Nikola Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

PHOENIX, Nov. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation systems, today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2020.

"In the third quarter of 2020, Nikola made significant progress on key milestones," said Mark Russell, Nikola's Chief Executive Officer. "We delivered on our commitment to assemble the first Nikola Tre BEV prototypes and are continuing to work with customers on the prospective and previously announced BEV truck orders. I look forward to building on our momentum as we execute our strategy and lay the groundwork to become an integrated zero-emissions transportation solutions leader."

Completion of the First Nikola Tre BEV Testing Vehicles at IVECO's Ulm, Germany Manufacturing Facility

During the third quarter, Nikola and IVECO, (a CNH Industrial brand) began assembling the first five Nikola Tre BEV prototypes at IVECO's industrial complex in Ulm, Germany, and recently completed the assembly of the first Nikola Tre. The first truck is undergoing systems commissioning, including charging and discharging the high voltage batteries. It has also been put onto the chassis dyno and is undergoing torque command calibration to the e-axles on the test track to prepare for validation testing in the first quarter of 2021.

Nikola and IVECO are working diligently to complete the remaining four Nikola Tre prototypes and Nikola anticipates these vehicles will be finished by the end of 2020. The second batch of prototype assembly is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

Announcement of Strategic Collaboration with General Motors

On September 8, 2020, Nikola announced a strategic partnership agreement with General Motors Co., which contemplates General Motors receiving equity stake in Nikola in exchange for various in-kind services. The transaction has not closed, and Nikola is continuing its discussions with General Motors. Nikola will provide further updates when appropriate or required.

Other Key Business Highlights

    --  Made substantial progress toward completion of building modifications
        necessary to construct Tre BEV production line at Nikola's manufacturing
        facility on IVECO's industrial complex in Ulm, Germany
    --  Broke ground on construction at Nikola's Coolidge, Arizona greenfield
        manufacturing facility
    --  Ended the quarter with a strong cash position of $908 million, net of
        $15 million in restricted cash

Made Significant Progress Toward Completion of Building Modifications at Nikola's Manufacturing Facility on IVECO's Industrial Complex in Ulm, Germany

During the third quarter, Nikola and IVECO made substantial progress in refurbishing the joint venture manufacturing facility dedicated to the Nikola Tre at IVECO's industrial complex in Ulm, Germany. The civil works and building infrastructure have been completed, including the floor, heating system, and walls. The building of the work cells is currently in process. Upon completing the work cells, Nikola and IVECO will begin installing the Automated Guided Vehicle Systems (AGV) line and heavy-duty assembly tools, such as impact drivers and tilting systems. The Joint Venture Manufacturing Facility is the lead plant for the launch of Nikola Tre BEV in the U.S. by the fourth quarter of 2021. North American production of the Nikola Tre BEV will commence upon Phase 1.0 completion of our Coolidge, Arizona plant, beginning with truck assembly from component kits imported from Europe.

Broke Ground on Construction at Nikola's Coolidge, Arizona Manufacturing Facility

On July 23, 2020, Nikola and its construction partner, Walbridge, broke ground on the U.S. manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Arizona. The facility's master site plan has been completed, submitted, and approved by Coolidge. Currently, the construction of the Phase 1 assembly shop is on track to be completed toward the end of 2021.

In August 2020, preliminary earthwork began to prepare the site for grading and utilities. In October 2020, the mass grading of the site started, and the Company awarded initial building sub-contracts. By the end of November 2020, Nikola expects the site work will include utilities, building pad grading in preparation of foundations, and factory floor slab, followed by steel erection through December 2020 and January 2021.

Permits are being submitted building by building for various construction phases as work is scheduled and progressing. This permitting process is coordinated with Coolidge's city building department, which is providing excellent support in maintaining Nikola's schedule.

The manufacturing process engineering is continuing, with initial equipment such as heavy-duty dynamometer, roll, and brake test, and heavy frame turning equipment being purchased while truck conveyance equipment and remaining tooling is being finalized.

Based on Nikola's current construction rate, the Company plans to begin trial production in the late second quarter or early third quarter of 2021. The full completion of the Phase 1 assembly shop will continue through 2021.

Corporate Governance

Nikola is committed to strengthening its corporate governance practices. On September 20, 2020, Nikola announced the appointment of Steve Girsky as Chairman of the Board. In October 2020, the Company appointed Steve Shindler as a new independent director and Chair of the Audit Committee, and Bruce Smith as a new independent director. Both Mr. Shindler and Mr. Smith are seasoned executives, and Nikola welcomes the experience and fresh perspective they will bring to the Board as the Company continues to execute its strategic and business priorities.

Ended the quarter with a Strong Cash Position of $908 Million, Net of $15 Million in Restricted Cash

On July 22, 2020, Nikola issued a formal notice of redemption for its public warrants. The redemption of 22,877,806 warrants in the third quarter resulted in approximately $263 million of additional cash on the balance sheet. Nikola ended the third quarter with a strong cash position of $908 million.

Effects of COVID-19

The health and safety of Nikola's employees and communities are the Company's top priority. Nikola's management team has taken every step to ensure its team can safely continue working to advance the Company's strategy and vision to become a global leader in zero-emissions transportation.

Nikola decided to reschedule Nikola World due to COVID-19 audience size restrictions until the Nikola community could safely be brought together. The COVID-19 pandemic remains dynamic, and the Company continues to monitor public health conditions actively and plan around any associated effects on our operations in the U.S. and Germany. Nikola's current timelines assume there are no significant COVID-related disruptions to production. At this time Nikola believes its long-term objectives will not be materially affected by COVID-19, and Nikola will continue to provide progress updates across its entire product portfolio.

Third Quarter Financial Highlights



     (In thousands, except share and per share data)          Q3 2020                 Q3 2019                  Q3 2020 YTD              Q3 2019 YTD



     Loss from operations                                  $(117,299)                          $(13,020)                   $(235,955)                     $(60,065)



     Net loss                                                         $
        (117,469)                     $
          (15,514)                          $
        (237,275)    $
       (62,377)



     Adjusted EBITDA (1)                                               $
        (58,772)                     $
          (11,093)                          $
        (135,042)    $
       (55,094)



     Net loss per share, basic and diluted(2)                            $
        (0.31)                       $
          (0.06)                             $
        (0.79)      $
       (0.24)



     Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted(1)(2)                $
        (0.16)                       $
          (0.05)                             $
        (0.44)      $
       (0.23)



     Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic           377,660,477                         260,534,724                   318,315,891                    260,449,607


              (1)              A reconciliation of the non-GAAP
                                  information provided here to the
                                  most directly comparable GAAP
                                  metric has been provided in the
                                  financial statement tables
                                  included in this press release.



              (2)              Since the Company was in a net
                                  loss position for all periods
                                  presented, basic net loss per
                                  share is the same as diluted net
                                  loss per share.

Business Outlook

As a pre-revenue company, Nikola believes the best way to evaluate its results is to monitor the Company's progress toward achieving its milestones. Nikola remains committed to its goal of announcing potential collaboration partners concerning electricity procurement and the rollout of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2020, Nikola expects to make continued progress against its milestones for the development of the Tre BEV and construction of the Coolidge, Arizona, facility. Management is laser-focused on prioritizing programs and aligning resources to achieve Nikola's previously announced milestones toward becoming the zero-emissions transportation industry leader.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Nikola will host a webcast to discuss its third-quarter results at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on November 9, 2020. To access the webcast, parties in the United States should follow this link: https://www.webcast-eqs.com/register/nikola201109/en.

The live audio webcast, along with supplemental information, will be accessible on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://nikolamotor.com/investors/news?active=events. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the earnings call.

About Nikola Corporation

Nikola Corporation is globally transforming the transportation industry. As a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure, Nikola is driven to revolutionize the economic and environmental impact of commerce as we know it today. Founded in 2015, Nikola Corporation is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.nikolamotor.com or Twitter @nikolamotor.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Nikola Corporation (the "Company"), including statements relating to the Company's future performance; expected timing of manufacturing facility buildout in Coolidge, Arizona and Ulm, Germany and production capacity at such facilities; expectations regarding the Company's hydrogen fuel station rollout plan; timing of completion of prototypes, validation testing, volume production and other milestones; terms of the planned collaboration with General Motors; and the effect of COVID-19 on the Company's business. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to risks related to litigation and investigations and the factors, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's business described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in addition to the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release references Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other items the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.

The Company believes that presenting Adjusted EBITDA provides useful supplemental information to investors about the Company in understanding and evaluating its operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by its management in financial and operational-decision making. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents. For example, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore any non-GAAP measures the Company uses may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Non-GAAP net loss and Non-GAAP net loss per share basic and diluted are presented as supplemental measures of the Company's performance. Non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss adjusted for stock-based compensation expense and certain other items the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating performance. Non-GAAP net loss per share basic and diluted is defined as Non-GAAP net loss divided by weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding.


                                                                               
              
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                                                 
              (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                                                                   
              (Unaudited)




                                                                                                           Three Months Ended                                            Nine Months Ended
                                                                                            
                September 30,                                     
              September 30,


                                                                                          2020                                 2019                                          2020          2019



              Solar revenues                                                                -                                               296                                95                            433



              Cost of solar revenues                                                        -                                               141                                72                            227



              Gross Profit                                                                  -                                               155                                23                            206



              Operating expenses:



              Research and development (1)                                             51,473                                              9,482                           118,092                         44,733



              Selling, general, and administrative (1)                                 65,826                                              3,693                           117,886                         15,538



              Total operating expenses                                                117,299                                             13,175                           235,978                         60,271



              Loss from operations                                                  (117,299)                                          (13,020)                        (235,955)                      (60,065)



              Other income (expense):



              Interest income, net                                                        172                                                411                               259                          1,082



              Revaluation of Series A redeemable convertible                                -                                           (2,844)                                                        (3,339)
    preferred stock warrant liability



              Loss on forward contract liability                                            -                                                                            (1,324)



              Other income (expense), net                                               (340)                                                85                             (251)                            95



              Loss before income taxes                                              (117,467)                                          (15,368)                        (237,271)                      (62,227)



              Income tax expense                                                            2                                                146                                 4                            150



              Net loss                                                                          $
              (117,469)                                $
         (15,514)                           $
        (237,275)        $
       (62,377)



              Premium paid on repurchase of redeemable convertible               
              $                                                    
     $                                            $
        (13,407)    
     $
    preferred stock



              Net loss attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted                   $
              (117,469)                                $
         (15,514)                           $
        (250,682)        $
       (62,377)



              Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders,                              $
              (0.31)                                  $
         (0.06)                              $
        (0.79)          $
       (0.24)
    basic and
    diluted



              Weighted-average shares used to compute net loss per                377,660,477                                        260,534,724                       318,315,891                    260,449,607
    share attributable to common stockholders, basic and
    diluted

                            (1) Includes stock-based
                             compensation as follows:


                                                        Three Months Ended September 30,                    Nine Months Ended September 30,


                                               2020                           2019                  2020                  2019



     Research and development                       $
       4,612                            $
       157                                  $
          7,850    $
       462



     Selling, general, and administrative   47,584                            1,028                  83,886                                  3,310



     Total stock-based compensation expense        $
       52,196                          $
       1,185                                 $
          91,736  $
       3,772


                                                                                                          
         
                CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                                                        
       (In thousands, except share and per share data)




                                                                                                                                                            September 30,                           December 31,


                                                                                                                                                                     2020                    2019


                                                                                                                                                             (Unaudited)



           
                Assets



           Current assets



           Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                       $
       907,530                         $
      85,688



           Restricted cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                   10,952



           Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                                                  249                       770



           Prepaid in-kind services                                                                                                                               63,358



           Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                               3,800                     4,423



           Total current assets                                                                                                                                  985,889                    90,881



           Restricted cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                    4,000                     4,144



           Long-term deposits                                                                                                                                     17,303                    13,223



           Property and equipment, net                                                                                                                            61,313                    53,378



           Intangible assets, net                                                                                                                                 62,466                    62,513



           Goodwill                                                                                                                                                5,238                     5,238



           Other assets                                                                                                                                               19                        53



           
                Total assets                                                                                                                                     $
       1,136,228                        $
      229,430



           
                Liabilities and stockholders' equity



           Current liabilities



           Accounts payable                                                                                                                                       10,277                     5,113



           Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                                         22,579                    11,425



           Customer deposits                                                                                                                                       6,913



           Term note, current                                                                                                                                      4,100



           Total current liabilities                                                                                                                              43,869                    16,538



           Term note                                                                                                                                                   -                    4,100



           Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                            11,577                    12,212



           Deferred tax liabilities, net                                                                                                                           1,076                     1,072



           Total liabilities                                                                                                                                      56,522                    33,922



           Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)



           Stockholders' equity



           Preferred stock, $0.00010 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and                                                                    -
      outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively



           Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized, 384,083,110 and 270,826,092                                                                39                        27
      shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively



           Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                          1,505,422                   383,961



           Accumulated deficit                                                                                                                                 (425,755)                (188,480)



           Total stockholders' equity                                                                                                                          1,079,706                   195,508



           
                Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                                                                       $
       1,136,228                        $
      229,430


                                                                                                            
     
        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                                                                                
           (In thousands)

                                                                                                                 
           (Unaudited)




                                                                                                                                                                              Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                     September 30,


                                                                                                                                                             2020                                  2019



     
                Cash flows from operating activities



     Net loss                                                                                                                                                    $
           (237,275)                                 $
     (62,377)



     Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:



     Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                         4,255                                   1,104



     Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                             91,736                                   3,772



     Revaluation of Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock warrant liability                                                                          -                                  3,339



     Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                     4                                     150



     Non-cash in-kind services                                                                                                                            28,642



     Loss on forward contract liability                                                                                                                    1,324



     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:



     Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                                                521                                   (495)



     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                             (334)                                     38



     Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                     19,402                                (10,627)



     Customer deposits                                                                                                                                     6,823



     Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                               -                                    148



     Net cash used in operating activities                                                                                                              (84,902)                               (64,948)



     
                Cash flows from investing activities



     Purchases of property and equipment                                                                                                                 (5,855)                                (6,328)



     Deposits for property and equipment                                                                                                                 (9,325)                                (8,135)



     Investment in joint venture                                                                                                                            (15)



     Cash paid towards build-to-suit lease                                                                                                                     -                               (18,186)



     Net cash used in investing activities                                                                                                              (15,195)                               (32,649)



     
                Cash flows from financing activities



     Proceeds from issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs paid                                                50,349                                  65,000



     Business Combination and PIPE financing, net of issuance costs paid                                                                                 616,726



     Proceeds from the exercise of stock options                                                                                                           2,204



     Proceeds from the exercise of stock warrants, net of issuance costs paid                                                                            263,064



     Proceeds from landlord of finance lease                                                                                                                 889



     Payments to landlord for finance lease                                                                                                                (485)



     Proceeds from note payable                                                                                                                            4,134



     Payment of note payable                                                                                                                             (4,134)



     Net cash provided by financing activities                                                                                                           932,747                                  65,000



     Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash                                                                     832,650                                (32,597)



     Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, beginning of period                                                                            89,832                                 173,956



     Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, end of period                                                                                $922,482                                         $
     141,359


                                                                                                    
       
         Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Metrics to Non-GAAP

                                                                                                      
       (In thousands, except share and per share data)

                                                                                                                 
              (Unaudited)





              
                
                  Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA




                                                                                                                                     Three Months Ended                              Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                           September 30,                                                  September 30,


                                                                                                                   2020                               2019                  2020                           2019


                                                                                                                                                  
              (in thousands)



              Net loss                                                                                                   $
              (117,469)                                  $
     (15,514)                    $
     (237,275)    $
     (62,377)



              Interest income, net                                                                               (172)                                        (411)                               (259)             (1,082)



              Income tax expense (benefit)                                                                           2                                           146                                    4                  150



              Depreciation and amortization                                                                      1,498                                           657                                4,255                1,104



              EBITDA                                                                                         (116,141)                                     (15,122)                            (233,275)             (62,205)



              Stock-based compensation                                                                          52,196                                         1,185                               91,736                3,772



              Revaluation of Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock                                                                                  2,844                                                    3,339
    warrant liability



              Loss on forward contract liability                                                                                                                                                  1,324



              Regulatory and legal matters(1)                                                                    5,173                                                                             5,173



              Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                             $
              (58,772)                                  $
     (11,093)                    $
     (135,042)    $
     (55,094)


     
     
     (1) Regulatory and legal matters
                include legal, advisory and other
                professional service fees
                incurred in connection with the
                short-seller analyst report from
                September 2020, and
                investigations and litigation
                related thereto.



         
                
                  Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss, and GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss per Share, basic and diluted




                                                                                                                                                                         Three Months Ended                                Nine Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                September 30,
                                                                                                                                                                                                              
       
              September 30,


                                                                                                                                                     2020                                        2019                           2020         2019


                                                                                                                                                                                   
              (in thousands)



         Net loss attributable to common stockholders, basic and diluted                                                                                 $
             (117,469)                               $
       (15,514)                        $
          (250,682)    $
       (62,377)



         Stock-based compensation                                                                                                                 52,196                                         1,185                           91,736                         3,772



         Premium paid on repurchase of redeemable convertible preferred                                                                                                                                                        13,407                  
              $
    stock



         Regulatory and legal matters(1)                                                                                                           5,173                                                                         5,173



         Non-GAAP net loss                                                                                                                                $
             (60,100)                               $
       (14,329)                        $
          (140,366)    $
       (58,605)



         Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted                                                                                                     $
             (0.16)                                 $
       (0.05)                           $
          (0.44)      $
       (0.23)



         Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted                                                                              377,660,477                                   260,534,724                      318,315,891                   260,449,607


     
     
     (1) Regulatory and legal matters
                include legal, advisory and other
                professional service fees
                incurred in connection with the
                short-seller analyst report from
                September 2020, and
                investigations and litigation
                related thereto.

INVESTOR INQUIRIES:
investors@nikolamotor.com

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