Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
References
in this report to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Oxus Acquisition Corp. References to our “management”
or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsor” refer to Oxus Capital
Pte. Ltd. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Report. Certain information contained in
the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
This
Quarterly Report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”),
that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected
and projected. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q including, without limitation, statements
in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding the Company’s
financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.
Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,”
“project,” “should,” “would” and variations thereof and similar words and expressions are intended
to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect
management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance
or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements,
please refer to the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Form
10-K”) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2023, as well as Item 1A, Part
II of this Quarterly Report. The Company’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at
www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Overview
We are a blank check company incorporated in the
Cayman Islands on February 3, 2021 for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization
or similar Business Combination with one or more businesses (a “Business Combination”). We intend to effectuate our initial
Business Combination using cash from the proceeds of our initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”) and the sale
of the private warrants (the “Private Warrants”), our shares, debt or a combination of cash, equity and debt.
We
expect to continue to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our acquisition plans. We cannot assure you that our plans to complete
a Business Combination will be successful.
The Business
Combination Agreement
On February 23, 2023, we entered into a Business
Combination Agreement with 1000397116 Ontario Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Oxus (“Newco”), and Borealis Foods Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada (“Borealis”)
(as may be amended and restated from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”). The Business Combination Agreement
was unanimously approved by Oxus’ and Borealis’ respective board of directors. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement,
among other things: (a) Oxus will domesticate and continue as a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada
(the “Continuance” and, Oxus as the continuing entity, “New Oxus”); (b) on the closing date, Newco and Borealis
will amalgamate in accordance with the terms of the plan of arrangement (the “Borealis Amalgamation” and Newco and Borealis
as amalgamated, “Amalco”), with Amalco surviving the Borealis Amalgamation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Oxus; and (c)
on the closing date, immediately following the Borealis Amalgamation, Amalco and New Oxus will amalgamate (the “New Oxus Amalgamation,”
and together with the Continuance, the Borealis Amalgamation and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination, the plan
of arrangement and the ancillary agreements, the “Proposed Transaction”), with New Oxus surviving the New Oxus Amalgamation.
For a more detailed discussion of the Business Combination Agreement, the Proposed Transaction and the ancillary agreements, see the Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2023.
25
Extension
At the extraordinary general meeting held on March 2, 2023 (the “Extraordinary
General Meeting”), our shareholders approved (1) a special resolution (the “Extension Proposal”) to amend our Amended
and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, as amended (the “Charter”) to extend the date that we have to consummate
a business combination from March 8, 2023 to December 8, 2023, or such earlier date as determined by our board of directors (and (2) a
special resolution (the “Founder Share Amendment Proposal”) to amend the Charter to provide for the right of a holder of the
Class B ordinary shares to convert into the Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis prior to the closing of a business combination
at the election of such holder. In connection with the votes to approve the Extension Proposal and the Founder Share Amendment Proposal,
the holders of 15,300,532 Class A ordinary shares of the Company properly exercised their right to redeem their shares for cash at a redemption
price of approximately $10.41 per share, for an aggregate redemption amount of approximately $159.34 million, leaving approximately $20.3
million in our trust account (the “Trust Account”). As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $21.53 million of marketable
securities held in Trust Account.
Conversion
of Class B Ordinary Shares
On April 5, 2023, in accordance with the provisions
of the Charter, our Sponsor exercised its right to convert 1,500,000 shares of Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of
the Company into 1,500,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company on a one-for-one basis.
As
of September 30, 2023, following conversion, there were 6,561,968 ordinary shares of the Company issued and outstanding, consisting of
3,749,468 Class A ordinary shares (of which 1,949,468 shares are redeemable) and 2,812,500 Class B ordinary shares.
Results
of Operations
We
have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities from February 3, 2021 (inception) through
September 30, 2023, were related to the Company’s formation and the Initial Public Offering, and since the offering identifying
and evaluating prospective acquisition targets for a Business Combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until
after the completion of our Business Combination. We expect to generate non-operating income in the form of interest income or dividend
income on marketable securities held after the Initial Public Offering. We incur expenses as a result of being a public company (for
legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses.
For
the three months ended September 30, 2023, we had a net loss of $0.92 million, which consisted of dividend income of $0.27 million and interest income of $957,
offset by operating expenses of $1.20 million.
For
the three months ended September 30, 2022, we had a net loss of $0.23 million, which consisted of dividend income of $0.80 million, interest
income of $1,787, foreign exchange gains of $12,884, offset by operating expenses of $1.04 million.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had a net loss of $2.10 million, which consisted of dividend income of $1.92 million and interest income of $4,257,
offset by operating expenses of $4.01 million and foreign exchange loss of $9,120.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had a net loss of $1.07 million, which consisted of dividend income of $1.06 million, interest
income of $1,787, foreign exchange gains of $12,884 offset by operating expenses of $2.14 million.
Liquidity
and Going Concern
Until
the consummation of the Initial Public Offering, our only source of liquidity was an initial purchase of ordinary shares by the Sponsor
and loans from the Sponsor.
On September 8, 2021, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering
of 15,000,000 units, at a price of $10.00 per unit, generating gross proceeds of $150.00 million. Simultaneously with the closing of the
Initial Public Offering, we consummated the sale of 8,400,000 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant in a private placement
to Sponsor and the underwriters, generating gross proceeds of $8.40 million. On September 13, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment
option in full and purchased an additional 2,250,000 units, generating gross proceeds of $22.50 million. In connection with the underwriters’
full exercise of the over-allotment option, the Company issued an additional 900,000 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant
in a private placement to Sponsor and the underwriters, generating gross proceeds of $0.90 million.
26
Following
the Initial Public Offering and the private placement, a total of $175.95 million was placed in the Trust Account (at $10.20 per Unit).
We incurred $4.15 million in transaction costs, including $3.45 million of underwriting fees and $0.70 million of other offering costs.
For the nine months ended September 30,
2023, cash used in operating activities was $1.94 million. A net loss of $2.10 million was offset by the dividend income earned on
marketable securities held in Trust Account of $1.92 million and foreign exchange loss of $9,120. Changes in operating assets and
liabilities provided $2.06 million of total cash for operating activities.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, cash used in operating activities was $0.67 million. Net loss of $1.07 million was offset by
the dividend received of $1.06 million and foreign exchange gain of $12,884. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $1.47
million of total cash for operating activities.
As
of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, we had marketable securities held in Trust Account of $21.53 million and $178.53 million
respectively. We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the Trust Account, including any amounts representing dividend
income earned on the Trust Account to complete our Business Combination. To the extent that our capital stock or debt is used, in whole
or in part, as consideration to complete our Business Combination, the remaining proceeds held in the Trust Account will be used as working
capital to finance the operations of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue our growth strategies.
As
of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, we had cash of $0.07 million and $0.68 million outside of the Trust Account,
respectively. We intend to use the funds held outside the Trust Account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses,
perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of
prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective
target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a Business Combination.
In
order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, our Sponsor or an
affiliate of our Sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If
we complete a Business Combination, we may repay such loaned amounts out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to us. In the
event that a Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay
such loaned amounts, but no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible
into Private Warrants, at a price of $1.00 per warrant, at the option of the lender. The warrants would be identical to the Private Warrants.
Until
the consummation of a Business Combination, the Company will be using the funds not held in the Trust Account for identifying and evaluating
prospective acquisition candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting
the target business to acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business Combination.
The
Company will need to raise additional capital through loans or additional investments from its Sponsor, shareholders, officers, directors,
or third parties. The Company’s officers, directors and Sponsor may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds, from time
to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion, to meet the Company’s working capital
needs. Accordingly, the Company may not be able to obtain additional financing. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital,
it may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, curtailing
operations, suspending the pursuit of a potential transaction, and reducing overhead expenses. The Company cannot provide any assurance
that new financing will be available to it on commercially acceptable terms, if at all.
27
In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern
considerations in accordance with ASC Topic 205-40 Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern, the Company has until December
8, 2023 to consummate a Business Combination. If a Business Combination is not consummated by this date and an extension not requested
by the Sponsor, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Company. Although the Company intends to consummate
a Business Combination on or before December 8, 2023, it is uncertain that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination
by this time. Management has determined that the liquidity condition, coupled with the mandatory liquidation, should a Business Combination
not occur, and an extension is not requested by the Sponsor, and potential subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities should the Company
be required to liquidate after December 8, 2023.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
We
have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2023. We do
not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as
variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have
not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments
of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.
Contractual
Obligations
We
do not have any long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, other than described
below.
We have engaged EarlyBirdCapital, Inc. and Sova Capital Limited as
advisors in connection with our Business Combination to assist the Company in holding meetings with its shareholders to discuss the potential
Business Combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce the Company to potential investors that are interested in purchasing
the Company’s securities in connection with a Business Combination, assist the Company in obtaining shareholder approval for the
Business Combination and assist the Company with its press releases and public filings in connection with the Business Combination. The
Company will pay EarlyBirdCapital and Sova Capital a cash fee for such services upon the consummation of a Business Combination of $5.3
million that equals to 3.0% of the gross proceeds of Initial Public Offering (exclusive of any applicable finders’ fees which might
become payable).
Critical
Accounting Policies
The
preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual
results could materially differ from those estimates. The Company has identified the following as its critical accounting policies:
Warrants
We
do not use derivative instruments to hedge exposures to cash flow, market, or foreign currency risks. We evaluate all of our financial
instruments, including issued stock purchase warrants, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify
as embedded derivatives, pursuant to ASC 480 and ASC 815-15.
We account for the public warrants (the “Public Warrants”
and together with Private Warrants, collectively, the “Warrants”), as either equity or liability-classified instruments based
on an assessment of the specific terms of the Warrants and the applicable authoritative guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment
considers whether the Warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the Warrants are
indexed to our own ordinary shares and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance
outside of our control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment,
is conducted at the time of issuance of the Warrants and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the Warrants are outstanding.
28
For
issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, such warrants are required to be recorded as a component
of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification,
such warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter.
Changes in the estimated fair value of liability-classified warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations.
We evaluated the Public Warrants and Private Warrants in accordance with ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts
in Entity’s Own Equity,” and concluded that they met the criteria for equity classification and are required to be recorded
as part a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance.
Class
A Ordinary Shares Subject to Possible Redemption
The
Company accounts for its Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing
Liabilities from Equity.” Class A ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as a liability instrument
and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable ordinary shares (including ordinary shares that feature redemption rights that
are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s
control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. The Company’s
ordinary shares feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to the
occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 1,949,468 and 17,250,000 shares of
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption are presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’
deficit section of the Company’s balance sheets, respectively.
Net
Loss Per Ordinary Share
We
comply with accounting and disclosure requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification, or FASB
ASC, Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net loss per ordinary share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. The Company applies the two-class method in calculating earnings per share.
Re-measurement associated with the redeemable shares of Class A ordinary share is excluded from EPS as the redemption value approximates
fair value.
Recently
adopted accounting pronouncements
In
June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities
Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an
equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. The
Company elected to early adopt ASU 2022-03 on July 1, 2023, and applied the amendment in measuring fair value of shares to be transferred
on closing of a business combination.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In
August 2020, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic
470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”) to simplify
accounting for certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion
and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance pertaining to equity
classification of contracts in an entity’s own equity. The new standard also introduces additional disclosures for convertible
debt and freestanding instruments that are indexed to and settled in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 amends the diluted earnings
per share guidance, including the requirement to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments.
The
provisions of ASU 2020-06 are applicable for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted no earlier
than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-06 on its financial statements.
Management
does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material
effect on our financial statements.
29
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We
are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information otherwise
required under this Item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.