Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration Statement No.333-280962
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus Dated July 31, 2024)
(To Prospectus Dated July 31, 2024)
![[MISSING IMAGE: lg_canoo-bw.jpg]](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001750153/000110465924123469/lg_canoo-bw.jpg)
Canoo Inc.
7,185,125 Shares
Common Stock
Common Stock
We are issuing 7,185,125 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) in payment to certain vendors for services rendered or other payment obligations over the next several fiscal quarters under contractual arrangements between us and these vendors. Shares will be issued to these vendors over time as payments become due and, if we elect, in our discretion, to make such payments in shares in lieu of cash. Shares issued pursuant to this prospectus supplement are registered pursuant to our existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-280962), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2024.
Our Common Stock and public warrants are traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GOEV” and “GOEVW,” respectively. On November 26, 2024, the last reported sale price on Nasdaq of our Common Stock was $0.3992 per share and the last reported sale price of our public warrants was $0.0219 per warrant.
Our principal executive office is located at 19951 Mariner Avenue, Torrance, California 90503, and our telephone number is (424) 271-2144.
Investing in our Common Stock involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus from our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our Common Stock.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of our Common Stock or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate, truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is November 27, 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
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We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to sell, or solicitations of offers to purchase, the securities offered by this documentation are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document speaks only as of the date of this document, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, nor any sale of securities made under these documents, will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or that the information contained or incorporated by reference is correct as of
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any time subsequent to the date of such information. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, is accurate only as of the date of the documents containing the information, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relate to an offering of our Common Stock. Before investing in our Common Stock offered by this prospectus supplement, we urge you to carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, together with the information incorporated by reference as described under “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference” in this prospectus supplement. These documents contain important information that you should consider when making your investment decision.
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering and also adds to, updates and changes information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or conflicts with the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference, the information in this prospectus supplement will control. If any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date — for example, a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus — the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
In deciding whether or not to invest in our Common Stock, you should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information or to make any representation other than those contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information or representation, you should not rely on them. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our Common Stock in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any related free writing prospectus or any sale of our Common Stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “our business,” “Canoo,” “the Company” and “our company” refer to and similar references refer to Canoo Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and are required to file with the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information. Such reports include our audited financial statements. Our publicly available filings can be found on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Our website address is www.canoo.com. We do not incorporate the information on or accessible through our website into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Our website address is included in this prospectus as an inactive textual reference only.
As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information we have included in the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and do not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information about us and our Common Stock offered by this prospectus supplement, you may refer to such registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document to which reference is made are not necessarily complete and, in each instance where a copy of a contract or other document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is made to the copy so filed, each of those statements being qualified in all respects by the reference.
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus supplement the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus supplement. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus supplement. The following documents have been filed by us with the SEC and are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024;
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our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024, August 14, 2024 and November 14, 2024, respectively;
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 2, 2024, January 5, 2024, January 12, 2024, January 19, 2024, January 31, 2024, February 7, 2024, February 9, 2024, February 29, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 14, 2024, March 15, 2024, April 11, 2024, May 6, 2024, June 13, 2024, July 22, 2024, August 29, 2024, September 13, 2024, September 19, 2024, September 24, 2024, October 15, 2024, October 24, 2024, November 5, 2024; and
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a description of our capital stock, included as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022.
All reports and other documents that we subsequently file with the SEC (other than any portion of such filings that are furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed) pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the later of (1) the completion of the offering of our Common Stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and (2) the date we stop offering our Common Stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement, will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and to be part of this prospectus supplement from the date of filing of such reports and documents. The information contained on our website (www.canoo.com) is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.
You may request a copy of any or all documents referred to above that have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement (excluding certain exhibits to the documents) at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address or telephone number:
Canoo Inc.
19951 Mariner Avenue
Torrance, California 90503
Attn: Investor Relations Department
Phone: (424) 271-2144
19951 Mariner Avenue
Torrance, California 90503
Attn: Investor Relations Department
Phone: (424) 271-2144
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our Common Stock offered by this prospectus supplement. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the “Risk Factors” sections, as well as our financial statements, including the accompanying notes, and the other information incorporated by reference herein and the information in any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering of our Common Stock.
Canoo Inc.
We are a high tech advanced mobility technology company with a proprietary modular electric vehicle platform and connected services initially focused on commercial fleet, government and military customers. We have developed a breakthrough EV platform that we believe will enable us to rapidly innovate, and bring new products addressing multiple use cases to market faster than its competition and at a lower cost. Our vehicle architecture and design philosophy are aimed at driving productivity and returning capital to our customers, and we believe the software and technology capabilities we are developing, packaged around a modular, customizable product, have the potential to empower the customer experience across a vehicle’s lifecycle. We remain committed to the environment and to delivering sustainable mobility that is accessible to everyone. We proudly intend to manufacture our fully electric vehicles in Oklahoma, bringing advanced manufacturing and technology jobs to communities in America’s heartland. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that will draw heavily upon the local communities of Native Americans and veterans.
Recent Developments
Secured Credit Facility
On November 5, 2024, the Company entered into a Revolving Credit Facility Agreement and related Security Agreement with AFV Management Advisors, LLC (“AFVMA”), an entity affiliated with Mr. Aquila, the Company’s CEO, (the “Secured WC Facility”), under which AFVMA may provide working capital advances to the Company of up to $12.0 million for a period of up to 12 months, which advances are secured by a first priority lien and security interest on the Company’s subsidiary’s equipment located at the Company’s Oklahoma City facility, and by a pledge of certain cash proceeds from the future release of cash collateral securing the Company’s obligations under a letter of credit issued to a third party. On the same day, the Company borrowed an initial amount of $3.9 million under the Secured WC Facility, and used the proceeds to repay all principal and interest due under the Unsecured Grid Promissory Note that the Company issued to AFVMA on October 18, 2024, and subsequently borrowed an additional $3.0 million under the Secured WC Facility through November 14, 2024. Any additional advances beyond what has already been borrowed are subject to the discretion of Aquila Family Ventures, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Aquila. The Secured WC Facility contains customary covenants and conditions, including a restriction on the Company or its subsidiaries pledging their assets to another party, and customary events of default. Advances under the Secured WC Facility bear interest at the One-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 6.00%, with interest paid monthly, and principal to be repaid within 120 days of being drawn. The Company may prepay amounts due under the Secured Credit Facility Note in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty.
Workforce Reduction
On October 31, 2024, the Company announced it will temporarily reduce its workforce in Oklahoma City by furloughing 23% of its factory workers for a period of twelve weeks as part of a broader realignment of its North American operations. This reduction is a continuation of the Company’s efforts to consolidate its U.S. workforce as it prepares for the next phase of growth.
Waiver to Pre-Paid Advance Agreement
On November 13, 2024, Canoo Inc. executed a Limited Waiver to Pre-Paid Advance Agreements with YA II PN, LTD. (the “Limited Waiver”), waiving all existing events of default as of the date of the agreement, subject to Canoo’s compliance with all of its obligations under the financing documents executed between
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the parties. The event of default related to the company’s stock price being below the Floor Price (as defined in the Limited Waiver) for five of the preceding seven trading days July 2024 without monthly repayments of amounts outstanding under the Pre-Paid Advance Agreements. The waiver is subject to Canoo’s obligation to evenly split 50%/50% any gross proceeds receivable from sales of Common Stock pursuant to the ATM offering during the period beginning on October 11, 2024 and ending at the close of business of November 22, 2024. The terms and conditions of the financing documents remain unmodified and in full force and effect, except as specifically provided in the Limited Waiver.
Background
On December 21, 2020, Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV (“HCAC”) consummated the previously announced merger pursuant to that certain Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of August 17, 2020 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among HCAC, HCAC IV First Merger Sub, Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands and a direct, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCAC (“First Merger Sub”), EV Global Holdco LLC (f/k/a HCAC IV Second Merger Sub, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of HCAC (“Second Merger Sub”), and Canoo Holdings Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands (“Legacy Canoo”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a business combination between HCAC and Legacy Canoo was effected through the merger of (a) First Merger Sub with and into Legacy Canoo, with Legacy Canoo surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCAC (Legacy Canoo, in its capacity as the surviving corporation of the merger, the “Surviving Corporation”) and (b) the Surviving Corporation with and into Second Merger Sub, with Second Merger Sub being the surviving entity, which ultimately resulted in Legacy Canoo becoming a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of HCAC (all transactions collectively, the “Business Combination”). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, HCAC changed its name to Canoo Inc. and we became a Nasdaq-listed company.
Corporate Information
Our Common Stock and public warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “GOEV” and “GOEVW,” respectively. Our principal executive office is located at 19951 Mariner Avenue, Torrance, California 90503, and our telephone number is (424) 271-2144. Our website address is www.canoo.com. This website address is not intended to be an active link, and information on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
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THE OFFERING
Common Stock Offered by Us
7,185,125 shares of Common Stock
Manner of Offering.
The shares of Common Stock issued hereunder are being issued as payment for services rendered or other payment obligations under contractual arrangements between the Company and certain vendors. See “Use of Proceeds.”
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding Prior to this
Offering
Offering
96,781,230 shares of Common Stock (as of November 13, 2024).
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding After this
Offering
Offering
103,966,355 shares of our Common Stock.
Risk Factors
See the section titled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in the documents incorporated herein by reference for a discussion of certain factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our Common Stock.
Market for Common Stock
Our Common Stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GOEV.”
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RISK FACTORS
Investing in our Common Stock involves risks. Before purchasing any shares of our Common Stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as any amendment, supplement or update to the risk factors reflected in subsequent filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, and all of the other information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in any related free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us. If any of such risks or the risks described below or in our SEC filings occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our Common Stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
Additional Risks Related to this Offering and Our Common Stock
Future sales of equity could result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our Common Stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our Common Stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by any investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our Common Stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into Common Stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by any investors in this offering.
Our current business plans require a significant amount of capital. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding or do not have access to capital, we may not be able to execute our business plans and our prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
In addition to the net proceeds received under the Sales Agreement, we expect to continue to seek other sources of funding, including by offering additional equity and/or equity-linked securities through one or more credit facilities and potentially by offering debt securities to finance a portion of our future expenditures. We have experienced operating losses, and we expect to continue to incur operating losses as we implement our business plans. We expect our capital expenditures to continue to be significant in the foreseeable future as we expand our business. We expect to expend capital with significant outlays directed both toward bringing our current vehicle programs to market as well as developing additional vehicles, along with related products and service offerings. The fact that we have a limited operating history means we have limited historical data on the demand for our EVs and other products. As a result, our capital requirements are uncertain and actual capital requirements may be different from those we currently anticipate. In addition, new opportunities for growth in future product lines and markets may arise and may require additional capital.
The sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities could dilute our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations or our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. Our ability to obtain the necessary additional financing to carry out our business plans or to refinance, if necessary, any outstanding debt when due is subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and investor acceptance of our business model. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds on favorable terms, we may have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our corporate structure. We might not be able to obtain any such funding or we might not have sufficient resources to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations and our prospects, financial consolidated results of operations could be materially adversely affected, in which case our investors could lose some or all of their investment.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements. Below is a summary of certain material factors that may make an investment in our Common Stock speculative or risky.
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We are an early stage company with a history of losses and expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future.
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We may be unable to adequately control the costs associated with our operations.
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Our current business plans require a significant amount of capital. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding or do not have access to capital, we will be unable to execute our business plans and our prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
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We have not achieved positive operating cash flow and, given our projected funding needs, our ability to generate positive cash flow is uncertain.
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Our financial results may vary significantly from period to period due to fluctuations in our operating costs, product demand and other factors.
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Our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and increases the risk of your investment.
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Any changes as a result of the employee reorganization plan that began in August 2024 could adversely affect and disrupt our business and results of operations.
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We have remediated the material weaknesses previously reported in our internal control over financial reporting, but if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business and stock price.
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If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to design, develop, manufacture, market and launch our electric vehicles (“EVs”) successfully.
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We are highly dependent on the services of our key employees and senior management and, if we are unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical and EV engineering personnel, our ability to compete could be harmed.
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Several of our key vendors, including some single-source suppliers, have sent us notices of nonpayment of amounts owed by us. The termination of any of these supply relationships would hinder our ability to manufacture our products, and the disputed amounts owed could lead to material litigation or other actions.
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We may offer shares of our Common Stock in lieu of cash payments to vendors in an effort to preserve cash for our operations. Doing so may result in us issuing a significant amount of shares which could result in dilution to your investment.
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We need to raise additional capital in the near term, and we currently do not have sufficient cash on hand to meet our near term obligations or capital requirements, which could jeopardize our ability to continue business operations or render us insolvent.
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Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market could result in a delisting of our securities.
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We face significant barriers to manufacture and bring our EVs to market, and if we cannot successfully overcome those barriers our business will be negatively impacted.
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In connection with each of our previous nine Form 10-Qs (beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2022) and each of our previous two Form 10-Ks, our management has performed an analysis of our ability to continue as a going concern and has identified substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
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Outstanding amounts and limited capacity under the pre-paid advance agreements with YA II, PN, Ltd. dated July 20, 2022 and July 19, 2024 (the “Current Yorkville PPAs”) will make us more vulnerable to downturns in our financial condition.
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If our stockholders approve our proposed reverse stock split, the resulting market price of our Common Stock following such event may not attract new investors, and it is not certain that the proposed reverse stock split will result in a sustained proportionate increase in the market price of our Common Stock.
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Customers who have committed to purchase significant amounts of our vehicles may purchase significantly fewer vehicles than we currently anticipate or none at all. In that case, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
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Our ability to develop and manufacture EVs of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale is unproven and still evolving.
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We will depend initially on revenue generated from a single EV model and in the foreseeable future will be significantly dependent on a limited number of models.
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There is no guarantee that we will be able to develop our software platform, Canoo Digital Ecosystem, or that if we are able to develop it, that we will obtain the revenue and other benefits we expect from it.
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We may fail to attract new customers in sufficient numbers or at sufficient rates or at all or to retain existing customers, if any, and may face risks if we are dependent on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues.
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If our EVs fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market and deploy our EVs could be harmed.
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Our distribution model may expose us to risk and if unsuccessful may impact our business prospects and results of operations.
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We face legal, regulatory and legislative uncertainty in how our go-to-market models will be interpreted under existing and future law, including the potential inability to protect our intellectual property rights, and we may be required to adjust our consumer business model in certain jurisdictions as a result.
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If we fail to successfully build and tool our manufacturing facilities and/or if we are unable to establish or continue a relationship with a contract manufacturer or if our manufacturing facilities become inoperable, we will be unable to produce our vehicles and our business will be harmed.
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We may not be able to realize the non-dilutive financial incentives offered by the State of Oklahoma where we will develop our own manufacturing facilities, including if we do not maintain certain levels of employment at such facilities.
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We and our third-party suppliers will rely on complex machinery for production, which involves a significant degree of risk and uncertainty in terms of operational performance and costs.
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We have no experience to date in high volume manufacture of our EVs.
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We may experience significant delays in the design, production and launch of our EVs, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials and other components used in our vehicles, in particular lithium-ion battery cells, could harm our business.
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We are dependent on our suppliers, some of which are single or limited source suppliers, and the inability of these suppliers to deliver necessary components of our EVs at prices and volumes, performance and specifications acceptable to us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances or acquisitions and may not be able to identify adequate strategic relationship opportunities, or form strategic relationships, in the future.
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The automotive market is highly competitive and technological developments by our competitors may adversely affect the demand for our EVs and our competitiveness in this industry.
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If the market for EVs does not develop as we expect or develops more slowly than is expected, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected.
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We may not be able to obtain or agree on acceptable terms and conditions for all or a significant portion of the government grants, loans and other incentives for which we may apply.
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Our EVs are based on the use of complex and novel steer-by-wire technology that is unproven on a wide commercial scale.
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Our EVs rely on software and hardware that is highly technical, and if these systems contain errors, bugs or vulnerabilities, or if we are unsuccessful in addressing or mitigating technical limitations in our systems, our business could be adversely affected.
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We are subject to cybersecurity risks to our operational systems, security systems, infrastructure, integrated software in our EVs and customer data processed by us or third-party vendors.
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Our stock price has been volatile, and the market price of our Common Stock may drop below the price you pay.
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Future sales and issuances of our equity or convertible securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders and could cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
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Substantial blocks of our total outstanding shares may be sold into the market. If there are substantial sales or issuances of shares of our Common Stock, the price of our Common Stock could decline.
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Economic, regulatory, political and other events, including fluctuating interest rates, sustained inflation, slower growth or recession, issues with supply chain, shortage of labor, national and global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, may adversely affect our financial results.
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Our ability to meet the timelines we have established for production and manufacturing milestones of our EVs is uncertain.
These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described under the section “Summary of Risk Factors” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. Given such risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties described in this prospectus supplement materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact the forward-looking statements discussed herein can be found in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
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We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. These risks and others described in this prospectus supplement may not be exhaustive and the above summary is qualified in its entirety by those more complete discussions of such risks and uncertainties.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement. In addition, even if our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We have entered into contractual arrangements with certain vendors and suppliers, pursuant to which we have incurred payment obligations for certain services provided by each vendor. Shares of our Common Stock issued to these vendors will be issued as payment for services rendered or other payment obligations under contractual arrangements between us and the respective vendor in lieu of cash.
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DILUTION
If you purchase shares of our Common Stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our Common Stock and the net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock after this offering. As of September 30, 2024, our net tangible book value was $222 million, or $2.55 per share of Common Stock. We calculate net tangible book value per share by dividing our net tangible assets (total tangible assets less total liabilities) by the number of shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding.
After giving effect to the sale by us of our Common Stock in the aggregate amount of 7,185,125 shares of Common Stock, our adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2024 would have been approximately $224.8 million, or $2.38 per share of Common Stock. This amount represents a decrease of $0.16 per share to net tangible book value of our Common Stock to existing stockholders and an immediate accretion of $1.98 per share of our Common Stock to purchasers in this offering. The following table illustrates the dilution:
| |
Public offering price per share of our Common Stock
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | 0.3992 | | |
| |
Net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock as of September 30, 2024
|
| | | $ | 2.55 | | | | | | | | |
| |
Decrease per share of our Common Stock attributable to new investors in this offering
|
| | | $ | 0.16 | | | | | | | | |
| |
As adjusted net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock, after Giving effect to this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | 2.38 | | |
| |
Accretion per share of our Common Stock to new investors purchasing our Common Stock in this offering
|
| | | | | | | | | $ | 1.98 | | |
The number of shares of our Common Stock expected to be outstanding immediately after this offering included in the table above is based on 87,195,000 shares of our Common Stock, reflective of the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2024, and does not reflect issuances subsequent to September 30, 2024. As of November 13, 2024, there were 96,781,230 shares of our Common Stock outstanding, and there will be approximately 103,966,355 shares of our Common Stock outstanding after this offering. The actual number of shares of our Common Stock issued will vary depending on the sale price under this offering.
To the extent that other shares of our Common Stock are issued, investors purchasing shares of our Common Stock in this offering could experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to request additional Prepaid Advances (as defined in the Current Yorkville PPAs) or raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans.
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DIVIDEND POLICY
We currently intend to retain all available funds and future earnings, if any, to fund the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on then-existing conditions, including, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions, business prospects and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The shares of Common Stock sold pursuant to this offering are being sold directly by us. Recipients of Common Stock in this offering (including brokers or dealers) may, in connection with any resales of those shares, be deemed to be underwriters. The shares may be resold in market transactions (including coverage of short positions) on any national security exchange on which shares of our Common Stock trade or in privately negotiated transactions. Our Common Stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Selling Restrictions
Canada
The securities may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment hereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriter is not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a “Relevant Member State”), no securities have been offered or will be offered pursuant to this offering to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the EU Prospectus Regulation (as defined below), except that the securities may be offered to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time under the following exemptions under the EU Prospectus Regulation:
(a)
to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation;
(b)
to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriter for any such offer; or
(c)
in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation, provided that no such offer of our securities shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the EU Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the EU Prospectus Regulation.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to our securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any of our securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase any of our securities, and the expression “EU Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
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Each person in a Relevant Member State who receives any communication in respect of, or who acquires any securities under, this offering contemplated hereby will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the underwriter and its affiliates and us that:
(a)
it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the EU Prospectus Regulation; and
(b)
in the case of any securities acquired by it as a financial intermediary, as that term is used in Article 5 of the EU Prospectus Regulation, (i) the securities acquired by it in this offering have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the EU Prospectus Regulation, or have been acquired in other circumstances falling within the points (a) to (d) of Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation and the prior consent of the underwriter has been given to the offer or resale; or (ii) where the securities have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Relevant Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those securities to it is not treated under the EU Prospectus Regulation as having been made to such persons.
We, the underwriter and its affiliates, and others will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representation, acknowledgement and agreement. Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a qualified investor and who has notified the underwriter of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the underwriter, be permitted to acquire securities in this offering.
United Kingdom
In relation to the United Kingdom, no securities have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the United Kingdom prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in accordance with the UK Prospectus Regulation (as defined below), except that it may make an offer to the public in the United Kingdom of any securities at any time under the following exemptions under the UK Prospectus Regulation:
(a)
to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation;
(b)
to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriter for any such offer; or
(c)
in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, provided that no such offer of our securities shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the UK Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.
In the United Kingdom, the offering to the public is only addressed to, and is directed only at, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, who are also (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); (ii) high net worth bodies corporate, unincorporated associations and partnerships and trustees of high value trusts as described in Article 49(2) of the Order; or (iii) persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons being referred to as “relevant persons”). This document must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the securities in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offering and any securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and the expression “UK Prospectus Regulation” means the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 2017/1129 as amended by The Prospectus (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
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Hong Kong
The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made under that Ordinance; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the securities has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
Singapore
Each underwriter has acknowledged that this prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold any securities or caused the securities to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not offer or sell any securities or cause the securities to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, this prospectus supplement or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the securities, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than:
Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a)
to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time, or the SFA) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA;
(b)
to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in
accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA and (where applicable) Regulation 3 of the Securities and Futures (Classes of Investors) Regulations 2018; or
(c)
otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the securities are subscribed for or acquired under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a)
a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
(b)
a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has subscribed for or acquired the securities pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
(a)
to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA (in the case of that corporation) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA (in the case of that trust);
(b)
where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer;
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(c)
where the transfer is by operation of law;
(d)
as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or
(e)
as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018.
Singapore SFA Product Classification — In connection with Section 309B of the SFA and the Securities and Futures (Capital Markets Products) Regulations 2018, or CMP Regulations 2018, unless otherwise specified before an offer of our securities, we have determined, and hereby notify, all relevant persons (as defined in Section 309A(1) of the SFA), that our securities are “prescribed capital markets products” (as defined in the CMP Regulations 2018) and “Excluded Investment Products” (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
Switzerland
We have not and will not register with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) as a foreign collective investment scheme pursuant to Article 119 of the Federal Act on Collective Investment Scheme of 23 June 2006, as amended (“CISA”), and accordingly the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement have not and will not be approved, and may not be licensable, with FINMA. Therefore, the securities have not been authorized for distribution by FINMA as a foreign collective investment scheme pursuant to Article 119 CISA and the securities offered hereby may not be offered to the public (as this term is defined in Article 3 CISA) in or from Switzerland. The securities may solely be offered to “qualified investors,” as this term is defined in Article 10 CISA, and in the circumstances set out in Article 3 of the Ordinance on Collective Investment Scheme of 22 November 2006, as amended (“CISO”), such that there is no public offer. Investors, however, do not benefit from protection under CISA or CISO or supervision by FINMA. This prospectus supplement and any other materials relating to the securities are strictly personal and confidential to each offeree and do not constitute an offer to any other person. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may only be used by those qualified investors to whom it has been handed out in connection with the offer described herein and may neither directly or indirectly be distributed or made available to any person or entity other than its recipients. It may not be used in connection with any other offer and shall in particular not be copied and/or distributed to the public in Switzerland or from Switzerland. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus does not constitute an issue prospectus as that term is understood pursuant to Article 652a and/or 1156 of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations. We have not applied for a listing of the securities on the SIX Swiss Exchange or any other regulated securities market in Switzerland, and consequently, the information presented in this prospectus supplement does not necessarily comply with the information standards set out in the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange and corresponding prospectus schemes annexed to the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange.
United Arab Emirates
This offering has not been approved or licensed by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, or the UAE, Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE and/or any other relevant licensing authority in the UAE including any licensing authority incorporated under the laws and regulations of any of the free zones established and operating in the territory of the UAE, in particular the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA, a regulatory authority of the Dubai International Financial Centre, or DIFC. The offering does not constitute a public offer of securities in the UAE, DIFC and/or any other free zone in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law, Federal Law No 8 of 1984 (as amended), DFSA Offered Securities Rules and NASDAQ Dubai Listing Rules, accordingly, or otherwise. The securities may not be offered to the public in the UAE and/or any of the free zones.
The securities may be offered and issued only to a limited number of investors in the UAE or any of its free zones who qualify as sophisticated investors under the relevant laws and regulations of the UAE or the free zone concerned.
Notice to Prospective Investors in Israel
In the State of Israel this prospectus supplement shall not be regarded as an offer to the public to purchase securities under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, which requires a prospectus to be published
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and authorized by the Israel Securities Authority, if it complies with certain provisions of Section 15 of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, including, inter alia, if: (i) the offer is made, distributed or directed to not more than 35 investors, subject to certain conditions, or the Addressed Investors; or (ii) the offer is made, distributed or directed to certain qualified investors defined in the First Addendum of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, subject to certain conditions, or the Qualified Investors. The Qualified Investors shall not be taken into account in the count of the Addressed Investors and may be offered to purchase securities in addition to the 35 Addressed Investors. The company has not and will not take any action that would require it to publish a prospectus in accordance with and subject to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. We have not and will not distribute this prospectus supplement or make, distribute or direct an offer to subscribe for our securities to any person within the State of Israel, other than to Qualified Investors and up to 35 Addressed Investors.
Qualified Investors may have to submit written evidence that they meet the definitions set out in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. In particular, we may request, as a condition to be offered securities, that Qualified Investors will each represent, warrant and certify to us and/or to anyone acting on our behalf: (i) that it is an investor falling within one of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; (ii) which of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 regarding Qualified Investors is applicable to it; (iii) that it will abide by all provisions set forth in the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 and the regulations promulgated thereunder in connection with the offer to be issued securities; (iv) that the securities that it will be issued are, subject to exemptions available under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968: (a) for its own account; (b) for investment purposes only; and (c) not issued with a view to resale within the State of Israel, other than in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; and (v) that it is willing to provide further evidence of its Qualified Investor status. Addressed Investors may have to submit written evidence in respect of their identity and may have to sign and submit a declaration containing, inter alia, the Addressed Investor’s name, address and passport number or Israeli identification number.
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a Non-U.S. Holder of our common stock. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock.
This discussion is limited to Non-U.S. Holders that hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a Non-U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income and the alternative minimum tax. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to Non-U.S. Holders subject to special rules, including, without limitation:
•
U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;
•
persons holding our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;
•
banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions;
•
brokers, dealers or traders in securities;
•
“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;
•
partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);
•
tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;
•
persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;
•
persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation;
•
tax-qualified retirement plans;
•
“qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all of the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; and
•
persons subject to special tax accounting rules as a result of any item of gross income with respect to our common stock being taken into account in an applicable financial statement.
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships holding our common stock and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP
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AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Definition of a Non-U.S. Holder
For purposes of this discussion, a “Non-U.S. Holder” is any beneficial owner of our common stock that is neither a “U.S. person” nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. person is any person that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as any of the following:
•
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
•
a corporation or entity treated as a corporation that is created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;
•
an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
•
a trust that (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (ii) has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Distributions
As described in the section titled “Dividend Policy,” we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we make distributions of cash or property on our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and first be applied against and reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its common stock, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below under “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition.”
Subject to the discussions below on effectively connected income, backup withholding and FATCA (as defined below), dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of our common stock will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, provided the Non-U.S. Holder furnishes a valid IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) certifying qualification for the lower treaty rate). A Non-U.S. Holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under any applicable income tax treaty.
If dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), the Non-U.S. Holder will be exempt from the U.S. federal withholding tax described above. To claim the exemption, the Non-U.S. Holder must furnish to the applicable withholding agent a valid IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States.
Any such effectively connected dividends generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also generally will be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits attributable to such dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition
Subject to the discussions below regarding backup withholding and FATCA, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock unless:
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•
the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the Non-U.S. Holder maintains a permanent establishment or fixed base in the United States to which such gain is attributable);
•
the Non-U.S. Holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or
•
our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest, or USRPI, by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation, or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular rates. A Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation also generally will be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits attributable to such gain, as adjusted for certain items.
A Non-U.S. Holder described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the Non-U.S. Holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the Non-U.S. Holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we currently are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of our non-U.S. real property interests and our other business assets, there can be no assurance we currently are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future. Even if we are or were to become a USRPHC, gain arising from the sale or other taxable disposition by a Non-U.S. Holder of our common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax if our common stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and such Non-U.S. Holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our common stock throughout the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the sale or other taxable disposition or the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period.
Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding any applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends on our common stock will not be subject to backup withholding, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know the holder is a United States person and the holder either certifies its non-U.S. status by furnishing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI or otherwise establishes an exemption. However, information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions on our common stock paid to the Non-U.S. Holder, regardless of whether such distributions constitute dividends or whether any tax was actually withheld. In addition, proceeds of the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related brokers generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting, if the applicable withholding agent receives the certification described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a United States person or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of our common stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker that does not have certain enumerated relationships with the United States generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.
Copies of information returns that are filed with the IRS also may be made available under the provisions of an applicable treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
S-22
Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (such Sections commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, or (subject to the proposed Treasury Regulations discussed below) gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Under proposed Treasury Regulations, FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds has been eliminated. Taxpayers generally may rely on these proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued.
Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in our common stock.
S-23
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the Common Stock being offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
S-24
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Canoo Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
S-25
PROSPECTUS
Canoo Inc.
Common Stock
Depositary Shares
Preferred Stock
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Warrants
Rights
Units
Depositary Shares
Preferred Stock
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Warrants
Rights
Units
From time to time, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. The securities we may offer may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for other securities. We may offer the securities separately or together, in separate classes or series and in amounts, at prices and on terms that will be determined at the time the securities are offered.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. Each time securities are sold, the specific terms and amounts of the securities being offered, and any other information relating to the specific offering will be set forth in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.
We may sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis, directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth their names and any applicable commissions or discounts. See “Plan of Distribution.”
We urge you to read carefully this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement before you make your investment decision.
Our common stock and public warrants are traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GOEV” and “GOEVW,” respectively. On July 30, 2024, the last reported sale price on Nasdaq of our common stock was $2.06 per share and the last reported sale price of our public warrants was $0.05 per warrant. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to other listings, if any, of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement.
Our principal executive office is located at 19951 Mariner Avenue, Torrance, California 90503, and our telephone number is (424) 271-2144.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any of our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties referenced under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus as well as those contained in the applicable prospectus supplement and in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 31, 2024.
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We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement we prepare or authorize. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to sell, or solicitations of offers to purchase, the securities offered by this documentation are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document speaks only as of the date of this document, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, nor any sale of securities made under these documents, will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement we may provide you in connection with an offering or that the information contained or incorporated by reference is correct as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. You should assume that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, as well as the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, is accurate only as of the date of the documents containing the information, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, we may offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus from time to time in one or more offerings. Before purchasing any securities, you should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.”
This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer and sell a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of the offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered or sold. This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. Each such prospectus supplement that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. If this prospectus is inconsistent with the prospectus supplement, you should rely upon the prospectus supplement.
We have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any permitted free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in any such free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than their respective date. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.”
This prospectus and any prospectus supplement may contain and incorporate by reference market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information and we have not independently verified this information. In addition, the market and industry data and forecasts that may be included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement may involve estimates, assumptions and other risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, and under similar headings in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “our business” “Canoo,” “the Company” and “our company” refer to and similar references refer to Canoo Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and does not contain all the information set forth or incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. You may obtain copies of the registration statement and its exhibits via the SEC’s EDGAR database.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, including us, that file electronically with the SEC. You may obtain documents that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Our website address is www.canoo.com. We do not incorporate the information on or accessible through our website into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed through, our website as part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. Our website address is included in this prospectus as an inactive textual reference only.
2
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
SEC rules permit us to incorporate information by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, except for information superseded by information contained in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement itself or in any subsequently filed incorporated document. This prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement incorporate by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC, other than information in such documents that is deemed to be furnished and not filed. These documents contain important information about us and our business and financial condition. Any report or information within any of the documents referenced below that is furnished, but not filed, shall not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus:
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our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024;
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 2, 2024, January 5, 2024, January 12, 2024, January 19, 2024, January 31, 2024, February 7, 2024, February 9, 2024, February 29, 2024, March 8, 2024, March 14, 2024, March 15, 2024, April 11, 2024, May 6, 2024, June 13, 2024 and July 22, 2024; and
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a description of our capital stock, included as Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended, December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022.
We also incorporate by reference any future filings made by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC), including prior to the termination of the offering of the securities made by this prospectus. Information in such future filings updates and supplements the information provided in this prospectus. Any statements in any such future filings will automatically be deemed to modify and supersede any information in any document we previously filed with the SEC that is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated herein by reference to the extent that statements in the later filed document modify or replace such earlier statements.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:
Canoo Inc.
19951 Mariner Avenue
Torrance, California 90503
Attn: Investor Relations Department
Phone: (424) 271-2144
19951 Mariner Avenue
Torrance, California 90503
Attn: Investor Relations Department
Phone: (424) 271-2144
Those copies will not include exhibits, unless the exhibits have specifically been incorporated by reference in this document or you specifically request them.
3
COMPANY OVERVIEW
We are a high tech advanced mobility technology company with a proprietary modular electric vehicle platform and connected services initially focused on commercial fleet, government and military customers. We have developed a breakthrough EV platform that we believe will enable us to rapidly innovate, iterate and bring new products, addressing multiple use cases, to market faster than our competition and at lower cost. Our vehicle architecture and design philosophy are aimed at driving productivity and returning capital to our customers, and we believe the software and technology capabilities we are developing, packaged around a modular, customizable product, have the potential to empower the customer experience across a vehicle’s lifecycle. We have commercialized our first production vehicles and are delivering them to customers. We remain committed to the environment and to delivering sustainable mobility to our customers to support them in meeting their net zero emissions goals. We are proudly manufacturing our fully electric vehicles in Oklahoma and are committed to building a diverse workforce that will draw heavily upon the local communities of Native Americans and Veterans.
On December 21, 2020, Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV (“HCAC”) consummated the previously announced merger pursuant to that certain Merger Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of August 17, 2020 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among HCAC, HCAC IV First Merger Sub, Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands and a direct, a wholly owned subsidiary of HCAC (“First Merger Sub”), EV Global Holdco LLC (f/k/a HCAC IV Second Merger Sub, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of HCAC (“Second Merger Sub”), and Canoo Holdings Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability in the Cayman Islands (“Legacy Canoo”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a business combination between HCAC and Legacy Canoo was effected through the merger of (a) First Merger Sub with and into Legacy Canoo, with Legacy Canoo surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCAC (Legacy Canoo, in its capacity as the surviving corporation of the merger, the “Surviving Corporation”) and (b) the Surviving Corporation with and into Second Merger Sub, with Second Merger Sub being the surviving entity, which ultimately resulted in Legacy Canoo becoming a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of HCAC (all transactions collectively, the “Business Combination”). In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, HCAC changed its name to Canoo Inc. and we became a Nasdaq-listed company. Our common stock and public warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “GOEV” and “GOEVW,” respectively. Our principal executive office is located at 19951 Mariner Avenue, Torrance, California 90503, and our telephone number is (424) 271-2144. Our website address is www.canoo.com. This website address is not intended to be an active link, and information on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider any information on, or that can be accessed from, our website as part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement.
4
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making a decision to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement, and discussed under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” contained in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed subsequent to such Form 10-K, as well as any amendments thereto, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety, together with other information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. See the sections of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.” Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The occurrence of any of these known or unknown risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our securities.
5
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which are difficult to predict and are beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or otherwise implied by the forward-looking statements. Below is a summary of certain material factors that may make an investment in our securities speculative or risky:
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We are an early stage company with a history of losses and expect to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future.
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We may be unable to adequately control the costs associated with our operations.
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Our current business plans require a significant amount of capital. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding or do not have access to capital, we will be unable to execute our business plans and our prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
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Our management has performed an analysis of our ability to continue as a going concern and has identified substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to obtain sufficient additional funding or do not have access to additional capital, we will be unable to execute our business plans and could be required to terminate or significantly curtail our operations.
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The resulting market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split may not attract new investors, and it is not certain that the reverse stock split will result in a sustained proportionate increase in the market price of our common stock.
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We have not achieved positive operating cash flow and, given our projected funding needs, our ability to generate positive cash flow is uncertain.
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Our financial results may vary significantly from period to period due to fluctuations in our operating costs, product demand and other factors.
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Our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult and increases the risk of your investment.
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We have remediated the material weaknesses previously reported in our internal control over financial reporting, but if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect our business and stock price.
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If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to design, develop, manufacture, market and launch our electric vehicles (“EVs”) successfully.
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We are highly dependent on the services of our key employees and senior management and, if we are unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical and EV engineering personnel, our ability to compete could be harmed.
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We face significant barriers to manufacture and bring our EVs to market, and if we cannot successfully overcome those barriers our business will be negatively impacted.
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Customers who have committed to purchase significant amounts of our vehicles may purchase significantly fewer vehicles than we currently anticipate or none at all. In that case, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
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Our ability to develop and manufacture EVs of sufficient quality and appeal to customers on schedule and on a large scale is unproven and still evolving.
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We will depend initially on revenue generated from a single EV model and in the foreseeable future will be significantly dependent on a limited number of models.
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There is no guarantee that we will be able to develop our software platform, Canoo Digital Ecosystem, or that if we are able to develop it, that we will obtain the revenue and other benefits we expect from it.
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We may fail to attract new customers in sufficient numbers or at sufficient rates or at all or to retain existing customers, if any, and may face risks if we are dependent on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our revenues.
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If our EVs fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market and deploy our EVs could be harmed.
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Our distribution model may expose us to risk and if unsuccessful may impact our business prospects and results of operations.
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We face legal, regulatory and legislative uncertainty in how our go-to-market models will be interpreted under existing and future law, including the potential inability to protect our intellectual property rights, and we may be required to adjust our consumer business model in certain jurisdictions as a result.
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If we fail to successfully build and tool our manufacturing facilities and/or if we are unable to establish or continue a relationship with a contract manufacturer or if our manufacturing facilities become inoperable, we will be unable to produce our vehicles and our business will be harmed.
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We may not be able to realize the non-dilutive financial incentives offered by the State of Oklahoma where we will develop our own manufacturing facilities.
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We and our third-party suppliers will rely on complex machinery for production, which involves a significant degree of risk and uncertainty in terms of operational performance and costs.
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We have no experience to date in high volume manufacture of our EVs.
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We may experience significant delays in the design, production and launch of our EVs, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials and other components used in our vehicles, in particular lithium-ion battery cells, could harm our business.
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We are dependent on our suppliers, some of which are single or limited source suppliers, and the inability of these suppliers to deliver necessary components of our EVs at prices and volumes, performance and specifications acceptable to us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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We are or may be subject to risks associated with strategic alliances or acquisitions and may not be able to identify adequate strategic relationship opportunities, or form strategic relationships, in the future.
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The automotive market is highly competitive and technological developments by our competitors may adversely affect the demand for our EVs and our competitiveness in this industry.
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If the market for EVs does not develop as we expect or develops more slowly than is expected, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected.
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We may not be able to obtain or agree on acceptable terms and conditions for all or a significant portion of the government grants, loans and other incentives for which we may apply.
7
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Our EVs are based on the use of complex and novel steer-by-wire technology that is unproven on a wide commercial scale.
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Our EVs rely on software and hardware that is highly technical, and if these systems contain errors, bugs or vulnerabilities, or if we are unsuccessful in addressing or mitigating technical limitations in our systems, our business could be adversely affected.
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We are subject to cybersecurity risks to our operational systems, security systems, infrastructure, integrated software in our EVs and customer data processed by us or third-party vendors.
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Our stock price has been volatile, and the market price of our common stock may drop below the price you pay.
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Future sales and issuances of our equity or convertible securities could result in dilution to our existing stockholders and could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
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Substantial blocks of our total outstanding shares may be sold into the market. If there are substantial sales or issuances of shares of our common stock, the price of our common stock could decline.
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Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market could result in a delisting of our securities.
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Economic, regulatory, political and other events, including fluctuating interest rates, sustained inflation, slower growth or recession, issues with supply chain, shortage of labor, national and global geopolitical and economic uncertainty, may adversely affect our financial results.
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Our ability to meet the timelines we have established for production and manufacturing milestones of our EVs is uncertain.
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Other risks set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, any related prospectus supplement and in our reports filed with the SEC.
Importantly, the summary above does not address all the risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional discussion of the risks and uncertainties summarized herein, as well as other risks and uncertainties that we face, can be found under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference herein. Given such risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. We caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In addition, even if our results or operations, financial condition and liquidity, and developments in the industry in which we operate are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless indicated otherwise in any applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by us under this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, funding working capital, capital expenditures, operating expenses and the selective pursuit of business development opportunities, including to expand our current business through acquisitions of, or investments in, other businesses, products or technologies. Additional information on the use of net proceeds from the sale of the securities that we may offer from time to time by this prospectus may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering.
9
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK
The Company has two classes of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”): common stock, par value $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), and public warrants, every 23 public warrants exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $264.50 per share (the “Public Warrants”).
The following summary of the material terms of our Common Stock and Public Warrants is not intended to be a complete summary of the rights and preferences of such securities, and is qualified by reference to our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended from time to time (the “Restated Certificate”), our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Restated Bylaws”) and the Public Warrant-related documents, each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge you to read each of our Restated Certificate, the Restated Bylaws, the Public Warrant-related documents and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) for more information.
General
Our Restated Certificate authorizes capital stock consisting of:
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2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; and
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10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).
As of July 22, 2024, we had 73,888,348 shares of our Common Stock, 45,000 shares of our Series B Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock and 16,500 shares of our Series C Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, respectively. We had no other shares of Preferred Stock outstanding as of such date.
On March 8, 2024, we effected a 1-for-23 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) in which every 23 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding were automatically combined into one share of Common Stock. The Company’s stockholders of record received a cash payment (without interest) in lieu of any fractional shares they would have otherwise been entitled to receive in the Reverse Stock Split. The exercise prices of the Company’s outstanding warrants, options and equity awards were adjusted in accordance with their respective terms. All numbers in this prospectus have been adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Common Stock
Voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in any certificate of designation for any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock possess all voting power for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted on by stockholders. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors, with the result that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voted for the election of directors can elect all the directors.
Dividend rights. Subject to the preferences of any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends our board of directors declares out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends.
Rights upon liquidation. If we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to share pro rata all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.
Other rights. Holders of Common Stock have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. There are no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the Common Stock.
Preferred Stock
Our Restated Certificate provides that shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers,
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preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors will be able to, without stockholder approval, issue Preferred Stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the Common Stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue Preferred Stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control or the removal of our management. In 2023, we issued 45,000 shares of our Series B Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock. In May 2024, we issued 16,500 shares of our Series C Cumulative Perpetual Redeemable Preferred Stock.
Public Warrants
Every 23 whole Public Warrants entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of our Common Stock at a price of $264.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below. The Public Warrants will expire on December 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
We will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Public Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations described below with respect to registration. No Public Warrant will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of Common Stock upon exercise of a Public Warrant unless Common Stock issuable upon such Public Warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Public Warrants. In the event that the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to a Public Warrant, the holder of such Public Warrant will not be entitled to exercise such Public Warrant and such Public Warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In no event will we be required to net cash settle any Public Warrant. In the event that a registration statement is not effective for the exercised Public Warrants, the purchaser of a unit containing such Public Warrant will have paid the full purchase price for the unit solely for the share of Common Stock underlying such unit.
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement for the registration under the Securities Act of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants and will use our best efforts to maintain a current prospectus relating to the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants, until the expiration of the Public Warrants in accordance with the provisions of the warrant agreement (the “Warrant Agreement”), which is filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein. During any period when we will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, warrantholders may exercise Public Warrants on a cashless basis pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, provided that such exemption is available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their Public Warrants on a cashless basis.
We may call the Public Warrants for redemption:
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in whole and not in part;
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at a price of $0.01 per Public Warrant;
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upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrantholder; and
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if, and only if, the reported last reported sale price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $414.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption to the warrantholders.
If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by us, we may not exercise our redemption right if the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unable to effect such registration or qualification. We will use our best efforts to register or qualify such shares of Common Stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the Public Warrants were offered by us in this offering.
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We have established the last of the redemption criteria discussed above to prevent a redemption call unless there is at the time of the call a significant premium to the warrant exercise price. If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption of the Public Warrants, each warrantholder will be entitled to exercise its Public Warrants prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of the Common Stock may fall below the $414.00 redemption trigger price (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) as well as the $264.50 warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.
If we call the Public Warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise its warrant to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their Public Warrants on a “cashless basis,” our management will consider, among other factors, our cash position, the number of Public Warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on our stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of our Public Warrants. If our management takes advantage of this option, all holders of Public Warrants would pay the exercise price by surrendering their Public Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Public Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the Public Warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” shall mean the average last reported sale price of the Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of the Public Warrants. If our management takes advantage of this option, the notice of redemption will contain the information necessary to calculate the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Public Warrants, including the “fair market value” in such case. Requiring a cashless exercise in this manner will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued and thereby lessen the dilutive effect of a warrant redemption. We believe this feature is an attractive option to us if we do not need the cash from the exercise of the Public Warrants after the Business Combination.
A holder of a Public Warrant may notify us in writing in the event it elects to be subject to a requirement that such holder will not have the right to exercise such Public Warrants, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s affiliates), to the warrant agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 4.9% or 9.8% (or such other amount as a holder may specify) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.
If the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, or by a split-up of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such stock dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Public Warrant will be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of Common Stock. A rights offering to holders of Common Stock entitling holders to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the fair market value will be deemed a stock dividend of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock) and (ii) one (1) minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of Common Stock paid in such rights offering divided by (y) the fair market value. For these purposes (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for Common Stock, in determining the price payable for Common Stock, there will be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) fair market value means the volume weighted-average price of Common Stock as reported during the ten (10) trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.
In addition, if we, at any time while the Public Warrants are outstanding and unexpired, pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities or other assets to the holders of Common Stock on account of such shares of Common Stock (or other shares of our capital stock into which the Public Warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described above or (b) certain ordinary cash dividends, then the warrant exercise price will be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such event, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any securities or other assets paid on each share of Common Stock in respect of such event.
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If the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse stock split or reclassification of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse stock split, reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Public Warrant will be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants is adjusted, as described above, the warrant exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying the warrant exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which will be the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which will be the number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.
In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which we are the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of our outstanding shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of us as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the holders of the Public Warrants will thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Public Warrants and in lieu of the shares of our Common Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the holder of the Public Warrants would have received if such holder had exercised their Public Warrants immediately prior to such event. If less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the holders of Common Stock in such a transaction is payable in the form of Common Stock in the successor entity that is listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or is to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the registered holder of the Public Warrant properly exercises the Public Warrant within thirty days following public disclosure of such transaction, the warrant exercise price will be reduced as specified in the Warrant Agreement based on the Black-Scholes value (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) of the Public Warrant. The purpose of such exercise price reduction is to provide additional value to holders of the Public Warrants when an extraordinary transaction occurs during the exercise period of the Public Warrants pursuant to which the holders of the Public Warrants otherwise do not receive the full potential value of the Public Warrants in order to determine and realize the option value component of the Public Warrant. This formula is to compensate the Public Warrant holder for the loss of the option value portion of the Public Warrant due to the requirement that the Public Warrant holder exercise the Public Warrant within 30 days of the event. The Black-Scholes model is an accepted pricing model for estimating fair market value where no quoted market price for an instrument is available.
The Warrant Agreement provides that the terms of the Public Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 65% of the then outstanding Public Warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of Public Warrants.
The Public Warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the Public Warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price (or on a cashless basis, if applicable), by certified or official bank check payable to us, for the number of Public Warrants being exercised. The warrantholders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their Public Warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Public Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one (1) vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Public Warrants. If, upon exercise of the Public Warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the warrantholder.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
Our Restated Certificate, Restated Bylaws and the DGCL contain provisions, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a merger or acquisition of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for the shares of Common Stock held by stockholders. These provisions include:
Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws
Our Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws include provisions that may deter or impede hostile takeovers or changes of control or management. These provisions include:
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Issuance of Undesignated Preferred Stock: Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 9,938,500 shares of undesignated Preferred Stock with rights and preferences, including voting rights, designated from time to time by our board of directors. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock enables our board of directors to make it more difficult to attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.
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Classified Board: Our Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws provide for a classified board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of our stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. This provision may have the effect of delaying a change in control of our board.
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Board of Directors Vacancies: Our Restated Certificate and Restated Bylaws authorize only our board of directors to fill vacant directorships. In addition, the number of directors constituting our board of directors may be set only by resolution adopted by a majority vote of our entire board of directors. These provisions prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our board of directors and gaining control of our board of directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees.
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Stockholder Action; Special Meetings of Stockholders: Our Restated Certificate provides that our stockholders may not take action by written consent but may only take action at annual or special meetings of our stockholders. Our Restated Bylaws provide that only the chairperson of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, or a majority of our board of directors may call special meetings of our stockholders.
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Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations: Our Restated Bylaws provide advance notice procedures for stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders. Our Restated Bylaws also specify certain requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions may make it more difficult for our stockholders to bring matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or to nominate directors at annual meetings of stockholders.
Exclusive Forum Selection
Our Restated Certificate provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action or proceeding (including any class action) asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee to us or our stockholders; (iii) any action or proceeding (including any class action) asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee arising pursuant to the DGCL, our Restated Certificate or Restated Bylaws; or (iv) any action or proceeding (including any class action) asserting a claim against us or
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any director or officer or other employee that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision would not apply to claims brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our Restated Certificate further provides that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, with the following exceptions:
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before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested holder;
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upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (a) by persons who are directors and also officers and (b) pursuant to employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; and
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on or after such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 662∕3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
In general, Section 203 of the DGCL defines business combination to include the following:
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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;
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any sale, lease, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;
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subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;
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any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; and
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the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.
In general, Section 203 of the DGCL defines an interested stockholder as an entity or person who, together with the entity’s or person’s affiliates and associates, beneficially owns, or is an affiliate of the corporation and within three years prior to the time of determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation.
A Delaware corporation may opt out of these provisions with an express provision in its certificate of incorporation. We have not opted out of these provisions, which may as a result, discourage or prevent mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Our Restated Certificate eliminates our directors’ liability to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The DGCL provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:
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for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;
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for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
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for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or
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for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.
If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of the Company’s directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.
Our Restated Certificate requires us to indemnify and advance expenses to, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, our directors, officers and agents. We maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy, pursuant to which our directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. Finally, our Restated Certificate prohibits any retroactive changes to the rights or protections or increase the liability of any director in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any act or omission to act giving rise to liability or indemnification.
In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent, warrant agent and registrar for our Common Stock and Public Warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Listing
Our Common Stock and Public Warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “GOEV” and “GOEVW,” respectively.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEPOSITARY SHARES
The depositary shares will be issued under deposit agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as depositary, all to be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any or all depositary shares in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered. We will file a copy of the deposit agreement and the depositary receipt with the SEC each time we issue a series of depositary shares, and these depositary receipts and deposit agreement will be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
General
If we elect to offer fractional interests in shares of Preferred Stock, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of receipts for depositary shares. Each depositary share will represent fractional interests of Preferred Stock. We will deposit the shares of Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares under a deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company selected by us. The bank or trust company must have its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. The depositary receipts will evidence the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement.
The deposit agreement will contain terms applicable to the holders of depositary shares in addition to the terms stated in the depositary receipts. Each owner of depositary shares will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in the underlying shares of Preferred Stock. The depositary will issue the depositary receipts to individuals purchasing the fractional interests in shares of the related Preferred Stock according to the terms of the offering described in a prospectus supplement.
Dividends and Other Distributions
The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received for the Preferred Stock to the entitled record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the number of depositary shares that the holder owns on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only an amount that can be distributed without attributing to any holder of depositary shares a fraction of one cent. The depositary will add the undistributed balance to and treat it as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to holders of depositary shares.
If there is a non-cash distribution, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the entitled record holders of depositary shares, in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by the holders, unless the depositary determines, after consultation with us, that it is not feasible to make such distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders. The deposit agreement also will contain provisions relating to how any subscription or similar rights that we may offer to holders of the Preferred Stock will be available to the holders of the depositary shares.
Conversion, Exchange and Redemption
If any series of Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares may be converted or exchanged, each record holder of depositary receipts will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares represented by the depositary receipts.
Whenever we redeem shares of Preferred Stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem, at the same time, the number of depositary shares representing the Preferred Stock. The depositary will redeem the depositary shares from the proceeds it receives from the corresponding redemption, in whole or in part, of the applicable series of Preferred Stock. The depositary will mail a notice of redemption to the record holders of the depositary shares that are to be redeemed between 30 and 60 days before the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the applicable fraction of the redemption price per share on the applicable series of Preferred Stock. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary will select which shares to be redeemed by lot, proportionate allocation or another method.
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After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding. When the depositary shares are no longer outstanding, all rights of the holders will end, except the right to receive money, securities or other property payable upon redemption.
Voting
When the depositary receives notice of a meeting at which the holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the particulars of the meeting to the record holders of the depositary shares. Each record holder of depositary shares on the record date may instruct the depositary on how to vote the shares of Preferred Stock underlying the holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will try, if practical, to vote the number of shares of Preferred Stock underlying the depositary shares according to the instructions. The depositary will abstain from voting shares of the Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing such Preferred Stock. We will agree to take all reasonable action requested by the depositary to enable it to vote as instructed.
Record Date
Whenever (1) any cash dividend or other cash distribution will become payable, any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights, preferences or privileges will be offered with respect to the Preferred Stock, or (2) the depositary receives notice of any meeting at which holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to notice, or of the mandatory conversion of or any election on our part to call for the redemption of any Preferred Stock, the depositary will in each such instance fix a record date (which will be the same as the record date for the Preferred Stock) for the determination of the holders of depositary receipts (x) who will be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof or (y) who will be entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of such meeting or of such redemption or conversion, subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement.
Amendments
We and the depositary may agree to amend the deposit agreement and the depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares. Any amendment that (a) imposes or increases certain fees, taxes or other charges payable by the holders of the depositary shares as described in the deposit agreement or (b) otherwise prejudices any substantial existing right of holders of depositary shares, will not take effect until 30 days after the depositary has mailed notice of the amendment to the record holders of depositary shares. Any holder of depositary shares that continues to hold its shares at the end of the 30-day period will be deemed to have agreed to the amendment.
Termination
We may direct the depositary to terminate the deposit agreement by mailing a notice of termination to holders of depositary shares at least 30 days before termination. In addition, a deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
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the depositary has redeemed all related outstanding depositary shares, or
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we have liquidated, terminated or wound up our business and the depositary has distributed the Preferred Stock of the relevant series to the holders of the related depositary shares.
The depositary may likewise terminate the deposit agreement if at any time 60 days have expired after the depositary have delivered to us a written notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary has not been appointed and accepted its appointment. If any depositary receipts remain outstanding after the date of termination, the depositary thereafter will discontinue the transfer of depositary receipts, will suspend the distribution of dividends to the holders thereof, and will not give any further notices (other than notice of such termination) or perform any further acts under the deposit agreement except as provided below and except that the depositary will continue (1) to collect dividends on the Preferred Stock and any other distributions with respect thereto and (2) to deliver the Preferred Stock together with such dividends and distributions and the net proceeds of any sales of rights, preferences, privileges or other property, without liability for interest thereon, in exchange for depositary receipts surrendered. At any time after the expiration
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of two years from the date of termination, the depositary may sell the Preferred Stock then held by it at public or private sales, at such place or places and upon such terms as it deems proper and may thereafter hold the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any money and other property then held by it, without liability for interest thereon, for the pro rata benefit of the holders of depositary receipts that have not been surrendered.
Payment of Fees and Expenses
We will pay all fees, charges and expenses of the depositary, including the initial deposit of the Preferred Stock and any redemption of the Preferred Stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges and any other charges as are stated in the deposit agreement for their accounts.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
At any time, the depositary may resign by delivering notice to us, and we may remove the depositary. Resignations or removals will take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of the appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.
Reports
The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications from us that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required by law, the rules of an applicable securities exchange or our Restated Certificate to furnish to the holders of the Preferred Stock. Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if the depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstances beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary’s obligations to performance in good faith of the duties stated in the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding connected with any depositary shares or Preferred Stock unless the holders of depositary shares requesting us to do so furnish us with satisfactory indemnity. In performing our obligations, we and the depositary may rely upon the written advice of our counsel or accountants, on any information that competent people provide to us and on documents that we believe are genuine.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES
This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future debt securities we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any debt securities we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.
General
The debt securities may be either secured or unsecured and will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. We will issue the senior notes under the senior indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We will issue the subordinated notes under the subordinated indenture which we will enter into with one or more trustees. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We use the term “indentures” to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.
The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). We use the term “debenture trustee” to refer to either the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.
Series of Debt Securities
We may issue multiple debt securities or series of debt securities under either indenture. This section summarizes terms of the securities that apply generally to all debt securities and series of debt securities. The provisions of each indenture allow us not only to issue debt securities with terms different from those of debt securities previously issued under that indenture, but also to “reopen” a previously issued series of debt securities and issue additional debt securities of that series. We will describe most of the financial and other specific terms of a particular series, whether it be a series of the senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, in the prospectus supplement applicable for that series. Those terms may vary from the terms described here.
Amounts of Issuances
The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued under them. We may issue the debt securities from time to time in one or more series. We are not required to issue all of the debt securities of one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided in the applicable indenture or prospectus supplement, we may reopen a series and issue additional debt securities of that series without the consent of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of that series.
Principal Amount, Stated Maturity and Maturity
Unless otherwise stated, the principal amount of a debt security means the principal amount payable at its stated maturity, unless that amount is not determinable, in which case the principal amount of a debt security is its face amount.
The term “stated maturity” with respect to any debt security means the day on which the principal amount of the debt security is scheduled to become due. The principal may become due sooner, by reason of redemption or acceleration after a default or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt security. The day on which the principal actually becomes due, whether at the stated maturity or earlier, is called the “maturity” of the principal.
We also use the terms “stated maturity” and “maturity” to refer to the days when other payments become due. For example, we may refer to a regular interest payment date when an installment of interest is scheduled to become due as the “stated maturity” of that installment. When we refer to the “stated maturity” or the “maturity” of a debt security without specifying a particular payment, we mean the stated maturity or maturity, as the case may be, of the principal.
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Specific Terms of Debt Securities
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the debt securities, which will include some or all of the following:
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the title of the series and whether it is a senior debt security or a subordinated debt security;
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any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities of the same series;
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the stated maturity;
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the currency or currencies for principal and interest, if not U.S. dollars;
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the price at which we originally issue the debt security, expressed as a percentage of the principal amount, and the original issue date;
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whether the debt security is a fixed rate debt security, a floating rate debt security or an indexed debt security;
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if the debt security is a fixed rate debt security, the yearly rate at which the debt security will bear interest, if any, and the interest payment dates;
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if the debt security is a floating rate debt security, the interest rate basis; any applicable index currency or index maturity, spread or spread multiplier or initial base rate, maximum rate or minimum rate; the interest reset, determination, calculation and payment dates; the day count convention used to calculate interest payments for any period; the business day convention; and the calculation agent;
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if the debt security is an indexed debt security, the principal amount, if any, we will pay at maturity, interest payment dates, the amount of interest, if any, we will pay on an interest payment date or the formula we will use to calculate these amounts, if any, and the terms on which the debt security will be exchangeable for or payable in cash, securities or other property;
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if the debt security may be converted into or exercised or exchanged for common or preferred stock or other securities of the Company, the terms on which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, including whether conversion, exercise or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, the period during which conversion, exercise or exchange may occur, the initial conversion, exercise or exchange price or rate and the circumstances or manner in which the amount of common or preferred stock or other securities issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange may be adjusted;
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if the debt security is also an original issue discount debt security, the yield to maturity;
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if applicable, the circumstances under which the debt security may be redeemed at our option or repaid at the holder’s option before the stated maturity, including any redemption commencement date, repayment date(s), redemption price(s) and redemption period(s);
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the authorized denominations, if other than $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000;
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the depositary for the debt security, if other than The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), and any circumstances under which the holder may request securities in non-global form, if we choose not to issue the debt security in book-entry form only;
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if applicable, the circumstances under which we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities held by a person who is not a United States person for tax purposes and under which we can redeem the debt securities if we have to pay additional amounts;
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the assets, if any, that will be pledged as security for the payment of the debt security;
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the names and duties of any co-trustees, depositaries, authenticating agents, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for the debt security, as applicable; and
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any other terms of the debt security which could be different from those described in this prospectus.
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Governing Law
The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
Form of Debt Securities
We will issue each debt security only in registered form, without coupons, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, we will issue each debt security in global — i.e., book-entry — form only, unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. Debt securities in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the debt securities represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a global debt security will do so through participants in the depositary’s securities clearance system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. References to “holders” in this section mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names, on the books that we or the trustee maintain for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries.
Each global debt security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC, as depositary, or its nominee, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Except under the limited circumstances described below, global debt securities are not exchangeable for definitive certificated debt securities.
Redemption or Repayment
If there are any provisions regarding redemption or repayment applicable to a debt security, we will describe them in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We or our affiliates may purchase debt securities from investors who are willing to sell from time to time, either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Debt securities that we or they purchase may, at our discretion, be held, resold or cancelled.
Mergers and Similar Transactions
We are generally permitted under the indenture for the relevant series to merge or consolidate with another corporation or other entity. We are also permitted under the indenture for the relevant series to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another corporation or other entity. With regard to any series of debt securities, however, we may not take any of the foregoing actions unless all the following conditions, among other things, are met:
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If the successor entity in the transaction is not Canoo, Inc., the successor entity must expressly assume our obligations under the debt securities of that series and the indenture with respect to that series. The successor entity may be organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.
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Immediately after the transaction, no default under the debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing. For this purpose, “default under the debt securities of that series” means an event of default with respect to that series or any event that would be an event of default with respect to that series if the requirements for giving us default notice and for our default having to continue for a specific period of time were disregarded. We describe these matters below under “— Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default.”
If the conditions described above are satisfied with respect to the debt securities of any series, we will not need to obtain the approval of the holders of those debt securities in order to merge or consolidate or to sell our assets. Also, these conditions will apply only if we wish to merge or consolidate with another entity or sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. We will not need to satisfy these conditions if we enter into other types of transactions, including any transaction in which we acquire the stock or assets of another entity, any transaction that involves a change of control of Canoo, Inc. but in which we do not merge or consolidate and any transaction in which we sell less than substantially all our assets.
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If we sell all or substantially all of our assets, we will be released from all our liabilities and obligations under the debt securities of any series and the indenture with respect to that series.
Subordination Provisions
Holders of subordinated debt securities should recognize that contractual provisions in the subordinated debt indenture may prohibit us from making payments on those securities. Subordinated debt securities are subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner stated in the subordinated debt indenture, to all of our senior debt, as defined in the subordinated debt indenture, including all debt securities we have issued and will issue under the senior debt indenture.
The subordinated debt indenture defines “senior debt” as:
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our indebtedness under or in respect of our credit agreement, whether for principal, interest (including interest accruing after the filing of a petition initiating any proceeding pursuant to any bankruptcy law, whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed as a claim in such proceeding), reimbursement obligations, fees, commissions, expenses, indemnities or other amounts; and
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any other indebtedness permitted under the terms of that indenture, unless the instrument under which such indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, “senior debt” will not include: (i) equity interests; (ii) any liability for taxes; (iii) any trade payables; (iv) any indebtedness to any of its subsidiaries or affiliates; or (v) any indebtedness incurred in violation of the subordinated debt indenture.
We may modify the subordination provisions, including the definition of senior debt, with respect to one or more series of subordinated debt securities. Such modifications will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The subordinated debt indenture provides that, unless all principal of and any premium or interest on the senior debt has been paid in full, no payment or other distribution may be made in respect of any subordinated debt securities in the following circumstances:
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in the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, assignment for creditors or other similar proceedings or events involving us or our assets;
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(a) in the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal, premium or interest on any senior debt beyond any applicable grace period or (b) in the event that any event of default with respect to any senior debt has occurred and is continuing, permitting the holders of that senior debt (or a trustee) to accelerate the maturity of that senior debt, whether or not the maturity is in fact accelerated (unless, in the case of (a) or (b), the payment default or event of default has been cured or waived or ceased to exist and any related acceleration has been rescinded) or (c) in the event that any judicial proceeding is pending with respect to a payment default or event of default described in (a) or (b); or
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in the event that any subordinated debt securities have been declared due and payable before their stated maturity.
If the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture or any holders of the subordinated debt securities receive any payment or distribution that is prohibited under the subordination provisions, then the trustee or the holders will have to repay that money to the holders of the senior debt.
Even if the subordination provisions prevent us from making any payment when due on the subordinated debt securities of any series, we will be in default on our obligations under that series if we do not make the payment when due. This means that the trustee under the subordinated debt indenture and the holders of that series can take action against us, but they will not receive any money until the claims of the holders of senior debt have been fully satisfied.
The subordinated debt indenture allows the holders of senior debt to obtain a court order requiring us and any holder of subordinated debt securities to comply with the subordination provisions.
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Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance and Satisfaction and Discharge
When we use the term defeasance, we mean discharge from some or all of our obligations under the indenture. If we deposit with the trustee funds or government securities, or if so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, obligations other than government securities, sufficient to make payments on any series of debt securities on the dates those payments are due and payable and other specified conditions are satisfied, then, at our option, either of the following will occur:
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we will be discharged from our obligations with respect to the debt securities of such series (“legal defeasance”); or
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we will be discharged from any covenants we make in the applicable indenture for the benefit of such series and the related events of default will no longer apply to us (“covenant defeasance”).
If we defease any series of debt securities, the holders of such securities will not be entitled to the benefits of the indenture, except for our obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated securities or maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust. In case of covenant defeasance, our obligation to pay principal, premium and interest on the applicable series of debt securities will also survive.
We will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel that the deposit and related defeasance would not cause the holders of the applicable series of debt securities to recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If we elect legal defeasance, that opinion of counsel must be based upon a ruling from the United States Internal Revenue Service or a change in law to that effect.
In addition, we may satisfy and discharge all our obligations under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series, other than our obligation to register the transfer of and exchange debt securities of that series, provided that we either:
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deliver all outstanding debt securities of that series to the trustee for cancellation; or
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all such debt securities not so delivered for cancellation have either become due and payable or will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, and in the case of this bullet point, we have deposited with the trustee in trust an amount of cash sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness of such debt securities, including interest to the stated maturity or applicable redemption date.
Default, Remedies and Waiver of Default
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, when we refer to an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean any of the following:
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we do not pay the principal or any premium on any debt security of that series when due at its stated maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required purchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
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we do not pay interest on any debt security of that series within 30 days after the due date;
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we fail to comply with our obligations under the merger covenant;
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we fail to comply for 90 days after notice with the other agreements contained in the indenture, which notice must be sent by the trustee or the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of the relevant series of debt securities;
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we file for bankruptcy or other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to us occur; or
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if the applicable prospectus supplement states that any additional event of default applies to the series, that event of default occurs.
We may change, eliminate, or add to the events of default with respect to any particular series or any particular debt security or debt securities within a series, as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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If you are the holder of a subordinated debt security, all the remedies available upon the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture will be subject to the restrictions on the subordinated debt securities described above under “— Subordination Provisions.”
Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an event of default has occurred with respect to any series of debt securities and has not been cured or waived, the trustee or the holders of not less than 30% in principal amount of all debt securities of that series then outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series to be due immediately. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the event of default occurs because of events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company, the entire principal amount of the debt securities of that series will be automatically accelerated, without any action by the trustee or any holder.
Each of the situations described above may result in an acceleration of the stated maturity of the affected series of debt securities. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the stated maturity of any series is accelerated and a judgment for payment has not yet been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of that series may cancel the acceleration for the entire series.
If an event of default occurs, the trustee will have special duties. In that situation, the trustee will be obligated to use those of its rights and powers under the relevant indenture, and to use the same degree of care and skill in doing so, that a prudent person would use in that situation in conducting his or her own affairs.
Except as described in the prior paragraph, the trustee is not required to take any action under the relevant indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee protection satisfactory to it from loss, liability or expense. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the relevant indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series.
Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, before a holder may take steps to enforce its rights or protect its interests relating to any debt security, all of the following must occur:
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the holder must give the trustee written notice that an event of default has occurred with respect to the debt securities of the series, and the event of default must not have been cured or waived;
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the holders of at least 30% in principal amount of all debt securities of the series must request that the trustee take action because of the default, and they or other holders must offer to the trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action;
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the trustee must not have taken action for 90 days after the above steps have been taken; and
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during those 90 days, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the series must not have given the trustee directions that are inconsistent with such request.
Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of the maturity.
Waiver of Default. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series may by notice to the trustee waive an existing default and its consequences for all debt securities of that series except (i) a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on a debt security (ii) a default arising from the failure to redeem or purchase any debt security when required pursuant to the indenture or (iii) a default in respect of a provision that under the indenture cannot be amended without the consent of each securityholder affected. If a waiver occurs, the default is deemed cured, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any consequent right.
Annual Information about Defaults to the Trustee. We will furnish each trustee every year a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any default that occurred in the previous year.
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Modifications and Waivers
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, when we refer to an event of default with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean any of the following:
Changes Requiring Each Holder’s Approval. Except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we and the trustee may amend the indentures or the debt securities with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding. However, without the consent of each securityholder affected thereby, an amendment or waiver may not, except as otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement:
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reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment;
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reduce the rate of, or extend the time for payment of, the interest on any debt security;
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reduce the principal of or change the stated maturity on any debt security;
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reduce the amount payable upon redemption of any debt security or change the time at which any debt security may be redeemed as described in the applicable indenture;
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permit redemption of a debt security if not previously permitted;
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change the currency of any payment on a debt security;
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impair the right of any holder of a debt security to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such holder’s debt security;
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change the amendment provisions which require each holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions; or
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change the ranking or priority of any debt security that would adversely affect the securityholders.
Changes Not Requiring Approval. We and the trustee may amend the indentures or the debt securities without notice to or consent of any securityholder:
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to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;
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to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of the obligations of the Company under the indenture;
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to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities (provided that the uncertificated debt securities are issued in registered form for United States federal income tax purposes);
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to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company;
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to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of the debt securities in any material respect;
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to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or
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to make any amendment to the provisions of the indenture relating to the transfer and legending of debt securities; provided, however, that (a) compliance with the indenture as so amended would not result in debt securities being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of holders to transfer debt securities.
Modification of Subordination Provisions. We may not amend the indenture related to subordinated debt securities to alter the subordination of any outstanding subordinated debt securities without the written consent of each holder of senior debt then outstanding who would be adversely affected (or the group or representative thereof authorized or required to consent thereto pursuant to the instrument creating or evidencing, or pursuant to which there is outstanding, such senior debt). In addition, we may not modify the subordination provisions of the indenture related to subordinated debt securities in a manner that would adversely affect the subordinated debt securities of any one or more series then outstanding in any material
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respect, without the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all affected series then outstanding, voting together as one class (and also of any affected series that by its terms is entitled to vote separately as a series, as described below).
Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change an indenture or any debt securities or request a waiver.
Changes Requiring Majority Approval. Any other change to a particular indenture and the debt securities issued under that indenture would require the following approval:
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if the change affects only particular debt securities within a series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of such particular debt securities; or
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if the change affects debt securities of more than one series issued under the applicable indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of all such series affected by the change, with all such affected debt securities voting together as one class for this purpose and such affected debt securities of any series potentially comprising fewer than all debt securities of such series, in each case, except as may otherwise be provided pursuant to such indenture for all or any particular debt securities of any series. This means that modification of terms with respect to certain securities of a series could be effectuated without obtaining the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of other securities of such series that are not affected by such modification.
Special Rules for Action by Holders
Only holders of outstanding debt securities of the applicable series will be eligible to take any action under the applicable indenture, such as giving a notice of default, declaring an acceleration, approving any change or waiver or giving the trustee an instruction with respect to debt securities of that series. Also, we will count only outstanding debt securities in determining whether the various percentage requirements for taking action have been met. Any debt securities owned by us or any of our affiliates or surrendered for cancellation or for payment or redemption of which money has been set aside in trust are not deemed to be outstanding. Any required approval or waiver must be given by written consent.
In some situations, we may follow special rules in calculating the principal amount of debt securities that are to be treated as outstanding for the purposes described above. This may happen, for example, if the principal amount is payable in a non-U.S. dollar currency, increases over time or is not to be fixed until maturity.
We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders that are entitled to take action under either indenture. In certain limited circumstances, only the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If we or the trustee sets a record date for an approval or other action to be taken by holders, that vote or action may be taken only by persons or entities who are holders on the record date and must be taken during the period that we specify for this purpose, or that the trustee specifies if it sets the record date. We or the trustee, as applicable, may shorten or lengthen this period from time to time. This period, however, may not extend beyond the 180th day after the record date for the action. In addition, record dates for any global debt security may be set in accordance with procedures established by the depositary from time to time. Accordingly, record dates for global debt securities may differ from those for other debt securities.
Form, Exchange and Transfer
If any debt securities cease to be issued in registered global form, they will be issued only in fully registered form, without interest coupons and, unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
Holders may exchange their debt securities for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed.
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Holders may not exchange debt securities for securities of a different series or having different terms, unless permitted by the terms of that series and described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Holders may exchange or transfer their debt securities at the office of the trustee. They may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated debt securities at that office. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring and replacing debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.
Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their debt securities, but they may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may require an indemnity before replacing any debt securities.
If we have designated additional transfer agents for a debt security, they will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.
If the debt securities of any series are redeemable and we redeem less than all those debt securities, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any debt security selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security being partially redeemed.
If a debt security is issued as a global debt security, only DTC or other depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since the depositary will be the sole holder of the debt security.
The rules for exchange described above apply to exchange of debt securities for other debt securities of the same series and kind. If a debt security is convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into or for a different kind of security, such as one that we have not issued, or for other property, the rules governing that type of conversion, exercise or exchange will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Payments
We will pay interest, principal and other amounts payable with respect to the debt securities of any series to the holders of record of those debt securities as of the record dates and otherwise in the manner specified below or in the prospectus supplement for that series.
We will make payments on a global debt security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will pay directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect owners who own beneficial interests in the global debt security. An indirect owner’s right to receive those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.
We will make payments on a debt security in non-global, registered form as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all other payments by check at the paying agent described below, against surrender of the debt security. All payments by check will be made in next-day funds — i.e., funds that become available on the day after the check is cashed.
Alternatively, if a non-global debt security has a face amount of at least $1,000,000 and the holder asks us to do so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in New York City, on the due date. To request wire payment, the holder must give the paying agent appropriate wire transfer instructions at least five business days before the requested wire payment is due. In the case of any interest payment due on an interest payment date, the instructions must be given by the person or entity who is the holder on the relevant regular record date. In
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the case of any other payment, payment will be made only after the debt security is surrendered to the paying agent. Any wire instructions, once properly given, will remain in effect unless and until new instructions are given in the manner described above.
Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.
Regardless of who acts as paying agent, all money paid by us to a paying agent that remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to a holder will be repaid to us. After that two-year period, the holder may look only to us for payment and not to the trustee, any other paying agent or anyone else.
Paying Agents
We may appoint one or more financial institutions to act as our paying agents, at whose designated offices debt securities in non-global entry form may be surrendered for payment at their maturity. We call each of those offices a paying agent. We may add, replace or terminate paying agents from time to time. We may also choose to act as our own paying agent. We will specify in the applicable prospectus supplement for each debt security the initial location of each paying agent for that debt security. We must notify the trustee of changes in the paying agents.
Notices
Notices to be given to holders of a global debt security will be given only to the depositary in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. Notices to be given to holders of debt securities not in global form will be sent by mail to the respective addresses of the holders as they appear in the trustee’s records, and will be deemed given when mailed. Neither the failure to give any notice to a particular holder, nor any defect in a notice given to a particular holder, will affect the sufficiency of any notice given to another holder.
Book-entry and other indirect owners should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive notices.
Our Relationship With the Trustee
The prospectus supplement for any debt security will describe any material relationships we may have with the trustee with respect to that debt security.
The same financial institution may initially serve as the trustee for our senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities. Consequently, if an actual or potential event of default occurs with respect to any of these securities, the trustee may be considered to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. In that case, the trustee may be required to resign under one or more of the indentures and we would be required to appoint a successor trustee. For this purpose, a “potential” event of default means an event that would be an event of default if the requirements for giving us default notice or for the default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR WARRANTS
This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of warrants to purchase our Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with our Common Stock, Preferred Stock, debt securities and/or rights offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future warrants we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of any warrants we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below.
We will issue the warrants directly or under a warrant agreement which we will enter into with a warrant agent to be selected by us. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of offered warrants. We use the term “warrant agreement” to refer to any of these warrant agreements. We use the term “warrant agent” to refer to the warrant agent under any of these warrant agreements. The warrant agent will act solely as an agent of ours in connection with the warrants and will not act as an agent for the holders or beneficial owners of the warrants.
The following summary of material provisions of the warrants and the warrant agreements are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the warrant agreement applicable to a particular series of warrants. We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplements related to the warrants that we sell pursuant to this prospectus, as well as the complete warrant agreements that contain the terms of the warrants.
General
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplements the terms relating to a series of warrants.
If warrants for the purchase of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock are offered, the prospectus supplements will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:
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the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;
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the total number of shares that can be purchased if a holder of the warrants exercises them and, in the case of warrants for Preferred Stock, the designation, total number and terms of the series of Preferred Stock that can be purchased upon exercise;
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the designation and terms of any series of Preferred Stock with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants being offered with each share of Common Stock or Preferred Stock;
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the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related Common Stock or series of Preferred Stock;
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the number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock that can be purchased if a holder exercises the warrant and the price at which such Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be purchased upon exercise, including, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price and in the securities or other property receivable upon exercise;
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the terms of any rights to redeem or call, or accelerate the expiration of, the warrants;
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which that right expires;
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the number of warrants outstanding, if any;
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;
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the terms, if any, on which we may accelerate the date by which the warrants must be exercised;
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whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.
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Warrants for the purchase of Common Stock or Preferred Stock will be in registered form only.
If warrants for the purchase of debt securities are offered, the prospectus supplement will describe the following terms, to the extent applicable:
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the offering price and the aggregate number of warrants offered;
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the currencies in which the warrants are being offered;
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the designation, aggregate principal amount, currencies, denominations and terms of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant;
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the designation and terms of any series of debt securities with which the warrants are being offered and the number of warrants offered with each such debt security;
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the date on and after which the holder of the warrants can transfer them separately from the related series of debt securities;
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the principal amount of the series of debt securities that can be purchased if a holder exercises a warrant and the price at which and currencies in which such principal amount may be purchased upon exercise;
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the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and the date on which such right expires;
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the number of warrants outstanding, if any;
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the warrants;
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the terms, if any, on which we may accelerate the date by which the warrants must be exercised;
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whether the warrants are issued pursuant to a warrant agreement with a warrant agent or issued directly by us; and
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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of, or restrictions on, the warrants.
Warrants for the purchase of debt securities will be in registered form only.
A holder of warrant certificates may exchange them for new certificates of different denominations, present them for registration of transfer and exercise them at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Until any warrants to purchase Common Stock or Preferred Stock are exercised, holders of the warrants will not have any rights of holders of the underlying Common Stock or Preferred Stock, including any rights to receive dividends or to exercise any voting rights, except to the extent set forth under “Warrant Adjustments” below. Until any warrants to purchase debt securities are exercised, the holder of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities that can be purchased upon exercise, including any rights to receive payments of principal, premium or interest on the underlying debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture.
Exercise of Warrants
Each holder of a warrant is entitled to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock or principal amount of debt securities, as the case may be, at the exercise price described in the applicable prospectus supplements. After the close of business on the day when the right to exercise terminates (or a later date if we extend the time for exercise), unexercised warrants will become void.
A holder of warrants may exercise them by following the general procedure outlined below:
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delivering to us or to the warrant agent the payment required by the applicable prospectus supplements to purchase the underlying security;
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properly completing and signing the reverse side of the warrant certificate representing the warrants; and
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•
delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to us or to the warrant agent within five business days of receipt of payment of the exercise price.
If the holder complies with the procedures described above, the warrants will be considered to have been exercised when we receive or the warrant agent receives, as applicable, payment of the exercise price, subject to the transfer books for the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrant not being closed on such date. After the holder has completed those procedures and subject to the foregoing, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver to such holder the Common Stock, Preferred Stock or debt securities that such holder purchased upon exercise. If the holder exercises fewer than all of the warrants represented by a warrant certificate, a new warrant certificate will be issued to such holder for the unexercised amount of warrants. Holders of warrants will be required to pay any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with transferring the underlying securities in connection with the exercise of the warrants.
Amendments and Supplements to the Warrant Agreements
We may amend or supplement a warrant agreement without the consent of the holders of the applicable warrants to cure ambiguities in the warrant agreement, to cure, correct or supplement a defective provision in the warrant agreement, or to provide for other matters under the warrant agreement that we and the warrant agent deem necessary or desirable, so long as, in each case, such amendments or supplements do not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.
Warrant Adjustments
Unless the applicable prospectus supplements state otherwise, the exercise price of, and the number of securities covered by, a Common Stock Warrant or Preferred Stock warrant will be adjusted proportionately if we subdivide or combine our Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable.
In addition, unless the prospectus supplements state otherwise, if we, without payment therefor:
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issue capital stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Stock or Preferred Stock, or any rights to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any of the foregoing, as a dividend or distribution to holders of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock;
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pay any cash to holders of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock other than a cash dividend paid out of our current or retained earnings or other than in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Stock;
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issue any evidence of our indebtedness or rights to subscribe for or purchase our indebtedness to holders of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock; or
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issue Common Stock or Preferred Stock or additional stock or other securities or property to holders of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock by way of spinoff, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or similar corporate rearrangement;
then the holders of Common Stock warrants and Preferred Stock warrants, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants, in addition to the securities otherwise receivable upon exercise of the warrants and without paying any additional consideration, the amount of stock and other securities and property such holders would have been entitled to receive had they held the Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, issuable under the warrants on the dates on which holders of those securities received or became entitled to receive such additional stock and other securities and property.
Except as stated above, the exercise price and number of securities covered by a Common Stock warrant or Preferred Stock warrant, and the amounts of other securities or property to be received, if any, upon exercise of those warrants, will not be adjusted or provided for if we issue those securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities, or securities carrying the right to purchase those securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable for those securities.
Holders of Common Stock warrants and Preferred Stock warrants may have additional rights under the following circumstances:
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certain reclassifications, capital reorganizations or changes of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable;
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•
certain share exchanges, mergers, or similar transactions involving us and which result in changes of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable; or
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certain sales or dispositions to another entity of all or substantially all of our property and assets.
If one of the above transactions occurs and holders of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock are entitled to receive stock, securities or other property with respect to or in exchange for their securities, the holders of the Common Stock warrants and Preferred Stock warrants then outstanding, as applicable, will be entitled to receive upon exercise of their warrants the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities or property that they would have received upon the applicable transaction if they had exercised their warrants immediately before the transaction.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR RIGHTS
This summary, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the rights that we may offer under this prospectus, which consist of rights to purchase our Common Stock, Preferred Stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. Rights may be offered independently or together with our Common Stock, Preferred Stock, debt securities and/or warrants offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from those securities. While the terms we have summarized below will generally apply to any future rights we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any rights that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplements. The terms of any rights we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below
The applicable prospectus supplements relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms of any offering of rights for which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following, to the extent applicable:
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the date for determining the persons entitled to participate in the rights distribution;
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the price, if any, per right;
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the exercise price payable for each share of Common Stock, share of Preferred Stock or debt security upon the exercise of the rights;
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the number of rights issued or to be issued to each holder;
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the number and terms of the shares of Common Stock, shares of Preferred Stock or debt securities that may be purchased per each right;
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the extent to which the rights are transferable;
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any other terms of the rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the rights;
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the respective dates on which the holder’s ability to exercise the rights will commence and will expire;
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the number of rights outstanding, if any;
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the rights;
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the extent to which the rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and
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if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of such rights.
The description in the applicable prospectus supplements of any rights that we may offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights agreement and/or rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC in connection therewith.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may offer and sell the securities being offered hereby in one or more of the following ways from time to time:
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to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers;
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on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;
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in the over-the-counter market;
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in transactions other than on these exchanges or systems or in the over-the-counter market;
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in “at the market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through market makers or into an existing market for the securities;
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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
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privately negotiated transactions;
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an accelerated securities repurchase program;
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a combination of any of these methods of sale; and
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or other purchasers, persons or entities, and any applicable compensation, in a prospectus supplement, in an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or in other filings we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which are incorporated by reference.
Additionally, the Company may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by the Company or borrowed from the Company or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from the Company in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
Some underwriters, dealers or agents used by us in any offering of securities under this prospectus may be customers of, engage in transactions with, and perform services for us or affiliates of ours in the ordinary course of business. Underwriters, dealers, agents and other persons may be entitled under agreements which may be entered into with us to indemnification against the contribution toward certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to be reimbursed by us for certain expenses.
There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than the shares of Common Stock, which are listed on Nasdaq. Any underwriters to which offered securities are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but those underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time.
The anticipated date of delivery of the securities offered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering.
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If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale of securities, until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of any underwriters to bid for and purchase our securities. As an exception to these rules, representatives of any underwriters are permitted to engage in transactions that stabilize the price of our securities. These transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of such securities. If the underwriters create a short position in our securities in connection with an offering (that is, if they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), the representatives of the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing such securities in the open market. We make no representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our securities. In addition, we make no representation that the representatives of any underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
To comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the securities may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the validity of the securities being offered by this prospectus will be passed upon by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Chicago, Illinois. Additional legal matters may be passed upon for us or any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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EXPERTS
The financial statements of Canoo Inc. as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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7,185,125 Shares
Common Stock
Canoo Inc.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
November 27, 2024