Highview Merger Corp. 10-K

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the notes related thereto which are included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-K including, without limitation, statements under “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. When used in this Form 10-K, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or the Company’s management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in our filings with the SEC. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Overview We are a blank check company incorporated in the Cayman Islands on April 16, 2025 formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more businesses. We intend to effectuate our initial business combination using cash from the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the private placement, the proceeds of the sale of our shares in connection with our initial business combination (pursuant to forward purchase agreements or backstop agreements we may enter into following the consummation of the Initial Public Offering or otherwise), shares issued to the owners of the target, debt issued to bank or other lenders or the owners of the target, other securities issuances, or a combination of the foregoing. The issuance of additional shares in connection with an initial business combination to the owners of the target or other investors: ● may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in the Initial Public Offering, which dilution would increase if the anti-dilution provisions in the Class B ordinary shares resulted in the issuance of Class A ordinary shares on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the Class B ordinary shares; ● may subordinate the rights of holders of Class A ordinary shares if preference shares are issued with rights senior to those afforded our Class A ordinary shares; ● could cause a change in control if a substantial number of our Class A ordinary shares are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; ● may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and ● may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Units, Class A ordinary shares and/or Public Warrants. Similarly, if we issue debt securities or otherwise incur significant debt to banks or other lenders or the owners of a target, it could result in: ● default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial business combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations; ● acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves without a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant; ● our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; ● our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding; 52 Table of Contents ● using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; ● limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate; ● increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; and ● limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less 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. Results of Operations We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities April 16, 2025 (inception) through December 31, 2025 were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the Initial Public Offering, described below, and identifying a target company for a business combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of our business combination. Subsequent to the Initial Public Offering, we generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on marketable securities held in the Trust Account. 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 period from April 16, 2025 (inception) through December 31, 2025, we had a net income $3,148,918, which consisted of interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $3,610,896, offset by general and administrative costs of $461,978. Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern Our liquidity needs have been satisfied prior to the completion of the Initial Public Offering through receipt of a $25,000 capital contribution from our Sponsor in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares to our Sponsor and up to $400,000 from a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) issued by the Company to the Sponsor on April 16, 2025. The Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and unsecured. The Promissory Note was due at the earlier of December 31, 2025 or the closing of the Initial Public Offering and was anticipated to be repaid upon completion of the Initial Public Offering out of the $680,000 of offering proceeds that was allocated for the payment of offering expenses other than underwriting commissions. On August 13, 2025, the Promissory Note was repaid in full. On August 13, 2025, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering of 23,000,000 Units, which includes the full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in the amount of 3,000,000 Units, at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $230,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company consummated the sale of 660,000 Private Placement Units at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit, in a private placement to the Sponsor and Jefferies, generating gross proceeds of $6,600,000. Of those 660,000 Private Placement Units, the Sponsor purchased 372,500 Private Placement Units, and Jefferies purchased 287,500 Private Placement Units. Following the closing of the Initial Public Offering and the private placement, a total of $230,000,000 was placed in the Trust Account. We incurred $14,440,234, consisting of $4,600,000 of cash underwriting fee, $9,200,000 of deferred underwriting fee, and $640,234 of other offering costs. For the period from April 16, 2025 (inception) through December 31, 2025, cash used in operating activities was $506,860. Net income of $3,148,918 was affected by payment of operating expenses through issuance of Class B ordinary shares of $25,000, payment of general and administrative costs through promissory note related party of $2,550, and interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $3,610,896. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $72,432 of cash for operating activities. As of December 31, 2025, we had marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $233,610,896 (including $3,610,896 of interest income) consisting of cash and U.S. Treasury Bills with a maturity of 185 days or less. We may withdraw interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account to pay our taxes, if any (other than excise or similar taxes). We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the Trust Account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the Trust Account (excluding deferred underwriting commissions), to complete our business combination. To the extent that our equity 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. 53 Table of Contents The remaining proceeds from the Initial Public Offering and the private placement are held outside the Trust Account, in the cash operating account amounting to $900,356. Such funds are being used primarily to enable us to identify a target and to negotiate and consummate our initial business combination. In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with ASC 205-40, “Going Concern,” as of December 31, 2025, the Company may need to raise additional capital through loans or additional investments from its Sponsor, shareholders, officers, directors, or third parties. We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business prior to our initial business combination. However, if our estimates of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial business combination. In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial business combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that our initial 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 Placement Units of the post business combination entity at a price of $10.00 per Unit at the option of the lender. The terms of such loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. Prior to the completion of our initial business combination, we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our Trust Account. We expect our primary liquidity requirements during that period to include approximately $200,000 for legal, accounting, due diligence, travel and other expenses in connection with any business combinations; $100,000 for legal and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting obligations; $75,000 for consulting, travel and miscellaneous expenses incurred during the search for an initial business combination target; $320,000 for D&O insurance premiums; and $81,000 for Nasdaq continued listing fees. We will also pay our Sponsor for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to us in the amount of $20,000 per month ($480,000 over a 24 month period) (which payments will be accelerated if we consummate our initial business combination prior to the end of our 24-month term, or $480,000 in the aggregate). These amounts are estimates and may differ materially from our actual expenses. In addition, we could use a portion of the funds not being placed in trust to pay commitment fees for financing, fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business or as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed business combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into an agreement where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business, the amount that would be used as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision would be determined based on the terms of the specific business combination and the amount of our available funds at the time. Our forfeiture of such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise) could result in our not having sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conducting due diligence with respect to, prospective target businesses. Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing to complete our initial business combination, either because the transaction requires more cash than is available from the proceeds held in our Trust Account or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our Public Shares upon completion of the business combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such business combination. In addition, we intend to target businesses with enterprise values that are greater than we could acquire with the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement Units, and, as a result, if the cash portion of the purchase price exceeds the amount available from the Trust Account, net of amounts needed to satisfy any redemptions by public shareholders, we may be required to seek additional financing to complete such proposed initial business combination. We may also obtain financing prior to the closing of our initial business combination to fund our working capital needs and transaction costs in connection with our search for and completion of our initial business combination. There is no limitation on our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or equity-linked securities or through loans, advances or other indebtedness in connection with our initial business combination, including pursuant to forward purchase agreements or backstop agreements we may enter into following consummation of the Initial Public Offering. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, we would only complete such financing simultaneously with the completion of our initial business combination. If we are unable to complete our initial business combination because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to liquidate the Trust Account. In addition, following our initial business combination, if cash on hand is insufficient, we may need to obtain additional financing in order to meet our obligations. The Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of time within one year after the date that the accompanying financial statements are issued. Management plans to address this uncertainty through a business combination. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities should the Company be required to liquidate after the Combination Period. The Company intends to complete the initial business combination before the end of the Combination Period. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to consummate any business combination by the end of the Combination Period. 54 Table of Contents Controls and Procedures We are required to maintain an effective system of internal controls as defined by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act beginning with our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2026. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer and no longer an emerging growth company would we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement. We have not yet completed an assessment, nor did our independent registered public accounting firm test our systems, of internal controls. We expect to assess the internal controls of our target business or businesses prior to the completion of our initial business combination and, if necessary, to implement and test additional controls as we may determine are necessary in order to state that we maintain an effective system of internal controls. A target business may not be in compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the adequacy of internal controls. Many small and mid-sized target businesses we may consider for our initial business combination may have internal controls that need improvement in areas such as: ● staffing for financial, accounting and external reporting areas, including segregation of duties; ● reconciliation of accounts; ● proper recording of expenses and liabilities in the period to which they relate; ● evidence of internal review and approval of accounting transactions; ● documentation of processes, assumptions and conclusions underlying significant estimates; and ● documentation of accounting policies and procedures. Because it will take time, management involvement and perhaps outside resources to determine what internal control improvements are necessary for us to meet regulatory requirements and market expectations for our operation of a target business, we may incur significant expenses in meeting our public reporting responsibilities, particularly in the areas of designing, enhancing, or remediating internal and disclosure controls. Doing so effectively may also take longer than we expect, thus increasing our exposure to financial fraud or erroneous financing reporting. Once our management’s report on internal controls is complete, we will retain our independent registered public accounting firm to audit and render an opinion on such report when required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The independent registered public accounting firm may identify additional issues concerning a target business’s internal controls while performing their audit of internal control over financial reporting. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk The proceeds held in the Trust Account are initially invested only in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations; the holding of these assets in this form is intended to be temporary and for the sole purpose of facilitating the intended business combination. and, may at any time be held as cash or cash items, including in demand deposit accounts at a bank. We will continue to disclose in each quarterly and annual report filed with the SEC prior to our initial business combination whether the proceeds deposited in the Trust Account are invested in U.S. government treasury obligations or money market funds or a combination thereof or as cash or cash items, including in demand deposit accounts. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk. Related Party Transactions Founder Shares On April 16, 2025, our Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 5,750,000 Founder Shares in exchange for a capital contribution of $25,000, or approximately $0.004 per share. 55 Table of Contents The Sponsor and the Company’s executive officers and directors have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares until the earlier to occur of (i) 180 days after the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) the date following the completion of our initial business combination on which we complete a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their Ordinary Shares for cash, securities or other property and our Sponsor has agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of its Private Placement Units (including the securities comprising such Units) until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination. Promissory Note On April 16, 2025, the Company and the Sponsor entered into the Promissory Note, whereby the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company an aggregate of up to $400,000 to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering. The Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of December 31, 2025, or the date on which the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering. On August 13, 2025, the Company repaid the total outstanding balance of the Promissory Note amounting to $118,550, resulting in $0 outstanding and no borrowings available as of December 31, 2025. Due from Sponsor On August 15, 2025, the Company paid the Sponsor $25,000 in error for amounts that were previously repaid in connection with the repayment of the Promissory Note. As a result, as of December 31, 2025, the Company was owed $25,000 from the Sponsor, which amount is reflected in due from Sponsor on the accompanying condensed balance sheet. Administrative Services and Indemnification Agreement The Company entered into an agreement with the Sponsor, commencing on August 11, 2025, through the earlier of the Company’s consummation of its initial business combination and its liquidation, to pay the Sponsor, the sum of $20,000 per month for office space and administrative services. Such payments will be accelerated if the Company consummates its initial business combination prior to the end of its 24-month term, or $480,000 in the aggregate. In addition, the Company has agreed, pursuant to the administrative services and indemnification agreement with the Sponsor relating to the monthly payment for office space and administrative services, that the Company will indemnify the Sponsor from any claims (i) arising out of or relating to the Initial Public Offering or the Company’s operations or conduct of the Company’s business, (ii) in respect of any investment opportunities sourced by the Sponsor and its affiliates, and/or (iii) any claim against the Sponsor alleging any expressed or implied management or endorsement by the Sponsor of any of the Company’s activities or any express or implied association between the Sponsor and the Company or any of its affiliates, which agreement will provide that the indemnified parties cannot access the funds held in the Trust Account. For the period from April 16, 2025 (inception) through December 31, 2025, the Company incurred and paid $100,000 in administrative services expenses under the Administrative Services and Indemnification Agreement. Related Party Loan In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a business combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required. Such Working Capital Loans would be evidenced by promissory notes. If the Company completes a business combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a business combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into Private Placement Units of the post-business combination entity at a price of $10.00 per unit at the option of the lender. As of December 31, 2025, there have been no Working Capital Loans. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2025. 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 an agreement to pay the Sponsor, the sum of $20,000 per month for office space and administrative services (which payments will be accelerated if we consummate our initial business combination prior to the end of our 24-month term, or $480,000 in the aggregate). We began incurring these fees on August 11, 2025 and will continue to incur these fees monthly until the earlier of the completion of the business combination and our liquidation. 56 Table of Contents Registration Rights The holders of the Founder Shares, Private Placement Units and shares that may be issued upon conversion of the Working Capital Loans will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement signed on August 11, 2025, requiring the Company to register a sale of any of the securities held by them, including any other securities of the Company acquired by them prior to the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination. The holders of these securities will be entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that the Company register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain piggyback registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the completion of a Business Combination. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements. Underwriting Agreement The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 Over-Allotment Option Units to cover over-allotments, if any. On August 13, 2025, the underwriters fully exercised their Over-Allotment Option. The underwriters were entitled to a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit, or $4,600,000 in the aggregate, which was paid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of $0.40 per unit, or $9,200,000 in the aggregate. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions placed in a Trust Account located in the United States and released to the underwriters only upon the completion of an initial business combination, subject to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP 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 period reported. Making estimates requires Management to exercise significant judgement. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which Management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Ordinary Shares Subject to Possible Redemption We account for our Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Ordinary Shares subject to mandatory redemption is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable Ordinary Shares (including Ordinary Shares that features redemption rights that is either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, Ordinary Shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. Our Ordinary Shares feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of our control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, Ordinary Shares subject to possible redemption is presented as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’ deficit section of our balance sheets. Net Income (Loss) per Ordinary Share The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Net income per ordinary share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of ordinary shares outstanding for the period. The Company has two classes of ordinary shares, which are referred to as Class A ordinary Shares and Class B ordinary shares. Accretion associated with the redeemable shares of Class A Ordinary Shares is excluded from income per ordinary share as the redemption value approximates fair value. Recent Accounting Pronouncements 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. 57 Table of Contents Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Not applicable. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-14 comprising a portion of this Form 10-K. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None.