administration of this Policy |
This Policy shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have full power and authority to construe and interpret this Policy, and to recommend to the Non-Employee Board its determinations as to whether recoupment is required under the Policy, the amount of Incentive-Based Compensation to recoup from an Executive Officer and whether any other action should be taken pursuant to Section 6 of the Policy. Upon the approval of the Committee’s recommendations by a majority of the members of the Non-Employee Board (even if less than a quorum), the final decision shall be binding and conclusive on all parties.
| 4. | Recoupment of Incentive Compensation |
In the event that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement, the Company must recover reasonably promptly the Erroneously Awarded Compensation received by a person (a) after beginning service as an Executive Officer, (b) who served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for that Incentive-Based Compensation, and (c) during the recovery period described in Section 5 below. Recovery is subject only to those exceptions set forth in the Recoupment Rules.
The Committee can recommend that the Non-Employee Board recoup from the Executive Officer all or a portion of the following in order to satisfy the Executive Officer’s recoupment obligation:
Cash Incentive Plan: The Committee can recommend that the Non-Employee Board (i) cancel and forfeit the Executive Officer’s annual or other cash incentive opportunity for the then current plan year, and/or (ii) require repayment of any annual or other cash incentive awards previously paid for prior years within the period described in Section 5.
Stock Plan: The Committee can recommend that the Non-Employee Board (i) cancel and forfeit any outstanding equity awards under its stock-based plans, (ii) require the Executive Officer to return a number of shares of Company stock received upon vesting and settlement of any restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards during the period described in Section 5 (or pay the cash value of such shares), and (iii) require the Executive Officer to return a number of shares received upon the exercise of any stock options during the period described in Section 5 (or pay the cash value of such shares). The cash value shall be determined as of the date of the Committee’s demand for recoupment.
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The Committee can also recommend that the Non-Employee Board recoup similar compensation under any subsequently adopted plans, arrangements or agreements, or compensation under any severance arrangements or any non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements.
| 5. | Limitation on Period for Recoupment |
In the event that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement, the Company must recover Erroneously Awarded Compensation received by Executive Officers during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare a Restatement, and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) of less than nine months within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years.
| 6. | No Impairment of Other Remedies |
This Policy shall not preclude the Committee from recommending that the Non-Employee Board take any other action to enforce an Executive Officer’s obligation to the Company, including termination of employment, institution of civil proceedings, or action to effect criminal proceedings.
| 7. | Miscellaneous |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any provision of applicable law, including the Recoupment Rules, requires non-discretionary recoupment or would result in a larger recoupment than permitted under this Policy, the provision of such applicable law shall supersede the relevant provisions of this Policy.
| 8. | Effective Date |
This Policy shall apply to all Incentive Compensation paid, awarded or granted on or after October 2, 2023.
Policy Acknowledgment and Consent
I hereby acknowledge that I have been designated an Executive Officer, I acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Policy, I agree to fully cooperate with the Company in connection with the enforcement of the Policy, including the repayment by or recovery from me of Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and I agree that the Company may enforce its rights under the Policy through any and all reasonable means permitted under applicable law as the Company deems necessary or appropriate under the Policy.
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| Printed Name: ______________________________ | Date: ____________________________ | |
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