UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the quarterly period ended
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ___________ to __________
Commission
file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S.
Employer Identification No.) |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| The
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Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐
As of November 12, 2021, the registrant had shares of common stock outstanding.
AYRO, Inc.
Quarter Ended September 30, 2021
Table of Contents
| i |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
AYRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
| Inventory, net | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Operating lease – right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Deposits and other assets | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Contract liability | ||||||||
| Current portion long-term debt, net | ||||||||
| Current portion lease obligation – operating lease | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | ||||||||
| Lease obligation - operating lease, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
| Preferred Stock, (authorized – shares) | ||||||||
| Convertible Preferred Stock Series H, ($ par value; authorized – shares; issued and outstanding – shares as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | ||||||||
| Convertible Preferred Stock Series H-3, ($ par value; authorized – shares; issued and outstanding – shares as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | ||||||||
| Convertible Preferred Stock Series H-6, ($ par value; authorized – shares; issued and outstanding – shares as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | ||||||||
| Common Stock, ($ par value; authorized – shares; issued and outstanding – and shares, as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020) | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-1 |
AYRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit (loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Deemed dividend on modification of Series H-5 warrants | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss Attributable to Common Stockholders | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Basic and diluted weighted average Common Stock outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-2 |
AYRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
| Series
H Preferred Stock | Series
H-3 Preferred Stock | Series
H-6 Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | (Deficit) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of common stock, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of Options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2021 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of Options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock vesting | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2021 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of Options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock vesting | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series
H Preferred Stock | Series
H-3 Preferred Stock | Series
H-6 Preferred Stock | AYRO Series
Seed Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | (Deficit) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of AYRO Preferred Stock to common stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series H Preferred Stock in connection with the 2020 Merger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series H-3 Preferred Stock in connection with the 2020 Merger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Series H-6 Preferred Stock in connection with the 2020 Merger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Common Stock in connection with the 2020 Merger, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange of debt for common stock in connection with the 2020 Merger | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock in connection with debt offering | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of common stock, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of warrants, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale of common stock, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise of warrants, net of fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of Series H-6 Preferred Stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock Based Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested Restricted Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deemed Dividend on modification of H-5 warrants | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2020 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-3 |
AYRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Amortization of debt discount | ||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Provision for bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Inventory | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Deposits | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Contract liability | ( | ) | ||||||
| Lease obligations - operating leases | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from merger with ABC Merger Sub, Inc. | ||||||||
| Net cash used in and provided by investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance debt | ||||||||
| Repayments of debt | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from exercise of warrants | ||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of fees and expenses | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net change in cash | ||||||||
| Cash, beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental non-cash amounts of lease liabilities arising from obtaining right of use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Conversion of debt to Common Stock | $ | $ | ||||||
| Conversion of Preferred Stock to common stock | $ | $ | ||||||
| Discount on debt from issuance of Common Stock and warrants | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued offering costs | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deemed dividend on modification of Series H-5 warrants | $ | $ | ||||||
| Restricted Stock for service, vested not issued | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| F-4 |
AYRO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
AYRO, Inc. (“AYRO” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation formerly known as DropCar, Inc. (“DropCar”), a corporation headquartered outside Austin, Texas, is the merger successor discussed below of AYRO Operating Company, Inc., which was formed under the laws of the State of Texas on May 17, 2016 as Austin PRT Vehicle, Inc. and subsequently changed its name to Austin EV, Inc. under an Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation filed with the State of Texas on March 9, 2017. On July 24, 2019, the Company changed its name to AYRO, Inc. and converted its corporate domicile to Delaware. The Company was founded on the basis of promoting resource sustainability. The Company, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, are principally engaged in manufacturing and sales of environmentally-conscious, minimal-footprint electric vehicles. The all-electric vehicles are typically sold both directly and to dealers in the United States.
Merger
On
May 28, 2020, pursuant to the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 19, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”),
by and among AYRO, Inc., a Delaware corporation previously known as DropCar, Inc., ABC Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and AYRO Operating Company (“AYRO Operating”), a Delaware
corporation previously known as AYRO, Inc., Merger Sub was merged with and into AYRO Operating, with AYRO Operating continuing after
the merger as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). At the effective time of
the Merger, without any action on the part of any stockholder, each issued and outstanding share of AYRO Operating’s common stock,
par value $ per share (“AYRO Operating Common Stock”), including shares underlying AYRO Operating’s outstanding
equity awards and warrants, was converted into the right to receive
The Merger was treated as a reverse recapitalization effected by a share exchange for financial accounting and reporting purposes because substantially all of DropCar, Inc.’s operations were disposed of as part of the consummation of the Merger and therefore no goodwill or other intangible assets were recorded by the Company as a result of the Merger. AYRO Operating was treated as the accounting acquirer as its stockholders controlled the Company after the Merger, even though DropCar, Inc. was the legal acquirer. As a result, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements are those of AYRO Operating as if AYRO Operating had always been the reporting company.
| F-5 |
On December 19, 2019, DropCar entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with DC Partners Acquisition, LLC (“DC Partners”), Spencer Richardson and David Newman, pursuant to which DropCar agreed to sell substantially all of the assets associated with its business of providing vehicle support, fleet logistics and concierge services for both consumers and the automotive industry to an entity controlled by Messrs. Richardson and Newman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Development Officer at the time, respectively. The aggregate purchase price for the purchased assets consisted of the cancellation of certain liabilities pursuant to those certain employment agreements by and between DropCar and each of Messrs. Richardson and Newman, plus the assumption of certain liabilities relating to, or arising out of, workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the closing date of the Asset Purchase Agreement.
Strategic Review
Following the hiring of its new Chief Executive Officer in the third quarter of 2021, the Company initiated a strategic review of its product development strategy, as it focuses on creating value within the electric vehicle, last-mile delivery, and smart payload markets. While completing the strategic review, the Company has paused all material research and development activity and expenditures, including expenses associated with its planned next generation three-wheeled vehicle.
This process may result in the Company deciding to modify or discontinue current or planned products, in reallocating time and resources among existing products, in exploring new products or in making other operational changes, including to the Company’s reliance on internal and external resources. It could also result in delays in the expected timing for the launch of new products, if the Company determines to continue their development. Any decisions on advancing, reprioritizing or eliminating any of the Company’s products will be based on an evaluation of a number of factors, including the Company’s assessment of internal and external resources, the potential market for such products, the costs and complexities of manufacturing, the potential of competing products, the likelihood of any challenges to its intellectual property, regardless of merit, the ongoing and potential effects of the COVID-19 or any future pandemics, and industry and market conditions generally, and will be subject to the approval of the strategic and budget committee of the board of directors.
NOTE 2. LIQUIDITY AND OTHER UNCERTAINTIES
Liquidity and Other Uncertainties
The
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States (“GAAP”), which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company is subject
to a number of risks similar to those of earlier stage commercial companies, including dependence on key individuals and products, the
difficulties inherent in the development of a commercial market, the potential need to obtain additional capital, competition from larger
companies, other technology companies and other technologies. The Company has a limited operating history and the sales and income potential
of its business and market are unproven. The Company incurred net losses of $
Since early 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the spread of the transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus a global pandemic, there have been business slowdowns and decreased demand for AYRO products. The outbreak of such a communicable disease has resulted in a widespread health crisis which has adversely affected general commercial activity and the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the United States. As the outbreak of the disease has continued through 2020 and into 2021, the measures taken by the governments of countries affected has adversely affected the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The pandemic had an adverse impact on AYRO’s sales and the demand for AYRO products in 2020 and in the first three quarters of 2021, resulting in sales that were less than expected through the first three quarters of 2021. AYRO expects the pandemic to continue to have an adverse impact on sales and demand for products throughout the remainder of 2021.
The Company relies on foreign suppliers, including Cenntro, its largest supplier, for a number of raw materials, instruments and technologies that the Company purchases. The Company’s success is dependent on the ability to import or transport such products from Cenntro and other overseas vendors in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Company relies heavily on third parties, including ocean carriers and truckers, in that process. The global shipping industry is experiencing ocean shipping disruptions, trucking shortages, increased ocean shipping rates and increased trucking and fuel costs, and the Company cannot predict when these disruptions will end.
| F-6 |
There is currently a shortage of shipping capacity from China and other parts of Asia, and as a result, receipt of imported products may be disrupted or delayed. The shipping industry is also experiencing issues with port congestion and pandemic-related port closures and ship diversions. Labor disputes among freight carriers and at ports of entry are common, and The Company expects labor unrest and its effects on shipping products to be a challenge for it. A port worker strike, work slow-down or other transportation disruption in the port of Long Beach, California could significantly disrupt the Company’s business. The Company is currently experiencing such disruption at the port due to multiple factors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply and demand imbalance, a shortage of warehouse workers, truck drivers, transport equipment (tractors and trailers) and other causes, which have resulted in heightened congestion, bottleneck and gridlock, leading to abnormally high transportation delays. This has materially and adversely affected the Company’s business and could continue to materially and adversely affect the business and financial results for the fourth quarter of 2021. If significant disruptions along these lines continue, this could lead to further significant disruptions in the Company’s business, delays in shipments, and revenue and profitability shortfalls, which could adversely affect the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The global shipping industry is also experiencing unprecedented increases in shipping rates from the trans-Pacific ocean carriers due to various factors, including limited availability of shipping capacity. For example, the cost of shipping products by ocean freight has recently increased to at least three times historical levels and will have a corresponding impact on profitability. The Company may find it necessary to rely on an increasingly expensive spot market and other alternative sources to make up any shortfall in shipping needs. Additionally, if increases in fuel prices occur, transportation costs would likely further increase. Similarly, supply chain disruptions such as those described in the preceding paragraphs may lead to an increase in transportation costs. Such cost increases have adversely affected the Company’s business and could have additional adverse effects on the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The Company may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of raw materials, including lithium-ion battery cells, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. Any such increase or supply interruption could materially negatively impact the business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. Currently, the Company is experiencing supply chain shortages, including with respect to lithium-ion battery cells, integrated circuits, vehicle control chips, and displays. Certain production-ready components may be delayed in shipment to company facilities which has and may continue to cause delays in validation and testing for these components, which would in turn create a delay in the availability of saleable vehicles.
The Company uses various raw materials, including aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, non-ferrous metals (such as copper), and cobalt. The prices for these raw materials fluctuate depending on market conditions, and global demand and could adversely affect business and operating results. For instance, the Company is exposed to multiple risks relating to price fluctuations for lithium-ion cells. These risks include:
| ● | the inability or unwillingness of current battery manufacturers to build or operate battery cell manufacturing plants to supply the numbers of lithium-ion cells required to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry as demand for such cells increases; |
| ● | disruption in the supply of cells due to quality issues or recalls by the battery cell manufacturers; and |
| ● | an increase in the cost of raw materials, such as cobalt, used in lithium-ion cells. |
Any disruption in the supply of lithium-ion battery cells, semiconductors, or integrated circuits could temporarily disrupt production of the Company’s vehicles until a different supplier is fully qualified. Moreover, battery cell manufacturers may refuse to supply electric vehicle manufacturers if they determine that the vehicles are not sufficiently safe. Furthermore, fluctuations or shortages in petroleum and other economic conditions may cause the Company to experience significant increases in freight charges and raw material costs. Substantial increases in the prices for our raw materials would increase operating costs and could reduce our margins if the increased costs cannot be recouped through increased electric vehicle prices. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to recoup increasing costs of raw materials by increasing vehicle prices.
NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and in conformity with the instructions on Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X and the related rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
| F-7 |
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, AYRO Operating and DropCar Operating Company, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021, as amended on April 30, 2021.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.
The Company’s most significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of inventory reserve, valuation of deferred tax asset allowance, and the measurement of stock-based compensation expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassification
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period financial statements to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net earnings or cash flows as previously reported.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the core principle of which is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
To achieve this core principle, five basic criteria must be met before revenue can be recognized: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Nature of goods and services
The following is a description of the Company’s products and services from which the Company generates revenue, as well as the nature, timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, and significant payment terms for each:
Product revenue
Product revenue from customer contracts is recognized on the sale of each electric vehicle as vehicles are shipped to customers. The majority of the Company’s vehicle sales orders generally have only one performance obligation: sale and delivery of complete vehicles. Ownership and risk of loss transfers to the customer based on FOB shipping point and freight charges are the responsibility of the customer. Revenue is typically recognized at the point control transfers or in accordance with payment terms customary to the business. The Company provides product warranties to assure that the product assembly complies with agreed upon specifications. The Company’s product warranty is identical to the product warranties provided by the Company’s suppliers, therefore minimizing the warranty liability to the standard labor rates associated with the defective part replacement. Customers do not have the option to purchase a warranty separately; as such, warranty is not accounted for as a separate performance obligation. The Company’s policy is to exclude taxes collected from a customer from the transaction price of automotive contracts.
Shipping revenue
Amounts
billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as shipping revenue. The Company has elected to recognize the cost
for freight and shipping when control over vehicles has transferred to the customer as an operating expense. The Company has reported
shipping expenses of $
Subscription revenue
Subscription revenue from revenue sharing with Destination Fleet Operators (“DFO”) and other vehicle rental agreements is recorded in the month the vehicles in the Company’s fleet is rented. The Company established its rental fleet in late March 2019 which is recorded in the property and equipment section of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the rental fleet, the Company retains title and ownership to the vehicles and places them in DFO’s in resort communities that typically rent golf cars for use in those communities. In August 2020, the Company phased-out the production of its 311 line which were the vehicles used in the rental offering as it is working to develop a new line of vehicles. The change in production did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations or financial results.
Services and other revenue
Services and other revenue consist of non-warranty after-sales vehicle services. Revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when services and replacement parts are provided.
The accounting treatment of warrants and preferred share series issued is determined pursuant to the guidance provided by ASC 470, Debt, ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, as applicable. Each feature of a freestanding financial instruments including, without limitation, any rights relating to subsequent dilutive issuances, dividend issuances, equity sales, rights offerings, forced conversions, optional redemptions, automatic monthly conversions, dividends and exercise are assessed with determinations made regarding the proper classification in the Company’s financial statements.
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes all employee share-based compensation as an expense in the financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, based on the terms of the awards. Equity-classified awards principally related to stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and equity-based compensation, are measured at the grant date fair value of the award. The Company determines grant date fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of RSAs is determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. For service based vesting grants, expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on the number of options or shares. For value-based vesting grants, expense is recognized via straight line expense over the expected period per grant as determined by outside valuation experts. Stock-based compensation is reversed for forfeitures in the period of forfeiture.
We estimate the fair value of stock-based and cash unit awards containing a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key inputs and assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the stock price of the award on the grant date, the expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the expected term, the expected annual dividend yield and the expected stock price volatility. The expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical and implied volatility of the Company’s publicly traded, near-the-money stock options, and the valuation period is based on the vesting period of the awards. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and, since the Company does not currently pay or plan to pay a dividend on its common stock, the expected dividend yield was zero.
In June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the guidance in ASC 718 to include share-based payments for goods and services to non-employees and generally aligns it with the guidance for share-based payments to employees. In accordance with ASU 2018-07, these stock options and warrants issued as compensation for services provided to the Company are accounted for based upon the fair value of the underlying equity instrument. The attribution of the fair value of the equity instrument is charged directly to compensation expense over the period during which services are rendered.
| F-8 |
Basic and diluted net loss per share is determined by dividing net loss by the weighted average ordinary shares outstanding during the period. For all periods presented with a net loss, the shares underlying the ordinary share options and warrants have been excluded from the calculation because their effect would be anti-dilutive. Therefore, the weighted-average shares outstanding used to calculate both basic and diluted loss per share are the same for periods with a net loss. “Penny warrants” were included in the calculation of outstanding shares for purposes of basic earnings per share.
On
May 28, 2020, pursuant to the previously announced Merger Agreement, dated December 19, 2019, the Company issued prefunded common stock
warrants to purchase
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Options to purchase common stock | ||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Stock Unvested | ||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock vested – unissued | ||||||||||||||||
| Warrants outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Totals | ||||||||||||||||
NOTE 4. REVENUES
Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue by type was as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue type | ||||||||||||||||
| Product revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Shipping revenue | ||||||||||||||||
| Subscription revenue | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
| Service income | - | |||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| F-9 |
Contract Liabilities
The Company recognizes a contract liability when a consideration is received, or if the Company has the unconditional right to receive consideration, in advance of satisfying the performance obligation. A contract liability is the Company’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration, or an amount of consideration is due from the customer.
The table below details the activity in the Company’s contract liabilities as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The balance at the end of each period is reported as contract liability in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Additions | - | |||||||
| Transfer to revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
Warranty Reserve
The Company records a reserve for warranty repairs upon the initial delivery of vehicles to its dealer network. The Company provides a product warranty on each vehicle including powertrain, battery pack and electronics package. Such warranty matches the product warranty provided by its supply chain for warranty parts for all unaltered vehicles and is not considered a separate performance obligation. The supply chain warranty does not cover warranty-based labor needed to replace a part under warranty. Warranty reserves include management’s best estimate of the projected cost of labor to repair/replace all items under warranty. The Company reserves a percentage of all dealer-based sales to cover an industry-standard warranty fund to support dealer labor warranty repairs.
Such
percentage is recorded as a component of cost of revenues in the statement of operations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020,
warranty reserves were recorded within accrued expenses of $
NOTE 5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net, consists of amounts due from invoiced customers and product deliveries and were as follows:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Trade receivables | $ | $ | ||||||
| Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 6. INVENTORY, NET
Inventory consisted of the following:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Raw materials | $ | $ | ||||||
| Work-in-progress | - | - | ||||||
| Finished goods | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
| F-10 |
Depreciation
expense for fleet inventory for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $
NOTE 7. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Prepaid final assembly services | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepayments for inventory | ||||||||
| Prepaid other | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
| September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Computer and equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | ||||||||
| Lease improvements | ||||||||
| Prototypes | ||||||||
| Computer software | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
Depreciation
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $
NOTE 9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
| September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Weighted- Average Amortization Period | |||||||||||||
| Supply chain development | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||
| Patents and trademarks | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Weighted- Period | |||||||||||||
| Supply chain development | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||
| Patents | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||
| F-11 |
Amortization
expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, was $
NOTE 10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
In
April 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock in connection with the issuance of the 2020 $
On
June 17, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain existing investors, pursuant to which the Company
sold, in a registered public offering by the Company directly to the investors an aggregate of shares of common stock, par
value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share for gross proceeds of $
On
July 6, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain existing investors, pursuant to which the Company
sold, in a registered public offering by the Company directly to the investors an aggregate of shares of common stock, par
value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share for gross proceeds of $
On
July 21, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain existing investors, pursuant to which the Company
sold, in a registered public offering by the Company directly to the investors an aggregate of shares of common stock, par
value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share for gross proceeds of $
During July 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the conversion of shares of Series H-6 Preferred Stock.
On
November 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant
to which such stockholders agreed to purchase an aggregate of shares of AYRO common stock, par value $ per share, at
an offering price of $ per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the exercise of
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the conversion of the 2019 $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the closing of the Merger in consideration
for $
During
the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock, par value $ per share, for proceeds of $
| F-12 |
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock to advisors in connection with the Merger.
In
December 2020, based on its contract, the Company agreed to issue shares of common stock to COR Prominence LLC, the Company’s
investor relations firm. The shares were immediately vested and were issued in April 2021. An expense of $
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of the common stock from the conversion of shares of AYRO Seed Preferred Stock.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options and received cash proceeds of $.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued shares of common stock from the conversion of shares of H-3 Preferred Stock.
On
January 25, 2021, AYRO entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to
which AYRO agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (the “January 2021 Offering”) an aggregate of
shares of common stock of AYRO, par value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share, for gross proceeds of $
On
February 11, 2021, AYRO entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to
which AYRO agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (the “February 2021 Offering”) an aggregate of
shares of common stock of AYRO, par value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share, for gross proceeds of $
On March 17, 2021, in connection with that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 19, 2019, whereby certain former stockholders of AYRO Operating entered into lock-up agreements (collectively, the “May Lock-Up Agreements”) pursuant to which they agreed to certain restrictions on the transfer or sale of shares of the Company’s common stock for the one-year period following the Merger, AYRO modified the May Lock-Up Agreements to allow each stockholder party to a May Lock-Up Agreement toAs of May 28, 2021, all of the May Lock-up Agreements were expired.
Pursuant
to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 21, 2020, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 investors purchased 302,500
of the Additional Shares of common stock of AYRO, par value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share, for gross proceeds
of $
During
February 2021, the Company issued
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company issued
| F-13 |
Restricted Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company
issued shares of restricted common stock valued based on the stock price at the date of issuance with a weighted average price
of $ per share, pursuant to the AYRO, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, of which shares were vested during the year
ended December 31, 2020. See Note 11. On February 24, 2021, pursuant to the AYRO, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company
issued shares of restricted stock to non-executive directors at a value of $ per share. During the nine months ended September
30, 2021, additional shares vested, of which shares were accelerated vesting upon the resignation of the Company’s
former chief executive officer. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2021 of $ and $ respectively. $
Preferred Stock
Upon closing of the Merger, the Company assumed the Series H, H-3 and H-6 preferred stock of DropCar, Inc., which respective conversion prices have been adjusted to reflect the May 2020 one-for-five reverse split.
Series H Convertible Preferred Stock
Under
the terms of the Series H Certificate of Designation, each share of the Company’s Series H Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series
H Preferred Stock”) has a stated value of $ and is convertible into shares of the Company’s Common Stock, equal to the
stated value divided by the conversion price of $
As of September 30, 2021, such payment would be calculated as follows:
| Number of Series H Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021 | ||||
| Multiplied by the stated value | $ | |||
| Equals the gross stated value | $ | |||
| Divided by the conversion price | $ | |||
| Equals the convertible shares of Company Common Stock | ||||
| Multiplied by the fair market value of Company Common Stock as of September 30, 2021 | $ | |||
| Equals the payment | $ |
Series H-3 Convertible Preferred Stock
Pursuant to the Series H-3 Certificate of Designation (as defined below), the holders of the Company’s Series H-3 Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series H-3 Preferred Stock”) are entitled to elect up to two members of a seven-member Board, subject to certain step downs; pursuant to the Series H-3 securities purchase agreement, the Company agreed to effectuate the appointment of the designees specified by the Series H-3 investors as directors of the Company.
Under
the terms of the Series H-3 Certificate of Designation, each share of the Series H-3 Preferred Stock has a stated value of $ and is
convertible into shares of common stock, equal to the stated value divided by the conversion price of $
| F-14 |
In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series H-3 Preferred Stock are entitled, pari passu with the holders of common stock, to receive a payment in the amount the holder would receive if such holder converted the Series H-3 Preferred Stock into common stock immediately prior to the date of such payment.
As of September 30, 2021, such payment would be calculated as follows:
| Number of Series H-3 Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021 | ||||
| Multiplied by the stated value | $ | |||
| Equals the gross stated value | $ | |||
| Divided by the conversion price | $ | |||
| Equals the convertible shares of Company Common Stock | ||||
| Multiplied by the fair market value of Company Common Stock as of September 30, 2021 | $ | |||
| Equals the payment | $ |
Series H-6 Convertible Preferred Stock
On
February 5, 2020, the Company filed the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series H-6 Preferred Stock (the “Series
H-6 Certificate of Designation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, establishing and designating the rights,
powers and preferences of the Series H-6 Preferred Stock. The Company designated up to shares of Series H-6 Preferred Stock and
each share has a stated value of $ (the “H-6 Stated Value”).
The
Series H-6 Preferred Stock also has the same voting rights as the common stock, except that in no event shall a holder of Series H-6
Preferred Stock be permitted to exercise a greater number of votes than such holder would have been entitled to cast if the Series H-6
Preferred Stock had immediately been converted into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to $
The holders of Series H-6 Preferred Stock are entitled to certain anti-dilution adjustments if the Company issues shares of its common stock at a lower price per share than the applicable conversion price of the Series H-6 Preferred Stock. If any such dilutive issuance occurs prior to the conversion of the Series H-6 Preferred Stock, the conversion price will be adjusted downward to a price that cannot be less than 20% of the exercise price of $3.60.
In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series H-6 Preferred Stock are entitled, pari passu with the holders of common stock, to receive a payment in the amount the holder would receive if such holder converted the Series H-6 Preferred Stock into common stock immediately prior to the date of such payment.
As of September 30, 2021, such payment would be calculated as follows:
| Number of Series H-6 Preferred Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2021 | ||||
| Multiplied by the stated value | $ | |||
| Equals the gross stated value | $ | |||
| Divided by the conversion price | $ | |||
| Equals the convertible shares of Company Common Stock | ||||
| Multiplied by the fair market value of Company Common Stock as of September 30, 2021 | $ | |||
| Equals the payment | $ |
| F-15 |
Warrants
AYRO Seed Warrants
Prior
to the Merger, the Company issued
Series I, J, H, H-1, H-3, H-4 and H-5 warrants transferred to AYRO common stock pursuant to the Merger.
Series I Warrants
As
a result of the Merger,
Series H-3 Warrants
As
a result of the Merger,
Exercise of Series H-4 Warrants and Issuance of Series J Warrants
Series H-4 Warrants
As
a result of the Merger,
As
a result of the Merger,
| F-16 |
Series H-5 Warrants
As
a result of the Merger,
The
Company considers the change in exercise price due to the anti-dilution trigger related to the Series H-5 Warrants to be of an equity
nature, as the issuance allowed the warrant holders to exercise warrants in exchange for common stock, which represents an equity for
equity exchange. Therefore, the change in the fair value before and after the effect of the anti-dilution triggering event and the fair
value of the Series H-5 warrants will be treated as a deemed dividend in the amount of $
The warrants were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of the modification and issuance using the following assumptions: (a) fair value of common stock of $2.77 per share, (b) expected volatility of , (c) dividend yield of , (d) risk-free interest rate of , and (e) expected life of 5 years. The Series H-5 Warrants were exercisable beginning June 6, 2020.
The
Series H-1, H-3, H-4, J and H-5
Other AYRO Warrants
On
June 19, 2020, the Company agreed to issue finder warrants (the “June Finder Warrants”) to purchase
On
July 8, 2020, the Company agreed to issue finder warrants (the “July 8 Finder Warrants”) to purchase
The
July 8 Finder Warrants and July 8 Placement Agent Warrants terminate after a period of
On
July 22, 2020, the Company agreed to issue warrants to Palladium (the “July 22 Placement Agent Warrants”) to purchase
| F-17 |
On
September 25, 2020, the Company issued a warrant (the “September Warrant”) to purchase
The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the September Warrants:
| As of September 25, 2020 | ||||
| Dividend | % | |||
| Risk Free Rate | % | |||
| Exercise Price | $ | |||
| Strike Price | $ | |||
| Term | ||||
| Volatility | % | |||
On
November 22, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with new and current stockholders of the Company, pursuant
to which such stockholders agreed to purchase shares of AYRO’s Common Stock, Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants to purchase
AYRO’s Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $
On
November 22, 2020, the Company agreed to issue finder warrants (the “November Finder Warrants”) to purchase
On
January 25, 2021, AYRO entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to
which AYRO agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (the “January 2021 Offering”) an aggregate of
shares of common stock of AYRO, par value $ per share, at an offering price of $ per share, for gross proceeds of approximately
$
Each
purchaser was also granted a warrant to purchase, between July 26, 2021 and July 26, 2023, additional shares of common stock equal to
the full amount of the common stock it purchased at the initial closing, or an aggregate of shares at an exercise price of
$
On
January 25, 2021, the Company agreed to issue warrants to Palladium, the placement agent for the January 2021 offering to purchase
| F-18 |
On
February 11, 2021, the Company agreed to issue warrants to Spartan Capital Securities, LLC and its affiliates (the “February Finder
Warrants”) to purchase
A summary of the Company’s warrants to purchase common stock activity is as follows:
| Shares Underlying Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | ||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||||||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
| Expired | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||
AYRO 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan
On May 28, 2020, the Company’s shareholders approved the AYRO, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan for future grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance and other awards. The Company has reserved a total of shares of its common stock pursuant to the AYRO, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, including shares of restricted stock that have been issued. The Company has stock options, restricted stock and warrants remaining under this plan as of September 30, 2021.
AYRO 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan
Prior to the Merger, the Company granted stock options and warrants pursuant to the 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan effective January 1, 2017. As of September 30, 2021, the 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan remains active, but no additional awards may be granted.
DropCar Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan
The DropCar Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan was amended in 2018 to increase the number of shares of Company common stock available for issuance. Pursuant to the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and there are options to purchase shares outstanding as of September 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, there were shares available for grant under the 2014 Plan.
| F-19 |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Research and development | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Options
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Contractual Life (Years) | ||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
| Forfeitures | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||||||
Of the outstanding options, were vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2021. At September 30, 2021 the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options vested and exercisable was $.
The Company recognized $ and $ of stock option expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, and $ and $ for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. Total compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards not yet recognized as of September 30, 2021 was $ and will be recognized on a straight-line basis through the end of the vesting periods through October 2023. The amount of future stock option compensation expense could be affected by any future option grants or by any forfeitures.
Determining the appropriate fair value of the stock-based awards requires the input of subjective assumptions, including the fair value of the Company’s common stock, and for stock options, the expected life of the option, and the expected stock price volatility. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its stock option awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and management uses different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense could be materially different for future awards.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Expected life (years) | N/A | .0 | ||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | N/A | % | ||||||
| Expected volatility | N/A | % | ||||||
| Total grant date fair value | $ | N/A | $ | - | ||||
The expected life of the employee stock options was estimated using the “simplified method,” as the Company has no historical information to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and employment duration for its stock option grants. No employee stock options were awarded in the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
| F-20 |
The simplified method is based on the average of the vesting tranches and the contractual life of each grant. The expected life of awards that vest immediately use the contractual maturity since they are vested when issued. For stock price volatility, the Company uses public company compatibles and historical private placement data as a basis for its expected volatility to calculate the fair value of option grants. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury notes with a term approximating the expected life of the option at the grant-date.
Restricted Stock
| Number
of Shares | Weighted Average Grant Price | |||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2020 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||
| Vested | ( | ) | $ | |||||
| Forfeitures | ( | ) | $ | |||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2021 | $ | |||||||
In September 2020, the Company issued shares of restricted stock to non-executive directors, of which immediately vested and the remainder to During May 2021, of the remaining outstanding restricted stock vested and were forfeited. The Company recognized compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 of $ and $, respectively.
In December 2020, based on objectives achieved, the
Company issued shares of restricted stock to Rodney C. Keller, Jr. (“the “Keller Restricted Stock”) that vest
according to In September 2021 all unvested shares of Keller Restricted Stock vested pursuant to Mr. Keller’s
separation agreement. Compensation expense recognized for the Keller Restricted Stock for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2021 was $ and $, respectively.
On February 24, 2021, pursuant to the AYRO, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Company issued shares of restricted stock to non-executive directors at a value of $ per share. The Company recognized compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 of $ and $. Total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock not yet recognized as of September 30, 2021 was $ and will be recognized on a straight-line basis through the end of the vesting periods through December 31, 2021.
In September 2021, pursuant to the employment agreement with Thomas M. Wittenschlaeger, the Company issued shares of restricted stock at a value of $per share. Vesting will occur as predetermined value-based targets are met. We estimate the fair value of stock-based and cash unit awards containing a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key inputs and assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the stock price of the award on the grant date, the expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the expected term, the expected annual dividend yield and the expected stock price volatility. The Company does not currently pay or plan to pay a dividend on its common stock, the expected dividend yield was zero. Volatility was determined using a three-year lookback with a determination. The expected term is December 27, 2023 for the fifth and final tranche. The Company recognized $of expense in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Total compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock not yet recognized as of September 30, 2021 was $and will be recognized on a straight-line basis per target through the end of each vesting period through December 2023.
Other Share-Based Payments
The Company granted stock warrants pursuant to the 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) effective January 1, 2017. The Company measured consultant stock-based awards at grant-date fair value and recognizes contractor consulting expense for contractor warrants on a straight-line method basis over the vesting period of the award. Grants to consultants are expensed at the earlier of (i) the date at which a commitment for performance by the service provider to earn the equity instrument is reached and (ii) the date at which the service provider’s performance is complete.
The
Company recognized $
| F-21 |
NOTE 12. CONCENTRATIONS AND CREDIT RISK
Revenues
In
March 2019, the Company entered into a five-year Master Procurement Agreement, or the MPA, with Club Car for the sale of AYRO’s
four-wheeled vehicle. The MPA grants Club Car the exclusive right to sell AYRO’s four-wheeled vehicle in North America, provided
that Club Car orders at least 500 vehicles per year. Although Club Car did not meet the volume threshold for 2020, we currently do not
intend to sell our four-wheeled vehicles other than exclusively through Club Car. The MPA has an initial term of five (5) years commencing
January 1, 2019 and may be renewed by Club Car for successive one-year periods upon 60 days’ prior written notice. For the three
months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, two customers accounted for the Company’s revenues, one for
Accounts Receivable
As
of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, two customers accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable. One
customer accounted for approximately
Purchasing
The Company places orders with various suppliers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, two suppliers provided more than 10% of the Company’s raw materials purchases. One supplier, Cenntro, accounted for approximately and , respectively, and another supplier accounted for approximately and , respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020. The Company’s purchases from its top two suppliers for raw materials were approximately and for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and approximately and for the three months ended September 30, 2020. Any disruption in the operation of the Company’s primary supplier, Cenntro, could adversely affect the Company’s operations.
Manufacturing
Cenntro Automotive Group (“Cenntro”), a related party in 2020, owns the design of the AYRO 411x model and has granted the Company an exclusive license to manufacture the AYRO 411x model for sale in North America. The Company’s business is dependent on such license, and if it fails to comply with its obligations to maintain that license, the Company’s business will be substantially harmed. Under the Manufacturing License Agreement, dated April 27, 2017, between Cenntro and the Company, the Company is granted an exclusive license to manufacture and sell AYRO 411x in the United States, and the Company is required to purchase the minimum volume of product units from Cenntro, among other obligations.
NOTE 13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Supply Chain Agreements
In
2017, the Company executed a supply chain contract with Cenntro, the Company’s primary supplier, a manufacturer located in the
People’s Republic of China. Prior to the Merger, Cenntro was a significant shareholder in AYRO Operating. Through the partnership,
Cenntro acquired
| F-22 |
Other
The
Company had received short-term expense advances from its founders. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the amounts outstanding
were $
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Agreements
In 2019 the Company entered into a new lease agreement for office and manufacturing space. The lease commencement date was January 16, 2020. Prior to the commencement date of the new lease agreement, the Company leased other office and manufacturing space on a short-term basis. The Company determined if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract and whether a contract is or contains a lease by determining whether it conveys the right to control the use of identified asset for a period of time. The contact provides the right to substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset and the right to direct use of the identified asset, as such, the contract is, or contains, a lease. In connection with the adoption of ASC 842, Leases, the Company has elected to treat the lease and non-lease components as a single component.
During
March 2021, the Company subleased additional office space to support the Company’s expansion plan. The term is for 16 months with
a total lease obligation of $
Leases were classified as an operating lease at inception. An operating lease results in the recognition of a Right-of-Use (“ROU”) assets and lease liability on the balance sheet. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term as of the commencement date. Because the lease does not provide an explicit or implicit rate of return, the Company determines incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments on an individual lease basis.
The
incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest the Company would have to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount
equal to the lease payments for the asset under similar term, which is
The
Company’s leases do not contain any residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Leases with a lease term of 12
months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The
remaining terms for the Company’s leases as of September 30, 2021 are
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities- operating
cash flows from operating lease was $
| F-23 |
The components of lease expense consist of the following:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Short-term lease expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Total lease cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Balance sheet information related to leases consists of the following:
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease – right-of-use asset | $ | $ | ||||||
| Total lease assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Lease obligation – operating lease | $ | $ | ||||||
| Noncurrent liabilities: | ||||||||
| Lease obligation - operating lease, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Total lease liability | $ | $ | ||||||
The weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate is as follows:
| Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) – operating lease | ||||
| Weighted average discount rate – operating lease | % |
Cash flow information related to leases consists of the following:
| For the nine months ended | ||||||||
| September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | |||||||
| Operating cash flows for operating leases | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental non-cash amounts of lease liabilities arising from obtaining right of use assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Future minimum lease payment under non-cancellable lease as of September 30, 2021 are as follows:
| As of September 30, 2021 | Operating Leases | |||
| 2021, remaining | $ | |||
| 2022 | ||||
| 2023 | ||||
| 2024 | ||||
| 2025 | ||||
| 2026 and thereafter | ||||
| Total minimum lease payments | ||||
| Less effects of discounting | ( | ) | ||
| Present value of future minimum lease payments | $ | |||
| F-24 |
Manufacturing Agreements
On
September 25, 2020, AYRO entered into a Master Manufacturing Services Agreement with Karma Automotive, LLC (the “Karma Agreement”).
The term of the contract is for
The
Company paid Karma an amount of $
Litigation
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business, that it believes are incidental to the operation of its business. While the outcome of these claims cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that the outcome of any of these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial positions or cash flows.
Other
On February 12, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with Arcimoto, Inc. to settle certain patent infringement claims (the “Arcimoto Settlement”) for a de minimis amount, pursuant to which the Company agreed to cease the production, importation and sale of the AYRO 311, among other things. Accordingly, the Company would not be contractually permitted to resume production of the AYRO 311.
As
of January 1, 2019, DropCar Operating, Inc. (“DropCar”) had accrued approximately $
On March 23, 2018, DropCar was made aware of an audit being conducted by the New York State Department of Labor (“DOL”) regarding a claim filed by an employee. The DOL is investigating whether DropCar properly paid overtime for which DropCar has raised several defenses. In addition, the DOL is conducting its audit to determine whether the Company owes spread of hours pay (an hour’s pay for each day an employee worked or was scheduled for a period over ten hours in a day). If the DOL determines that monies are owed, the DOL will seek a backpay order, which management believes will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Management believes the case has no merit.
DropCar
was a defendant in a class action lawsuit which resulted in a judgement entered into whereby the Company is required to pay legal fees
in the amount of $
| F-25 |
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements and the related notes thereto. This management’s discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect” and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions (“will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under “Risk Factors” in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of several factors. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
References in this management’s discussion and analysis to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our Company” or “AYRO” refer to AYRO, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “anticipates,” “assumes,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “guides,” “intends,” “is confident that,” “may,” “plans,” “seeks,” “projects,” “targets,” “would” and “will” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, future financial and operating results, the company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements concerning the strategic review of the Company’s product development strategy and other statements that are not historical facts. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations, or projections described under the sections in this Form 10-Q and our other reports filed with the SEC titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, cash available for distribution, ability to service our debt obligations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
| ● | we are currently evaluating our product development strategy, which may result in significant changes and have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. |
| ● | if disruptions in our transportation network continue to occur or our shipping costs continue to increase, we may be unable to sell or timely deliver our products, and our gross margin could decrease. |
| ● | increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials, in particular lithium-ion cells and other critical components, could harm our business; |
| ● | we may be acquired by a third party based on preexisting agreements; |
| ● | we have a history of losses and have never been profitable, and we expect to incur additional losses in the future and may never be profitable; |
| ● | the market for our products is developing and may not develop as expected; |
| ● | our business is subject to general economic and market conditions, including trade wars and tariffs; |
| ● | our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted by public health epidemics, including the recent COVID-19 outbreak; |
| ● | our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and may increase the risk of any investment in our securities; |
| ● | we may experience lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of our vehicles; |
| ● | developments in alternative technologies or improvements in the internal combustion engine may have a materially adverse effect on the demand for our electric vehicles; |
| ● | the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and we may not be successful in competing in these industries; |
| ● | a significant portion of our revenues are derived from a single customer; |
| ● | we rely on and intend to continue to rely on a single third-party supplier and manufacturer located in the People’s Republic of China for the sub-assemblies in a semi-knocked-down state for our current vehicles; |
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| ● | we may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our financial condition and liquidity if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims; |
| ● | the range of our electric vehicles on a single charge declines over time, which may negatively influence potential customers’ decisions whether to purchase our vehicles; |
| ● | our business may be adversely affected by labor and union activities; |
| ● | we may be required to raise additional capital to fund our operations, and such capital raising may be costly or difficult to obtain and could dilute our stockholders’ ownership interests, and our long-term capital requirements are subject to numerous risks; |
| ● | increased safety, emissions, fuel economy, or other regulations may result in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions; |
| ● | we may fail to comply with environmental and safety laws and regulations; |
| ● | our proprietary designs are susceptible to reverse engineering by our competitors; |
| ● | if we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets or know-how, such proprietary information may be used by others to compete against us; |
| ● | should we begin transacting business in other currencies, we are subject to exposure from changes in the exchange rates of local currencies; and |
| ● | we are subject to governmental export and import controls that could impair our ability to compete in international market due to licensing requirements and subject us to liability if we are not in compliance with applicable laws. |
For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect our business and that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, see the risk factors and uncertainties set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on March 31, 2021, as amended on April 30, 2021. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Overview
Merger
On May 28, 2020, pursuant to the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 19, 2019 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among AYRO, Inc., a Delaware corporation previously known as DropCar, Inc., ABC Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and AYRO Operating Company, a Delaware corporation previously known as AYRO, Inc. (“AYRO Operating”), Merger Sub was merged with and into AYRO Operating, with AYRO Operating continuing after the merger as the surviving entity and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). At the effective time of the Merger, without any action on the part of any stockholder, each issued and outstanding share of AYRO Operating’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “AYRO Operating Common Stock”), including shares underlying AYRO Operating’s outstanding equity awards and warrants, was converted into the right to receive 1.3634 pre-split and pre-stock dividend shares (the “Exchange Ratio”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Company Common Stock”). Upon completion of the Merger and the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement and assuming the exercise in full of all pre-funded warrants issued pursuant thereto, (i) the former AYRO Operating equity holders (including the investors in a bridge financing and private placements that closed prior to closing of the Merger) owned approximately 79% of the outstanding equity of the Company; (ii) former DropCar stockholders owned approximately 18% of the outstanding equity of the Company; and (iii) a financial advisor to DropCar and AYRO owned approximately 3% of the outstanding equity of the Company.
| 3 |
The Merger was treated as a reverse recapitalization effected by a share exchange for financial accounting and reporting purposes since substantially all of DropCar, Inc.’s operations were disposed of as part of the consummation of the Merger and therefore no goodwill or other intangible assets were recorded by the Company as a result of the Merger. AYRO Operating is treated as the accounting acquirer as its stockholders control the Company after the Merger, even though DropCar, Inc. was the legal acquirer. As a result, the assets and liabilities and the historical operations that are reflected in our consolidated financial statements are those of AYRO Operating as if AYRO Operating had always been the reporting company.
Reverse Stock Split and Stock Dividend
On May 28, 2020, immediately following the effective time of the Merger, we effected a reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, at a ratio of one share for ten shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”). Immediately following the Reverse Stock Split, we issued a stock dividend of one share of the Company’s common stock for each outstanding share of common stock to all holders of record immediately following the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split (the “Stock Dividend”).
The net result of the Reverse Stock Split and the Stock Dividend was a 1-for-5 reverse stock split. We made proportionate adjustments to the per share exercise price and/or the number of shares issuable upon the exercise or vesting of all stock options, restricted stock units (if any) and warrants outstanding as of the effective times of the Reverse Stock Split and the Stock Dividend in accordance with the terms of each security based on the split or dividend ratio. Also, we reduced the number of shares reserved for issuance under our equity compensation plans proportionately based on the split and dividend ratios. Except for adjustments that resulted from the rounding up of fractional shares to the next whole share, the Reverse Stock Split and Stock Dividend affected all stockholders uniformly and did not change any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company. The Reverse Stock Split did not alter the par value of Company Common Stock, $0.0001 per share, or modify any voting rights or other terms of the common stock. Except as otherwise set forth herein, share and related option or warrant information presented in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations have been adjusted to reflect the reduced number of shares outstanding, the increase in share price which resulted from these actions or otherwise to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split and the Stock Dividend.
Closing of Asset Purchase Agreement
On December 19, 2019, DropCar entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with DC Partners Acquisition, LLC (“DC Partners”), Spencer Richardson and David Newman, pursuant to which DropCar agreed to sell substantially all of the assets associated with its business of providing vehicle support, fleet logistics and concierge services for both consumers and the automotive industry to an entity controlled by Messrs. Richardson and Newman, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Development Officer at the time, respectively. The aggregate purchase price for the purchased assets consisted of the cancellation of certain liabilities pursuant to those certain employment agreements by and between DropCar and each of Messrs. Richardson and Newman, plus the assumption of certain liabilities relating to, or arising out of, workers’ compensation claims that occurred prior to the closing date of the Asset Purchase Agreement. On May 28, 2020, the parties to the Asset Purchase Agreement entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement Amendment”), which Asset Purchase Agreement Amendment (i) provides for the inclusion of up to $30,000 in refunds associated with certain insurance premiums as assets being purchased by DC Partners, (ii) amends the covenant associated with the funding of the DropCar business, such that DropCar provided the DropCar business with additional funding of $175,000 at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement and (iii) provides for a current employee of the Company being transferred to DC Partners to provide transition services to the Company for a period of three months after the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Purchase Agreement. The Asset Purchase Agreement closed on May 28, 2020, immediately following the consummation of the Merger.
| 4 |
Business
Prior to the Merger, DropCar provided consumer and enterprise solutions to urban automobile-related logistical challenges. Following the Merger, we design and manufacture compact, sustainable electric vehicles for closed campus mobility, urban and community transport, local on-demand and last mile delivery, and government use. Our four-wheeled purpose-built electric vehicles are geared toward commercial customers including universities, business and medical campuses, last mile delivery services and food service providers.
Products
AYRO vehicles provide the end user an environmentally friendly alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (cars powered by gasoline or diesel oil), for light duty uses, including low-speed logistics, maintenance and cargo services, at a lower total cost. The majority of our sales are comprised of sales of our four-wheeled vehicle to Club Car, LLC (“Club Car”), through a strategic arrangement entered into in early 2019
Strategic Review
Following the hiring of our new Chief Executive Officer in the third quarter of 2021, we initiated a strategic review of our product development strategy, as we focus on creating value within the electric vehicle, last-mile delivery, and smart payload markets. While we complete our strategic review, we have paused all material research and development activity and expenditures, including expenses associated with our planned next generation three-wheeled vehicle.
This process may result in us deciding to modify or discontinue current or planned products, in reallocating time and resources among existing products, in exploring new products or in making other operational changes, including to our reliance on internal and external resources. It could also result in delays in the expected timing for the launch of new products, if we determine to continue their development. Any decisions on advancing, reprioritizing or eliminating any of our products will be based on an evaluation of a number of factors, including our assessment of internal and external resources, the potential market for such products, the costs and complexities of manufacturing, the potential of competing products, the likelihood of any challenges to our intellectual property, regardless of merit, the ongoing and potential effects of the COVID-19 or any future pandemics, and industry and market conditions generally, and will be subject to the approval of the strategic and budget committee of the board of directors. We intend to provide updates as we review and finalize our assessment.
Manufacturing License Agreement with Cenntro
In 2017, AYRO Operating partnered with Cenntro Automotive Group, Ltd. (“Cenntro”), which operates a large electric vehicle factory in the automotive district in Hangzhou, China, in a supply chain agreement to provide sub-assembly manufacturing services. Through the partnership, Cenntro initially acquired 19% in 2017 of AYRO Operating’s common stock. Cenntro beneficially owned approximately 4.38% of our common stock as of December 31, 2020. Cenntro owns the design of the AYRO 411 Fleet vehicles and has granted us an exclusive license to purchase the AYRO 411 Fleet vehicles for sale in North America.
Under our Manufacturing License Agreement with Cenntro (the “MLA”), in order for us to maintain our exclusive territorial rights pursuant to the MLA, for the first three years after the effective date of March 22, 2020, we must meet the following minimum purchase requirements, which we believe we satisfied for the initial period: (i) a minimum of 300 units sold by the first anniversary of the effective date of the MLA; (ii) a minimum of 800 units sold by the second anniversary of the effective date of the MLA; and (iii) a minimum of 1,300 units sold by the third anniversary of the effective date of the MLA.
Cenntro will determine the minimum sale requirements for the years thereafter. Should any event of default occur, the other party may terminate the MLA by providing written notice to the defaulting party, who will have 90 days from the effective date of the notice to cure the default. Unless waived by the party providing notice, a failure to cure the default(s) within the 90-day time frame will result in the automatic termination of the MLA. Events of default under the MLA include a failure to make a required payment when due, the insolvency or bankruptcy of either party, the subjection of either party’s property to any levy, seizure, general assignment for the benefit of creditors, and a failure to make available or deliver the products in the time and manner provided for in the MLA. We are dependent on the MLA, and in the event of its termination our manufacturing operations and customer deliveries would be materially impacted.
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Master Procurement Agreement with Club Car
In March 2019, AYRO Operating entered into a five-year Master Procurement Agreement(the “MPA”), with Club Car for the sale of our four-wheeled vehicle. The MPA grants Club Car the exclusive right to sell AYRO’s four-wheeled vehicle in North America, provided that Club Car orders at least 500 vehicles per year. Although Club Car did not meet the volume threshold for 2020, we currently do not intend to sell our four-wheeled vehicles other than exclusively through Club Car. Under the terms of the MPA, we receive orders from Club Car dealers for vehicles of specific configurations, and AYRO invoices Club Car once the vehicle has shipped. The MPA has an initial term of five (5) years commencing January 1, 2019 and may be renewed by Club Car for successive one-year periods upon 60 days’ prior written notice. Pursuant to the MPA, we granted Club Car a right of first refusal for sales of 51% or more of AYRO Operating’s assets or equity interests, which right of first refusal is exercisable for a period of 45 days following AYRO Operating’s delivery of an acquisition notice to Club Car. We also agreed to collaborate with Club Car on new products similar to our four-wheeled vehicle and improvements to existing products and granted Club Car a right of first refusal to purchase similar commercial utility vehicles we develop during the term of the MPA. We are currently engaged in discussions with Club Car to develop additional products to be sold by Club Car in Europe and Asia but there can be no assurance that these discussions will be successful. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenues from Club Car constituted approximately 99% and 71% of our revenue, respectively. Any loss of, or a significant reduction in purchases by, Club Car that constitutes a significant portion of our sales could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
Manufacturing Services Agreement with Karma
On September 25, 2020, we entered into a Master Manufacturing Services Agreement (the “Karma Agreement”) with Karma Automotive LLC (“Karma”), pursuant to which Karma agreed to provide certain manufacturing services for the production of our vehicles. The initial statement of work provides that Karma will perform assembly of a certain quantity of the AYRO 411 vehicles and provide testing, materials management and outbound logistics services. For such services in the initial statement of work, we agreed to pay $1.2 million to Karma, of which (i) $0.52 million was paid at closing and (ii) $0.64 million is due and payable five months following the satisfaction of certain production requirements. The Karma Agreement expires (i) 12 months from the start of volume production of the vehicles or (ii) such earlier time as the parties mutually agree in writing. In addition, Karma, in its sole discretion, may terminate the Karma Agreement at any time, without cause, upon twelve months’ prior written notice. We may terminate the Karma Agreement, without cause, upon six months’ prior written notice.
On February 24, 2021, the Karma Agreement was amended to allow Karma to assemble a certain number of units of the AYRO 411 vehicle. Karma began assembling production units in June 2021.
Supply Agreement with Gallery Carts
During 2020, we entered into a supply agreement with Gallery Carts, a leading provider of food and beverage kiosks, carts, and mobile storefront solutions (the “Gallery Agreement). Joint development efforts have led to the launch of the parties’ first all-electric configurable mobile hospitality vehicle for “on-the-go” venues across the United States. This innovative solution permits food, beverage and merchandising operators to bring goods directly to consumers.
The configurable Powered Vendor Box, in the rear of the vehicle, features long-life lithium batteries that power the preconfigured hot/cold beverage and food equipment and is directly integrated with the AYRO 411x. The canopy doors, as well as the full vehicle, can be customized with end-user logos and graphics to enhance the brand experience. Gallery, with 40 years of experience delivering custom food kiosk solutions, has expanded into mobile electric vehicles as customers increasingly want food, beverages and merchandise delivered to where they are gathering. For example, a recent study conducted by Technomic found that a large majority of students, 77%, desired alternative mobile and to-go food options on campus.
Gallery Carts, a premier distributor of AYRO 411x low-speed electric vehicles manufactured by AYRO, has a diverse clientele throughout mobile food, beverage and merchandise distribution markets, for key customer applications such as university, corporate and government campuses, major league and amateur-level stadiums and arenas, resorts, airports and event centers. In addition to finding innovative and safe ways to deliver food and beverages to their patrons, reducing and ultimately eliminating their carbon footprint is a top priority for many of these customers.
Recent Developments
On January 25, 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 3,333,334 shares at an offering price of $6.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $20.0 million before the deduction of fees and offering expenses. In a concurrent private placement, we sold to such investors warrants to purchase, at any time on or after July 26, 2021 and on or before July 26, 2023, additional shares of common stock equal to the full amount of the common stock it purchased at the initial closing, or an aggregate of 3,333,334 shares, at an exercise price of $6.93 per share.
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In connection with the January 25, 2021, securities purchase agreement, we issued Palladium Capital Group, LLC (collectively with its affiliates, “Palladium”) a warrant to purchase 233,334 shares of common stock (which equals 7.0% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in the January 2021 registered direct offering). The warrants issued to Palladium have the same terms as the investor warrants issued under the January 25, 2021, concurrent private placement.
On February 11, 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 4,400,001 shares of common stock at an offering price of $9.50 per share, for gross proceeds of $41.8 million before the deduction of fees and offering expenses. Each purchaser was also granted an option to purchase, on or before February 16, 2022, additional shares of common stock equal to the full amount of 75% of the common stock it purchased at the initial closing, or an aggregate of 3,300,001 shares, at an exercise price of $11.50 per share.
Palladium and Spartan Capital Securities, LLC were entitled to a fee equal to 8% of the gross proceeds raised in the February 2021 registered direct offering and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 271,158 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $10.925 per share and 35,885 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $10.45 per share. The warrants are exercisable immediately following issuance and terminate five years following issuance.
Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 21, 2020, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, investors purchased 302,500 additional shares of our common stock par value $0.0001 per share, at an offering price of $5.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $1.5 million.
On September 21, 2021, Rodney C. Keller, Jr., who served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of AYRO, Inc. and as a member of our board of directors, tendered his resignation from his roles as an officer, employee and director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Keller’s resignation from the Board was not in connection with any disagreement between Mr. Keller and the Company, its management, the Board or any committee of the Board on any matter relating to our operations, policies or practices, or any other matter. As part of the separation agreement, Mr. Keller was (a) retained as a contractor for thirty days to assist with the transition and compensated $20,833.30 in consulting fees; (b) paid $650,000 as a separation payment; (c) reimbursed his out-of-pocket COBRA expenses up to eighteen months; and (d) acceleration of vesting in all unvested restricted stock awards and stock options. We recorded compensation expense of $3.10 million due to the accelerated vesting of such awards and severance expense of $0.65 million as a result of the separation payment during the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Factors Affecting Results of Operations
Master Procurement Agreement
In March 2019, we entered into the MPA with Club Car. In partnership with Club Car and in interaction with its substantial dealer network, we have redirected our business development resources towards supporting Club Car’s enterprise and fleet sales function as Club Car proceeds in its new product introduction initiatives.
COVID-19 Pandemic
Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been adversely impacted by the recent coronavirus outbreak both in China and the United States. This has delayed our ability to timely procure raw materials from our supplier in China, which in turn, has delayed shipments to and corresponding revenue from customers. The pandemic and social distancing directives have interfered with our ability, and the ability of our employees, workers, contractors, suppliers and other business partners to perform our and their respective responsibilities and obligations relative to the conduct of our business. The COVID-19 pandemic poses restrictions on our employees’ and other service providers’ ability to travel on pre-sales meetings, customers’ abilities to physically meet with our employees and the ability of our customers to test drive or purchase our vehicles and shutdowns that may be requested or mandated by governmental authorities, and we expect these restrictions to continue at least though the third quarter of 2021. The pandemic adversely impacted our sales and the demand for our products in 2020 and the first half of 2021 and is expected to continue adversely impacting demand for our products throughout the remainder of 2021.
Tariffs
Countervailing tariffs on certain goods from China continue to have an adverse impact on raw material costs, and we believe this impact will continue throughout the remainder of 2021.
Supply Chain
Beginning in the second quarter of 2021, we offered a configuration of our 411x powered by lithium-ion battery technology. Additionally, our powered food box offerings are currently powered by lithium-ion battery technology. Our business depends on the continued supply of battery cells and other parts for our vehicles. During the first three quarters of 2021, we have at times experienced supply chain shortages of both lithium-ion battery cells and other critical components used to produce our vehicles, which has slowed our planned production of vehicles. We expect these shortages of lithium-ion battery cells and the varying supply limitations of other critical components to continue impacting our business through at least the end of 2021. In addition, we could be impacted by shortages of other products or raw materials, including silicon chips that we use or our suppliers use in the production of our vehicles or parts sourced for our vehicles.
Shipping Costs and Delays
A majority of our raw materials are shipped via container from overseas vendors in China, such as Cenntro, our largest supplier. We rely heavily on third parties, including ocean carriers and truckers, in that process. The global shipping industry is experiencing a shortage of shipping capacity from China, trucking shortages, increased ocean shipping rates and increased trucking and fuel costs. As a result, our receipt of imported products may be disrupted or delayed.
The shipping industry is also experiencing issues with port congestion and pandemic-related port closures and ship diversions. A port worker strike, work slow-down or other transportation disruption in the port of Long Beach, California could significantly disrupt our business. We are currently experiencing such disruption at both ports due to multiple factors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply and demand imbalance, a shortage of warehouse workers, truck drivers, transport equipment (tractors and trailers) and other causes, which have resulted in heightened congestion, bottleneck and gridlock, leading to abnormally high transportation delays. This has materially and adversely affected our business and could continue to materially and adversely affect our business and financial results for the fourth quarter of 2021. If significant disruptions along these lines continue, this could lead to further significant disruptions in our business, delays in shipments, and revenue and profitability shortfalls, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The global shipping industry is also experiencing unprecedented increases in shipping rates from the trans-Pacific ocean carriers due to various factors, including limited availability of shipping capacity. For example, the cost of shipping our products by ocean freight has recently increased to at least three times historical levels and will have a corresponding impact upon our profitability. Additionally, if increases in fuel prices occur, our transportation costs would likely further increase. Shipping pricing and logistical challenges have had an unfavorable impact on our margins and our ability to assemble vehicles during 2021. We expect these impacts to continue into 2022.
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Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We derive revenue from the sale of our four-wheeled electric vehicles, and, to a lesser extent, shipping, parts and service fees. In the past we also derived rental revenue from vehicle revenue sharing agreements with our tourist destination fleet operators, or Destination Fleet Operators (“DFOs”), and, to a lesser extent, shipping, parts and service fees. Provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met, we typically recognize revenue upon shipment, as title and risk of loss are transferred to customers and channel partners at that time. Products are typically shipped to dealers or directly to end customers, or in some cases to our international distributors. These international distributors assist with import regulations, currency conversions and local language. Our vehicle product sales revenues vary from period to period based on, among other things, the customer orders received and our ability to produce and deliver the ordered products. Customers often specify requested delivery dates that coincide with their need for our vehicles.
Because these customers may use our products in connection with a variety of projects of different sizes and durations, a customer’s orders for one reporting period generally do not indicate a trend for future orders by that customer. Additionally, order patterns do not necessarily correlate amongst customers.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold primarily consists of costs of materials and personnel costs associated with manufacturing operations, and an accrual for post-sale warranty claims. Personnel costs consist of wages and associated taxes and benefits. Cost of goods sold also includes freight and changes to our warranty reserves. Allocated overhead costs consist of certain facilities and utility costs. We expect cost of revenue to increase in absolute dollar, as product revenue increases.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of general and administrative, sales and marketing and research and development (“R&D”) expenses. Salaries and personnel-related costs, benefits, and stock-based compensation expense are the most significant components of each category of operating expenses. Operating expenses also include allocated overhead costs for facilities and utility costs.
Research and Development Expense
R&D expense consists primarily of employee compensation and related expenses, prototype expenses, depreciation associated with assets acquired for R&D, amortization of product development costs, product strategic advisory fees, third-party engineering and contractor support costs and allocated overhead. We have ceased large R&D expenses as we conduct a strategic review.
Sales and Marketing Expense
Sales and marketing expense consist primarily of employee compensation and related expenses, sales commissions, marketing programs, travel and entertainment expenses and allocated overhead. Marketing programs consist of advertising, tradeshows, events, corporate communications and brand-building activities. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollars as we expand our sales force, expand our product lines, increase marketing resources, and further develop sales channels.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expense consists primarily of employee compensation and related expenses for administrative functions including finance, legal, human resources and fees for third-party professional services, and allocated overhead. We expect our general and administrative expense to increase in absolute dollars as we continue to invest in growing our business.
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Stock-based compensation
We account for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value on the date of grant.
The fair value of each stock option granted to employees is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the related stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value of the options granted to non-employees is measured and expensed as the options vest.
Restricted stock grants are stock awards that entitle the holder to receive shares of our common stock as the award vests over time. The fair value of each restricted stock grant is based on the fair market value price of common stock on the date of grant, and it is measured and expensed as the options vest.
We estimate the fair value of stock-based and cash unit awards containing a market condition using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Key inputs and assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model include the stock price of the award on the grant date, the expected term, the risk-free interest rate over the expected term, the expected annual dividend yield and the expected stock price volatility. The expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical and implied volatility of the Company’s publicly traded, near-the-money stock options, and the valuation period is based on the vesting period of the awards. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and, since we do not currently pay or plan to pay a dividend on its common stock, the expected dividend yield was zero.
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expense) income consists of income received or expenses incurred for activities outside of our core business. Other expense consists primarily of interest expense.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes consists of estimated income taxes due to the United States government and to the state tax authorities in jurisdictions in which we conduct business. In the case of a tax deferred asset, we reserve the entire value for future periods.
Results of Operations
Three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to three months ended September 30, 2020
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
| For the three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 559,370 | $ | 388,654 | $ | 170,716 | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 955,466 | 326,671 | 628,795 | |||||||||
| Gross profit (loss) | (396,096 | ) | 61,983 | (458,079 | ) | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Research and development | 4,165,732 | 664,145 | 3,501,587 | |||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 646,713 | 304,880 | 341,833 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 6,805,788 | 1,482,018 | 5,323,770 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 11,618,233 | 2,451,043 | 9,167,190 | |||||||||
| Loss from operations | (12,014,329 | ) | (2,389,060 | ) | (9,625,269 | ) | ||||||
| Other income and expense: | ||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 12,254 | 17,503 | (5,249 | ) | ||||||||
| Interest expense | - | (95,469 | ) | 95,469 | ||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | (213,700 | ) | 213,700 | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (12,002,075 | ) | $ | (2,680,726 | ) | $ | (9,321,349 | ) | |||
Revenue
Revenue was $0.56 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $0.39 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of 43.9%, or $0.17 million. The increase in revenue was the result of an increase in sales to Club Car. Delays in delivery of 411x raw materials resulted in production delays, shifting revenue from September sales to the fourth quarter of 2021. As discussed under “Factors Affecting Results of Operations,” the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted sales and the demand for our vehicles during 2020 and the first nine months of 2021.
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Cost of goods sold and gross profit
Cost of goods sold increased by $0.63 million, or 193% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in cost of goods sold included $0.38 million in obsolete 411 finished good inventory written off in September 2021.
Gross margin percentage was -70.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 15.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to the 411 finished goods write off of $0.38 million, an increase in tariffs on raw materials imported from China and an increase in shipping costs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain constraints. Vehicle sales prices were increased in October 2021 to partially offset these cost increases.
Research and development expense
R&D expense was $4.17 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $0.66 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $3.50 million. The increase was primarily due to expenses related to personnel costs for our engineering, design, and research teams as we expanded the suite of option packages for our vehicles and continued the development of a planned next-generation three-wheeled vehicle, until we suspended their development pending the strategic review in the third quarter of 2021. We had an increase in salaries and related expenses of $0.18 million, an increase of $3.17 million from R&D contracting for professional service and design costs and a decrease in design and testing material of $0.02 million.
Sales and marketing expense
Sales and marketing expense was $0.65 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $0.30 million for the same period in 2020, as we expanded our sales and marketing staff and marketing-related initiatives. Salaries and wages increased by $0.18 million and stock-based compensation increased by $0.03 million due to the addition of our sales and marketing resources. Discretionary marketing programs increased by $0.11 million and contracting for professional marketing services decreased by $0.02 million. Additionally, depreciation expense for demonstration vehicles assigned to the sales and marketing team increased by $0.02 million as compared to the same period in 2020.
General and administrative expenses
The majority of our operating losses from continuing operations resulted from general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs associated with our overall operations and with being a public company. These costs include personnel, legal and financial professional services, insurance, investor relations, and compliance-related fees. General and administrative expense was $6.81 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $1.48 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $5.33 million. Contracting for professional services increased by $0.62 million primarily a result of additional audit, legal and investor relations expenses incurred to support public reporting requirements. This amount includes the cost of various expenses and an increase in legal fees of $0.56 million. Salaries and related costs increased by $0.82 million due to corporate expansion and the severance agreement of $0.65 million with our former chief executive officer. Stock-based compensation expense increased by $3.46 million, primarily due to the vesting acceleration terms of the former chief executive officer’s separation agreement.
Depreciation decreased by $0.01 million, primarily driven by fully depreciating the tooling for our AYRO 311 product line during 2020 and the reclassification of depreciation expense for demonstration vehicles assigned to the sales and marketing team due to our redirection of our marketing focus in-house. Rent increased $0.07 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020 due to the additional rent expense related to our expanded office space.
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Other income and expense
Interest expense decreased by $0.03 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to debt extinguishment from 2020.
Nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2020
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
| For the nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Change | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1,870,306 | $ | 821,398 | $ | 1,048,908 | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 2,030,447 | 645,463 | 1,384,984 | |||||||||
| Gross profit (loss) | (160,141 | ) | 175,935 | (336,076 | ) | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Research and development | 9,135,410 | 999,449 | 8,135,961 | |||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 1,873,955 | 863,400 | 1,010,555 | |||||||||
| General and administrative | 14,168,782 | 3,445,749 | 10,723,033 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 25,178,147 | 5,308,598 | 19,869,549 | |||||||||
| Loss from operations | (25,338,288 | ) | (5,132,663 | ) | (20,205,625 | ) | ||||||
| Other income and expense: | ||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 40,943 | 17,523 | 23,420 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | (2,312 | ) | (324,670 | ) | 322,358 | |||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | (566,925 | ) | 566,925 | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (25,299,657 | ) | $ | (6,006,735 | ) | $ | (19,292,922 | ) | |||
Revenue
For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, total revenue increased to $1.87 million as compared to $0.82 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of 128%, or $1.05 million. The increase in revenue was the result of an increase in sales of our vehicles, deriving from our MPA with Club Car, related powered-food box sales pursuant to the Gallery Agreement and other vehicle options. Revenue was impacted by the switchover from the original AYRO 411 model to the launch of the 411x, which was first delivered in June 2021. Delays in delivery of 411x raw materials also resulted in production delays, shifting revenue from September sales to the fourth quarter of 2021. As discussed under “Factors Affecting Results of Operations,” the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted sales and the demand for our vehicles during 2020 and the first three quarters of 2021.
Cost of goods sold and gross profit
Cost of goods sold increased by $1.38 million, or 215%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020. The increase in cost of goods sold included $0.38 million in obsolete 411 finished good inventory written off in September 2021.
Gross margin percentage was -8.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to 21.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in gross margin percentage was primarily due to the 411 finished goods write off, an increase in tariffs on raw materials imported from China and an increase in shipping costs due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain constraints. Vehicle sales prices were increased in both January and October 2021 to partially offset these cost increases.
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Research and development expense
R&D expense was $9.14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $1.00 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $8.14 million. The increase was primarily due to expenses related to personnel costs for our engineering, design, and research teams as we expanded the suite of option packages for our vehicles and initiated development of a planned next-generation three-wheeled vehicle, the development of which was suspended in the third quarter of 2021 pending the strategic review.
We had an increase in salaries and related expenses of $0.5 million, an increase of $6.9 million from R&D contracting for professional service and design costs and an increase in design and testing material of $0.23 million.
Sales and marketing expense
Sales and marketing expense was $1.87 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to $0.86 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $1.01 million or 117%. As we expanded our sales and marketing staff and marketing-related initiatives, salaries and wages increased by $0.5 million and stock-based compensation increased by $0.08 million due to the addition of our sales and marketing resources. Discretionary marketing programs increased by $0.2 million and contracting for professional marketing services increased by $0.10 million.
General and administrative expenses
The majority of our operating losses from continuing operations resulted from general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of costs associated with our overall operations and with being a public company. These costs include personnel, legal and financial professional services, insurance, investor relations, and compliance-related fees. General and administrative expense was $14.17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, compared to $3.45 million for the same period in 2020, an increase of $10.72 million. Contracting for professional services increased by $1.37 million primarily a result of additional audit, legal and investor relations expenses incurred to support public reporting requirements. This amount includes an increase in consulting services of $0.01 million. Salaries and related costs increased by $1.51 million due to corporate expansion and the severance agreement of $0.65 million with our former chief executive officer. Stock-based compensation expense increased by $6.45 million, primarily due to the vesting acceleration terms of our former chief executive officer’s separation agreement.
Depreciation decreased by $0.04 million, and rent increased $0.08 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020 due to the additional rent expense related to our new office space.
Other income and expense
Interest expense decreased by $0.32 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to payoff of debt and loans during 2020. The decrease in the discount on debt is due to the debt recorded from the equity issuances associated with certain debt instruments issued prior to the Merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. A loss on the extinguishment of debt was recorded for $0.57 million in 2020.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measure
We present Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our operating performance, and we believe it may be used by certain investors as a measure of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income (loss) from operations before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, amortization of discount on debt, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation expense and certain non-recurring expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, (“GAAP”).
Because of varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of equity instruments that can impact our non-cash operating expenses, we believe that providing a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes non-cash and non-recurring expenses allows for meaningful comparisons between our core business operating results and those of other companies, as well as providing us with an important tool for financial and operational decision making and for evaluating our own core business operating results over different periods of time.
Adjusted EBITDA may not provide information that is directly comparable to that provided by other companies in our industry, as other companies in our industry may calculate non-GAAP financial results differently, particularly related to non-recurring, unusual items.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or as an indication of operating performance or any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. We do not consider Adjusted EBITDA to be a substitute for, or superior to, the information provided by GAAP financial results.
Below is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss to common stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (12,002,075 | ) | $ | (2,680,726 | ) | ||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 130,483 | 115,468 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 3,660,492 | 167,769 | ||||||
| Amortization of Discount on Debt | - | 66,659 | ||||||
| Interest expense | - | 28,809 | ||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | 213,700 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (8,211,100 | ) | $ | (2,088,321 | ) | ||
Below is a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss to common stockholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
| September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (25,299,657 | ) | $ | (6,006,735 | ) | ||
| Depreciation and Amortization | 384,157 | 343,932 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 6,997,986 | 475,175 | ||||||
| Amortization of Discount on Debt | - | 236,398 | ||||||
| Interest expense | 2,312 | 88,272 | ||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | 566,925 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (17,915,202 | ) | $ | (4,296,033 | ) | ||
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2021, we had $77.10 million in cash and working capital of $77.10 million. As of December 31, 2020, we had $36.54 million in cash and working capital of $38.50 million. The increase in cash and working capital was primarily a result of our capital raising activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Our sources of cash since inception have been predominantly from the sale of equity and debt.
On January 25, 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 3,333,334 shares at an offering price of $6.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $20.00 million before the deduction of fees and offering expenses. In a concurrent private placement, we sold to such investors warrants to purchase, at any time on or after July 26, 2021 and on or before July 26, 2023, additional shares of common stock equal to the full amount of the common stock it purchased at the initial closing, or an aggregate of 3,333,334 shares, at an exercise price of $6.93 per share.
On February 11, 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional and accredited investors, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering an aggregate of 4,400,001 shares of common stock at an offering price of $9.50 per share, for gross proceeds of $41.80 million before the deduction of fees and offering expenses. Each purchaser was also granted the option to purchase, on or before February 16, 2022, additional shares of common stock equal to the full amount of 75% of the common stock it purchased at the initial closing, or an aggregate of 3,300,001 shares, at a purchase price of $11.50 per share.
Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated July 21, 2020, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, investors purchased 302,500 of the Additional Shares of common stock of AYRO, par value $0.0001 per share, at an offering price of $5.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $1.5 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we issued 555,004 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options and received cash proceeds of $1.5 million.
Our business is capital-intensive, and future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our growth rate, the timing and extent of spending to support development efforts, the expansion of our sales and marketing teams, the timing of new product introductions and the continuing market acceptance of our products and services. We may also use capital for strategic acquisitions or transactions.
We are subject to a number of risks similar to those of earlier stage commercial companies, including dependence on key individuals and products, the difficulties inherent in the development of a commercial market, the potential need to obtain additional capital, competition from larger companies, other technology companies and other technologies. Based on the foregoing, management believes that the existing cash at September 30, 2021, will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next twelve months following the date of this report.
As discussed above under “Strategic Review,” we suspended all material research and development activity and expenditures, including expenses associated with our planned next generation three-wheeled vehicle, while we conduct a strategic review of our product development strategy.
Summary of Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Cash Flows: | ||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (18,723,657 | ) | $ | (6,542,495 | ) | ||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $ | (569,525 | ) | $ | 2,467,873 | |||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | 59,855,219 | $ | 31,349,638 | ||||
Operating Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we used $18.72 million in cash in operating activities, an increase in use of $12.18 million when compared to the cash used in operating activities of $6.54 million during the same period in 2020. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily a result of prepayments for inventory and manufacturing services, an increase in accounts receivable, offset by a decrease of accrued expenses.
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Our ability to generate cash from operations in future periods will depend in large part on profitability, the rate and timing of collections of our accounts receivable, inventory turns and our ability to manage other areas of working capital.
Investing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we used cash of $0.57 million from investing activities as compared to $2.47 million of cash provided by investing activities during 2020, a decrease of $3.04 million. The net decrease was primarily due to our receipt of proceeds of $3.06 million in connection with the Merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Financing Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we received net proceeds of an aggregate of $58.27 million from the issuance of common stock, net of fees and expenses, and $0.10 million from the exercise of warrants for cash. In addition, we issued 555,004 shares of common stock from the exercise of stock options and received cash proceeds of $1.5 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we generated $0.50 million of debt financing from certain DropCar investors, $0.60 million in debt financing from a private investor, both of which notes were repaid upon closing of the Merger. Additionally, in May 2020, we received $0.22 million in a Paycheck Protection Program loan (“PPP Loan”) from our bank. The debt proceeds were netted with $1.74 million in loan repayments, $28.80 million in generation of proceeds from the issuance of common stock, and $2.98 million generated from the exercise of warrants, net of fees and expenses.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We have made certain indemnities, under which we may be required to make payments to an indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions. We indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. In connection with our facility leases, we have indemnified our lessors for certain claims arising from the use of the facilities. The duration of the indemnities varies and, in many cases, is indefinite. These indemnities do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential future payments we could be obligated to make. Historically, we have not been obligated to make any payments for these obligations and no liabilities have been recorded for these indemnities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K, such as the use of unconsolidated subsidiaries, structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2021. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
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Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2021, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting discussed below, as well as our continued implementation of disclosure controls and procedures following the Merger. As a result of the Merger transaction, the Company is in the process of assessing and improving its internal control processes and expanding its financial operations and reporting infrastructure.
In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financing reporting as of December 31, 2020, management identified a material weakness related to segregation of duties. Specifically, due to limited resources and headcount we did not have multiple people in the accounting function to provide for a full segregation of duties as required of a public company.
Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness
We have taken and continue to take remedial steps to improve our internal control over financial reporting by hiring additional personnel with added expertise in public company reporting and expect to conclude that the material weakness has been remediated as these individuals progress through the onboarding process. We also continue to expand the functionality of our internal accounting systems to provide for higher levels of automation and assurance in the financial reporting function.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Except as otherwise described above under “Plan for Remediation of Material Weakness,” there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Other than the proceedings identified in Note 14 of the Notes to the Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q, there have been no changes to the legal proceedings disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors as identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 2021, as amended.
We are currently evaluating our product development strategy, which may result in significant changes and have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In connection with the hiring of our new Chief Executive Officer, we are currently undertaking a strategic review of our product development strategy. This process may result in us deciding to modify or discontinue current or planned products, in reallocating time and resources among existing products, in exploring new products or in making other operational changes, including to our reliance on internal and external resources. Any decisions on advancing, reprioritizing or eliminating any of our products will be based on an evaluation of a number of factors, including our assessment of internal and external resources, the potential market for such products, the costs and complexities of manufacturing, the potential of competing products, the likelihood of any challenges to our intellectual property, regardless of merit, the ongoing and potential effects of the COVID-19 or any future pandemics, and industry and market conditions generally, and will be subject to the approval of the strategic and budget committee of the board of directors. This strategic review may result in significant changes and have a material impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If disruptions in our transportation network continue to occur or our shipping costs continue to increase, we may be unable to sell or timely deliver our products, and our gross margin could decrease.
We rely on foreign suppliers, including Cenntro, our largest supplier, for a number of raw materials, instruments and technologies that we purchase. Our success is dependent on our ability to import or transport such products from Cenntro and other overseas vendors in a timely and cost-effective manner. We rely heavily on third parties, including ocean carriers and truckers, in that process. The global shipping industry is experiencing ocean shipping disruptions, trucking shortages, increased ocean shipping rates and increased trucking and fuel costs, and we cannot predict when these disruptions will end.
There is currently a shortage of shipping capacity from China and other parts of Asia, and as a result, our receipt of imported products may be disrupted or delayed. The shipping industry is also experiencing issues with port congestion and pandemic-related port closures and ship diversions. Labor disputes among freight carriers and at ports of entry are common, and we expect labor unrest and its effects on shipping our products to be a challenge for us. A port worker strike, work slow-down or other transportation disruption in the port of Long Beach, California could significantly disrupt our business. We are currently experiencing such disruption at the port due to multiple factors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply and demand imbalance, a shortage of warehouse workers, truck drivers, transport equipment (tractors and trailers) and other causes, which have resulted in heightened congestion, bottleneck and gridlock, leading to abnormally high transportation delays. This has materially and adversely affected our business and could continue to materially and adversely affect our business and financial results for the fourth quarter of 2021. If significant disruptions along these lines continue, this could lead to further significant disruptions in our business, delays in shipments, and revenue and profitability shortfalls, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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The global shipping industry is also experiencing unprecedented increases in shipping rates from the trans-Pacific ocean carriers due to various factors, including limited availability of shipping capacity. For example, the cost of shipping our products by ocean freight has recently increased to at least three times historical levels and will have a corresponding impact upon our profitability. We may find it necessary to rely on an increasingly expensive spot market and other alternative sources to make up any shortfall in shipping needs. Additionally, if increases in fuel prices occur, our transportation costs would likely further increase. Similarly, supply chain disruptions such as those described in the preceding paragraphs may lead to an increase in transportation costs. Such cost increases have adversely affected our business and could have additional adverse effects on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials, including but not limited to lithium-ion battery cells, chipsets, and displays, could harm our business.
We may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of raw materials, including lithium-ion battery cells, semiconductors, and integrated circuits. Any such increase or supply interruption could materially negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. Currently, we are experiencing supply chain shortages, including with respect to lithium-ion battery cells, integrated circuits, vehicle control chips, and displays. Certain production-ready components such as chipsets and displays may be delayed en route to our facilities, which has and may continue to cause delays in validation and testing for these components, which would in turn create a delay in the availability of saleable vehicles.
We use various raw materials, including aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, non-ferrous metals (such as copper), and cobalt. The prices for these raw materials fluctuate depending on market conditions, and global demand and could adversely affect our business and operating results. For instance, we are exposed to multiple risks relating to price fluctuations for lithium-ion cells. These risks include:
| ● | the inability or unwillingness of current battery manufacturers to build or operate battery cell manufacturing plants to supply the numbers of lithium-ion cells required to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry as demand for such cells increases; |
| ● | disruption in the supply of cells due to quality issues or recalls by the battery cell manufacturers; and |
| ● | an increase in the cost of raw materials, such as cobalt, used in lithium-ion cells. |
Any disruption in the supply of lithium-ion battery cells, semiconductors, or integrated circuits could temporarily disrupt production of our vehicles until a different supplier is fully qualified. Moreover, battery cell manufacturers may refuse to supply electric vehicle manufacturers if they determine that the vehicles are not sufficiently safe. Furthermore, fluctuations or shortages in petroleum and other economic conditions may cause us to experience significant increases in freight charges and raw material costs. Substantial increases in the prices for our raw materials would increase our operating costs and could reduce our margins if the increased costs cannot be recouped through increased electric vehicle prices. There can be no assurance that we will be able to recoup increasing costs of raw materials by increasing vehicle prices.
Our electric vehicles make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which, if not appropriately managed and controlled, have occasionally been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flames. If such events occur in our electric vehicles, we could face liability associated with our warranty, for damage or injury, adverse publicity and a potential safety recall, any of which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The battery packs in our electric vehicles use lithium-ion cells. On occasion, if not appropriately managed and controlled, lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials. Highly publicized incidents of laptop computers and cell phones bursting into flames have focused consumer attention on the safety of these cells. These events also have raised questions about the suitability of these lithium-ion cells for automotive applications. There can be no assurance that a field failure of our battery packs will not occur, which could damage the vehicle or lead to personal injury or death and may subject us to lawsuits. Furthermore, there is some risk of electrocution if individuals who attempt to repair battery packs on our vehicles do not follow applicable maintenance and repair protocols. Any such damage or injury would likely lead to adverse publicity and potentially a safety recall. Any such adverse publicity could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| * | Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of the omitted schedules upon request by the SEC. | |
| ** | Filed herewith | |
| *** | Furnished herewith |
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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.
| AYRO, INC. | ||
| Dated: November 15, 2021 | By: | /s/ Thomas M. Wittenschlaeger |
| Thomas M. Wittenschlaeger | ||
| President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director | ||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| Dated: November 15, 2021 | By: | /s/ Curtis Smith |
| Curtis Smith | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
| (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | ||
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