Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with the consolidated financial statements and related
notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include those identified below and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. Please also see the section titled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
Complete Solaria was formed
in November 2022 through the merger of Complete Solar and Solaria. Founded in 2010, Complete Solar created a technology platform to offer
clean energy products to homeowners by enabling a national network of sales partners and build partners. Our sales partners generate solar
installation contracts with homeowners on our behalf. To facilitate this process, we provide the software tools, sales support and brand
identity to our sales partners, making them competitive with national providers. This turnkey solution makes it easy for anyone to sell
solar.
We fulfill our customer contracts
by engaging with local construction specialists. We manage the customer experience and complete all pre-construction activities prior
to delivering build-ready projects including hardware, engineering plans, and building permits to its builder partners. We manage and
coordinate this process through our proprietary HelioTrack TM software system.
There is substantial doubt
about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the consolidated financial statements
are issued. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue to operate as a going
concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. They do not include
any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications
of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to its ability to continue as a going concern.
Growth Strategy and Outlook
Complete Solaria’s growth strategy
contains the following elements:
● Increase
revenue by expanding installation capacity and developing new geographic markets –
We continue to expand our network of partners who will install systems resulting from sales
generated by our sales partners. By leveraging this network of skilled builders, we aim to
increase our installation capacity in our traditional markets and expand our offering into
new geographies throughout the U.S. This will enable greater sales growth in existing markets
and create new revenue in expansion markets.
● Increase
revenue and margin by engaging national-scale sales partners – We aim to offer a turnkey solar solution to prospective sales
partners with a national footprint. These include electric vehicle manufacturers, national home security providers, and real estate brokerages.
We expect to create a consistent offering with a single execution process for such sales partners throughout their geographic territories.
These national accounts have unique customer relationships that we believe will facilitate meaningful sales opportunities and low cost
of acquisition to both increase revenue and improve margin.
The Mergers
We entered into an Amended
and Restated Business Combination Agreement with FACT, First Merger Sub, Second Merger Sub, and Solaria on October 3, 2022. The Merger
was consummated on July 18, 2023. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger, (i) First Merger Sub merged with and into
Complete Solaria with Complete Solaria surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FACT (the “First Merger”), (ii) immediately
thereafter and as part of the same overall transaction, Complete Solaria merged with and into Second Merger Sub, with Second Merger Sub
surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FACT (the “Second Merger”), and FACT changed its name to “Complete Solaria,
Inc.” and Second Merger Sub changed its name to “CS, LLC” and (iii) immediately after the consummation of the Second
Merger and as part of the same overall transaction, Solaria merged with and into a newly formed Delaware limited liability company and
wholly-owned subsidiary of FACT and changed its name to “The SolarCA LLC” (“Third Merger Sub”), with Third Merger
Sub surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of FACT (the “Additional Merger”, and together with the First Merger and the Second
Merger, the “Mergers”).
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The Mergers between Complete
Solaria and FACT has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization. Under this method of accounting, FACT is treated as the acquired
company for financial statement reporting purposes. This determination was primarily based on the Company having a majority of the voting
power of the post-combination company, the Company’s senior management comprising substantially all of the senior management of
the post-combination company, and the Company’s operations comprising the ongoing operations of the post-combination company. Accordingly,
for accounting purposes, the Mergers have been treated as the equivalent of a capital transaction in which Complete Solaria is issuing
stock for the net assets of FACT. The net assets of FACT have been stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets
recorded.
Disposal Transaction
In October 2023, we completed
the sale of our solar panel business to Maxeon, pursuant to the terms of the Disposal Agreement. Under the terms of the Disposal Agreement,
Maxeon agreed to acquire certain assets and employees of Complete Solaria, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $11.0 million
consisting of 1,100,000 shares of Maxeon ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2023, we sold all the shares and recorded a loss of $4.2
million in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss within loss from discontinued operations.
As part of the Disposal Transaction,
we determined that the criteria were met for held for sale and discontinued operations classification as of the end of our third fiscal
quarter as the divestiture represents a strategic shift in our business. We recorded an impairment of $147.5 million associated with the
recording of the assets as held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Below, we have discussed our
historical results of continuing operations, which excludes our product revenues and related metrics, as all results of operations associated
with the solar panel business have been presented as discontinued operations, unless otherwise noted.
Key Financial Definitions/Components of Results
of Operations
Revenues
We
generate revenue by providing customer solar solutions through a standardized platform to our residential solar providers and companies
to facilitate the sale and installation of solar energy systems. Our contracts consist of two performance obligations, which include solar
installation services and post-installation services that are performed prior to inspection by the authority having jurisdiction. The
significant majority of our service revenue is recognized at a point in time upon the completion of the installation and the remainder
is recognized upon inspection. Service revenue is recognized net of a reserve for the performance guarantee of solar output.
We
enter into three types of customer contracts for solar energy installations. The majority of our service revenue is recognized through
contracts where the homeowner enters into a power purchase agreement with our distribution partner. We perform the solar energy installation
services on behalf of our distribution partner, who owns the solar energy system upon installation. Additionally, we enter into a Solar
Purchase and Installation Agreement directly with homeowners, whereby the homeowner either pays cash or obtains financing through a third-party
loan partner. In cash contracts with homeowners, we recognize service revenue based on the price we charge to the homeowner. We record
service revenue in the amount received from the financing partner, net of any financing fees charged to the homeowner, which we consider
to be a customer incentive.
As
part of our service revenue, we also enter into contracts to provide our software enhanced service offerings, including design and proposal
services, to customers that include solar installers and solar sales organizations. We perform these leveraging our HelioQuote TM
platform and other software tools to create computer aided drawings, structural letters, and electrical reviews for installers and
proposals for installers. We charge a fixed fee per service offering, which we recognize in the period the service is performed.
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Operating Expenses
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues consists
primarily of the cost of solar energy systems, installation and other subcontracting costs. Cost of revenues also includes associated
warranty costs, shipping and handling, allocated overhead costs, depreciation, and amortization of internally developed software.
Sales Commissions
Sales commissions are direct
and incremental costs of obtaining customer contracts. These costs are paid to third-party vendors who source residential customer contracts
for the sale of solar energy systems.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses
primarily consist of personnel related costs, including salaries and employee benefits, stock-based compensation, and other promotional
and advertising expenses. We expense certain sales and marketing, including promotional expenses, as incurred.
General and Administrative
General and administrative
expenses consist primarily of personnel and related expenses for our employees, in our finance, research, engineering, and administrative
teams including salaries, bonuses, payroll taxes, and stock-based compensation. It also consists of legal, consulting, and professional
fees, rent expenses pertaining to our offices, business insurance costs and other costs. We expect an increase in audit, tax, accounting,
legal and other costs related to compliance with applicable securities and other regulations, as well as additional insurance, investor
relations, and other costs associated with being a public company.
Interest Expense
Interest expense primarily
relates to interest expense on the issuance of debt and convertible notes and the amortization of debt issuance costs.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net
consists of changes in the fair value of our convertible notes, the impact of debt extinguishment, and changes in the fair value of stock
warrant liabilities and forward purchase agreements.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense primarily
consists of income taxes in certain foreign and state jurisdictions in which we conduct business.
Supply Chain Constraints
and Risk
We
rely on a small number of suppliers of solar energy systems and other equipment. If any of our suppliers was unable or unwilling to provide
us with contracted quantities in a timely manner at prices, quality levels and volumes acceptable to us, we would have very limited alternatives
for supply, and we may not be able find suitable replacements for our customers, or at all. Such an event could materially adversely affect
our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
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In
addition, the global supply chain and our industry have experienced significant disruptions in recent periods. We have seen supply chain
challenges and logistics constraints increase, including shortages of panels, inverters, batteries and associated component parts for
inverters and solar energy systems available for purchase, which materially impacted our results of operations. In an effort to mitigate
unpredictable lead times, we experienced a substantial build up in inventory on hand commencing in early 2022 in response to global supply
chain constraints. In certain cases, this has caused delays in critical equipment and inventory, longer lead times, and has resulted in
cost volatility. These shortages and delays can be attributed in part to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting government action, as well
as broader macroeconomic conditions, and have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. While we believe that a
majority our suppliers have secured sufficient supply to permit them to continue delivery and installations through the end of 2023, if
these shortages and delays persist into 2024, they could adversely affect the timing of when battery energy storage systems can be delivered
and installed, and when (or if) we can begin to generate revenue from those systems. If any of our suppliers of solar modules experienced
disruptions in the supply of the modules’ component parts, for example semiconductor solar wafers or investors, this may decrease
production capabilities and restrict our inventory and sales. In addition, we have experienced and are experiencing varying levels of
volatility in costs of equipment and labor resulting in part from disruptions caused by general global economic conditions. While inflationary
pressures have resulted in higher costs of products, in part due to an increase in the cost of the materials and wage rates, these additional
costs have been offset by the related rise in electricity rates.
We
cannot predict the full effects the supply chain constraints will have on our business, cash flows, liquidity, financial condition and
results of operations at this time due to numerous uncertainties. Given the dynamic nature of these circumstances on our ongoing business,
results of operations and overall financial performance, the full impact of macroeconomic factors, including the conflicts in Ukraine
and Israel, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. In the event we are unable to mitigate the impact of delays or price volatility
in solar energy systems, raw materials, and freight, it could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition
and results of operations. For additional information on risk factors that could impact our results, please refer to “ Risk Factors ”
located elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates
Our
discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been
prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenue, expenses and related disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe
to be reasonable under the circumstances. In many instances, we could have reasonably used different accounting estimates, and in other
instances, changes in the accounting estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period-to-period. Actual results could differ significantly
from our estimates. Our future financial statements will be affected to the extent that our actual results materially differ from these
estimates. For further information on all of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We
believe that policies associated with our revenue recognition, product warranties, inventory excess and obsolescence and stock-based compensation
have the greatest impact on our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, we consider these to be our critical accounting policies
and estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We
recognize revenue when control of goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect
to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
Revenue – Solar
Energy System Installations
The
majority of our revenue is generated from the installation of solar energy systems. We identify two performance obligations, which include
installation services and post-installation services, and we recognize revenue when control transfers to the customer, upon the completion
of the installation and upon the solar energy system passes inspection by the authority having jurisdiction, respectively. We apply judgment
in allocating the transaction price between the installation and post-installation performance obligations, based on the estimated costs
to perform our services. Changes in such estimates could have a material impact on the timing of our revenue recognition.
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Our
contracts with customers generally contain a performance guarantee of system output, and we will issue payments to customers if output
falls below contractually stated thresholds over the performance guarantee period, which is typically 10 years. We apply judgment in estimating
the reduction in revenue associated with the performance guarantee, which is historically not material. However, due to the long-term
nature of the guarantee, changes in future estimates could have a material impact on the estimate of our revenue reserve.
Revenue – Software
Enhanced Services
We
recognize revenue from software enhanced services, which include proposals generated from our HelioQuote TM platform and design
services performed using internally developed and external software applications. We contract with solar installers to generate proposals
and we contract with solar sales entities to perform design services for their potential customers. Under each type of customer contract,
we generate a fixed number of proposals or designs for the customer in the month the services are contracted. Contracts with customers
are enforceable on a month-to-month basis and we recognize revenue each month based on the volume of services performed.
Product Warranties
We
typically provide a 10-year warranty on our solar energy system installations, which provides assurance over the workmanship in performing
the installation, including roof leaks caused by our performance. For solar panel sales recognized prior to the Disposal Transaction,
we provide a 30-year warranty that the products will be free from defects in material and workmanship. We record a liability for estimated
future warranty claims based on historical trends and new installations. To the extent that warranty claim behavior differs from historical
trends, we may experience a material change in our warranty liability.
Inventory Excess
and Obsolescence
Our
inventory consists of completed solar energy systems and related components, which we classify as finished costs. We record a reserve
for inventory which is considered obsolete or in excess of anticipated demand based on a consideration of marketability and product life
cycle stage, component cost trends, demand forecasts, historical revenues, and assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
We apply judgment in estimating the excess and obsolete inventory, and changes in demand for our inventory components could have a material
impact on our inventory reserve balance.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation expense over the requisite
service period on a straight-line basis for all stock-based payments that are expected to vest to employees, non-employees and directors,
including grants of employee stock options and other stock-based awards. Equity-classified awards issued to employees and non-employees,
such as consultants and non-employee directors, are measured at the grant-date fair value of the award. Forfeitures are recognized as
they occur.
For accounting purposes, prior to the Business Combination,
the fair value of the shares of common stock underlying stock options had historically been determined by our board of directors. Because
there had been no public market for our common stock, the board of directors exercised reasonable judgment and considered a number of
objective and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair value of our common stock, including important developments
in our operations, sales of redeemable convertible preferred stock, actual operating results and financial performance, the conditions
in the renewable solar energy industry and the economy in general, the stock price performance and volatility of comparable public companies,
and the lack of liquidity of our common stock, among other factors. Following the Business Combination, the fair value of common stock
is based on the closing stock price on the date of grant as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
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We estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including
the fair value of the underlying common stock prior to the Mergers, the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the price
of our common stock and expected dividend yield. We determine these inputs as follows:
● Expected
Term—Expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and is determined using the
simplified method.
● Expected
Volatility—Expected volatility is estimated by studying the volatility of comparable public companies for similar terms.
● Expected
Dividend—The Black-Scholes valuation model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input. We have never paid dividends
and have no plans to pay dividends.
● Risk-Free
Interest Rate – We derive the risk-free interest rate assumption from the U.S. Treasury’s rates for the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon
bonds with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the awards being valued.
If any assumptions used in
the Black-Scholes option pricing model change significantly, stock-based compensation for future awards may differ materially compared
to the awards granted previously. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, stock-based compensation expense was $5.2 million and
$0.9 million, respectively, of which $2.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to discontinued operations. As of December 31,
2023, we had approximately $20.1 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options.
Recent Accounting
Pronouncements
A
discussion of recently issued accounting standards applicable to Complete Solaria is described in Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Results of Operations
Year ended December
31, 2023 compared to year ended December 31, 2022
In
this section, we discuss the results of our operations for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. We discuss our cashflows and current financial
condition under “Capital Resources and Liquidity.”
The
following table sets forth our statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have derived
this data from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This information should be
read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The results of historical periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for any future period. Within the tables
presented, percentages are calculated based on the underlying whole-dollar amounts and, therefore, may not recalculate exactly from the
rounded numbers used for disclosure purposes.
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Years Ended December 31,
$
%
(in thousands)
2023
2022
Change
Change
Revenues
$ 87,616
$ 66,475
$ 21,141
32 %
Cost of revenues (1)
69,828
46,647
23,181
50 %
Gross profit
17,788
19,828
(2,040 )
(10 )%
Gross margin %
20 %
30 %
(10 )%
Operating expenses:
Sales commissions
31,127
21,195
9,932
47 %
Sales and marketing (1)
6,920
6,156
764
12 %
General and administrative (1)
32,099
13,634
18,465
135 %
Total operating expenses
70,146
40,985
29,161
71 %
Loss from continuing operations
(52,358 )
(21,157 )
(31,201 )
147 %
Interest expense (2)
(14,033 )
(4,986 )
(9,047 )
181 %
Interest income
36
5
31
*
Other expense, net (3)
(29,862 )
(1,858 )
(28,004 )
*
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
(96,217 )
(27,996 )
(68,221 )
244 %
Income tax benefit (provision)
20
(27 )
47
(174 )%
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (96,197 )
$ (28,023 )
$ (68,174 )
243 %
*
Percentage change not meaningful.
(1)
Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Cost of revenues
$ 84
$ 22
Sales and marketing
487
168
General and administrative
2,252
243
Total stock-based compensation expense
$ 2,823
$ 433
(2)
Includes interest expense to related party of $0.4 million and $0.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(3)
Includes other income from related parties of $0.7 million and $1.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Revenues
We disaggregate our revenues
based on the following types of services (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
$
%
2023
2022
Change
Change
Solar energy system installations
$ 84,858
$ 62,896
$ 21,962
35 %
Software enhanced services
2,758
3,579
(821 )
(23 )
Total revenue
$ 87,616
$ 66,475
$ 21,141
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Revenues from solar energy
system installations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $84.9 million compared to $62.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2022. The increase in solar energy system installation revenues of $22.0 million, or 35%, was primarily due to an increase in the volume
of solar energy systems installations, a portion of which related to the fulfillment of delayed installations experienced in the fourth
quarter of 2022 due to unusual inclement California weather, as well as an increase in average selling price of solar energy system installations.
Revenues from software enhanced
services for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $2.8 million compared to $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease
of $0.8 million was the result of a shift in focus towards solar energy installations.
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Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $69.8 million
compared to $46.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in cost of revenues of $23.2 million, or 50%, was primarily
due to the increase in revenues of 32%, higher inventory write-offs and rising costs associated with supply chain constraints.
Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased 10% year over year, from 30% for the year ended
December 31, 2022 to 20% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in gross margin is primarily attributed to the increasing
cost of revenues as described above.
Sales Commissions
Sales commissions for the
year ended December 31, 2023, increased by $9.9 million, or 47%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in sales commissions
was primarily due to the increase in solar system installation revenue of 35% and higher selling costs.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expense
for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $0.8 million, or 12%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase is
primarily attributable to an increase in stock-based compensation expenses due to options issued during the year ended December 31, 2023.
General and Administrative
General and administrative costs for the year ended December 31, 2023
increased by $18.5 million, or 135%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributed to increases
in contractors and outside services costs of $6.6 million related to the Mergers, payroll of $3.9 million, bad debt expense of $3.4 million,
$2.0 million in stock-based compensation expenses due to options and RSUs issued, certain legal expenses of $1.8 million and office occupancy
related costs of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest Expense
Interest
expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $9.0 million, or 181%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase
was primarily attributed $5.4 million of interest related to debt acquired as part of the acquisition of Solaria in November 2022, which
was retained upon the divestiture from the business, as well as an increase of $2.7 million in interest expense related to the convertible
notes and long-term debt in CS Solis for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Other Expense, Net
Other expense, net was $29.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2023. The expenses consisted primarily of $35.4 million in other expense related to the issuance of common stock in connection with the
FPAs, the loss on extinguishment of debt in CS Solis of $10.3 million, the loss on sale of Maxeon equity securities of $4.2 million, $3.9
million in other expense associated with the change in fair value of FPAs, $2.4 million for the issuance of bonus shares in connection
with the Mergers, $3.0 million relating to expenses relating to disposed operations and other expenses of $0.4 million. These expenses
were offset by $29.3 million related to the change in fair value of the Company’s warrant liabilities.
Other expense, net was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31,
2022. The expenses consisted primarily of $5.2 million relating to the change of fair value of warrant liabilities, partially offset by
a $3.2 million gain on sale of securities and $0.1 million of other income.
Net Loss from Continuing Operations
As
a result of the factors discussed above, our net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $96.2 million,
an increase of $67.5 million, as compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $28.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, we have
incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations. We incurred net losses of $269.6 million and $29.5 million, during the fiscal
years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $354.9 million and current debt of $61.9 million
as of December 31, 2023. We had cash and cash equivalents of $2.6 million as of December 31, 2023, which were held for working capital
expenditures. We believe our operating losses and negative operating cash flows will continue into the foreseeable future. We have financed
our operations primarily through sales of equity securities, issuance of convertible notes and cash generated from operations. Our cash
equivalents are on deposit with major financial institutions. Our cash position raises substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue
as a going concern for 12 months following the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
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We will receive the proceeds
from any cash exercise of any Warrants. The aggregate amount of proceeds could be up to $254.1 million if all the Warrants are exercised
for cash. However, to the extent the Warrants are exercised on a “cashless basis,” the amount of cash we would receive from
the exercise of the Warrants will decrease. The Private Warrants and Working Capital Warrants may be exercised for cash or on a “cashless
basis.” The Public Warrants and the Mergers Warrants may only be exercised for cash provided there is then an effective registration
statement registering the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of such warrants. If there is not a then-effective registration
statement, then such warrants may be exercised on a “cashless basis,” pursuant to an available exemption from registration
under the Securities Act. We expect to use any such proceeds for general corporate and working capital purposes, which would increase
our liquidity. As of March 26, 2024, the price of our common stock was $0.64 per share. The weighted average exercise price of the warrants was $7.85 as of
December 31, 2023. We believe the likelihood that warrant holders
will exercise their Warrants, and therefore the amount of cash proceeds that we would receive, is dependent upon the market price of our
common stock. If the market price for our common stock remains less than the exercise price, we believe warrant holders will be unlikely
to exercise.
Debt Financings
2018 Bridge Notes
In December 2018, Solaria
Corporation issued senior subordinated convertible secured notes (“2018 Notes”) totaling approximately $3.4 million in
exchange for cash. The notes bear interest at the rate of 8% per annum and the investors are entitled to receive twice the face value
of the 2018 Notes at maturity. The 2018 Notes were assumed in the acquisition by Complete Solaria and are secured by substantially all
of the assets of Complete Solaria. In 2021, the 2018 Notes were amended extending the maturity date to December 13, 2022. In connection
with the 2021 amendment, Solaria had issued warrants to purchase shares of Series E-1 redeemable convertible preferred stock of Solaria.
The warrants were exercisable immediately in whole or in part at and expire on December 13, 2031. As part of the Business Combination
with Complete Solar, all the outstanding warrants issued to the lenders were assumed by the parent company, Complete Solaria.
In December 2022, we entered
into an amendment to the 2018 Notes extending the maturity date from December 13, 2022 to December 13, 2023. In connection with the amendment,
the 2018 Notes will continue to bear interest at 8% per annum and are entitled to an increased repayment premium from 110% to 120% of
the principal and accrued interest at the time of repayment.
The Company concluded that
the modification was a troubled debt restructuring as the Company was experiencing financial difficulty and the amended terms resulted
in a concession to the Company. As the future undiscounted cash payments under the modified terms exceeded the carrying amount of the
Solaria Bridge Notes on the date of modification, the modification was accounted for prospectively. The incremental repayment premium
is being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying value
of the 2018 Notes was $11.0 million and $9.8 million, respectively. Interest expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023
and 2022 was $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The terms of the 2018 Notes are currently being renegotiated.
Revolver Loan
In October 2020, Solaria entered
into a loan agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with Structural Capital Investments III, LP (“SCI”). The Loan Agreement
with SCI is comprised of two facilities, a term loan (the “Term Loan”) and a revolving loan (the “Revolving Loan”)
for $5.0 million each with a maturity date of October 31, 2023. Both the Term Loan and the Revolving Loan were fully drawn upon closing.
The Term Loan was repaid prior to the acquisition of Solaria by Complete Solar and was not included in the business combination.
The Revolving Loan has a term
of thirty-six months, with the principal due at the end of the term and an annual interest rate of 7.75% or Prime rate plus 4.5%, whichever
is higher. Interest expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
In October 2023, the Company entered into an Assignment and Acceptance Agreement whereby Structural Capital Investments III, LP assigned
the SCI debt to Kline Hill Partners Fund LP, Kline Hill Partners IV SPV LLC, Kline Hill Partners Opportunity IV SPV LLC, and Rodgers Massey
Revocable Living Trust for a total purchase price of $5.0 million. The terms of the SCI Revolving Loan are currently being renegotiated.
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Secured Credit Facility
In December 2022, we entered
into a secured credit facility agreement with Kline Hill Partners IV SPV LLC and Kline Hill Partners Opportunity IV SPV LLC. The secured
credit facility agreement, which matures in April 2023, allows us to borrow up to 70% of the net amount of our eligible vendor purchase
orders with a maximum amount of $10.0 million at any point in time. The purchase orders are backed by relevant customer sales orders which
serve as collateral. The amounts drawn under the secured credit facility may be reborrowed provided that the aggregate borrowing does
not exceed $20.0 million. The repayment under the secured credit facility is the borrowed amount multiplied by 1.15x if repaid within
75 days and borrowed amount multiplied by 1.175x if repaid after 75 days. We may prepay any borrowed amount without premium or penalty.
Under the original terms, the secured credit facility agreement was due to mature in April 2023. We are in the process of amending the
secured credit facility agreement to extend its maturity date.
At December 31, 2023, the
outstanding net debt amounted to $12.2 million, including accrued financing cost of $2.1 million, and as of December 31, 2022, the balance
outstanding was $5.6 million, including accrued financing cost of $0.1 million.
Debt in CS Solis
In
February 2022, we received an investment from CRSEF Solis Holdings, LLC (“CRSEF”). The investment was made pursuant to a subscription
agreement, under which CRSEF contributed $25.6 million in exchange for 100 Class B Membership Units of CS Solis. The Class B Membership
Units are mandatorily redeemable by us on the three-year anniversary of the effective date of the CS Solis amended and restated LLC agreement.
The Class B Membership Units accrue interest that is payable upon redemption at a rate of 10.5% which is accrued as an unpaid dividend,
compounded annually, and subject to increases in the event we declare any dividends. In July 2023, we amended the debt of with CSREF as
part of the closing of the Mergers. The modification did not change the interest rate. The modification accelerates the redemption date
of the investment, which was previously February 14, 2025, and is now March 31, 2024 as a result of the modification. As of December 31,
2023 and 2022, we have recorded a liability of $33.3 million and zero, respectively, included in short-term debt due CS Solis on the consolidated
balance sheets and we have recorded a liability of zero and $25.2 million, respectively, included in long-term debt due CS Solis on the
consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we have recorded an accretion of the liability as interest
expense of $7.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and we have recorded amortization of issuance costs as interest expense of less
than $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
Forward Purchase Agreements
In
July 2023, FACT and Legacy Complete Solaria, Inc. entered into FPAs with each of (i) Meteora; (ii) Polar, and (iii) Sandia (each
individually, a “Seller”, and together, the “FPA Sellers”).
Pursuant
to the terms of the FPAs, the FPA Sellers may (i) purchase through a broker in the open market, from holders of Shares other than the
Company or affiliates thereof, FACT’s ordinary shares, par value of $0.0001 per share, (the “Shares”). While the FPA
Sellers have no obligation to purchase any Shares under the FPAs, the aggregate total Shares that may be purchased under the FPAs shall
be no more than 6,720,000 in aggregate. The FPA Sellers may not beneficially own greater than 9.9% of issued and outstanding
Shares following the Mergers as per the Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement.
The key terms of the
forward contracts are as follows:
● The
FPA Sellers can terminate the transaction following the Optional Early Termination (“OET”) Date which shall specify the quantity
by which the number of shares is to be reduced (such quantity, the “Terminated Shares”). Seller shall terminate the transaction
in respect of any shares sold on or prior to the maturity date. The counterparty is entitled to an amount from the seller equal to the
number of terminated shares multiplied by a reset price. The reset price is initially $10.56 (the “Initial Price”) and is
subject to a $5.00 floor.
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● The
FPA contains multiple settlement outcomes. Per the terms of the agreements, the FPAs will (1) settle in cash in the event the Company
is due cash upon settlement from the FPA Sellers or (2) settle in either cash or shares, at the discretion of the Company, should the
settlement amount adjustment exceed the settlement amount. Should the Company elect to settle via shares, the equity will be issued in
Complete Solaria Common Stock, with a per share price based on the volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) Price over 15 scheduled
trading days. The magnitude of the settlement is based on the Settlement Amount, an amount equal to the product of: (1) Number of shares
issued to the FPA Seller pursuant to the FPA, less the number of Terminated Shares multiplied by (2) the VWAP Price over the valuation
period. The Settlement amount will be reduced by the Settlement Adjustment, an amount equal to the product of (1) Number of shares in
the Pricing Date Notice, less the number of Terminated Shares multiplied by $2.00.
● The
Settlement occurs as of the Valuation Date, which is the earlier to occur of (a) the date that is two years after the date of the Closing
Date of the Mergers (b) the date specified by Seller in a written notice to be delivered to Counterparty at Seller’s discretion
(which Valuation Date shall not be earlier than the day such notice is effective) after the occurrence of certain triggering events;
and (c) 90 days after delivery by the Counterparty of a written notice in the event that for any 20 trading days during a 30 consecutive
trading day-period (the “Measurement Period”) that occurs at least 6 months after the Closing Date, the VWAP Price is less
than the then applicable Reset Price.
The
Company entered into four separate FPAs, three of which, associated with the obligation to issue 6,300,000 Shares, were entered into prior
to the closing of the Mergers. Upon signing the FPAs, the Company incurred an obligation to issue a fixed number of shares to the FPA
Sellers contingent upon the closing of the Mergers in addition to the terms and conditions associated with the settlement of the FPAs.
The Company accounted for the contingent obligation to issue shares in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging , and recorded
a liability and other income (expense), net based on the fair value upon of the obligation upon the signing of the FPAs. The liability
was extinguished in July 2023 upon the issuance of Complete Solaria Common Stock to the FPA sellers.
Additionally,
in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity , the Company has determined that the forward contract is
a financial instrument other than a share that represent or are indexed to obligations to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares
by transferring assets, referred to herein as the “forward purchase liability” on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company
initially measured the forward purchase liability at fair value and has subsequently remeasured it at fair value with changes in fair
value recognized in earnings.
Through
the date of issuance of the Complete Solaria Common Stock in satisfaction of the Company’s obligation to issue shares around the
closing of the Mergers, the Company recorded $35.5 million to other income (expense), net associated with the issuance of 6,720,000 shares
of Complete Solaria Common Stock.
As
of the closing of the Mergers and issuance of the Complete Solaria Common Stock underlying the FPAs, the fair value of the prepaid FPAs
was an asset balance of $0.1 million and was recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and within other income
(expense), net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Subsequently, the change of fair value of the forward
purchase liability amounted to an expense of $3.9 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the
forward purchase liabilities amounted to $3.8 million.
On
December 18, 2023, the Company and the FPA Sellers entered into separate amendments to the FPA (the “Amendments”). The Amendments
lower the reset floor price of each FPA from $5.00 to $3.00 and allow the Company to raise up to $10.0 million of equity from existing
stockholders without triggering certain anti-dilution provisions contained in the FPA; provided, the insiders pay a price per share for
their initial investment equal to the closing price per share as quoted on the Nasdaq on the day of purchase; provided, further, that
any subsequent investments are made at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the closing price per share as quoted by Nasdaq on
the day of the purchase or (b) the amount paid in connection with the initial investment.
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First SAFE
On
January 31, 2024, we entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “First SAFE”) with the Rodgers Massey Freedom
and Free Markets Charitable Trust (the “Purchaser”) in connection with the Purchaser investing $1.5 million in the Company.
The First SAFE is convertible into shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, upon the initial closing of a bona fide transaction
or series of transactions with the principal purpose of raising capital, pursuant to which we issue and sell common stock at a fixed valuation
(an “Equity Financing”), at a per share conversion price which is equal to the lower of (i)(a) $53.54 million divided by (b)
our capitalization immediately prior to such Equity Financing (such conversion price, the “SAFE Price”), and (ii) 80% of the
price per share of Common Stock sold in the Equity Financing. If the Company consummates a change of control prior to the termination
of the First SAFE, the Purchaser will be automatically entitled to receive a portion of the proceeds of such liquidity event equal to
the greater of (i) $1.5 million and (ii) the amount payable on the number of shares of Common Stock equal to (a) $1.5 million divided
by (b)(1) $53.54 million divided by (2) our capitalization immediately prior to such liquidity event (the “Liquidity Price”),
subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the First SAFE. The First SAFE is convertible into a maximum of 1,431,297 shares of Common
Stock, assuming a per share conversion price of $1.05, which is the product of (i) $1.31, the closing price of the Common Stock on January
31, 2024, multiplied by (ii) 80%.
On
February 15, 2024, we entered into a simple agreement for future equity (the “Second SAFE” and together with the First SAFE,
the “SAFEs”) with the Purchaser in connection with the Purchaser investing $3.5 million in the Company. The Second SAFE is
convertible into shares of Common Stock upon the initial closing of an Equity Financing at a per share conversion price which is equal
to the lower of (i) the SAFE Price, and (ii) 80% of the price per share of Common Stock sold in the Equity Financing. If we consummate
a change of control prior to the termination of the Second SAFE, the Purchaser will be automatically entitled to receive an amount equal
to the greater of (i) $3.5 million and (ii) the amount payable on the number of shares of Common Stock equal to $3.5 million divided by
the Liquidity Price, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the Second SAFE. The Second SAFE is convertible into a maximum of
3,707,627 shares of Common Stock, assuming a per share conversion price of $0.94, which is the product of (i) $1.18, the closing price
of the Common Stock on February 15, 2024, multiplied by (ii) 80%.
Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31,
2023 and 2022
The following table summarizes
Complete Solaria’s cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
(in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations
$ (58,802 )
$ (25,217 )
Net cash provided by investing activities from continuing operations
6,171
3,335
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations
50,425
31,191
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from discontinued operations
190
(6,296 )
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(1,900 )
3,040
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations of
$58.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to the net loss from continuing operations, net of tax of $96.2 million
and net cash outflows of $17.4 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities, adjusted for non-cash charges of $54.1 million.
Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $35.5 million for the issuance of common stock in connection with FPAs, $10.3 million loss on
CS Solis debt extinguishment, $4.2 million loss on sale of equity securities, $3.9 million change in fair value of FPAs, $4.3 million
change in allowance for credit losses, $4.9 million of interest expense, $6.6 million accretion of long-term debt in CS Solis, $2.4 million
related to the issuance of bonus common stock shares in connection with the Mergers, $3.4 million of stock-based compensation expense,
and $6.1 million change in reserve for excess and obsolete inventory, $0.9 million in lease expense and $0.9 million in depreciation and
amortization, partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of warrant liabilities of $29.3 million. The main drivers of net cash outflows
derived from the changes in operating assets and liabilities were related to an increase in accounts receivable, net of $12.1 million,
an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $4.2 million, a decrease in deferred revenue of $1.7 million, a decrease in
accrued expenses and other liabilities of $3.3 million and a decrease in operating lease liabilities of $0.6 million, partially offset
a decrease in inventory of $1.5 million, an increase in accounts payable of $2.3 million, and a decrease in other noncurrent assets of
$1.1 million.
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Net cash used in operating
activities from continuing operations of $25.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due the net loss from continuing
operations of $28.0 million, and net cash outflows of $11.2 million from changes in our operating assets and liabilities, adjusted for
non-cash charges of $13.8 million. The main drivers of net cash outflows derived from the changes in operating assets and liabilities
were related to an increase in accounts receivable of $9.7 million, and an increase in inventories of $4.9 million, and a decrease in
prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.6 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts as payable of $3.3 million and
a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.2 million. Non-cash charges primarily consisted of $5.2 million change in
the fair value of warrant liability, interest expense primarily related to long-term debt in CS Solis of $4.8 million, reserve for obsolete
inventory of $3.6 million, increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million, and depreciation and amortization expense
of $0.6 million, partially offset by non-cash income recognized upon conversion of convertible notes and SAFE agreements of $3.2 million.
The net increase in cash,
cash equivalents and restricted cash from discontinued operations of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 was entirely attributable
to net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations. This increase was primarily due to the net loss from discontinued
operations, net of tax of $173.4 million, adjusted for non-cash charges of $5.4 million and net cash inflows of $20.7 million from changes
in our operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash charges primarily consisted of impairment of goodwill of $119.4 million, impairment
of intangible assets of $28.1 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $2.4 million, stock-based compensation expense of $1.8
million and a $1.1 million change in allowance for credit losses. The main drivers of net cash inflows derived from the changes in operating
assets and liabilities were related to a decrease in accounts receivable, net of $8.2 million, an increase in accrued expenses and other
current liabilities of $6.0 million, a decrease in decrease in prepaids of $2.8 million, a decrease in inventories of $2.3 million, partially
offset by a decrease of $2.9 million in accounts payable.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing
activities of $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to sale of an investment.
Net cash used in investing
activities of $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 was due to additions to internal-use-software.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing
activities of $50.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to total proceeds from the issuance of convertible
notes, net of $21.3 million, total proceeds from the Mergers and PIPE Financing of $19.8 million, and proceeds from the issuance of notes
payable, net of $14.1 million, partially offset by the repayment of notes payable of $9.8 million.
Net cash provided by financing
activities of $31.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt in
CS Solis of $25.0 million, proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Convertible Notes of $12.0 million, and proceeds from the issuance of
notes payable of $5.5 million. This was partially offset by the repayment of notes payable of $9.5 million, payments for issuance costs
of Series D redeemable convertible preferred shares of $1.4 million, and repayment of convertible notes payable to related parties of
$0.5 million.
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Off Balance Sheet
Arrangements
As
of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Complete Solaria does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably
likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that are material to investors. The term “off-balance sheet arrangement”
generally means any transaction, agreement, or other contractual arrangement to which an entity unconsolidated with Complete Solaria is
a party, under which it has any obligation arising under a guaranteed contract, derivative instrument, or variable interest or a retained
or contingent interest in assets transferred to such entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity, or market risk support
for such assets.
Currently,
Complete Solaria does not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
Emerging Growth Company
Status
Section 102(b)(1) of the Jumpstart
Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised
financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards.
The JOBS Act provides that a company can choose not to take advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the
requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, and any such election to not take advantage of the extended transition
period is irrevocable.
Complete Solaria is an “emerging
growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, and has elected to take advantage of the benefits of the extended
transition period for new or revised financial accounting standards. Following the closing of the Mergers, our Post-Combination Company
will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of common stock
that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, (ii) the last
day of the fiscal year in which we has total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation),
(iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period, or (iv)
December 31, 2025. Complete Solaria expects to continue to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period, although
it may decide to early adopt such new or revised accounting standards to the extent permitted by such standards. This may make it difficult
or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth
company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions because of
the potential differences in accounting standards used.