聯合 國
證券 交易委員會
華盛頓, 特區20549
形式
的 1934
爲
日終了的財政年度
的 1934
爲 從_
委員會
文件號:
(確切的 章程中規定的註冊人名稱)
(國家 或其他管轄權 摻入 或組織) |
(國稅局 僱主 識別 數量) |
|
||
(地址 主要行政辦公室) | (Zip 代碼) |
註冊者的
電話號碼,包括地區代碼:
不 適用
(前 姓名或以前的地址,如果自上次報告以來發生了變化)
證券 根據該法案第12(b)條登記的:
標題 各班 | 交易 符號 | 名稱 註冊的每個交易所 | ||
證券 根據該法案第12(g)條登記:無
指示
如果註冊人是《證券法》第405條規定的知名經驗豐富的發行人,則勾選標記。是的
表明
如果註冊人不需要根據該法第13節或第15(D)節提交報告,則通過複選標記進行登記。是的☐
表明
通過勾選標記,註冊人(1)是否已提交證券交易所第13或15(D)節要求提交的所有報告
1934年法令,在過去12個月內(或在要求登記人提交此類報告的較短期間內),以及(2)
在過去的90天裏一直受到這樣的備案要求的約束。
指示
檢查註冊人是否已以電子方式提交了需要提交的每個互動日期文件並根據
S-T法規第405條(本章第232.405條)在過去12個月內(或註冊人
被要求提交此類文件)。
指示 通過勾選註冊人是否是大型加速文件夾、加速文件夾、非加速文件夾、小型報告夾 公司,或新興成長型公司。請參閱「大型加速文件夾」、「加速文件夾」、「較小」的定義 《交易法》第120億.2條中的報告公司”和「新興成長型公司」。(勾選一項):
大型 加速文件管理器 | ☐ | 加速 filer | ☐ |
☒ | 較小 報告公司 | ||
新興 成長型公司 |
如果
新興成長型公司,如果註冊人選擇不使用延長的過渡期來遵守規定,請通過勾選標記表示
根據《交易法》第13(a)條規定的任何新的或修訂的財務會計準則。
指示
檢查註冊人是否已提交其管理層對其有效性評估的報告和證明
根據《薩班斯-奧克斯利法案》(15 USC)第404(b)條對其財務報告的內部控制7262(b))由註冊人
編制或出具審計報告的公共會計師事務所。
如果
證券是根據該法案第12(b)條登記的,通過複選標記表明登記人的財務報表是否
文件中包含的內容反映了對之前發佈的財務報表錯誤的更正。
指示 勾選這些錯誤更正是否是需要對基於激勵的薪酬進行恢復分析的重述 根據§240.10D-1(b),註冊人的任何執行官員在相關恢復期內收到。☐
指示
勾選註冊人是否是空殼公司(定義見《交易法》第120億.2條)。是的否
的
截至2024年12月31日(最後一個營業日),註冊人非關聯公司持有的有投票權股票的總市值
註冊人最近完成的年終爲美元
作爲 截至2025年3月24日,有 普通股,面值美元 每股已發行和發行。
文件 通過引用併入
表 內容
頁面 | ||
部分 我 | ||
項目 1. | 業務 | 1 |
項目 1A. | 危險因素 | 34 |
項目 10億。 | 未解決的員工評論 | 61 |
項目 1C. | 網絡安全 | 61 |
項目 2 | 性能 | 61 |
項目 3. | 法律程序 | 61 |
項目 4. | 礦山安全揭秘 | 61 |
部分 II | 62 | |
項目 5. | 註冊人普通股市場、相關股票事務和發行人購買股票證券 | 62 |
項目 6. | [保留] | 62 |
項目 7. | 管理層對財務狀況和經營成果的討論和分析 | 63 |
項目 7A. | 關於市場風險的定量和定性披露 | 85 |
項目 8. | 財務報表和補充數據 | 87 |
項目 9. | 會計和財務披露方面的變化和與會計師的分歧 | 88 |
項目 9A. | 控制和程序 | 88 |
項目 90億。 | 其他信息 | 89 |
項目 9C. | 有關阻止檢查的外國司法管轄區的披露 | 89 |
部分 III | 89 | |
項目 10. | 董事、執行官和公司治理 | 89 |
項目 11. | 高管薪酬 | 90 |
項目 12. | 某些受益所有人和管理層的證券所有權以及相關股東事宜 | 90 |
項目 13. | 某些關係和關聯交易以及董事獨立性 | 90 |
項目 14. | 首席會計師費用和服務 | 90 |
部分 IV | 91 | |
項目 15. | 展品和財務報表附表 | 91 |
項目 16. | 表格10-K摘要 | 92 |
簽名 | 93 |
i |
解釋性 註釋和定義
2023年11月21日,Stardust Power Operating Inc.(f/k/a Stardust Power Inc.之前 完成業務合併,「Legacy Stardust Power」)簽訂了業務合併協議(“業務 與Global Partner Acquisition CORP II(「GPAC II」)(一家開曼群島豁免公司註冊成立)的合併協議 2020年11月3日,Strike Merger Sub I,Inc.(「第一併購子公司」),一家特拉華州公司和直接全資子公司 GPAC II和Strike Merger Sub II LLC(「Second Merger Sub」),特拉華州一家有限責任公司,直接全資擁有 GPAC II的子公司。2024年7月8日,前星塵動力公司更名爲Stardust Power Operating Inc.
對 2024年7月8日,Legacy Stardust Power完成了業務合併協議中設想的業務合併(「業務 組合」)。GPAC II取消註冊爲開曼群島豁免公司,並在特拉華州本土化爲特拉華州 Corporation.根據業務合併協議,First Merger Sub與Legacy Stardust Power合併爲Legacy Stardust Power 成爲倖存的公司。Legacy Stardust Power隨後合併到Second Merger Sub,Second Merger Sub是倖存的 實體業務合併完成後,GPAC II更名爲Stardust Power Inc。(also本文稱爲「合併 公司」或「星塵力量」)。
除非 上下文另有指示,提及「我們」、「我們」、「我們的」、「我們的」、「星塵」 Power”、「公司」和「註冊人」是指Stardust Power Inc.。及其全資子公司。 除非另有說明,所有貨幣價值(單位和每股金額除外)均以百萬美元計。的 以下是本年度報告中使用的某些術語的其他縮寫和定義,表格10-K(本「表格10-K」 或此「報告」):
「BGLC」 指電池級碳酸鋰。
「BIL」 指的是《兩黨基礎設施法》。
「董事會」 指公司董事會。
「章程」 指公司的章程。
「證書 公司成立」是指公司修訂和重述的公司註冊證書。
「共同的 股票」是指本公司的普通股,每股面值0.0001美元。
「DLE」 指的是直接提取鋰。
「DOE」 指能源部。
「電動汽車」 指的是電動汽車。
「交換 法案」是指經修訂的1934年《證券交易法》。
「設施」 指的是Stardust Power計劃在俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉建設的鋰精煉廠。
「FEL」 指的是前端加載。
「治理 文件」是指章程和公司證書。
ii |
「IGX」 指IGX Minerals LLC。
「IR 法案」是指《基礎設施投資和就業法案》。
「愛爾蘭共和軍」 指的是《通貨膨脹削減法》。
「它」 指的是信息技術。
「KMX」 指KMX科技公司
「Primero」 指Primero USA,Inc.
「項目 該區域」是指該公司計劃在俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉占地66英畝的土地。
「公開的 憑證」是指公司可分離的可贖回憑證和可分配的可贖回憑證。
“薩班斯-奧克斯利法案 法” 指經修訂的2002年薩班斯-奧克斯利法案。
「SEC」 指證券交易委員會。
「證券 法案」是指經修訂的1933年《證券法》。
“贊助商” 指全球合作伙伴贊助商II LLC。
「住友」指美洲住友公司
「塔姆」 指的是總的可訪問市場。
“TPA” 指 每年到噸。
iii |
警示 關於前瞻性陳述的聲明
一定的 就聯邦證券而言,本年度報告中以Form 10-K格式的陳述可能構成「前瞻性陳述」 法律。我們的前瞻性陳述包括但不限於關於我們和我們的管理團隊的期望的陳述, 對未來的希望、信念、意圖或戰略。此外,任何涉及預測、預測或 對未來事件或情況的其他描述,包括任何基本假設,都是前瞻性陳述。這個 「預期」、「相信」、「可以」、「沉思」、「繼續」、「可以」 「設計」、「估計」、「預期」、「打算」、「領導」、「可能」 「可能」、「目標」、「計劃」、「可能」、「潛在」、「預測」 「項目」、「」將「」、「」應該「」、「」目標「」、「將會」、「將會」和“ 類似的詞語或表達可以識別前瞻性陳述,但沒有這些詞語並不意味着陳述是前瞻性的。 不是前瞻性的。這些前瞻性陳述僅供說明之用,並不打算用作-和 任何投資者不得依賴其作爲擔保、保證、預測或對事實或可能性的明確陳述。 實際事件和情況很難或不可能預測,並將與假設有所不同。許多實際事件和情況 不受星塵力量公司(「公司」或「星塵力量」)的控制。前瞻性陳述 在本年度報告中,表格10-K可能包括,例如,關於:
● | 這個 與公司有關的預計財務信息的不確定性; | |
● | 這個 對我們作爲一家持續經營的企業繼續經營的能力和是否需要提出 爲維持公司的運營,在短期內注資; | |
● | 我們的 未能實現企業合併的預期效益; | |
● | 我們的 有能力維護普通股和公募權證在納斯達克上的上市; | |
● | 我們重新遵守納斯達克持續的上市要求和規則的能力,以及 納斯達克可能會將我們的普通股和認股權證退市,這可能會對我們的公司、我們的普通股價格和 公開認股權證和我們的股東在我們無法上市的情況下出售普通股和公開認股權證的能力 另一家交易所的普通股和公開認股權證; | |
● | 這個 公司發行股權或股權掛鉤證券的能力,獲得債務融資的能力, 或以令人滿意的條款對現有債務進行再融資,或以其他方式籌集資金 未來; | |
● | 這個 普通股和認股權證的流動性和交易; | |
● | 委員 公司的管理團隊將他們的時間分配給其他業務,並可能 與公司業務存在利益衝突; | |
● | 這個 公司發行股權或股權掛鉤證券的能力,獲得債務融資的能力, 或以令人滿意的條款對現有債務進行再融資,或以其他方式籌集資金 未來; | |
● | 這個 公司未來的財務業績; | |
● | 這個 公司在留住或招聘高級管理人員方面的成功,或需要對其高級管理人員進行更換, 關鍵員工或董事; | |
● | 這個 公司管理未來增長的能力; | |
● | 這個 公司在鋰行業的經營能力; | |
● | 這個 公司根據承購協議簽訂和交付產品的能力; | |
● | 這個 公司開發新產品和服務的能力,並及時將其推向市場 態度,並加強其業務; | |
● | 這個 競爭對公司業務的影響; | |
● | 市場 鋰基終端產品的需求和使用; | |
● | 變化 在國內外商業、金融、政治、法律等條件下; | |
● | 未來 全球、地區或當地的經濟和市場狀況; | |
● | 這個 任何潛在訴訟的結果、政府和監管程序、調查、 和問詢; | |
● | 的 法律法規的制定、影響和執行; | |
● | 財務報告內部控制的重大弱點或缺陷的影響;以及 | |
● | 的 描述或引用的公司其他計劃、目標、期望和意圖 在本年度報告表格10-K標題下“危險因素,以及 公司將不時向SEC提交的其他文件。 |
如果 任何這些風險成爲現實或我們的假設被證明是不正確的,實際結果可能與以下暗示的結果存在重大差異 這些前瞻性陳述。可能存在我們目前不知道或我們目前認爲不重要的額外風險 這也可能導致實際結果與前瞻性陳述中包含的結果不同。
在 此外,前瞻性陳述反映了截至本文日期我們對未來事件和觀點的預期、計劃或預測。 我們預計後續事件和事態發展將導致我們的評估發生變化。然而,雖然我們可能會選擇更新這些 前瞻性陳述在未來某個時候,我們明確聲明不承擔任何這樣做的義務,除非另有要求 根據適用法律。這些前瞻性陳述不應被視爲代表我們在隨後任何日期的評估 截至本文之日。
這些 陳述本質上是不確定的,建議投資者不要過度依賴這些陳述。由於一些 已知和未知的風險和不確定性、實際結果或公司業績可能與所表達的存在重大差異 或這些前瞻性陳述暗示。
你 應閱讀本10-K表格的年度報告以及我們在本年度報告中引用並已作爲附件提交的文件 完全填寫10-K表格,並了解我們的實際未來結果可能與我們的預期存在重大差異。我們有資格 我們所有的前瞻性陳述都受到這些警示性陳述的影響。
iv |
項目 1.業務
除非 上下文另有要求,本節中所有提及「我們」、「我們」、「我們的」、「公司」 或「Stardust Power」指Stardust Power Inc.及其子公司。本節中包含的一些信息 或載於本年報其他地方,包括有關我們的業務計劃及策略的資料,包括 涉及風險和不確定性的前瞻性陳述。我們的主要行政辦公室位於15 E。普特南大道,套房 378,Greenwich,CT,我們在該地點的主要電話號碼是(800)742-3095。
公司 概述和歷史
星塵 Power成立於2023年3月16日,正在俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉的工廠開發鋰精煉廠,計劃產能爲 每年生產高達50,000噸 BGLC 一旦完全投入使用。對 2023年3月16日,Stardust Power LLC唯一董事兼控股成員Roshen Pujari(以下簡稱Roshan Pujari)轉讓 他在Stardust Power LLC的所有權轉讓給Legacy Stardust Power。以換取名義上的對價。在收購之前和之後, Roshan Pujari控制着Stardust Power LLC和Legacy Stardust Power。該公司的前身實體Stardust Power LLC, 自2022年12月5日成立至2023年3月16日期間,沒有任何資產、負債、收入、費用或現金流。 2023年3月16日,星塵動力公司在特拉華州成立,Stardust Power LLC的所有所有權權益 已轉移到Stardust Power Inc.業務合併結束時 (「關閉」),根據業務合併協議,GPAC II、第一併購子公司、 第二次合併Sub和Legacy Stardust Power完成,之後Stardust Power成爲倖存的公司。的名稱 GPAC II隨後更名爲Stardust Power Inc。 作爲一家發展階段的公司,Stardust Power的戰略是 通過場地收購和準備、採購原料並獲得其收購承諾來推進其項目 BGLC。
星塵 Power的使命是通過生產電池級鋰來確保美國在國家安全方面的能源領導地位, 可持續發展融入其流程的每一步。
星塵 Power的電池級鋰精煉廠正在設計和開發,以促進美國的能源獨立。 該公司致力於成爲BGLC的可持續,具有成本效益的供應商,用於電動汽車,電網 基礎設施和數據中心。該設施將針對鋰源材料的多種輸入進行優化,包括 濃縮鋰鹽水、氯化鋰、工業和粗鋰原料。設施建成後, Stardust Power預計將從各個鋰生產商獲得多種原料來源,該設施將成爲 北美最大的鋰精煉廠。Stardust Power打算簽訂意向書和諒解備忘錄 利用鋰鹽水原料供應。Stardust Power的業務戰略將取決於此類協議及其 能夠採購鋰鹽水。
星塵 電力將從各個供應商採購鋰原料,並可能在上游進行投資以確保額外的原料。 然而,此類資源中是否存在以及有多少經濟可回收的鋰,存在不確定性 這些努力可能不會產生預期的經濟結果。有關相關風險的更多信息,請 見“風險因素-我們面臨與勘探、建設和開採鹽水相關的衆多風險 供應商.”該公司將尋求將其產品出售給電池製造商美國 各州的國防工業基地,以及西方原始設備製造商(“oem廠商”).本公司並不 目前生產或銷售任何BGLC。
1 |
一些人 鋰精煉行業潛在增長的關鍵驅動因素之一是預期對 電池級鋰產品,主要由電動汽車的預期需求和生產推動。我們期待着西方汽車 OEM和電池製造商越來越多地尋求國內供應來源。反過來,我們認爲這導致了需求的增加。 對於電池中使用的關鍵礦物,如鋰,受美國政府強有力的激勵措施的推動 製造業和不斷變化的地緣政治氣候正在爲美國的國家安全創造優先事項 市場。欲了解更多電動汽車和電池級鋰的需求,請參閱《當前美國的鋰 煉油廠前景-電動汽車市場推動鋰需求“下面。星塵動力的市場是美國的 國內市場,按碳酸鋰當量計算,2030年估計爲321,000噸,2030年爲438,000噸 2031年、2035年分別爲58.3萬噸,到2040年增加到62.9萬噸1.如需更多信息, 請參閱中的圖表“美國市場-鋰電池前景”下面。
在 2023年2月,公司(通過其全資子公司Stardust Power LLC)收到了向上的說明性激勵分析 俄克拉荷馬州基於Stardust滿足某些標準,提供25700萬美元的基於績效的激勵措施(涵蓋階段 1和2)以及潛在的聯邦激勵措施,這些措施也可能進一步有資格獲得聯邦撥款。有關激勵措施的更多信息 以及獲得此類激勵所需實現的里程碑,請參閱“國家獎勵”下面。
2024年1月10日,Stardust Power與馬斯科吉市簽訂了一份買賣協議(“ PSA”)購買Southside Industrial的地塊 俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉港的公園,總價格爲1,662,030美元。2024年12月16日,公司完成收購併收購 土地的所有權。
鋰 行業
競爭 和行業概述
的 全球鋰市場主要由鋰離子電池正極活性材料的開發和製造推動。 正極材料產能和生產目前集中在亞洲,特別是中國、日本和韓國。
在 未來幾年,歐洲和北歐預計將上線大量正極材料產能 美國,而中國、日本、韓國的產能和產量也有所增加。鋰化合物市場面臨障礙 進入,包括獲得充足和穩定的鋰原料供應,需要生產足夠的質量和數量, 技術專業知識和開發準備時間。
中國 鋰離子電池的主導地位和美國對國內來源的需求
鋰離子 電池已成爲手機、電腦、電動汽車和大型電動文具的首選充電電池 存儲系統。全球鋰離子電池產能約爲2.8太瓦小時 (「TWh」) 截至2023年3月底,預計將增長至約6.5 TWh 預計2030年,中國將引領 佔市場份額的一半以上,與北美和歐洲一起,每個國家預計將生產超過1 TWh的鋰離子電池 根據S&P Global Market Intelligence的數據,2 這得到了監管和消費者驅動的支持 通過更高性能的應用對功耗的需求不斷增加。這反過來又推動了對彈性和 電池金屬和前體材料(包括鋰)的地理位置不同的來源。
1 | 基準 市場情報數據、標準普爾全球、藍色計劃、高盛、公司網站、鋰專家採訪。 |
2 | SP 全球市場情報。「到2030年,鋰離子電池容量將穩定增長。 SP全球市場情報」,日期爲7月 2023年27日。可訪問:https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/research/lithium-ion-battery-capacity-to-grow-steadily-to-2030。 |
2 |
的 電池供應鏈可以分爲三個部分:
● | 上游 (開採和提取原材料); | |
● | 中游 (將原材料加工成電池級部件);和 | |
● | 下游 (cell和包裝製造,以及報廢回收和再利用)3. |
的 這些電池中關鍵礦物的供應鏈在原材料生產地理上有所不同,儘管有一些 每種關鍵礦物的大部分供應都由國家生產。可以說,最重要的選擇是陰極材料的選擇, 由於陰極的成本超過電池成本的一半,並且在很大程度上決定了關鍵的電池特性,例如能量密度 以及充電速度。4
化學 精煉商從供應商處採購電池級材料,製造成電池組件,包括陰極、陽極、電解質, 和分離器。目前全球煉油產能的大部分位於亞洲。5
細胞 製造商採購電池組件並將這些組件組裝成模塊和組件,然後出售給OEM。電池製造 目前集中在中國,據估計,截至2022年,該國佔全球電池製造能力的77%以上 2027年爲69%。6
每個 鋰離子電池供應鏈的投資數量參差不齊,而且這些差異進一步明顯 具有特定的地理位置。雖然美國擁有強大的電池製造和OEM製造能力,但少數 全球電池材料的大部分,特別是與電動汽車相關的材料,都來自美國境內,導致國內嚴重的問題 容量失衡。 7 這種安全風險和供應成本給依賴能源的行業帶來了許多問題 在鋰離子電池方面,並有可能阻礙電動汽車和可再生能源存儲的採用。因此,Stardust Power 打算利用聯邦和州政府將其業務戰略集中在美國國內的煉油BGLC生產上 除了公共和私人市場投資外,還應採取激勵措施。
3 | "電動 汽車電池化學影響供應鏈中斷漏洞"。安東尼·L Cheng,Erica R. H.瓦萊麗·J·卡普拉斯·福克斯 和傑里米·J·米卡萊克。訪問網址:www.example.com。 |
4 | 身份證。 |
5 | 視覺 資本家頭銜「中國在電池製造業的主導地位」,日期爲1月 2023年19日可訪問:https://www.visualcapitalist.com/chinas-dominance-in-battery-manufacturing/。 |
6 | ID. |
7 | 國會 研究服務。電動汽車電池中的關鍵礦物質,2022年8月29日 (報告編號R47227)。摘自https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47227。 |
3 |
電流 美國鋰精煉廠景觀
的 美國鋰精煉廠格局正在迅速發展,正在進行重大發展以促進國內發展 鋰生產能力對於電動汽車和其他技術中使用的電池級材料至關重要。以下是著名項目的概述以及Stardust Power的合作方式:
1. | 星塵 Power打算建造它預計將成爲最大的電池級鋰精煉廠之一 在北美。該設施預計一旦完全投產,將生產高達50,000公噸的TPA 已投入使用。 | |
2. | 特斯拉 已經在德克薩斯州開始了一個項目,建立一個煉油廠,預計將支持生產 到2025年,100輛萬電動汽車。8 | |
3. | 埃克森美孚 已經宣佈了在阿肯色州的一個項目,建立一個煉油廠,預計將支持生產 到2030年,超過100輛萬電動汽車。9 | |
4. | 孤島 LTD宣佈正在推進內華達州的Rhyite Ridge鋰硼項目, 計劃對美國的鋰供應做出重大貢獻。10 | |
5. | 鋰 美洲宣佈,鋰美洲公司在洪堡縣的Thacker Pass項目, 內華達州的目標是擁有可觀的碳酸鋰產能。他們已經宣佈 一期生產機械完工的目標是2027年。11 |
競爭 景觀和新市場進入者
的 美國鋰精煉行業活動增加,部分原因是政府政策,如通貨膨脹 《削減法》,鼓勵國內生產。像星塵動力這樣的新玩家正在進入市場, 通過合併和合資企業等戰略舉措爲其發展提供資金。Albemarle等現有公司 正在擴大業務,以利用電動汽車市場擴張推動的鋰需求不斷增長的需求。
星塵 強國相對於競爭對手的地位
星塵 Power將自己定位爲鋰(電池生產的關鍵材料)國內供應鏈中的關鍵參與者。通過 Stardust Power尋求建立美國同類最大的煉油廠之一,旨在增強其競爭力 優勢和市場知名度。其位於俄克拉荷馬州的戰略位置爲我們提供了一箇中央樞紐 利用現有的工業和航運基礎設施,在後勤上與上游原料來源和下游保持一致 客戶
不像 該公司的中央煉油廠正在與美國其他行業的硬巖鋰精煉廠競爭, 被設計爲針對多個鋰鹽水輸入進行優化。通過利用「中心輻射」煉油廠模式, 相信它可以通過從不同來源採購原料來更有效地擴大生產規模。這提供了一種潛力 最大限度地減少對單一供應來源的依賴的競爭優勢。
未來 觀
的 鑑於美國對關鍵礦產生產的本土化的持續政治支持,隨着持續的投資和擴張,美國鋰精煉行業預計將顯着增長。輸入新 Stardust Power等參與者表明,正在向提高國內生產能力的動態轉變。這一趨勢可能會持續下去 隨着對鋰離子電池的需求不斷升級以及美國尋求減少對外國關鍵礦物的依賴。
在 總結,美國鋰精煉廠行業正處於強勁的增長軌跡上,兩家新進入者都進行了大量投資 比如星塵力量和老牌玩家。這次擴張對於支持更廣泛的能源轉型和電動汽車市場增長至關重要 在美國
8https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-plans-produce-lithium-1-mln-vehicles-texas-refinery-elon-musk-2023-05-08/
9 https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/exxon-aims-make-key-lithium-technology-decision-by-year-end-2024-02-15/#:~:text= The%20company%20last%20fall%20announced,electric%20vehic%20(EV)%20電池。
10https://www.ioneer.com/rhyolite-ridge-project/about-rhyolite-ridge/
11https://lithiumamericas.com/news/news-index/2024/Lithium-Americas-Provides-a-Thacker-Pass-Construction-Plan-Update/default.aspx#:~:text= PROJECT%20TIMELINE,full%20capacity%20in%2028。
4 |
整體 市場機會
這個 由於汽車的電氣化和能源的增長,鋰市場預計將在2030年之前顯著增長 存儲段。由於內燃機汽車製造商必須遵守嚴格的規則才能減少二氧化碳 汽車排放,汽車應用市場估計在預測過程中將顯著增加。 句號。這導致汽車製造商更加關注電動汽車,這反過來預計將增加對鋰及相關產品的需求 貨物。典型的電動汽車電池每千瓦時需要大約850克BGLC(「千瓦時」)。12,每輛電動汽車都有 平均電池容量爲50千瓦時。因此,一輛普通電動汽車需要大約40公斤的BGLC13。鑑於它的煉油廠 將能夠生產高達50,000公噸的BGLC,星塵電力公司估計他們將能夠提供大約120萬 電動汽車,預計到2035年將佔美國電動汽車市場的約10%-11%,估計爲1100萬 電動汽車。14
此外, 不斷增長的鋰離子電池市場預計將受益於DLE技術的持續進步,進一步描述 下面,這可能會增強行業迅速應對不斷增長的需求的能力。
在 鑑於該公司的目標是成爲BGLC在美國的重要供應商,據估計,部分 全球鋰市場的份額構成了公司的 譚.
此外, 這一信念的證實源於市場分析和行業趨勢,表明對BGLC的需求不斷增長,特別是 在電動汽車市場不斷擴大和能源存儲解決方案進步的背景下。鑑於BGLC在供電方面的關鍵作用 電動汽車和支持可再生能源一體化、鋰產品市場的預計增長軌跡證實了公司的 重點關注該細分市場作爲其MEK。此外,公司的戰略定位和預期運營能力旨在 服務美國市場的能力增強了在更廣泛的全球鋰市場中瞄準該細分市場的可行性。 此外,可以通過計算可供應的電動汽車單位來從需求側評估該設施的市場影響 由植物。
12 | 國際 可再生能源機構。「鋰對能源轉型至關重要。IRENA」日期爲2022年。可訪問:https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Technical-Papers/IRENA_Critical_Materials_Lithium_2022.pdf。 |
13 | ID. |
14 | 高盛 薩克斯。「到2035年,電動汽車預計將佔全球汽車銷量的一半」,日期:2023年2月10日。可在: https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/electric-vehicles-are-forecast-to-be-half-of-global-car-sales-by-2035.html。 |
5 |
EV 市場推動鋰需求
根據 到BloombergNEF的2023年長期電動汽車展望(“BNEF EV 2023”),在經濟轉型情景下 (“ETS”) 15到2026年,全球乘用車銷售中的電動汽車採用率可能會從2022年的14%增加到30%。 此外,全球乘用車數量預計將從2022年的2700萬輛增加到約10700萬輛 2026年約爲24500萬台,到2040年約爲73100萬台,即滲透率 2026年、2030年和2040年,道路上所有乘用車分別佔7.6%、16%和46% 16.
根據 截至EV SEARCH,2023年全球輕型EV(純電動汽車和插電式混合動力汽車)銷量約增長 與2022年相比爲35%。全球輕型電動汽車採用率從2022年的約13%增加到2023年的約16%;中國 輕型電動汽車的採用率從2022年的約27%增加到2023年的約34%。17 我們相信電動汽車需求強勁 2023年的增長得益於汽車製造商產品供應的增加、消費者意識和國家和地區採用的提高 政府宣佈的激勵措施、補貼和更嚴格的燃油經濟性/二氧化碳排放法規以支持電氣化 努力
15 | BloombergNEF。 「電動汽車展望2023」,日期爲2023年。可訪問:https://assets.bbhub.io/professional/sites/24/2431510_BNEFElectricVehicleOutlook2023_ExecSummary.pdf。 |
16 | 身份證。 |
17 | EV 卷「2023年全球電動汽車銷量。」可訪問:https://www.ev-volumes.com/。 |
6 |
在……裏面 2024年及以後,商用車的燃油經濟性/二氧化碳排放法規以及 越來越多的公司可能會推動電動商用車的銷售。根據BNEF EV 2023,用於商業 車輛18預計從2022年到2040年,全球道路貨運需求將增長46%。在ETS下,輕型商業 據估計,在現有有利的總擁有成本的推動下,與柴油貨車相比,汽車將迅速電氣化。到2030年, 據估計,超過三分之一的新銷售來自電動汽車,到2040年將增加到大約三分之二。此外,在電子交易系統下, 據估計,到2040年,電動公交車將佔全球車隊的65%。此外,電動輕型商用車的銷售 預計到2030年將增加到大約600輛萬汽車,到2040年將增加到大約1500輛萬汽車,電動中型和 重型商用車的銷量預計將在2030年增加到大約100輛萬和大約250輛萬 到2040年,電動公交車的銷量預計將增加到大約17輛萬汽車,到2030年將增加到大約 到2040年23輛萬汽車19.
鋰 市場動態
的 全球鋰市場最近價格大幅下跌。現貨價格於2022年12月達到每噸80,000美元以上的峰值 但截至2025年3月,價格已降至每噸10,345美元以上,跌幅超過88%。20 由於供應過剩和需求疲軟,這種低迷引發了對依賴鋰離子電池的行業的擔憂,例如 例如電動汽車、可再生能源存儲、消費電子產品和煉油廠。這種下降可能會對該行業和星塵產生影響 動力.
儘管 目前的價格下降,能源需求持續上升,以及從過度依賴化石燃料轉向多樣化 這表明,從長遠來看,對鋰動力能源的需求將持續增長。S&P Global預測2015年將企穩 2024年至2027年,碳酸鋰價格在20,000美元/噸至25,000美元/噸之間。21
18 | BloombergNEF。 「2023年電動汽車展望」日期爲2023年。 |
19 | 看到 ID. |
20 | 「鋰 價格自由落體:對私營部門清潔能源轉型的影響。」可訪問:https://www.bradley.com/insights/publications/2024/02/lithium-prices-in-free-fall-implications-for-clean-energy-transition-in-the-private-sector和https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/lithium |
21 | 身份證。 |
7 |
未來 鋰供應
目前, 大部分鋰開採位於澳大利亞和拉丁美洲,其次是中國。已宣佈的管道 的項目可能會爲鋰開採版圖引入新的參與者和地理位置。報告的產能基礎預計爲 足以使供應量以20%的年增長率增長,到2030年達到超過270萬噸碳酸鋰當量。22
而 預測的需求和供應表明短期內行業平衡,潛在需要通過以下方式激發新產能 2030.預計彌補供應缺口所需的額外鋰來源將來自不同類型的鋰來源。的 三種鋰源,這些新型鋰源,將產生Stardust Power原料的大部分 來自(i)鹽灘(ii)採出水和(iii)地熱鹽水。
22 | 麥肯錫 &公司。「鋰開採:新生產技術如何推動全球電動汽車革命。」可訪問:https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/metals-and-mining/our-insights/lithium-mining-how-new-production-technologies-could-fuel-the-global-ev-revolution。 |
8 |
1. | 食鹽 平房-鹽灘,也被稱爲鹽田或鹽田,是一大片覆蓋着鹽和其他礦物質的土地 背後是水的蒸發。這些平台的表層之下往往含有富鋰的滷水。通過實施DLE 技術上,鋰可以從鹽灘下的滷水中高效地提取出來。 | |
2. | 採出水 - 採出水是石油和天然氣開採後的殘留物,人們通常認爲 作爲廢物。然而,它的礦物質含量仍有潛力,特別是鋰。它的儲集層很有希望進行開採。DLE能夠 從採出水中分離和濃縮鋰離子,以提取鋰。 | |
3. | 地熱滷水-地熱滷水是指地下天然存在的熱水 地球表面,通常位於火山活動或地熱水平較高的地區。它含有溶解的礦物質 以及鹽類,包括鋰。LED方法旨在高效地從地熱滷水中選擇性地提取鋰。 |
的 美國國內市場
鋰電池 景觀
當前 預計的需求主要是電動汽車,但鋰離子電池在消費電子產品中也無處不在,這是至關重要的國防 應用,以及電網的固定存儲。我們相信電動汽車已經不可逆轉地改變了國內經濟 方式。隨着美國交通部門日益電氣化,與以下相關的就業增長 電動汽車已經進行了演示。在美國,23電動汽車銷量在2023年達到7.6%的市場份額, 根據一些人的估計,未來十年,這一數字可能會增加到67%。24自從愛爾蘭共和軍通過後 2022年,公司已在美國投資850億美元用於新的電動汽車、電池製造和供應鏈設施,億 根據電動汽車就業中心的數據,這爲美國創造了8.2萬個新的就業機會。雖然估計各不相同,但彭博社預計 2040年全球將銷售5,600輛萬乘用型電動汽車,其中17%(約960輛萬電動汽車)將在美國 市場。如果彭博社預計的960輛萬電動汽車的所有電池都是在國外生產的,那麼這將導致大約100美元 數十億美元的進口額。佔領這個市場對美國汽車業未來的生存至關重要,歷史上,汽車業一直 貢獻了美國國內生產總值的5.5%。除了電動汽車市場,網格存儲還使用 預計先進電池也將增長,彭博社預測,到2040年,全球總裝機容量將超過1095千兆瓦。 從2018年的9千兆瓦大幅增長。25要參與鋰電池市場,美國需要一個 強大的供應鏈,上游、中游和下游,生產最先進、可靠的電動汽車和電網電池 比例。星塵電力打算通過開發鋰來搶佔中游市場的一部分 煉油廠。
資料來源: 基準市場情報,標準普爾全球,藍色計劃,高盛,公司網站;哈奇分析
23 | 自然 資源保護委員會。「電動汽車需求增長,但市場支持嗎 電動汽車行業的綠色就業機會?」可訪問:https://www.nrdc.org/stories/demand-grows-electric-cars-does-market-green-jobs-ev-industry。 |
24 | 身份證。 |
25 | 美國 能源部。「FCAB國家藍圖鋰電池。」可用 網址:https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/FCAB%20National%20Blueprint%20Lithium%20Batteries%200621_0.pdf。 |
9 |
根據 據基準礦產情報來源稱,如果世界要實現雄心勃勃的目標,鋰行業到2030年需要投資1160億美元 各國政府和最大的汽車製造商制定的目標。該分析的高案例場景,其中包括來自國際的數據 能源署根據頒佈的國家級政策,今天將需要530萬噸碳酸鋰當量的產量, 這可能導致供應短缺,並可能導致鋰增加 價格26
電流 和未來市場結構
市場 趨勢和機遇
目前, 美國的鋰離子電池或替代可充電電池化學品市場可以分爲 商業和國防市場。雖然這些市場的最終用途應用和要求各不相同,但它們 他們對創新和研發的需求也是如此。兩個市場成功的國內生產和可靠的供應鏈 將是美國經濟競爭力和安全的關鍵。
聯合 各州的經濟狀況
彭博 預計2028年美國電動汽車銷量將達到320萬輛,部署的基於鋰離子電池的電網儲能將超過200吉瓦 到2028年全球27 平均估計電動汽車電池容量爲100千瓦時,320千兆瓦時 (“GWh“)僅需國內鋰離子電池產能才能滿足乘用車需求。28 基準礦產情報預測到2028年國內鋰離子電池產能將達到148 GWh 超過預計需求的50%。29 這些預測表明美國爲國內服務的能力受到威脅 需求在這種情況下,交通、公用事業和航空行業的國內供應鏈可能會變得脆弱或受制 向戰略競爭對手提供關鍵技術。
國家 安全態勢
26 | 基準 礦物智力。「到2030年,鋰行業需要超過1160億美元才能實現汽車製造商和政策目標」,日期 2023年8月4日。可訪問:https://source.benchmarkminerals.com/article/lithium-industry-needs-over-116-billion-to-meet-automaker-and-policy-targets-by-2030。 |
27 | 美國 能源部。「FCAB國家藍圖鋰電池。」可訪問:https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/FCAB%20National%20Blueprint%20Lithium%20Batteries%2006210.pdf。 |
28 | 身份證。 |
29 | 身份證。 |
10 |
的 對鋰產品的需求不斷增加及其對先進技術和能源基礎設施的重要性凸顯了國家 當前國內進口依賴的安全緊迫性。2024年10月,中國禁止向美國無人機出口鋰電池 生產商,包括軍用無人機生產商,在沒有任何替代方案的情況下,這些國內生產商被迫開始配給 電池並緩和對烏克蘭的銷售。30 國防工業基地需要可靠、安全的先進能源存儲 其許多最敏感技術的技術,包括無人機。這意味着國內BGLC生產不僅對 商業競爭力,但國家安全。
關於特朗普總統的第一次 2025年1月20日,他的政府第二個任期當天發佈了一項行政命令,宣佈國家能源狀況 緊急情況在行政命令中,白宮將關鍵礦物定義爲「能源」,然後明確提及 精煉的重要性指出「能源生產、交通、精煉和發電不足構成了 對我們國家的經濟、國家安全和外交政策構成了不尋常和非凡的威脅。」31
Lithium Technologies
直接鋰提取
Del是一種集中精力的 技術將出現在鋰來源附近,並在#年爲我們的煉油廠開發鋰精煉工藝之前 俄克拉荷馬州。我們期待與第三方DLE提供商合作實現這一功能。LED技術旨在高效地 濃縮天然鹽層、地熱儲和油田採出水中的鋰滷水。DLE的使用 技術取代了對傳統蒸發池的需求。DLE技術有多種形式,包括 吸附、離子交換、膜分離或溶劑萃取法。與傳統蒸發相比,使用DLE 池塘換鹽水,具有幾個優點,如減少環境足跡,縮短生產工期,增加 鋰回收率,最大限度地減少淡水使用量,並提高產品純度。目前,只有基於吸附的DLE被 商業規模的實施(在阿根廷和中國)。擴大DLE技術可能會顯著提高鋰產量 提高效率、降低運營成本並提高可持續性。星塵動力公司已與DLE供應商簽訂意向書 評估他們的技術,並將繼續評估該領域的潛在合作伙伴。
通過IRA和BIL進行激勵
愛爾蘭共和軍簽署成爲法律, 2022年8月,拜登總統提出了幾項條款,旨在刺激國內對電動汽車的需求,並激勵生產商 將電池供應鏈轉移到北美。該法案擴大了購買新電動汽車的7,500美元信貸的可用性, 取消了合格汽車數量的上限。愛爾蘭共和軍還規定,從2024年1月1日開始,要符合資格,需要一個 車輛不僅必須在北美製造,而且其電池必須由至少40%的材料製成 北美或美國貿易伙伴。這一比例每年上升10%,到2027年達到80% 電池材料的百分比。鑑於中國目前在電池供應鏈中的卓越地位,IRA可能是一個 電池製造商進軍北美的強烈動力,增加了北美來源對BGLC的需求。
此外, 美國能源部已承諾投入30億美元,與BIL保持一致,以加強國內電動汽車供應鏈。儘管採礦業增加 經過努力,預計未來五到十年美國鋰生產仍將依賴進口。的 BIL打算激勵從擁有美國自由貿易協定的國家採購關鍵礦產。在BIL內,聯邦 政府計劃在未來十年撥款約3700億美元,以促進清潔能源轉型。
30 | https://www.csis.org/analysis/why-chinas-uav-supply-chain-restrictions-weaken-ukraines-negotiating-power |
31 | https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/declaring-a-national-energy-emergency/ |
11 |
Giga 美國工廠
的 受電動汽車日益普及的推動,2023年至2028年,全球超級工廠市場預計將以18.03%的複合年增長率增長。32 競爭 超級工廠的投資正在加大,預計到2030年全球產能將擴大十倍。這主要歸功於Giga 工廠生產GWh水平電池的能力; 1 GWh工廠可生產足夠17,000人使用的電池 汽車等
給定 到2030年,全球產能預計將比2020年的水平擴大十倍,超級工廠投資的競爭預計將出現 以顯着的速度加劇。33
在 美國能源部預測,到2025年,美國將有13個新的電池超級工廠投入運營,這標誌着一個重大的里程碑 電池製造業的轉變。34 這一發展使美國成爲電動汽車生產的重要中心。的 IR法案進一步刺激了對北美電動汽車供應鏈的投資。IEA最近的報告顯示,8月份期間 2022年和2023年3月,主要電動汽車和電池製造商宣佈累計投資520億美元用於北美電動汽車供應 店35
32 | 全球 市場估計。「超級工廠市場報告。」可訪問:https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/market-report/gigafactory-market-3915。 |
33 | EV 市場報告。美國超級工廠:推動電動汽車革命。可訪問:https://evmarketsreports.com/us-gigafactories-powering-the-electric-vehicle-revolution/。 |
34 | 全球 市場估計。「超級工廠市場」,日期爲2024年3月11日。可訪問:https://www.globalmarketestimates.com/market-report/gigafactory-market-3915。 |
35 | EV 市場報告。美國超級工廠:推動電動汽車革命。可訪問:https://evmarketsreports.com/us-gigafactories-powering-the-electric-vehicle-revolution/。 |
12 |
我們的戰略
Stardust Power有望成爲領先的生產商 BGLC在美國。我們的方法是建立一個大型中央煉油廠,針對鹽水鋰原料的多種輸入進行優化。 可持續發展是各個運營層面的核心焦點,從原料的採購方式到煉油廠可再生能源的使用。 我們正在通過生產線電氣化限制空氣排放,並通過實施零排放來保護水資源 液體排放(“ZLD”)技術、水回收等。
國內市場的發展對公司產生了以下影響 方式:
1. | 市場需求: 隨着對電動汽車和能源基礎設施需求的增長,我們希望讓公司能夠爲支持這一不斷擴大的生態系統的廣泛電池和先進技術製造商提供服務。 |
2. | 供應鏈穩定性: 在聯邦政府的支持下,國內供應鏈將繼續趨於國內彈性。 |
3. | 監管環境: 簡化許可、減少監管障礙以及爲基礎設施發展提供財政支持的努力都提供了優先考慮國內鋰生產的持續證據。 |
13 |
Stardust Power業務戰略的關鍵組成部分如下:
1. | 降低技術風險:該公司尋求降低其煉油過程中的技術風險。該公司開發該設施的計劃包括使用經過商業驗證的技術執行完全的化學轉化過程。此方法旨在將與技術採用相關的風險降至最低。 |
2. | 與專業化認證合作伙伴接洽:該公司聘請了兩家專業工程公司,在鋰方面有着廣泛的記錄。Hatch Ltd.已受僱提供初步準備情況評估(“就緒性評估“)和一項FEL-1範圍研究。Primero集團已被徵召提供FEL-3工程服務。 |
3. | 原料靈活性:該公司預計其煉油廠的原料將從多家供應商那裏採購。此外,該公司尋求通過投資、合資企業和戰略合作伙伴關係垂直整合其供應鏈。通過實施「輪輻式」模式,我們的目標是有效地聚合鋰原料供應,增強可擴展性和彈性。 |
的 網站
購買 和銷售協議
對 2024年1月10日,星塵電力公司與馬斯科吉市進入 PSA 到 以總計1,662,030美元購買俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉港馬斯科吉Southside工業園的地塊。
對 2024年12月16日,公司完成購買並獲得該土地的所有權。星塵力量和馬斯科吉市進入 開發協議要求公司(i)在以下12個月內開始建設設施 2024年1月10日,以及(ii)努力完成,沒有不合理的延誤,但會受到施工延誤和中斷的影響 由於發生了PSA中定義的不可抗力。施工啓動包括制定計劃和規範 爲設施並開始爲設施進行泥土工作。
的 PSA進一步呼籲馬斯科吉市幫助Stardust Power通過商業上合理的方式開發鋰精煉廠 努力促進公司與馬斯科吉市縣港務局(““權威”) 關於公司就馬斯科吉港的使用與管理局簽訂的適當協議, 其中可能包括但不限於駁船、鐵路倉庫和卡車能力,以進出和交通貨物和用品 馬斯科吉港的設施。
此外, 馬斯科吉港將協助公司探索激勵措施、贈款和其他融資機會,以改善獲得 該房產,重點關注以下具體改進以及在預計完工之前完成的目標 該設施的:(i)升級和改善西53街,以提供進入現場的第二個入口,以及(ii)擴展鐵路服務 到該網站。
14 |
的 公司相信,馬斯科吉港內的南區工業園區以及整個俄克拉荷馬州的安全地點是一個理想的地點 爲其設施。從供需角度來看,俄克拉荷馬州的地理位置具有優勢。俄克拉荷馬州是一個傳統能源 生產商並擁有有利的行業法規。馬斯科吉港已被美國海關和邊境保護局指定 作爲對外貿易區,降低成本、增加潛在營業收入,爲港口行業提供競爭優勢 滿足全球供應鏈需求。馬斯科吉港致力於投資其社區,並宣佈投資5800萬美元 在2023年1月改善基礎設施。36 Stardust Power預計,這些改進可以提高其運營效率。 提高效率,提高對天氣事件的彈性,並通過增加整個航站區的多模式來支持持續增長。
端口 馬斯科吉擁有強大的勞動力和教育系統。在60英里範圍內有24所高等教育機構(包括4所高等教育機構)。 在60英里內提供超過2,140箇中學後課程,超過14,377箇中學後課程 每年在60英里內完成。馬斯科吉勞動力卓越中心通過部署資源、利用來專注於製造業 現有計劃,並與當地和區域就業需求保持一致。該州擁有一支高技能的石油和天然氣勞動力 可以接受鋰精煉廠運營培訓的工程部門。
的 該地點擁有美國最大的內陸水道系統、強大的州際高速公路網絡和鐵路線。馬斯科吉市 已開始創建增稅融資區(「TIF」),以完成基礎設施改善,包括 該房產以西的鐵路線和以北的西53街達到工業通道級別,打造一輛工業卡車 從64號州際公路到69號州際公路的走廊。擬議的價值數百萬美元的TIF是爲公司的利益而設計的。 Stardust Power計劃佔用馬斯科吉港260英畝土地中的66英畝(不包括小溪)。
網站 盡職調查
廣泛 現場盡職調查,包括:關鍵問題分析(“中情局”)、第一階段環境現場評估(”歐空局”), 已進行了土木工程研究、文化調查、物流研究和準備情況評估.
關鍵 問題分析
對 代表Stardust Power、某些法律顧問和CLARCON Services Inc.對土地覆蓋、水資源、生物進行了CIA 資源、保護土地以及對擬議鋰精煉廠的監管和許可考慮的審查 項目 區域.文化資源項目區由項目區周圍0.6公里的緩衝區組成(最初擬建81英畝, 66英畝土地就是從那裏開墾出來的)。該CIA對確定的關鍵環境資源提供了廣泛而全面的概述 在初步項目規劃期間,幷包括對公開背景信息、監管限制和風險的審查。 中央情報局進一步提供建議,例如進一步評估和/或緩解措施可能必要或謹慎的額外工作 在項目實施之前評估每個資源的潛在風險。
相 1環境現場評估
Enercon 被保留在2023年9月和10月期間執行項目區的第一階段ESA。這項評估沒有發現任何證據 公認的環境條件(“RECs”)、受控REC、歷史REC或蒸汽侵入條件 與項目區有關。
36 | 俄克拉 商務部。「馬斯科吉港投資基礎設施,推出新品牌。」可訪問:https://www.okcommerce.gov/port-muskogee-investing-in-infrastructure-launches-new-brand/。 |
15 |
對 西南馬斯科吉、俄克拉荷馬州Quadrangle地圖(USGS 2018)、小溪和池塘均繪製在主題房產上。在現場勘察期間,CLARCON 觀察到位於主題房產西北角和東南角附近的乾燥小溪。CLARCON回顧了在線國家 溼地名錄繪圖儀,獲取有關現場地表水的更多信息。沒有遇到重大數據缺口。
作爲 根據CLARCON的建議,公司通過將風險區域排除在購買之外來執行溼地的劃定 和銷售協議,導致該公司購買了66英畝的土地。見“網站-購買和銷售協議.”
岩土 研究
對 2024年2月19日,CLARCON提交了一份報告,支持擬建鋰加工廠的建設。報告的結論是 地理、地形、水文、土壤和地下結構條件適合鋰的建造 俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉縣項目區內的加工廠。
準備 評估
的 作爲Hatch執行的準備性評估的一部分,對現場進行了評估,該評估於2023年10月11日完成。哈奇還進行了 一項範圍研究,於2024年4月17日完成,Hatch從業務和技術角度審查了該網站,包括使用 多節物流。經過初步審查,目前持有的觀點是:
● | 馬斯科吉 經過小溪的劃分,該地塊約有66英畝可用,這可能是 根據當前條件提供足夠的尺寸。 | |
● | 星塵 Power似乎已經確定了某些關鍵的許可要求。 | |
● | 缺乏 工藝水排放可以簡化許可。 |
這 早期階段的觀點是基於現有的不完整信息以及衆多的假設和考慮,並且是主題 去改變。
俄克拉 燃氣和變電站可行性
對 2024年1月31日,Stardust Power和Oklahoma Gas & Electric簽署了《電力服務將服務協議》(“OG&E 協議”)其中OG & E同意根據OG & E的表現在現場出售Stardust Power電力 工程和設計服務,包括採購材料和/或設備,以確定提供電力的成本 在現場。這些費用應由Stardust Power通過最低賬單協議支付,該協議應在未來日期簽訂。 目前,現場已有施工電力,適合將項目帶入下一階段。如有必要,將對OG & E協議進行審查和重新談判,等待FEL-3報告的結論。
的 OG & E協議的有效期直至最終最低賬單協議的執行爲止。
值 鏈
星塵 Power正在建立其業務以提供價值,並高度關注中游細化流程並意圖最大限度地減少 通過與整個價值鏈的專家合作來應對其商業模式中的風險。該公司尋求成爲多元化參與者,上游 以及未來與行業合作伙伴合作進行下游整合。
16 |
供應 原料
的 中央煉油廠的設計旨在針對多種鋰鹽水輸入進行優化。通過利用「中心輻射」 該公司相信,通過從煉油廠採購鋰鹽水原料,可以更有效地擴大生產規模 不同的來源。這限制了依賴單一類型原料的風險。它也區分星塵動力從其他 美國正在建設的鋰精煉廠。公司的戰略是採購 來自多個來源的供應,其中可能包括來自(i)鹽灘、(ii)地熱鹽水和(iii)採出水的原料。 此外,Stardust Power還能夠爲其轉化過程引入技術或粗級鋰。
在 在正常業務過程中,Stardust Power已簽訂了不具約束力的意向書和諒解備忘錄 以確保原料。以下是對我們所簽署的某些不具約束力的承諾書的描述。
虹膜 金屬排他性協議
對 2024年11月9日,該公司與ASX上市金屬公司IRIS Metals簽訂了爲期90天的排他性協議,如下 該公司對IRIS Metals的投資約爲165萬美元或1000萬股IRIS Metals。該協議允許 公司將探索與IRIS Metals建立戰略合作伙伴關係或投資,包括但不限於商業收購 從12月開始,對IRIS Metals或其附屬公司進行電池級鋰生產、融資或其他投資的安排 2024年9月9日。初始投資完成後,Stardust Power擁有IRIS Metals約6%的股份。2025年3月7日,該公司將獨家經營期額外延長了30天。
此外, Stardust Power有權選擇以與初始投資相同的條款收購IRIS Metals的第二批1000萬股股票, 加上以每股0.40美元的行使價收購IRIS Metals普通股的期權。第二批投資是主題 經IRIS Metals股東批准和其他先決條件。
在 現階段,我們不知道該項目需要多少融資,也不知道此類融資是否會以可接受的條款提供, 或者根本。此外,我們無法確定這些項目何時開始生產(如果有的話)。
17 |
Usha 資源意向書
對 2024年3月15日,Stardust Power和Usha Resources簽署了一份不具約束力的意向書(「頭獎意向書」),但 對於某些具有約束力的條款,例如與截至2025年6月30日的獨家經營期相關的條款(延長),以收購 Usha Resources的鋰鹽水項目位於美國。Usha Resources是一家成熟的鋰開發商,擁有多家 正在開發的項目。Jackpot Lake鋰鹽水項目是Usha Resources的旗艦資產,也是位於 位於美國,擁有8,714英畝的房產。該項目目前正在進行首次鑽探計劃。頭獎 LDI爲Stardust Power提供獨家選擇權,同意收購Usha Resources在累積獎金中持有的高達90%的權益 Lake項目,基於指示性盈利時間表。作爲最終協議的一部分,Stardust Power將被要求投資 參與Jackpot Lake項目的開發。
在 現階段,我們不知道該項目需要多少融資,也不知道此類融資是否會以可接受的條款提供, 或者根本。此外,我們無法確定這些項目何時開始生產(如果有的話)。
IGX 意向書
對 2024年3月13日,Stardust Power和IGX簽署了一份獨家意向書(“IGX意向書“)可能 收購某些採礦權的權益(“IGX聲明”).預期交易須遵守 最終協議、Stardust Power的盡職調查以及其他因素。與加入不具約束力有關 IGX LTD,Stardust Power已支付了與獲得具有約束力的排他性權利相關的不可退還款項30,000美元。此外, Stardust Power已同意有關以下方面的約束性條款:(i)有利於Stardust Power的優先購買權;(ii)交付 以IGX爲受益人的形式本票(「IGX票據」)。如果執行,期票金額約爲 235,000美元,用於支付IGX索賠的維護費,期限爲二十四(24)個月, 年利率爲百分之六(6%),到期還款。
的 IGX LTD規定,無論雙方是否達成最終協議,均將簽訂期票 到2024年7月1日。2024年8月19日,該公司與IGX達成了一項176,000美元的期票安排,以允許 公司可能能夠就該項目與IGX達成相關協議和合作夥伴關係。IGX Note攜帶 利率爲6%,到期日爲2024年12月16日。2024年12月19日,公司延長了獨家經營權, 期票到期日至2025年2月28日。IGX Note由一份可能收購的意向書擔保, 包括通過潛在的合資企業來收購IGX的採礦權。該付款僅用於支付所有2024年BLM IGX擁有的索賠的費用和縣土地維護費、意向通知和相關申請費。公司活躍 正在討論談判還款條款,並正在評估多種選擇,包括可能的戰略投資。
如果 Stardust Power收購任何IGX索賠的權益,期票餘額應作爲Stardust的一部分記入 Power的投資和IGX無需償還票據。IGX已進行初步評估,需要 進行分析以確定企業的下一步步驟。這是一家早期開發公司,公司正在進行持續的開發 在IGX成爲原料供應商的進程、時間軸和發展方面的努力。現階段我們 不知道該項目需要多少融資,也不知道此類融資是否會以可接受的條款提供,或者根本不知道。 此外,我們無法確定這些項目何時開始生產(如果有的話)。
18 |
QXR 意向書
對 2023年10月10日,Stardust Power與QX Resources簽署了一份不具約束力(保密條款除外)的意向書 有限(”QXR”)談判達成一項協議,共同合作並真誠地評估鋰 Liberty Lithium項目(“項目”).現階段,我們不知道有多少融資 該項目將需要,或者是否以可接受的條款提供此類融資,或者根本沒有。此外,我們無法預測 如果有的話,這些項目何時開始生產。
在 與簽訂不具約束力的意向書有關,各方已記錄了他們打算評估各種選項, 有可能自費向Stardust Power提供該項目的鋰鹽水產品,並評估選項以確定是否 該項目有一種經濟上可行的工藝生產鋰產品,爲Stardust Power提供有限的 此類產品的數量。爲配合本意向書的簽訂,Stardust Power進行了初始股權投資 QXR價值20萬美元。該意向書已按其條款失效。
對 2024年8月16日,該公司與IG Lithium LLC(「IGL」)以316,000美元(「IGL」)簽訂了一項期票安排IGL 注意“)允許公司就該項目與IGL達成相關協議和未來的合作伙伴關係。IGL註釋 利率爲6%,到期日爲2025年7月1日。IGL票據以所有權利、所有權、 IGL與項目和公司其他資產有關的利息、索賠和要求。
技術 和工程
艙口 合同
星塵 Power與領先的工程公司合作,將其項目從一般概念推進到FEL-1狀態。
哈奇, 鋰行業的一家工程、採購和施工管理公司被聘請提供準備情況評估, 一項範圍研究(FEL-1),試圖將技術風險降至最低。
艙口 公司聘請該公司進行初步準備情況評估,涵蓋:
● | 項目風險評估; | |
● | 藝術現場效果圖; | |
● | 現場審查 | |
● | 財務模型假設審查;以及 | |
● | 設備採購時間表。 |
在 在這次評估中,Hatch使用吸收技術對水樣進行了DLE輸出模擬,確定了預期範圍 雜質、鋰回收和原料加工選項、評估的交通選項和預期成本範圍 高水平,並僅基於基準爲資本支出和運營支出提供高水平財務模型輸入。哈奇完成了前端 加載,(FEL-1),也稱爲範圍研究,截至2024年4月17日。
19 |
到 迄今爲止,Hatch尚未向Stardust Power轉讓任何知識產權。不存在擁有和應支付的版稅 艙門
工程 與Primero的協議和FEL-3項目開發
對 2024年8月4日,公司與Primero(「The」)簽訂工程協議Primero協議”)根據 Primero同意爲其提供某些工程、設計和諮詢專業服務,包括協助採購 主要設備的建設,聘請相關第三方進行建設並提供 FEL-3 公司設施報告 位於俄克拉荷馬州馬斯科吉港馬斯科吉南區工業園。根據Primero協議應付的總金額,假設全額 業績總額約爲470萬美元,可能會進行常規調整,預計將於年完成 2025年上半年。
FID (最終投資決策)報告:
Primero 正在準備一份全面的FEL-3報告,其中概括了8個月的技術、財務和風險分析的結果。這 報告對於公司就項目可行性做出明智決定以及協助公司獲得 該設施的項目融資。
獨家集中技術許可
對 2025年2月7日,(“許可協議生效日期”),該公司與該公司簽訂了獨家許可協議 KMX(「許可協議」)。
下 根據許可協議的條款,KMX同意不可撤銷地向公司許可使用KMX真空膜 蒸餾技術(「VMD技術」)以及相關流程和系統(包括包含VMD的單元 技術(「KMX VMD單位」),用於公司在其煉油和上游使用該技術 運營除許可協議規定的其他義務外,第三方必須獨家購買所有 KMX VMD裝置,用於在Stardust Power獨家許可的管轄範圍內特定使用鋰濃縮物 在許可協議有效期內按其中規定的條款和條件進行。許可協議授予Stardust Power 獨家授權分許可,使用,營銷,銷售和經營KMX的VMD技術在美國,加拿大和選擇 國際市場。
的 公司同意向KMX支付由500,000股普通股組成的特許權使用費(「特許權使用費股份」)。該證券是由公司根據豁免註冊要求提供和出售的 《證券法》第4(a)(2)條和/或據此頒佈的D法規規定,作爲不涉及公開發行的交易。
這個 許可協議的期限應從許可協議生效之日開始,直至下列日期之一確定 按許可協議生效日期後240日在納斯達克全球市場上的普通股股價計算:(I)在 如果實際使用費金額低於2,000,000美元,則爲許可協議生效日期的兩週年; 實際使用費金額等於或大於2,000,000美元但小於8,000,000美元的,即 許可協議生效日期;或(三)如果實際使用費金額等於或超過8,000,000美元,則第七 許可協議生效日期的週年紀念日。公司可以在以下情況下以其唯一選擇續訂許可協議的條款 如本公司於年內購入三部或以上KMX VMD裝置,則初始年期屆滿後再延長五年 最初的任期。許可協議中所定義的「實際版稅金額」由以下各項的價值之和確定 KMX在許可協議生效日期後240天內仍未出售的特許權使用費股份,加上 在該日期之前出售特許權使用費股份所得的毛收入。
的 公司同意向KMX提供有關特許權使用費股份的某些登記權,包括附帶權利, 雙方當事人的最終協議的執行。KMX同意不出售任何特許權使用費股份,直至下列較早者發生: 涵蓋特許權使用費股份的登記聲明的有效性或(ii)相關持有期到期 根據《證券法》第144條,在任何情況下,每30天內的總金額僅爲62,500股特許權使用費股份 期間,第一個此類期間從上述(i)或(ii)中較早發生的日期開始。
20 |
煉油廠
星塵 Power正在分階段開發一座大型中央煉油廠。第一階段是構建高達25,000公制TPA 生產線第二階段是增加第二條產能高達25,000噸/年的生產線,以創造高達 每年50,000公噸。
一 Stardust Power計劃中的煉油廠的技術創新是該設施精煉不同類型的煉油廠的能力 鋰鹽水投入。該設施的設計旨在接受具有某種批准化學成分的鋰鹽水。是 Stardust Power的意圖是該設施能夠根據需要稀釋、重新漿化和混合原料,以生產一致的原料。Stardust Power的策略是 與其他鋰精煉廠相比,通過篩查更廣泛的污染物來脫穎而出。因此,由 該公司計劃進行更廣泛的篩選,進而進行更復雜的淨化過程,能夠混合不同的 原料的類型。此外,使用DLE技術的優勢是能夠在之前去除上游的某些污染物 對於他們到達設施,允許原料特性有更多選擇性。轉換過程是一個完全的 化學轉化過程。該工廠計劃的化學工藝是一個成熟、經過驗證且廣爲人知的工藝, 已大量部署在南美洲。該公司的流程圖(詳細說明)預計將導致生產 來自液體氯化鋰原料的固體BGLC(約99.7%)。
的 以下設施現場規劃的概念包括主要工廠、原料倉庫、原料罐、中間體 原料容器、試劑倉庫、卸貨站、消耗品倉庫、產品倉庫、發電機、公用事業、 水箱、稀釋箱、鈣鎂殘渣處置、ZLD水系統、二氧化碳儲罐、溶劑萃取、 行政大樓和停車區。
21 |
分階段 方法
的 公司打算採取分階段的方法來建立其設施和擴建。此後,它打算成爲領先的供應商 BGLC在美國。煉油廠的總成本,包括所有直接和間接成本以及所需的意外情況 設計和建造煉油廠,估計耗資116500萬美元 其中包括FEL 1研究典型的保守應急金額。最終 資本支出數字將根據FEL-3研究結論更新。
在 第一階段,該公司尋求建造其第一條產能高達25,000噸/年的生產線。第一階段還包括建設 現場的重要基礎設施,例如存儲設施、道路網絡和將共享的其他基礎設施 由該工廠的第一條和第二條生產線(分別爲「第一列」和「第二列」)生產。
22 |
在 第一階段,即第一列列車和通用基礎設施,將包括詳細的工程設計、採購關鍵和非關鍵設備,以及 同時建設1號列車的前端和後臺。同時構建前端和後臺將提供操作 這是一條自給自足的生產線,能夠加工工業級或氯化鋰鹽水,以轉化爲BGLC。 前端和後端同時建設的方法具有成本和進度最大化的優點。這一戰略是 旨在使Stardust Power能夠作爲BGLC製造商有效地進入市場。
相 1(列車1和公共基礎設施)
星塵 Power將與一家領先的工程、採購和管理公司合作,開發多達25,000噸的產品 年生產能力。大部分活動將立即集中在現場開發土方工程、基礎設施、 建築物和公用事業,更好地使星塵電力有效地動員承包商到一個準備充分的網站。後FID, 公司預計1號線和公共基礎設施將按照標準施工進行設計和施工 時間軸,通常預計跨越24-30個月。第一階段的總成本已估算 初步在成本工程促進協會(“AACE”)5級。時間軸和 成本是基於許多變量和假設,只是早期階段的估計,很可能會改變。
相 2(列車2)
在 第二階段,Stardust Power計劃擴建並增設一條產能爲25,000噸的生產線 電池級鋰供應至其工廠,總產能高達50,000噸/年。的竣工 列車完工並調試後,第二階段的機械安裝可能會在與第一階段類似的時間內完成 1. 2號列車的煉油廠總成本初步估計爲AACE 5級水平.通過構建 額外的生產線,反映了1號列車的設計,該公司計劃最大限度地提高從1號列車到 2號列車的設計。時間軸和成本基於衆多變量和假設,僅爲早期階段估計, 很可能會改變
可持續 操作
鋰 鹽水原料
不像 Stardust Power是典型的硬巖礦開採,其設施可能會從(i)鋰鹽灘, (ii)地熱鹽水,和(iii)採出水。與硬巖開採相比,鋰鹽水生產可以減少對環境的影響 這通常需要入侵性土地使用,這可能會嚴重影響土地。此外,使用硬岩石來源會增加碳 由於轉化所需的高度放熱反應而排放。這是因爲,硬巖鋰開採涉及提取 從含有鋰的岩石中提取鋰。這通常是通過露天開採完成的,這可能涉及爆破和挖掘 大量的岩石。該過程是能源密集型的,並可能導致大量的廢石和尾礦,其中可能含有 有毒化學物質和重金屬。此外,硬巖開採可能需要大量的水。這可能是地區的一個問題 那裏的水資源已經稀缺。據估計,全球總開採鋰供應的60%來自使用這種方法。 另一方面,鋰也可以從鹽水來源中提取,其中涉及從地下鹽水池中提取鋰。 這些物質可以在鹽灘和乾燥湖牀等地區找到,隨着時間的推移,這些地區的水已經蒸發,留下了礦藏。 鹽水可以被泵到表面,然後進行處理以提取鋰。這通常需要更少的水,產量也更少 比硬巖開採更浪費。就每種方法的碳足跡而言,Benchmark Minerals表示,「幾乎在每種方法中 來自硬巖來源的鋰化學物質比來自鹽水來源的鋰化學物質對環境的破壞更大,」以及「加工 硬巖是比鹽水更能源密集的過程。」
23 |
星塵 Power擁有供應商行爲準則來監控原料來源,以達到高環境標準。儘管DLE技術 Stardust Power正在興起,相信其合作伙伴的經驗和專業知識將使其能夠利用 DLE技術具有優勢,同時降低了由於技術的新穎性而可能出現的風險。
排放
星塵 Power的煉油設施將被設計爲部分電動,因此排放量低於由 傳統化石燃料或天然氣,預計還可以減少噪音並限制碳排放。公司計劃 生產BGLC的碳酸化過程是一種化學轉化過程。該過程不使用大的放熱反應,使 Stardust Power的設施比典型的石油和天然氣精煉廠更清潔、更安全。我們的設施沒有窯爐或煙囪。
功率
的 公司致力於主要使用俄克拉荷馬州可獲得的可持續能源,包括太陽能、風能和天然氣 氣體
副產品
的 該工廠的主要副產品主要是鹽,與道路鹽、鈣、鎂等物質非常相似。這些是 可以在場外垃圾填埋場出售、重新利用或安全處置的無毒和無害材料。我們的轉換過程 不會產生危險材料。
零液體 放電
的 該設施專爲零液體排放系統而設計,消除了對廢棄鹽水廢水池的需求。液體副產物 將被淨化和回收以在設施中重複使用或蒸發。這限制了排入公共下水道系統或周圍環境的排放 生態系統
社會 方面
星塵 鮑爾認爲,社區外展對於社會參與非常重要,可以與當地社區建立牢固的關係 在遇到疑問時向當地行政機構解釋項目的各個方面時,解決潛在的問題 關於潛在影響,並強調設立該設施的潛在好處。預計這將包括提供 爲希爾斯代爾和馬斯科吉公立學區的當地小學和高中生提供教育機會。
在 根據煉油廠項目的融資條款,Stardust Power尋求通過債務、股權以及 作爲贈款。以下是一些潛在金融工具的摘要:
24 |
融資
股權:
● | 在……上面 2024年7月8日,公司完成了PIPE認購計劃進行的交易 與管道投資者簽訂的協議,據此管道投資者同意購買 定向增發共1,077,541股普通股,每股9.35美元 份額,承付款總額爲10,075,000美元。 | |
● | 在……上面 於2024年10月7日,本公司訂立普通股購買協議(“購買 協議“)以及與B.Riley校長簽訂的相關注冊權協議 Capital II,LLC,出售股份的股東。根據條款並以令人滿意爲條件 在普通股購買協議規定的條件下,公司將擁有 有權自行決定出售不超過50,000,000美元的普通股新發行股份 B·萊利本金資本II的股票,受某些條件和限制的限制 在購買協議中,在購買協議期限內不時。銷售額 根據購買協議持有的普通股,以及任何出售的時間僅限於 在公司的選擇下。本公司沒有義務將任何證券出售給 B.購買協議項下的萊利主要資本II。 | |
● | 在……上面 2024年12月31日,本公司與某些投資者簽訂了具有約束力的條款說明書 公司已同意出售,投資者已同意購買,公司 合共550,000元的證券(「私募」)。所得收益 的私募預計將用於公司的資本支出、營運 資本和一般公司用途。投資者已同意購買,該公司 已同意發行和出售面值最高爲550,000美元的公司普通股 每股0.0001美元(「普通股」),價格相當於收盤價的95% 定向增發截止日前最後一個交易日的普通股價格。 此外,每個投資者將獲得代表權利的認股權證,可在 在截止日期的五年內,購買最多50%的普通股 由該投資者進行私募,每份完整的認股權證可行使一股普通股 股票行使價爲11.50美元(「認股權證」)。 | |
● | 在……上面 2025年1月27日,本公司完成公開發行,募集資金總額爲(I)4,792,000 普通股及(Ii)普通股認購權證,最多可認購4,792,000股 普通股股份。每股普通股及相聯認股權證購買一股 普通股的股票以1.20美元的綜合公開發行價出售。「公司」(The Company) 在扣除配售之前,收到的毛收入總額約爲575美元萬 代理費和其他發售費用。此外,2025年3月16日,根據認股權證誘導書(「誘導書」),投資者同意以現金形式行使普通權證,以購買總額 4,792,000股普通股,行使價爲每股0.62美元,作爲交換 本公司同意向投資者發行新的普通股認購權證, 購買最多9,584,000股普通股(「誘導權證」, 以及在行使誘導權證時可發行的股票,即 股票“)。 |
債務:
● | 我們預計鋰精煉廠的一部分融資將通過債務融資進行。我們沒有約束力 目前任何人都承諾提供融資,但我們不確定我們是否可以獲得融資, 以可接受的條件需要,或者根本需要。有關更多信息,請參閱小節“本票”, “保險 資金拆借”,和”短期貸款「下」管理層的討論和 財務狀況和經營結果分析-流動性來源和持續經營”. |
激勵措施:
● | 星塵 Power已收到俄克拉荷馬州高達25700萬美元的說明性激勵計劃,但須符合以下條件 滿足里程碑、抵消煉油廠的成本和其他條件。欲了解更多信息,請參閱「-State 激勵措施」。 |
政府 激勵措施和舉措
聯邦 政府激勵措施和舉措
的 管理團隊認爲Stardust Power可能會受益於各種機構提供的大量贈款、融資和其他激勵措施 旨在促進美國電池級鋰產品製造的政府組織。這些激勵措施包括但 不限於以下內容:
● | 能源部貸款計劃 Office ATVMM計劃: AT虛擬機 提供貸款支持生產符合條件的先進技術車輛和合格零部件,包括新授權的 來自《兩黨基礎設施法》的模式。輕型車輛以外的擴展用途包括中型和重型車輛、火車 或機車、海上船隻,包括海上風力支持船、飛機和超高鐵。 | |
● | 國防部,國防部 生產法: 的 國防生產法擴大國內生產能力和產能資金 機會公告FA 0003546是一項政府舉措,旨在加強國內 包括關鍵礦產在內的對國防至關重要的生產能力。它提供 爲符合條件的實體提供財政支持,以加強戰略材料、零部件、 以及對國防應用和那些被認爲是 對美國的國家安全威脅。 |
25 |
● | 能源部撥款:製造和能源供應鏈辦公室計劃發放資助機會 題爲「兩黨基礎設施法40207(b)電池材料加工和40207(c)電池製造補助金」的公告 第二輪”部分資金由《基礎設施投資和就業法案》資助,這是對基礎設施的重大投資,總額超過 向能源部撥款620億美元,旨在增強美國競爭力、創造就業機會並提供公平的准入 經濟利益,特別是對於弱勢社區。作爲該倡議的一部分,將投資超過70億美元 2022至2026財年的電池供應鏈,重點關注關鍵礦物的可持續採購、加工和報廢 電池回收。此外,能源部宣佈從《基礎設施法》中撥款高達35億美元,以促進國內先進能源的生產 電池和材料、支持清潔能源行業並創造工會就業機會。37 | |
● | 國防部戰略資本辦公室(「OSC」):總體而言,OSC將做兩件事 其關鍵技術合作資本戰略。首先,它將確定有前途的關鍵技術領域並優先考慮 爲國防部。其次,它將資助這些關鍵技術領域的投資,包括供應鏈技術 並不總是通過直接採購來支持。爲了實現這一目標,OSC將與私人資本提供者和其他聯邦政府合作, 這些投資工具在其他美國政府環境中已被證明是成功的。38 |
在 2025年1月,特朗普總統發佈了一項行政命令,指示立即暫停通過撥款支付資金。 BIL,IR法案和IRA。暫停付款受到持續的法律挑戰。
狀態 激勵
的 俄克拉荷馬州商務部提供強有力的激勵方案,包括爲所有創造的新就業崗位提供5%的工資回扣 10年的優質就業計劃和投資稅收抵免(“國際貿易中心”).該設施位於俄克拉荷馬州 機會區 這被定義爲人口下降、低於人均平均水平的經濟困難地區 收入以及高於平均水平的貧困率。在俄克拉荷馬州可折舊房產投資至少50,000美元的製造商機會 區域獲得兩倍的投資稅收抵免,相當於投資5年可折舊房產的2%。除了質量 就業計劃和國際貿易委員會,該州提供5年的財產稅免稅和機械、貨物和電力的銷售稅免稅 在製造過程中使用。下表列出了可能適用於星塵的不同州激勵措施 功率:
俄克拉 國家激勵計劃
|
總 國家激勵的潛在金額
|
度量 Stardust電源的適用性需求
| |||
21ST 世紀俄克拉荷馬州優質就業計劃 | 100,332,936美元 基於10年內年薪99,562,000美元 | ● | 滿足 平均工資爲120,071美元 | ||
或 | ● | 創建 俄克拉荷馬州3年內至少創造10個新工作崗位 | |||
● | 提供 基本健康保險 |
37 | 美國 能源部。「拜登-賀錦麗政府宣佈撥款35億美元加強國內電池製造。」 可在: https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-harris-administration-announces-35-billion-strengthen-domestic-battery-manufacturing |
38 | 美國 國防部。「國防部長成立戰略資本辦公室。」可訪問:www.example.com。 |
26 |
俄克拉 國家激勵計劃
|
總 國家激勵的潛在金額
|
度量 Stardust電源的適用性需求
| |||
俄克拉 優質工作計劃 | 50,166,468美元 基於10年內年薪99,562,000美元 | ● | 滿足 平均工資爲縣平均工資的110%(2026財年爲55,980美元) | ||
● | 創建 3年內俄克拉荷馬州新的年度工資單將達到250萬美元 | ||||
● | 提供 基本健康保險 |
俄克拉 國家激勵計劃
|
總 國家激勵的潛在金額
|
度量 Stardust電源的適用性需求
| |||
組合 投資/新就業稅收抵免 | 76,000,000美元 基於可折舊財產總投資80萬美元 | ● | 最小 在俄克拉荷馬州投資5萬美元 | ||
● | 的 如果投資超過4000萬美元或發生在企業區(兩者均爲Stardust Power),信用就會翻倍 計劃會面) | ||||
5年 免徵房產稅 | $42,451,539 | ● | 投資 建設、收購或擴建至少500,000美元;以及 | ||
● | 滿足 俄克拉荷馬州優質工作計劃中列出的平均工資要求 | ||||
自由港 (庫存)免稅 | $10,166,545 | ● | 豁免 來自州外並離開州進行組裝、儲存、製造、加工或製造的貨物 9個月內穿過馬斯科吉港 | ||
銷售 機械設備免稅 | $18,040,500 | ● | 包括 用於設施開發和精煉的有形個人財產 | ||
銷售 製造業消耗的商品和能源免稅 | $85,998,588 | ● | 包括 設施開發和精煉中使用的所有燃料和電力 |
這個 公司聘請了行業專家幫助公司申請政府撥款,例如在俄克拉何馬州的政府撥款, 以最佳和有效的方式。該公司已向國防部、國防生產部提交了撥款申請 ACT和能源部兩黨基礎設施資助法40207(B)電池材料加工和40207(C)電池製造 第二輪撥款。這些申請目前正在審查中。國防部的撥款總額可能高達2,750美元萬和 能源部的贈款總額可能高達15000美元萬;然而,不能保證該公司將獲得這些贈款。 此外,我們並沒有就政府撥款申請收到回覆或預期收到回覆的預計時間表。 任何贈款收益。關於根據《國防生產法》提出的撥款申請,該公司已被告知 申請將被擱置,但目前該計劃下沒有這樣的資金。
27 |
知識分子 屬性
星塵 Power不擁有或許可任何我們認爲重要的知識產權。公司已申請註冊 其商標,於2023年5月9日在美國申請商標/服務商標,申請號爲97927512。
作爲 隨着業務的增長,公司未來可能會開發或收購對業務可能有價值或重要的知識產權。
客戶
以來 Stardust Power尚未開始生產,我們沒有現有客戶。該公司已收到來自 行業參與者,但沒有與潛在客戶達成任何明確的買斷協議。
一月 2025年28日,該公司與住友航空簽訂了一份不具約束力的書面協議,考慮簽訂一項長期商業承購協議, 根據該協議,住友將同意每年從該公司的第一條生產線上收購20,000噸碳酸鋰 產量,根據雙方協議,有可能增加到25,000噸。初始合同期限爲10年 自公司碳酸鋰首次獲得出售給住友任何一家的資格之日起的年 客戶可以選擇根據雙方商定的條款再續簽五年,但前提是書面通知 在初始期限結束前至少十二個月提供給公司。
競爭性 優勢
作爲 作爲一家開發商,Stardust Power尋求通過依靠 其管理團隊的集體經驗。管理團隊期望執行、探索和評估產生 收入並增加他們獲得供應房產和資產以及所有潛在融資選擇的機會。一些機會 增長可以採取以下形式:(i)戰略合作伙伴關係,(ii)承買協議,(iii)供應多元化,(iv)收購 公司和技術的參與,以及(v)參與相關商業開發活動。
作爲 Stardust Power是一家早期公司,其管理層執行的重大決策對於公司的發展至關重要 長期目標和成功。此外,作爲一家收入前公司,Stardust Power獲得融資和獲得融資的能力 融資將是其成功的關鍵。該公司指出,該煉油廠尚未開始運營,因此, 尚未生產任何鋰產品。
的 公司打算以以下方式建立競爭優勢,並繼續制定和執行其戰略:
● | 經歷 管理團隊: 該團隊在全球範圍內擁有數十年的技術專長和經驗, 採礦諮詢公司和製造商,專門從事電動汽車鋰離子技術 汽車、碳氫化合物能源公司以及成功的融資和盈利運營 跨越多個地區的企業; | |
● | 煉油廠 針對多種輸入進行優化: 創建多個來源矩陣的過程 煉油廠的原料和加工降低了風險和成本,是一個重要的和 顯着的行業差異化因素; | |
● | 速度 面向市場: 優化的精煉流程、地理優勢以及隨後的集成 預計遊戲將加快上市時間和更快創收的能力; | |
● | 使用 鹽水原料: 使用鹽水原料將爲開採提供替代來源 鋰礦牀,用於生產BGLC供國內市場使用,因此具有獨立性 不再進口原材料,這對降低成本、加快速度產生有利影響 上市時間; | |
● | 有限 技術風險: 利用現有和成熟的技術以及與全球的合作伙伴關係 煉油廠作業中游作業專家,預計將最大限度地減少技術 價值鏈中的風險,從而減少不確定性和成本控制,並減少 通過與對DLE做出貢獻的玩家合作來降低新興DLE技術的風險 DLE項目的推進;以及 | |
● | 美國 製造業:有能力製造併爲鋰採購和製造獨立做出貢獻 用於美國市場的國內消費,從而創造就業機會,特別是在經濟領域 落後地區,一旦投產。 |
28 |
競爭 和市場壁壘
競爭
鋰 目前有許多最終用途,包括陶瓷和玻璃、電池、油脂、空氣處理和藥品。然而,它是 電池行業預計將主要推動未來鋰需求增長。預計這將來自幾個領域: (i)用於手機、筆記本電腦、數碼相機和手持式電動工具的小型電池的持續增長,(ii)交通 使用鋰離子電池的汽車、公交車、送貨車、摩托車、自行車和船隻的行業電氣化 技術,以及(iii)用於公用事業電網規模存儲的大規格電池。
一 少數公司主導碳酸鋰和氫氯酸鋰等最終用途鋰產品的生產和精煉 並且通常位於中國,例如天齊鋰業。這些公司擁有成熟的存在、較高的財務資源, 現有的戰略合作伙伴關係和現有經驗豐富的勞動力。Stardust Power將與這些公司競爭吸引力 人力資本、確保原料供應以及銷售其產品。因此,Stardust Power計劃產品的價格 可能會受到我們無法控制的因素的影響,包括鋰市場價格波動、鋰供應、需求 鋰和我們競爭對手的採礦活動。
政府 條例
發展 我們設施的活動受到廣泛的法律和法規的約束,這些法律和法規由聯邦、州和地方監督和執行 當局這些適用法律管轄開發、建設、生產、各種稅收、勞工標準、職業健康 和安全、廢物處理、環境保護和修復、瀕危和受保護物種保護等 事項.建築和製造作業需要政府當局的各種許可證,但我們不能 請確保將收到此類許可證。環境、健康和安全法律法規除其他外還可以:
● | 要求 向利益相關者發出的建議和正在進行的勘探、鑽探、環境研究、 採礦或生產活動; | |
● | 要求 安裝污染控制設備; | |
● | 限制 可使用或釋放的各種物質的類型、數量和濃度 進入與鋰製造或其他生產活動有關的環境; | |
● | 限制 或者禁止在溼地範圍內的土地上鑽探、開採、製造鋰或者其他生產活動, 瀕危物種棲息地和其他保護區,或以其他方式限制或禁止活動 這可能會影響環境,包括水資源;或 | |
● | 要求 準備環境評估或環境影響報告書。 |
29 |
合規性 環境、健康和安全法律法規可能會給我們帶來巨大的成本,使我們面臨巨大的潛力 負債,並對我們的資本支出、經營結果或競爭地位產生不利影響。違規行爲和 與這些法律法規有關的責任可能導致重大的行政、民事或刑事處罰, 補救清理、自然資源破壞、許可修改和/或撤銷、操作中斷和/或關閉、 和其他責任,以及聲譽損害,包括損害我們與客戶、供應商、投資者、 政府或其他利益攸關方。補救這種情況的成本可能是巨大的,補救義務可能 對我們的業務、經營結果和財務狀況造成不利影響。聯邦、州和地方當局經常 修訂環境、健康和安全法律法規,以及這些法規的任何變化或其解釋, 可能需要我們花費大量資源來遵守新的法律或法規或對當前要求的更改,並可能 對我們的業務運營產生不利影響。
許可證
某些 該項目需要聯邦、州和地方的許可證。州政府的許可重點是空氣排放、廢水和雨水 許可證。聯邦許可的重點是可能的文化、生物和自然資源以及受威脅/瀕危物種的影響。 該項目的州一級主要許可機構是俄克拉荷馬州環境質量部(「DEQ」)。 Stardust Power已從DEQ獲得建築活動雨水排放的一般許可證以及批准 其雨水污染預防計劃。此外,Stardust Power已向DEQ提交了所需的空氣排放許可證申請 2025年1月20日,並於2025年2月20日收到通知,稱該許可證已宣佈行政完整,並且 目前正在技術審查中。
法律 訴訟程序
我們 目前不知道任何此類法律訴訟或索賠,我們認爲將對我們的業務產生重大不利影響, 財務狀況或經營業績。然而,我們可能會不時收到各種要求信或參與 正常業務過程中出現的各種訴訟和法律程序。
網站
的 公司擁有一個活躍的網站, www.stardust-power.com,作爲其公司網站,其中包含有關 公司及其業務。Stardust Power網站上包含的信息不以引用方式併入任何其他網站。 提交給SEC的報告或文件,對該網站的任何引用僅爲非活動文本引用。
企業 信息和設施
星塵 電力公司是特拉華州的一家公司。我們的註冊辦事處位於251 Little Falls Dr,Wilmington,New Castle,DE 19808, 我們的公司郵寄地址是15 E。Putnam Ave,Suite 378,Greenwich,CT 06830。
我們 我們俄克拉荷馬州辦事處的郵寄地址爲6608 N。Western Ave Suite 466,Nichols Hills,OK 73116。
我們 電話號碼是(800)742-3095我們子公司的註冊辦事處位於251 Little Falls Dr,Wilmington,New 卡斯爾,DE 19808。
我們 在俄克拉荷馬州設有辦事處,位於北9112號。Kelley Ave,Suite C,Oklahoma City,Oklahoma 73131,佔地1,493平方 英尺,已於2023年3月16日由公司附屬公司VIKASA Capital Partners LLC(「VCP」)轉讓給公司。的 同樣的租賃是短期的。
30 |
信息 關於我們的執行官
Roshan Pujari,首席執行官兼董事長
Roshan Pujari,47歲,自業務合併完成以來一直擔任董事會主席和首席執行官 2024年7月。在業務合併之前,Pujari先生共同創立了Stardust Power,並擔任該公司首席執行官 自2023年3月成立以來。在擔任Stardust Power首席執行官期間,他負責開發和執行 戰略、運營、關鍵招聘和融資。普賈裏先生是一位經驗豐富的首席執行官。普賈裏先生已有20多年的經驗 在投資和交易方面的經驗,並在新公司組建方面展示了專業知識和深厚的領域知識, 籌集資金。他在交易撮合、識別利基機會並帶領他們走向成功的企業方面擁有高超的技能。在共同創辦之前 Stardust Power,Pujari先生於2012年創立了VIKASA Capital LLC,然後組建爲VIKASA Capital Inc。2021年,作爲一項多元化投資, 公司投資全球市場和清潔能源。普賈裏先生領導了該公司的清潔能源實踐,他開發了一種深入的 對鋰的了解。他也是一名慈善家,創立了Pujari基金會(一個501(c)(3)非營利組織),旨在 促進全球教育、藝術和社區的利益。普賈裏先生曾在衆多慈善委員會任職, 曾擔任俄克拉荷馬州藝術委員會州長任命的人。2017年至2021年,他擔任遺產大廳學校的受託人, 他的母校。普賈裏先生就讀於加利福尼亞州雷德蘭茲大學,主修歷史和政府專業, 在這兩個專業的榮譽協會中。普賈裏先生還擁有俄克拉荷馬州遺產廳的文憑,並在那裏被授予「最高議長」稱號 1995年全國錦標賽。
Pablo Cortegoso,首席技術官
巴勃羅 科特戈索現年42歲,自2024年2月以來一直擔任星塵動力公司的首席技術官。在這個角色中,他負責所有的 業務方面的勘探、開採、開採和生產。Cortegoo先生在土木工程和採礦方面有超過13年的經驗。 項目,專門從事鋰項目。他的技能包括開發水文地質野外項目,重點是 鋰滷水礦牀,包括油井設計、封隔器測試、含水層測試、鹽水標準編制、採樣方案和鑽探 在鋰和鉀滷水項目的太陽池蒸發設計、建模和運營方面擁有專業知識。他有廣泛的知識 有執行致命缺陷分析的經驗;風險和投資分析;技術盡職調查,包括電池金屬;設計 和執行實地方案;爲水文地質和岩土研究收集和分析數據;完成技術 報告(礦產資源和儲量報表、PEA、PFS、FS)符合鋰滷水和硬質鋰的國際指南 搖滾項目遍佈阿根廷、澳大利亞、巴西、玻利維亞、加拿大、智利、墨西哥、美國、歐洲、英國 還有博茨瓦納。在加入星塵動力之前,Cortegoo先生是一名自由職業的行業顧問。在共同創立星塵之前 2022年4月至3月,Cortegoo先生在Aurora Lithium(Galp/Northvolt)擔任採購副總裁總裁,負責葡萄牙里斯本的電力供應 2023年。在加入Aurora Lithium之前,他曾在SRK Consulting(U.S.),Inc.擔任各種職務,包括從1月開始擔任高級顧問 2018年至2022年2月,2010年9月至2017年12月擔任顧問。在加入SRK之前,他曾在Trine大學擔任研究生 2009年8月至2010年5月擔任研究員和助教。在加入Trine大學之前,Cortegoo先生曾在Jose Carellone Construcciones工作 2007年在阿根廷布宜諾斯艾利斯擔任管理和預算控制分析師。他是享有盛譽的行業的出版作家 他曾在世界各地的會議和研討會上介紹過他在鋰領域的專業知識。科特戈索先生與業界有聯繫, 包括作爲採礦、冶金和勘探協會的註冊會員;根據指導方針的合格人員 加拿大的國家儀器43-101證書;澳大利亞的JORC代碼合格的人員。Cortegoo先生贏得了他的 Trine大學的土木工程碩士學位和大學的土木工程學士學位 阿根廷的國家德庫尤。
31 |
烏代錢德拉 Devasper,財務長
烏代昌德拉 德瓦斯珀(Uday)現年43歲,自2023年12月以來一直擔任星塵動力的財務長。在這一角色中,德瓦斯珀先生負責 領導和發展公司的財務和會計職能,並協助首席執行官執行 戰略、運營、關鍵員工和融資職能。他是一位經驗豐富的金融專業人士,擁有20多年的經驗。 在財務和會計方面,並在領導項目和幫助公司方面表現出專業知識和深厚的領域知識 多個交易記錄。Devasper先生的技能包括建立和管理大型團隊;運營和技術會計專業知識 在收入、合併和收購等關鍵會計領域;以及去化空間和首次公開募股交易的端到端項目管理。 在加入Stardust Power之前,Devasper先生是Effectus Group,LLC的合夥人,這是一家全國性的精品公司,是最初的創始團隊之一 在會計諮詢公司,他參與了業務發展、招聘和資源管理,並領導了公司的 所有技術覈算和戰略項目的全國技術實踐(包括清潔能源行業),自10月起 2014年至2022年9月。在他爲Effectus工作期間,他通過多個項目獲得了領域、行業和交易方面的專業知識 他領導了清潔技術、可再生能源和替代能源領域的公司。此外,在他在Effectus的任期內,Devasper先生 領導清潔技術和可再生能源部門的多筆De-SPAC/IPO交易,包括端到端項目管理和總體 報告協助。在Effectus任職之前,Devasper先生曾在董事公司擔任技術會計,任職於 2012年7月至2014年8月,並於2011年3月至2012年7月在Synopsys,Inc.擔任技術會計高級經理。在梯隊之前 在加入Synopsys之前,他曾在畢馬威會計師事務所的公共會計部門工作,後來晉升爲保險部高級經理。德瓦斯珀先生是一名有執照的 加州註冊會計師(非在職),以及印度特許會計師協會的特許會計師。他贏得了他的 印度孟買大學商學學士學位。
克里斯 塞拉諾,首席運營官
克里斯 現年55歲的塞拉諾自2025年1月以來一直擔任星塵動力公司的首席運營官。在這一職位上,塞拉諾先生負責監督公司的 上游鋰供應計劃和加工業務,包括採購和現場開發。他在駕駛方面起着關鍵作用。 公司的運營效率,促進了優質鋰產品的及時交付,並加強了關係 與客戶和利益相關者的關係。他在可再生能源、清潔技術和鑽探方面的豐富經驗將對公司的長期 隨着它努力滿足對關鍵礦物日益增長的需求,該項目取得了成功。塞拉諾先生擁有20多年的行政領導經驗, 結合了首席執行官、證券律師執業和麻省理工學院畢業生的強大背景 理工學院。他的專業知識涵蓋能源部門、鑽探、工程、採購和建築領域,以及 深厚的法律知識,在此期間,他以獨特的能力推動星塵力量的戰略和運營目標 公司發展的關鍵階段。在加入星塵動力之前,他曾擔任總裁和 IHI E&C國際公司於2017年1月成立,在此之前他曾擔任總法律顧問和高級副總裁 工商管理學院將於2013年2月開學。在加入國際重工之前,塞拉諾先生曾擔任總裁副秘書長和總法律顧問 2008年5月至2011年5月在Vantage鑽井公司任職。他的職業生涯始於律師事務所Olshan Frome Wolosky,Graham& James LLP和Elenoff Grossman&Schole LLP。Celano先生擁有範德比爾特大學經濟學學士學位, 波士頓大學法學院法學博士,紐約大學法學院法學碩士,以及紐約大學法學院工程碩士學位 麻省理工學院。
32 |
人類 資本資源
員工
我們 截至2024年12月31日,擁有8名員工。
環境, 社會及管治
我們 相信鋰將繼續在轉型中發揮重要作用 實現低碳未來和應對氣候變化。同樣,我們相信,滿足對鋰化合物不斷增長的需求 必須與對ESG問題和關注的範圍進行負責任的改進的考慮相平衡。我們的核心價值觀反映了 這種對可持續性的承諾。我們相信,以安全、道德、社會意識和可持續的方式運營非常重要 爲了我們的業務。
作爲 因此,我們打算繼續將ESG和可持續發展考慮納入我們的業務、運營和投資決策中。
環境
鹽水: 專注於鹽水,其碳足跡比露天採礦更小,硬巖資源可提供更小的環境 衝擊
可持續 電力:我們打算從太陽能和風能等可持續能源中獲取能源爲煉油廠提供動力 可從俄克拉荷馬州購買。
ZLD 技術:我們正在根據ZLD技術設計我們的設施,該技術不會因我們的轉化而產生液體排放 過程
社交
作爲 Stardust Power爲其項目招聘員工,我們打算將招聘工作重點放在從我們附近的當地社區招聘工人上 項目區域。
治理
星塵 Power致力於透明度和公司治理最佳實踐,並制定以下公司治理政策和 指導方針已到位:
● | 隱私 政策; | |
● | 開放 舉報政策(舉報人政策); | |
● | 代碼 行爲和網絡安全協議; | |
● | 供貨商 行爲準則; | |
● | 供應商 風險評估計劃; | |
● | 網絡安全 政策; | |
● | 社區 福利計劃; | |
● | 退還財產 政策; | |
● | 代碼 商業行爲和道德; | |
● | 合規 報告政策; | |
● | 企業 治理準則; | |
● | 內幕 貿易政策; | |
● | 調控 FD政策;和 | |
● | 相關 政黨交易政策。 |
33 |
項目 1A.風險因素。
摘要 風險因素
一個 投資我們的證券涉及高度風險。中描述的一個或多個事件或情況的發生 題爲“的部分危險因素,“單獨或與其他事件或情況相結合,可能會產生重大不利影響 影響我們的業務、財務狀況和經營業績。在這種情況下,我們證券的交易價格可能會下降,並且 您可能會失去全部或部分投資。此類風險包括但不限於以下:
● | 我們的 未來的業績很難評估,因爲我們的運營歷史有限 鋰產業。 | |
● | 我們的 有限的歷史使我們很難評估我們的業務和前景,而且可能會增加 與您的投資相關的風險。 | |
● | 我們的 管理層已經確定了一些情況,這些情況會讓人對我們繼續下去的能力產生很大懷疑 作爲一家持續經營的公司。 | |
● | 我們 是一家處於發展階段的公司,不能保證我們的發展會導致 在滷水來源的鋰的商業生產中。 | |
● | 我們 面臨着與勘探、建設和開採滷水有關的許多風險 供應商。 | |
● | 我們的 季度和年度運營和財務業績以及我們的收入可能會波動 在未來一段時間內,這一趨勢將顯著增強。 | |
● | 我們的 長期的成功最終將取決於我們創造收入、實現和 保持盈利能力,並從我們的電池級鋰生產中獲得正現金流 活動。 | |
● | 管道 可能被證明是不可行的,這可能會產生實質性的不利影響 關於我們的業務和運營。 | |
● | 以物流成本爲基礎 在軸輻式煉油廠模式上,可能會將價格提高到經濟上不可行的地方。 | |
● | 連 如果我們成功地完成了所有的初始階段和第一次商業生產 在我們的工廠,並持續地在商業規模上生產電池級鋰,我們 在啓動和擴大商業運營以支持增長方面可能不成功 我們的生意。 | |
● | 我們管理增長的能力將對我們的業務、財務 手術的條件和結果。 | |
● | 我們的 產品可能不符合我們的目標客戶的使用條件。 | |
● | 我們 可能不能如期銷售我們的產品。 | |
● | 延誤 和其他障礙可能會阻礙我們的設施的成功完成。 | |
● | 我們 可能無法發展、維護和發展戰略關係、確定新的戰略 關係機會或形成戰略關係,在未來。 | |
● | 鋰的含量可以很高 易燃,如果我們發生事故,它可能會對我們產生不利影響。 | |
● | 這個 鋰滷水行業包括資本充足的公司,我們可能沒有足夠的 與他們競爭的資源。 |
34 |
● | 低成本 生產商可以擾亂市場,能夠提供比公司更便宜的產品。 | |
● | 我們 可能無法獲得現有的聯邦和州級別的撥款和獎勵,並且 贈款和獎勵可能不會像我們預期的那樣迅速或有效地發放給我們 或者根本就不是。 | |
● | 這個 非鋰電池技術的發展可能會對我們產生不利影響。 | |
● | 鋰 價格會受到不可預測的波動的影響。 | |
● | 這個 我們鋰精煉廠的發展在很大程度上取決於目前預計的需求。 以鋰爲基礎的終端產品的用途。 | |
● | 我們的 未來的增長和成功取決於消費者對電動汽車的需求 在一個總體上競爭激烈、週期性和波動性較大的汽車行業。 | |
● | 我們 可能無法成功談判與我們當前不具約束力的條款相關的最終、有約束力的條款 關於供應和承購協議的諒解備忘錄和意向書, 可能會損害我們的商業前景。 | |
● | 一個 當前烏克蘭戰爭的升級,歐洲和中東的普遍衝突, 或在其他地方出現衝突,可能會對我們的業務產生不利影響。 | |
● | 潛力 關稅或全球貿易戰可能會增加我們所依賴的產品的成本,這可能 對我們業務的競爭力和我們的財務業績造成不利影響。 | |
● | 氣候 變化、立法、法規和政策可能導致運營成本增加和 否則會影響我們的業務、我們的行業和全球經濟。 | |
● | 我們發現上一年財務報告內部控制存在重大缺陷。如果我們體驗 未來出現其他重大缺陷或其他缺陷或未能維持有效的內部控制制度 由於財務報告,我們可能無法準確或及時報告我們的財務業績,這可能會導致投資者損失 對我們的股價產生不利影響。 |
風險 與我們的業務和行業相關
我們 未來的業績很難評估,因爲我們在鋰行業的運營歷史有限。
我們 我們在鋰行業的運營歷史有限,迄今爲止我們尚未從鋰銷售中實現任何收入, 我們的運營現金流需求是通過發行SAFE票據、債務和股權證券而不是通過現金融資的 來自我們運營的流量。因此,我們幾乎沒有鋰業務的歷史財務和運營信息 幫助您評估我們的業績。
我們 有限的歷史使得很難評估我們的業務和前景,並且可能會增加與您投資相關的風險。
我們 於2023年3月16日註冊成立,尚未建造我們的設施並開始生產。因此,我們有一個有限的運營 評估我們的業務和未來前景的歷史,這使我們面臨許多風險和不確定因素,包括 我們規劃和預測未來增長的能力。自我們成立以來,爲建立我們的設施而獲得土地, 我們已在工地盡職調查、工程及技術經濟分析方面取得重大進展,以評估 土地和位置。煉油廠的設計、滷水提取和輸送到我們工廠的工藝、工藝配置和控制 該設施的系統是工業規模電池級鋰生產設施的代表。我們還承諾和 繼續承擔行業專家的各項環境研究。隨着我們繼續發展我們的生產設施,我們預計 我們的運營虧損和負運營現金流將一直增長,直到第一次商業生產和銷售。
我們 在快速發展和變化的行業中,成長型公司可能會遇到風險和困難,包括挑戰 與實現我們的產品的市場接受度、與擁有更多財務和技術資源的公司競爭、競爭有關 對抗與我們在電池級鋰領域的潛在客戶有着長期合作關係的老牌競爭對手 營銷、招聘和留住合格的員工,並利用我們有限的資源。我們無法確保我們會成功 在應對我們未來可能面臨的這些和其他挑戰時,如果我們不管理,我們的業務可能會受到不利影響 這些風險適當。因此,我們可能無法獲得足夠的收入來實現或維持運營中的正現金流 或任何特定時期的盈利能力,或根本。
我們 管理層已發現對我們繼續作爲持續經營企業的能力產生重大懷疑的情況。
我們 管理層得出的結論是,人們對我們繼續經營的能力存在很大疑問。自成立以來,我們已經經歷了 重大運營虧損,截至2024年12月31日累計赤字約爲5262萬美元,運營爲負 截至2024年12月31日止年度現金流約爲972萬美元。我們的管理層預計運營虧損和負增長 現金流可能會從2024年12月31日的水平繼續增加,特別是因爲我們尚未產生任何收入 以及資本支出和與場地準備、工程、可行性開發相關的費用的額外成本 學習、對上游公司的投資、高級團隊的工資和專業費用。這些條件帶來了巨大的影響 懷疑我們是否有能力繼續經營。公司持續經營的能力取決於 管理層計劃通過發行股權籌集額外資本或接受額外借款爲公司提供資金 運營和投資活動。無法保證我們會成功地完成本文其他地方描述的計劃 年度報告或吸引未來債務、股權融資或與第三方的戰略和合作企業可接受 條款,或者如果有的話。如果我們無法以優惠條件籌集足夠的資本,業務、運營和財務業績,以及 因此,公司在公開市場上的證券股價可能會受到不利影響,從而產生重大不利影響 關於您的投資。
35 |
我們 是一家發展階段的公司,不能保證我們的發展將導致鋰的商業化生產 鹽水來源。
作爲 作爲一家發展階段的公司,我們尚未開始對鋰鹽水進行淨化以生產電池級鋰,而且不太可能 在我們運營的最初幾年創造收入。因此,我們無法向您保證我們將實現任何利潤。任何 我們業務未來的盈利能力將取決於我們的合作伙伴提取所需鹽水的經濟方法, 無論是直接還是作爲石油和天然氣行業的副產品,以及來自其他經濟來源的進一步勘探和開發 鹽水。此外,我們無法向您保證我們的合作伙伴進行的任何勘探和開採計劃都將帶來盈利 商業上可行的提取、純化和生產操作。鋰鹽水的勘探、提取和淨化, 無論是從沉積物中獲得還是作爲石油和天然氣行業的副產品中獲得,都涉及高度的財務風險。 一段時間,通過仔細的評估、經驗和熟練的管理的結合,可以或不可以減少或消除。 雖然發現額外的鋰鹽水礦牀可能會增加供應來源並使其多樣化,但無法保證 與開採和隨後交通到該設施相關的成本將足夠經濟有效,以實現盈利 商業生產。此外,我們的合作伙伴可能需要大量費用來建造加工設施和建立 鹽水儲量。
我們 我們不確定我們尋求從其獲得鹽水的合作伙伴的財產上存在經濟上可回收的鋰。 此外,任何鹽水儲備的數量可能會根據投入價格而有所不同。鹽水數量或等級的任何重大變化 可能會影響我們房產的經濟可行性。
後續 對於簽訂銷售電池級鋰的商業產品和承付款協議,我們可能需要進口投入物 原材料以滿足需求。在這種情況下,進口費用、出口政府的徵稅、監管批准、航運 以及物流安排和成本,可能會使在我們的工廠生產電池級鋰在經濟上不可行。 這可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況以及運營結果和現金流產生重大不利影響。
我們 我們的供應商面臨與勘探、建設和鹽水提取相關的衆多風險。
我們的 未來幾年的盈利水平,如果有的話,將在很大程度上取決於鋰的價格,以及我們能否以 對我們來說,生產電池級鋰的價格在經濟上是可行的。鋰資源勘查開發力度大 這是投機性的,不可能確保我們的任何供應商都會建立儲備。它是否會在經濟上 我們的供應商提取鋰的可行性取決於許多因素,包括但不限於:(I)特定屬性 滷水資產,如鋰的化學成分、污染物的存在、滷水的溫度、物理和化學 除其他因素外,滷水和開採技術的條件以及與基礎設施的接近程度;(2)鋰價格;(3)開採, 加工和提純;(4)物流和交通費用;(5)貸款人和投資者提供資本的意願,包括 項目融資;(6)勞動力成本和可能的勞工罷工;(7)許可證不發放或延遲發放;(8)電力 車輛供求;和(九)政府規章,包括但不限於與價格、稅收、特許權使用費、 土地保有權、土地使用、進出口材料、贈款、外匯、環境、健康和安全、就業、交通、 以及填海和關閉義務。
我們 還面臨鋰行業通常遇到的風險,這可能會影響我們的供應商,其中包括但不限於:
● | 的 發現異常或意外的地質構造; | |
● | 意外 火災、洪水、地震、惡劣天氣、地震活動或其他自然災害; | |
● | 計劃外 停電和缺水; | |
● | 建設 由於供應鏈中斷等原因,延誤和高於預期的資本成本, 貿易爭端和關稅、交通成本上升和通貨膨脹; | |
● | 的 有能力獲得合適或足夠的機械、設備或勞動力; | |
● | 短缺 材料或設備以及能源和電力供應中斷或配給; | |
● | 環境, 健康和安全法規;以及 | |
● | 其他 鋰勘探和運營涉及的風險。 |
36 |
的 這些風險的性質是,責任可能超過任何適用的保險單限額或可能被排除在承保範圍之外。 還有一些我們無法承保或可能選擇不承保的風險。潛在成本,可能是 與保險未承保或超出保險範圍的任何責任或遵守適用法律和法規相關 可能會導致重大延誤並需要大量資本支出,對我們未來的盈利、競爭地位、 以及我們潛在的財務可行性。
我們 季度和年度運營和財務業績以及我們的收入在未來時期可能會出現顯着波動。
我們 季度和年度運營和財務業績難以預測,並且可能會在不同時期出現顯着波動。 我們的收入、凈利潤和經營業績可能會因我們無法控制的各種因素而波動,包括, 但不限於,缺乏足夠的流動資金、設備故障和故障、無法及時找到備用機器 或修復損壞設備的零件、監管或許可延誤以及惡劣天氣現象。
我們 長期成功最終取決於我們創造收入、實現和維持盈利能力以及積極發展的能力 電池級鋰生產活動產生的現金流。
我們 從供應商處購買額外鋰鹽水的能力取決於我們產生收入、實現和維持盈利能力的能力, 並從我們的運營中產生正現金流。該設施的經濟可行性存在許多風險和不確定性,包括, 但不限於:
● | 意義重大, 鋰的市場價格長期下跌; | |
● | 顯着 高於預期的建築、開採或煉油成本; | |
● | 顯着 鋰開採量低於預期,鋰滷水供應減少; | |
● | 顯着性 鋰提煉活動的延遲、減少或停止; | |
● | 施工 延遲、採購問題和我們的設施正在建立的勞動力招聘; | |
● | 顯着性 缺乏充足和熟練的勞動力或勞動力成本大幅增加; | |
● | 難易 在取得有關許可方面或在取得有關許可方面造成的延誤; | |
● | 更多 嚴格的監管或環境、健康或安全法律法規; | |
● | 顯着性 電池級鋰的營銷或銷售困難; | |
● | 負面 社區和政治激進主義,可能對周圍的法律和法規產生影響 我們經營的行業; | |
● | 可用性 用於精煉和銷售電池級產品的信貸、激勵措施和聯邦或州資金 鋰和電動汽車;以及 | |
● | 一般 經濟和政治狀況,如衰退、利率、通貨膨脹和行爲 戰爭或恐怖主義。 |
它 新的鋰精煉作業在建設、調試期間遇到意想不到的成本、問題和延誤是很常見的 和啓動。由於多種因素(包括上面列出的因素),大多數類似項目在這些時期都會出現延誤。任何 這些因素可能會導致項目的資本和運營支出、經濟回報或現金流估計發生變化 或對我們的財務狀況產生其他負面影響。無法保證我們的工廠將開始商業生產 按計劃進行,或根本進行,或將導致有利可圖、可行的運營。如果我們無法將我們的設施發展爲商業運營 設施,我們的業務和財務狀況將受到重大不利影響。此外,即使可行性研究支持 作爲一個商業上可行的項目,還有許多其他因素可能會影響項目的發展,包括條款和 融資可用性、成本超支、有關項目的訴訟或行政上訴、開發延誤以及任何 允許發生變化,以及我們無法控制的因素,例如不利的天氣狀況。
37 |
我們 未來的鋰精煉和生產活動可能會因任何一種或多種風險和不確定性而發生變化。我們不能 向您保證,我們的任何活動都將導致實現和維持盈利能力並發展正現金流。
管道 鋰原料可能被證明是不可行的,這可能會對我們的業務和運營產生重大不利影響。
穿過 我們通過與全球領先企業(如烏莎資源公司)達成的非約束性合同安排達成的戰略諒解備忘錄 對於大獎湖鋰滷水項目,QXR、IGX和Zelandez,我們依賴它們來供應和生產鋰滷水,以及 如果由於某種原因,諒解備忘錄沒有最終達成具有約束力的協議或沒有產生預期的經濟結果, 這可能會對我們的業務、運營和財務狀況產生不利影響。例如,Liberty Lithium第一階段的結果 與QXR合作的項目可能被證明在經濟上是不可行的,或者不是公司經濟上可行的原料來源。此外,我們的 與Zelandez的安排也可能不會產生足夠的原料。鋰鹽水可能沒有足夠的供應和生產 在工廠開始生產時。此外,上游風險可能會阻止我們組織足夠的原料供應 生產始終如一的鋰產品,鋰供應的競爭格局可能會對公司的 努力。大宗商品價格的變化也可能限制上游的勘探和生產。我們不能向你保證我們不會面對 如果我們的戰略的執行受到影響,會產生不利的影響。
物流 基於中心輻射煉油廠模型的成本可能會將價格提高到經濟上不可行的程度。
我們 商業模式的目的是有一箇中央煉油廠,投入被運送到中央地點。這種方法有一層 雖然我們的管理層認爲這些成本可以通過集中和/或結晶來限制, 我們無法向您保證交通成本、交通和物流稅的任何不利變化、集中度發生變化 和/或導致成本增加的結晶過程等不會大幅增加成本,降低營業利潤, 或者使我們的項目變得不可行。
甚至 如果我們成功完成所有初始階段和工廠的首次商業生產並持續生產電池級 鋰的商業規模,我們可能無法成功開始和擴大商業運營以支持我們的增長 業務
我們 未來能否獲得可觀的收入,在很大程度上取決於我們吸引客戶和簽訂合同的能力 以優惠的條件。我們預計,我們的許多客戶將是在鋰市場擁有豐富經驗的大公司。 我們缺乏豐富的商業運營經驗,並且在發展這些領域的營銷專業知識方面可能面臨困難。我們 商業模式依賴於我們成功實施第一次商業生產以及開始和擴大商業運營的能力。 此外,我們還打算與供應商成功談判、構建和履行鋰鹽水的長期供應協議。
協議 有潛在客戶的客戶最初可能只向我們購買有限數量的產品。我們提高銷售額的能力 將在很大程度上取決於我們是否有能力將這些現有的客戶關係擴展爲長期供應協議。建立, 在沒有客戶任何保證的情況下,維護和擴大與客戶的關係通常需要大量投資 他們將下大筆訂單。此外,我們的許多潛在客戶在這些問題上可能比我們更有經驗 我們可能無法及時或以有利的條件成功談判這些協議,這反過來又可能迫使我們 爲了減緩我們的生產速度,請將額外的資源用於增加存儲容量和/或將資源用於現貨市場的銷售。 此外,如果我們變得更加依賴現貨市場銷售,我們的盈利能力將越來越容易受到短期影響。 電池級鋰和與之競爭的替代品的價格和需求波動。
38 |
我們 管理增長的能力將對我們的業務、財務狀況和運營結果產生影響。
未來 增長可能會給我們的財務、技術、運營和行政資源帶來壓力,並導致我們更多地依賴項目 因此,合作伙伴和獨立承包商可能會對我們的財務狀況和運營業績產生不利影響。我們的能力 增長將取決於多種因素,包括但不限於:
● | 我們 開發現有前景的能力; | |
● | 我們 識別供應商並與供應商簽訂長期供應協議的能力; | |
● | 我們 能夠與項目合作伙伴和獨立承包商保持或建立新的關係; | |
● | 我們 有能力繼續留住和吸引技術人才; | |
● | 我們 獲得資本; | |
● | 的 鋰產品的市場價格;和 | |
● | 我們 能夠簽訂鋰產品銷售協議。 |
我們 產品可能沒有資格供我們的目標客戶使用。
我們的 電池級鋰產品可能不適合我們的預期客戶使用鋰離子電池。這些電池有 對製造過程中使用的材料作爲雜質的嚴格要求可能會導致充電性能較差,包括 車輛運行里程,更頻繁地需要充電,電池在較低溫度啓動時出現問題,在某些極端情況下 從箱子到電池着火。目前行業中鋰轉化實踐的一個主要問題是可靠的操作 生產高質量的鋰產品。雖然通過我們的業務安排和流程,我們希望生產電池級 滿足純度要求的鋰產品,我們不能向您保證我們將能夠按我們的意願達成業務安排, 我們的工藝將滿足我們目標客戶嚴格的質量檢測標準,我們將無法開發市場 銷售我們的產品,這將對我們的收入、運營和財務狀況產生不利影響。
我們 可能無法按預期銷售我們的產品。
作爲 由於市場動態不斷變化,我們可能無法爲我們的產品找到長期買家,原因多種多樣,包括: 資格、有競爭力的定價、物流成本、未來的政府政策和激勵措施、電動汽車採用的需求變化, 電池化學變化或電池金屬合成、新工程技術的出現導致需求變化 或可能使現有工藝過時的工藝,以及電動汽車行業電池級鋰的替代品等。 我們無法向您保證此類事件未來可能不會發生,也無法向您保證它們將對我們的業務、運營和財務產生怎樣的不利影響 位置
延誤 和其他障礙可能會阻止我們設施的成功完工。
延誤 可能會停止或暫時停止我們設施的開發。這些延誤可能包括但不限於允許延誤和 無法獲得許可、施工延誤、採購問題、勞動力採購、社區活動和政治反對派。 我們的設施完工的嚴重延遲可能會對我們完成開發的能力產生不利影響,因爲兩個資本的變化 支出和運營支出。
39 |
我們依賴於我們成功訪問的能力 資本和金融市場。任何無法進入資本或金融市場的行爲都可能會限制我們滿足流動性的能力 需求和長期承諾、資助我們的持續運營、執行我們的業務計劃或尋求我們可能依賴的投資 未來的增長。
直到商業化生產 從我們計劃的項目中實現,我們將繼續產生與以下相關的運營和投資淨現金流出,但 不限於開展勘探、開採和生產活動,以及我們計劃項目的開發。結果, 我們依賴各種資金來源,包括債務、私募股權、公共和私人債務以及股權資本市場, 以及贈款,作爲我們資本和運營需求的資金來源。我們需要額外的資本來滿足我們的流動性 與我們各種企業活動的費用相關的需求,包括與我們作爲上市公司的地位相關的成本, 爲我們的持續運營提供資金,探索和定義鋰鹽水提取,並建立任何未來的鋰業務。我們不能 向您保證,我們將以令人滿意的條件或根本獲得此類額外資金。
爲我們正在進行的未來提供資金 鑑於業務和未來的資本需求,我們可能需要通過發行額外的股本或債務證券來獲得額外的資金。取決於 根據我們尋求的任何融資的類型和條款,股東權利及其在我們普通股中的投資價值可以 就會減少。任何額外的股權融資都將稀釋我們現有的股權。如果新證券的發行導致減持 對於我們普通股持有者的權利,我們普通股的市場價格可能會受到負面影響。新的或額外的債務融資, 如果有的話,可能涉及對融資和經營活動的限制。此外,如果我們發行擔保債務證券,持有者 在債務清償之前,我們對我們的資產擁有優先於股東權利的權利。有關的利息 債務證券將增加成本,並使我們承擔更多的償債義務,可能導致運營和融資 這些契約將限制我們的運營,從而對運營業績產生負面影響。
如果我們無法獲得額外的 根據需要,以有競爭力的條件進行融資,我們爲當前運營提供資金並實施業務計劃和戰略的能力將 受到不利影響。這些情況可能要求我們縮小運營範圍並縮減勘探、開採、 精煉和生產計劃。無法保證我們能夠獲得任何額外資金或能夠獲得資金 爲我們提供足夠的資金來實現我們的目標,這可能會對我們的業務和財務狀況產生不利影響。可能 不保證能夠及時或以我們可以接受的金額或條款提供融資,或者根本不保證融資。任何故障 以對我們有利或根本有利的條款籌集所需資金,可能會嚴重限制我們的流動性,併產生重大不利影響 關於我們的業務、運營業績和財務業績。
我們 可能無法發展、維持和發展戰略關係,識別新的戰略關係機會,或形成戰略伙伴關係。 關係,在未來。
我們 期望我們建立、維護和管理戰略關係的能力,例如我們與供應商的非約束性協議, 承購者、技術合作夥伴和其他相關服務/輔助提供商對我們業務的成功至關重要。我們不能 保證與我們已經或將要發展戰略關係的公司將繼續投入資源 有必要促進互惠互利的業務關係,以發展我們的業務。如果,出於某種原因,我們的合夥人選擇 終止我們與他們的合同,拒絕以商業上合理的條款與我們簽訂合同,或無法交貨 在商定的條件下,鋰鹽水的精煉,我們設施的建設,生產市場可接受的電池級的能力 鋰,我們的業務運營將受到實質性的不利影響。此外,我們目前的一些安排並不是排他性的, 我們的一些戰略合作伙伴未來可能會與我們的競爭對手合作。如果我們沒有成功地建立或維持 我們與主要戰略合作伙伴的關係、我們的整體增長可能會受到損害,我們的業務、前景、財務狀況、 經營業績可能會受到不利影響。
40 |
鋰可以高度易燃,如果我們 如果發生這種情況,可能會對我們產生不利影響。
濃縮形式的鋰可能會 高度易燃,如果沒有使用適當的協議生產、儲存和運輸的話。它可能會引起劇烈的燃燒或爆炸, 與熱或水接觸時。純鋰如果分散得很好,在某些情況下,與空氣接觸時可能會自燃。 暴露在高溫下,就會形成有毒的煙霧,然後可能會分解。該產品能與強氧化劑、強酸發生劇烈反應。 以及許多其他化合物(例如碳氫化合物、鹵素、哈龍、混凝土、沙子和石棉)。這就造成了火災和爆炸的危險。鋰 還可以與水反應,這可能會產生高度易燃的氫氣和氫氧化鋰的腐蝕性煙霧。交通運輸 如果不採取適當的安全措施,鋰的泄漏可能是危險的。最終產品,如鋰離子電池, 用我們的產品製造的,可能是不穩定和易燃的。雖然我們打算遵循禮儀和安全措施,但我們不能 向您保證我們生產的鋰不會燃燒。如果是這樣,它可能會嚴重影響我們的運營、業務和收入,因爲 以及增加我們的保險索賠和保險費,從而影響我們的盈利能力。
的 鋰鹽水行業包括資本充足的公司,我們可能沒有足夠的資源與他們競爭。
的 DLE行業和鋰加工行業包括擁有大量資本和豐富資源的成熟競爭對手。 因此,我們可能會遇到與這些資本充足的現任者競爭的挑戰。這些行業參與者往往受益 來自巨大的財政儲備運營和分銷規模,這可能會使我們處於競爭劣勢。
低成本 生產商可能會擾亂市場並能夠提供比公司更便宜的產品。
製片人, 特別是在外國司法管轄區,包括但不限於中國、阿根廷、智利、印度和澳大利亞,可以使用 可能會生產成本較低的鋰,這可能會影響整個市場,特別是對公司的銷售產生不利影響。 其他生產商可以放棄DLE技術,使用池塘或其他機制來提取鋰,這可能具有較低的成本基礎。 此外,其他生產商可能在環境、健康、安全和其他監管合規性可能不太嚴格的市場中運營 與我們的市場相比的標準這可能會導致這些生產商大幅降低成本,這可能會降低我們的定價競爭力 甚至是不可行的。如果發生這種情況,可能會對我們的收入、盈利能力和現金流產生重大不利影響。
我們 可能無法獲得現有的聯邦和州一級的贈款和獎勵,並且贈款和獎勵可能不會被釋放 以我們預期的速度或效率傳遞給我們。
那裏 是由各種政府組織提供的大量贈款、資金和其他激勵措施,旨在促進美國 電池級鋰產品的製造,如通過愛爾蘭共和軍、IR法案和賬單 在能源部LPO貸款計劃辦公室的支持下,先進技術汽車製造貸款計劃部門 國防部、國防生產法案、能源部撥款、國防部戰略資本辦公室以及 稅收抵免和俄克拉荷馬州商務部的21世紀優質就業計劃等。雖然我們預計會收到 對於來自俄克拉荷馬州的贈款,我們不能向您保證此類贈款將以有意義的金額及時收到,或者 而且我們可能沒有資格或資格獲得聯邦撥款。這些和其他未來的政府激勵措施可能會被取消,也可能不會 由於政府政策或對此類激勵措施的政治態度的變化,可能會改變和限制 任何此類激勵措施的分配。例如,該公司已被告知其在國防項下的撥款申請 生產法案,將舉行這樣的申請,但目前沒有這樣的資金在該計劃下。另外, 2025年1月,總裁·特朗普發佈行政命令,指示立即暫停支付通過 BIL/基礎設施投資和就業法案、愛爾蘭共和軍和IR法案。這種付款的暫停受到持續不斷的法律挑戰。 此外,《投資者關係法》和《愛爾蘭共和法》可能會受到修改或廢除的企圖,包括通過國會預算協調。 目前,這些行動和下一步行動的全部影響仍不確定。我們不能向您保證,如果某些激勵措施的基礎 更改和贈款變得不可用或延遲,同樣不會影響我們及時開始運營的能力 以符合成本效益的方式,導致調試延遲,並可能對我們的融資選擇產生不利影響,從而產生不利影響 影響我們創造收入和盈利的能力。
我們 未來可能會使用對沖安排來減輕某些風險,但使用此類衍生工具可能會產生重大影響 對我們的運營業績產生不利影響。
在……裏面 未來,我們可能會使用利率互換來管理利率風險,特別是在與客戶簽訂長期承購合同時。在……裏面 此外,我們可能會使用遠期銷售和其他類型的對沖合同,包括外幣對沖,如果我們確實擴展到其他 國家。如果我們選擇加入這些類型的對沖安排,我們的相關資產可能會確認這些資產的財務損失 由於標的資產的市值波動或交易對手未能履行合同而導致的安排。 如果無法獲得主動報價的市場價格和外部來源的定價信息,則這些合同的估值將 涉及對估計的判斷或使用。因此,基本假設的變化或替代估值方法的使用 可能會影響這些合同的報告公允價值。如果這些金融合同的價值發生了變化,而我們沒有 預期,或如果交易對手未能履行合同,這可能會損害我們的業務、財務狀況和運營結果 和現金流。
41 |
我們 可能會收購或投資更多公司,這可能會轉移我們管理層的注意力,導致我們的進一步稀釋 股東,並消耗維持我們業務所需的資源。
我們的 商業戰略可能部分包括收購其他互補性技術或業務,或爲我們提供下游或 上游整合,或對此類企業進行少數股權投資。我們還可能與其他企業建立合作關係以進行擴張 我們的運營並創建服務網絡,以支持我們電池級鋰的生產和交付。收購、投資、 或業務關係可能導致不可預見的經營困難和支出,包括我們可能追求但不會追求的經營困難和支出 在收購、投資或商業關係中達成協議。我們可能會在吸收或整合業務方面遇到困難, 被收購公司的技術、產品、服務、人員或業務,特別是如果被收購公司的關鍵人員 公司選擇不爲我們工作。收購還可能擾亂我們的業務,轉移我們的資源,並需要大量的管理 爲我們的業務發展提供的關注。此外,任何收購的預期收益, 投資或業務關係可能無法實現,或者我們可能面臨未知的債務。
談判 這些交易可能耗時、困難且昂貴。我們可能會產生大量的業務發展費用和管理層的費用 在討論和談判期間,注意力可能會從我們現有業務的運營上轉移。此外,我們的能力 完成這些交易通常可能需要經過超出我們控制範圍的批准。因此,即使這些交易 承擔並宣佈的,可能不會關閉。即使我們確實成功完成收購或投資,我們最終也可能不會增強 我們的競爭地位或實現我們的目標,我們完成的任何收購都可能會受到我們的客戶、證券的負面看法 分析師和投資者。
到 如果我們只持有公司的少數股權,我們可能缺乏肯定的控制權,這可能會削弱我們的能力 以旨在提高我們對公司投資價值的方式影響公司事務。我們可能會遭受損失 如果大多數利益相關者或公司管理層承擔風險或以不符合我們利益的方式行事。 此外,如果投資的公司開展業務、財務或管理,我們可能會受到聲譽損害 我們不同意的決定。這些情況還可能導致與管理層或員工的糾紛和訴訟 投資的公司或其其他股東。
我們 依賴於關鍵管理員工。
的 監督我們業務的日常運營和戰略管理的責任在很大程度上取決於我們的高級 管理層和關鍵人員。任何此類人員的流失可能會對我們的績效產生不利影響。我們運營的成功 將取決於許多因素,其中許多因素在一定程度上超出了我們的控制範圍,包括我們吸引和保留額外的能力 銷售、營銷、工程和技術支持以及財務的關鍵人員。我們運營的某些領域競爭激烈 人才競爭十分激烈。我們可能無法聘請合適的現場人員來從事工程和技術工作 團隊或可能有一段時間,特定職位在確定和任命合適的替代者時仍然空缺。 我們可能無法成功吸引和留住業務增長和盈利運營所需的人員。
42 |
我們 作爲一家生產電池級鋰及相關產品的公司,其成功在很大程度上取決於我們合作伙伴的能力 從鹽水中提取鋰以及我們爲實施鹽水加工廠確保資金的能力。
我們的 作爲鋰及相關產品生產商的成功取決於我們開發和實施更高效生產的能力 基於富礦物滷水的能力和實施手柄技術。同時有可能顯著增加 從滷水項目供應鋰,用於DLE的技術是一項新興技術。許多DLE技術正在湧現 而且正在進行規模測試,只有少數幾個項目已經在商業建設中。然而,周圍仍然存在挑戰 可伸縮性和耗水量/鹽水回注。我們將需要繼續大量投資,以擴大我們的製造規模,最終達到 生產足夠數量的電池級鋰。然而,我們不能向您保證,我們未來的產品研發項目, 如果有的話,籌資工作將取得成功或在預期的時間框架或預算內完成。不能保證我們 是否會實現預期的銷售目標,或者我們是否會盈利。此外,我們不能向您保證我們現有的或潛在的 競爭對手不會開發與我們的技術相似或更優越的技術,也不會開發比我們的技術更多的產品 價格極具競爭力。因爲通常很難預測開發新技術的時間框架和市場的持續時間 作爲這些技術的窗口,我們可能不得不放棄一項不再商業化的潛在技術,這是一個很大的風險 即使我們在開發這種技術和我們的設施上投入了大量資源,也是可行的。如果我們失敗了 技術開發或產品發佈的努力,我們的業務、前景、財務狀況和經營結果可能是實質性的 並受到不利影響。
的 非鋰電池技術的發展可能會對我們產生不利影響。
的 依賴鋰化合物以外投入的新電池技術的開發和採用可能會對我們的 前景和未來收入。用於電動汽車的當前和下一代高能量密度電池依賴鋰 化合物作爲關鍵輸入。正在研究替代材料和技術,目標是使電池更輕, 更高效、更快的充電和更便宜,其中一些可能不太依賴鋰化合物。我們無法預測是哪一個 新技術最終可能會被證明是商業上可行的,或者是在什麼時間範圍內。使用的商業化電池技術 沒有或明顯減少鋰可能會對我們的前景和未來收入產生重大不利影響。
鋰 價格會發生不可預測的波動。
我們 預計將從電池級鋰的生產和銷售中獲得收入(如果有的話)。鋰的價格可能會大幅波動。 並受到許多我們無法控制的因素的影響,包括國際、經濟和政治趨勢,對通脹的預期, 貨幣匯率波動、利率、全球或區域消費模式、投機活動、產量增加 由於新的開採發展和改進的開採和生產方法以及市場的技術變化 產品。世界上最大的鋰供應商是智利Quimica y Minera S.A公司(紐約證券交易所代碼:SQM)、Albemarle Corporation(紐約證券交易所代碼:ALB)、江西贛鋒鋰業股份有限公司和天琦集團。任何壓低鋰材料價格的嘗試 此類供應商的產量增加,或任何供應商增加的產量超過任何增加的需求,都將對 星塵力量。鋰材料的價格也可能因爲發現新的鋰礦藏而降低,這不僅可以增加 鋰的總體供應(對其價格造成下行壓力),但也可能吸引新的公司進入鋰精煉行業 它將與星塵力量競爭。這些因素對鋰和鋰副產品價格的影響,因此 我們的任何勘探資產的經濟可行性都無法準確預測。此外,如果價格大幅下降, 這可能會對我們採購原材料的能力產生重大不利影響,從而影響我們的生產量。另外, 這也可能對我們電池級鋰的銷售價格和銷量產生不利影響,並可能產生不利影響 影響我們的收入、毛利率和盈利能力。
43 |
的 我們鋰精煉廠的發展高度依賴於目前對鋰基最終產品的預計需求和使用。
這個 我們鋰精煉廠的發展高度依賴於目前預測的鋰基終端產品的需求和使用, 其中包括用於電動汽車的鋰離子電池和其他目前市場份額有限的大型電池,以及 其預計的採用率不能得到保證。在該等市場未按本公司預期的方式發展的範圍內, 那麼鋰產品市場的長期增長將受到不利影響,這將抑制發展潛力。 鋰精煉廠的潛在商業可行性,否則將對業務和財務產生負面影響 公司的狀況。此外,作爲一種大宗商品,鋰市場需求受到終端用戶替代效應的影響 採用一種替代商品作爲對供應限制或市場定價增加的反應。在這些因素出現的程度上 在鋰市場,這可能會對鋰市場的整體增長前景和定價產生負面影響, TURN可能會對公司及其項目產生負面影響。
我們 未來的增長和成功取決於消費者對汽車行業電動汽車的需求,汽車行業通常 競爭性、週期性和波動性。
雖然 如果電動汽車市場總體上沒有發展,我們將繼續看到人們對電動汽車的興趣和採用會增加 正如我們預期的那樣,或者發展速度比我們預期的慢,我們的業務、前景、財務狀況和經營業績可能會受到損害。 例如,2025年1月,特朗普總統宣佈打算取消對電動汽車的任何有利監管條件。 因此,任何旨在幫助支持電動汽車市場發展的政府激勵措施的未來都不確定 在這個時候
在 此外,電動汽車仍佔汽車整體銷量的一小部分。因此,鋰產品市場 可能受到多種因素的負面影響,例如:
● | 看法 電動汽車的特點、質量、安全、性能、可持續性和成本; | |
● | 看法 關於電動車輛可以在單次電池充電的情況下驅動的有限範圍, 和使用充電設施; | |
● | 競爭, 包括來自其他類型的替代燃料汽車,插電式混合動力汽車 和高燃油經濟性內燃機汽車; | |
● | 波動 石油、汽油和能源的成本; | |
● | 政府 法規和經濟激勵措施和條件;以及 | |
● | 關切 關於我們未來的生存能力。 |
銷售 在許多市場,汽車行業的車輛數量往往具有周期性,這可能會使我們面臨進一步的波動。我們也不能 預測當前全球趨勢的持續時間或方向或其對消費者需求的持續影響。最終,我們將繼續監測 宏觀經濟條件保持靈活性,並酌情優化和發展我們的業務,並嘗試準確預測 我們將根據全球的需求和基礎設施要求,相應地部署我們的生產、勞動力和其他資源。如果我們體驗 不利的全球市場條件,或者我們無法或沒有在與此類條件相稱的範圍內維持運營 或後來被要求或選擇再次暫停此類業務、我們的業務、前景、財務狀況和經營業績 可能會受到重大不利影響。
我們 可能無法成功談判與我們當前的不具約束力的諒解備忘錄和信件相關的最終具有約束力的條款 供應和承買協議的意圖,這可能會損害我們的商業前景。
從 我們不時同意有關承購和供應協議的初步條款。我們可能無法與這些人談判最終條款 或其他公司及時或根本,並且不保證任何最終協議的條款將相同或 與當前設想的類似。最終條款可能包括不太有利的定價結構或數量承諾,更昂貴 交貨或純度要求、合同期限縮短和其他不利變化。最終合同談判的延誤可能會減緩 我們最初的商業化以及未能就足夠數量的鋰銷售達成一致的明確條款可能會阻止我們 發展我們的業務。在某種程度上,我們最初的供應和分銷合同中的條款可能會影響有關 未來的合同,如果未能就與我們當前初步協議相關的有利最終條款進行談判,可能會造成特別嚴重的後果。 對我們的增長和盈利能力產生負面影響。此外,我們的潛在交易對手可能會取消或推遲達成最終協議 出於多種原因達成協議,其中一些可能超出了我們的控制範圍。此外,我們還沒有證明我們可以 滿足我們當前非約束力供應協議中設想的生產水平。如果設施的建設和準備情況 進展速度比我們預期的要慢,或者如果我們在成功完成該設施的建設方面遇到困難,則可能 客戶,包括我們目前與之簽訂意向書的客戶,可能不太願意談判最終的供應協議, 或要求對我們不利的條款,我們的表現可能會受到影響。如果我們無法就 及時地,我們的增長、收入和運營業績可能會受到負面影響。
44 |
我們 與住友集團簽訂了一份不具約束力的書面協議,考慮簽訂一項根據 標題爲“企業客戶”。 雙方正在就關鍵商業點進行談判 潛在的買斷協議。該書面協議爲公司與住友之間潛在的具有約束力的協議提供了框架; 但許多關鍵條款尚未原則上達成一致。我們有可能無法達成一項明確的協議, 協議與上述協議書一致,或根本不一致。
我們 如果我們無法就擬議的合資達成最終協議,未來的業務前景可能會受到不利影響 與Usha Resources和IGX的合資企業,如果此類協議實際上已完成,則無法保證此類合資企業 最終會成功。
我們 與Usha Resources和IGX各自簽署了不具約束力的意向書,以收購由以下公司擁有的項目的多數股權 標題爲「」的部分中描述的那些政黨業務-Usha Resources意向書“和 “業務-IGX意向書”.雙方正在就關鍵商業點進行談判 冒險。意向書爲潛在投資提供了框架;然而,企業的許多關鍵條款, 包括經濟和投資條款,尚未原則上達成一致。雙方可能無法 同意簽訂與意向書一致或完全一致的最終協議。
甚至 如果我們能夠達成最終條款並簽訂具有約束力的文件,我們不知道這些項目將需要多少資金, 或者此類融資是否將以可接受的條款提供,或者根本提供。無法保證這些企業能夠 完成各自項目的開發並商業化。這些因素可能會損害我們的業務和運營結果 和財務業績。
變化 技術或其他發展可能會對鋰化合物的需求產生不利影響,或導致對替代產品的偏好。
鋰 其衍生物是某些工業應用的首選原材料,例如充電電池。例如,Current 未來用於電動汽車的高能量密度電池依賴於鋰化合物作爲關鍵輸入。進步的步伐 在當前的電池技術中,開發和採用依賴鋰化合物以外的輸入的新電池技術, 或者推遲開發和採用未來使用鋰的高鎳電池技術可能會產生重大影響 我們的前景和未來的收入。爲了製造電池,許多材料和技術都在研究和開發中 更輕、更高效、充電更快、更便宜,其中一些可以減少對鋰或其他鋰化合物的依賴。 其中一些技術,例如不使用或顯著減少使用鋰化合物的商業化電池技術,可以 如果取得成功,可能會對個人電子產品、電動和混合動力汽車以及其他領域的鋰電池需求產生不利影響 申請。我們無法預測哪些新技術最終可能被證明是商業上可行的,以及在什麼時間範圍內。此外, 隨着全球大宗商品價格的上漲,依賴鋰化合物的工業應用的替代品可能會變得更具經濟吸引力 換檔。這些事件中的任何一種都可能對鋰的需求和市場價格產生不利影響,從而造成重大不利影響。 關於開採我們發現的任何礦化以及減少或消除我們確定的任何儲量的經濟可行性。
45 |
我們 一旦發生災難性事件,即信息技術系統故障,業務和運營可能會受到嚴重干擾 或者網絡攻擊
我們的 業務依賴於專有技術、流程和信息,我們已經從我們的 合作伙伴,其中大部分已經或將存儲在我們的電腦系統中。我們將來可能會與第三方簽訂協議 硬件、軟體、電信和其他它與我們的運營相關的服務。我們的運營依賴於 部分是關於我們和我們的供應商如何很好地保護網絡、設備、IT系統和軟體免受多種威脅的破壞,包括 但不限於,電纜切斷、物理工廠損壞、自然災害、故意損壞和破壞、火災、斷電、黑客攻擊、 計算機病毒、破壞、盜竊、惡意軟體、勒索軟體和網絡釣魚或其他網絡攻擊。這些事件和其他事件中的任何一種都可能導致 在IT系統故障、延遲、數據或信息丟失、對我們的合作伙伴或其他第三方的責任、 我們的業務或資本支出的增加。我們的運營還依賴於網絡的及時維護、升級和更換, 設備、信息技術系統和軟體以及先發制人的費用,以減少漏洞或故障的風險。
此外, 如果我們的員工遠程工作,這類IT系統以及網絡和系統的重要性可能會增加,這可能會帶來更多風險 對於我們的信息技術系統和網絡,這樣的員工使用網絡連接、計算機或外部設備 我們的辦公場所或網絡。此外,如果我們的一家服務提供商出現故障,而我們無法找到合適的替代方案 我們可能無法及時正確地管理我們的外包職能。如果我們不能繼續保留這些服務 如果我們的供應商以可接受的條款提供,我們對必要的IT系統或服務的訪問可能會中斷。任何安全漏洞, 我們的IT系統或第三方供應商的系統中斷或故障可能會削弱我們運營業務的能力,減少 我們的服務質量、增加的成本、迅速的訴訟和其他消費者索賠,使我們受到政府執法行動的影響(包括 調查、罰款、處罰、審計或檢查),並損害我們的聲譽,其中任何一項都可能對我們的業務造成實質性損害, 財務狀況或我們經營的結果。
AS 網絡威脅繼續發展,我們可能需要花費大量額外資源來繼續修改或增強我們的 保護措施或調查和補救任何信息安全漏洞。雖然我們已經實施了安全資源 爲了保護我們的數據安全和IT系統,這樣的措施可能無法阻止此類事件,特別是因爲網絡攻擊技術 使用頻繁的變化,通常直到啓動才被識別,因爲網絡攻擊的全部範圍可能要到 調查已經完成,網絡攻擊的來源多種多樣,方法多種多樣。 此外,某些可提高我們IT系統安全性的措施需要大量時間和資源才能廣泛部署, 而且這種措施可能不能及時部署或對攻擊有效。無法實施、維護和 升級足夠的保障措施可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況和運營結果產生實質性的不利影響。 我們的IT系統或我們供應商的IT系統嚴重中斷,或數據安全遭到破壞,也可能產生重大不利影響 關於我們的業務、財務狀況和經營結果。
我們 可能承擔保險可能不承保的責任和損失。
我們 員工和設施將面臨與生產電池級鋰相關的危險。操作危險可能會造成人身傷害 傷害和生命損失,財產、廠房和設備以及環境的損壞或破壞。我們希望維持保險 我們認爲符合行業實踐並維持安全計劃的風險承保金額。但我們 可能因不可保險或未保險的風險而遭受損失,或者金額超過現有保險範圍。導致 對我們的財產或第三方擁有的財產造成重大人身傷害或損壞或其他未完全承保的損失 保險可能會對我們的運營業績和財務狀況產生重大不利影響。
46 |
保險 由於未知因素,包括傷害的嚴重程度、我們的確定等,責任很難評估和量化 與其他方的比例責任、未報告的事件數量以及我們安全計劃的有效性。如果我們 要經歷超出我們承保範圍或不屬於我們保險範圍的保險索賠或費用,我們可能需要使用 流動資金用於滿足這些索賠,而不是維持或擴大我們的業務。事件的發生不完全 保險承保可能會對我們的業務、經營業績、現金流和財務狀況產生重大不利影響。
我們 可能會聲稱我們的員工、顧問或獨立承包商錯誤使用或披露機密信息 或涉嫌第三方或競爭對手的商業祕密,或違反與我們競爭對手的非競爭或非招攬協議 或他們的前僱主。
我們 可以僱用或以其他方式僱用以前或同時受僱於研究機構或其他機構的人員 清潔技術公司,或諮詢各種公司,包括可能被解釋爲我們的競爭對手或潛在競爭對手的公司。 儘管我們制定了防止盜用商業祕密或機密信息的流程,但我們可能會受到索賠的影響 這些人員或我們無意中或以其他方式使用或披露了他們的商業祕密或其他專有信息 他們向其提供諮詢服務的前任或現任僱主或客戶合法擁有 僱主或其客戶(視情況而定)。可能需要提起訴訟來抵禦這些索賠。即使我們成功了 在對這些索賠進行辯護時,訴訟可能會對我們的運營產生不利影響,導致巨額成本,並分散注意力 到管理層
訴訟 可能會對我們提起訴訟,任何此類訴訟中的不利裁決都可能會對我們的業務、財務狀況或流動性產生不利影響 或我們普通股的市場價格。
我們 可能參與、被列爲各種法律訴訟的一方或成爲各種法律訴訟的主體,包括監管訴訟、稅務訴訟, 以及與人身傷害、財產損害、財產稅、土地權利、環境和合同糾紛有關的法律訴訟。
的 未來法律訴訟的結果無法確定地預測,並且可能會對我們不利,因此,可能會 對我們的資產、負債、業務、財務狀況或經營業績產生重大不利影響。即使我們獲勝 任何此類法律程序,程序可能成本高昂、耗時,並且可能轉移管理層和關鍵人員的注意力 來自我們的業務運營,這可能會對我們的財務狀況產生不利影響。
一個 烏克蘭當前戰爭的升級、歐洲和中東的普遍衝突,或者其他地方衝突的出現, 可能會對我們的業務產生不利影響。
一個 烏克蘭當前戰爭升級、歐洲和中東普遍衝突或其他地方出現衝突 如果美國資本市場長期規避風險和/或出現普遍情況,可能會對我們的業務產生不利影響 全球經濟放緩。
潛在的關稅或全球貿易戰可能 增加我們所依賴的產品的成本,這可能會對我們業務的競爭力和財務業績產生不利影響。
如果美國政府或 其他國家徵收額外關稅,或提高現有關稅水平,或美國實施貿易限制 美國或其他國家,在美國製造並進口到其他國家的產品的成本可能會增加, 反過來可能對這些產品的需求產生不利影響,並對我們的業務和經營業績產生重大不利影響。
風險 與知識產權有關
如果 我們未能充分保護我們的知識產權或技術(包括任何後來開發或獲得的知識產權 或技術),我們的競爭地位可能會受到損害,我們可能會失去有價值的資產、收入減少併產生高昂的成本 訴訟以保護我們的權利。
而當 我們目前沒有開發任何知識產權或技術,我們可能會開發、許可或獲取知識產權 對我們的業務有價值或重要的未來。我們的成功可能部分取決於我們獲得和維持保護的能力。 如果我們選擇在美國以外的司法管轄區運營,我們可能會利用 保護此類知識產權(包括我們的品牌)並防止他人開發和商業化的知識產權法 侵犯我們知識產權的產品或工藝。然而,這些手段可能只能提供有限的保護,並可能 不阻止我們的競爭對手複製我們的知識產權,阻止我們的競爭對手獲得我們的專有技術 信息或技術,或允許我們獲得或保持競爭優勢。此外,我們採取的保護我們的知識分子的步驟 知識產權可能是不夠的,我們可能選擇不在美國或外國尋求或維持對我們的知識產權的保護 司法管轄區。如果我們無法執行我們的權利,或者如果我們沒有發現,我們將無法保護我們的知識產權 未經授權使用我們的知識產權,這種未經授權的使用可能很難被發現。可能存在未經授權的情況 第三方複製我們的技術(無論是現在還是將來開發、許可或獲得),並使用我們認爲 作爲專利來創造與我們競爭的技術、產品或服務。這些情況中的任何一種都可能對行爲產生不利影響 我們的業務或我們的財務狀況。
47 |
我們 可能依賴第三方技術許可方來執行和保護我們可能許可的知識產權,以及此類第三方 當事人可以拒絕執行和保護此類知識產權。此外,如果我們訴諸法律程序來執行我們的 知識產權(例如對第三方提起侵權訴訟),此類訴訟的結果,無論 優點是不確定的,我們的成功也無法保證。即使我們獲勝,訴訟程序也可能繁重且昂貴。 未來可能需要的任何訴訟都可能導致巨額成本和資源轉移,並且可能會產生材料 對我們的業務、經營業績和財務狀況產生不利影響。
如果 我們無法保護我們專有信息或商業祕密的機密性,我們的業務和競爭地位可能會 受到傷害。
我們 現在或將來可能依賴非專利商業祕密和專有技術,無論是屬於我們還是屬於我們的合作伙伴,以開發和維護 有競爭力的地位。雖然我們試圖部分地通過保密和發明轉讓來保護這些專有信息 與我們的員工、合作者、承包商、顧問、顧問和其他第三方簽訂的協議,我們不能保證 已經或將與已經或可能已經訪問我們的商業祕密或專有信息的每一方簽訂此類協議, 或者這些協議不會被違反。對於此類違規行爲,我們可能無法獲得足夠的補救措施。強制執行一項索賠 非法披露或挪用商業祕密的當事人難度大、費用高、耗時長,後果不可預測。 此外,美國國內外的一些法院不太願意或不願意保護商業祕密。如果我們的任何商業祕密 如果由競爭對手或其他第三方合法獲得或獨立開發,我們將無權阻止它們 利用這些技術或信息與我們競爭。如果我們的任何商業祕密,現在或將來被泄露, 對於競爭對手或其他第三方,或者由競爭對手或其他第三方獨立開發的產品,我們的競爭地位可能會受到實質性和不利的損害。
我們 還尋求通過維護我們場所的實體安全來維護我們數據和商業祕密的完整性和機密性 以及我們信息技術系統的物理和電子安全。雖然我們對這些措施有信心,但它們可能會被違反 或不足,並且我們可能沒有足夠的補救措施來應對任何此類違規或不足。
我們 現在或將來可能與第三方合作伙伴進行業務和技術合作,這可能導致合作伙伴擁有, 或雙方共同擁有某些知識產權,這些知識產權可能基於或衍生自我們或合作伙伴的專有權 信息或現有知識產權。如果我們沒有足夠的權利使用此類合作伙伴擁有的專有信息,或者 知識產權,我們可能會被限制在我們的流程、產品或服務中使用它。如果我們和合作夥伴共同擁有任何 此類知識產權,合作伙伴可能有能力與我們的產品和服務競爭,或者我們可能被要求製作 因我們使用此類知識產權而向我們的合作伙伴支付版稅或類似費用。
我們 可能會受到對我們未來知識產權的發明或所有權提出質疑的索賠,特別是那些可能 由我們的員工、顧問或承包商開發或發明。
我們 可能會受到員工、合作者或其他第三方對我們未來知識的所有權利益的指控 財產,或我們許可人的財產,包括作爲發明人或共同發明人。我們可能會受到所有權或庫存糾紛的影響 在未來,例如,由於顧問、承包商或參與開發的其他人的義務衝突而產生的 我們的知識產權。儘管我們的政策是要求我們的員工和承包商參與構思或 開發潛在的知識產權,以執行將該等知識產權轉讓給我們的協議, 在未來,我們可能不會成功地與實際上構思或開發知識產權的每一方執行這樣的協議 我們認爲是我們自己的。訴訟可能是必要的,以對抗這些和其他挑戰庫存或所有權的索賠。 如果我們不能爲任何此類索賠辯護,除了支付金錢損害賠償外,我們還可能失去寶貴的知識產權,如 作爲知識產權的專有所有權或使用權,或被要求爲訪問此類知識產權而支付使用費 權利(這在商業上可能是不合理的)。其他所有者也可以將這種權利許可給其他第三方,包括 我們的競爭對手。這樣的結果可能會對我們的業務和財務狀況產生實質性的不利影響。即使我們成功了 在對此類索賠進行辯護時,訴訟可能會導致巨額成本,並分散管理層的注意力。
48 |
如果 我們的商標和商品名稱沒有得到充分的保護,那麼我們可能無法在我們的市場和我們的市場中建立知名度 業務可能會受到不利影響。
我們 商標和商品名稱(無論是註冊還是未註冊)可能會受到質疑、侵犯、規避、宣佈通用或確定 違反或侵犯其他商標。我們可能無法保護我們對這些商標和商品名稱的權利,我們 需要在我們感興趣的市場中的潛在合作伙伴和客戶中建立知名度。有時,競爭對手或其他第三方 各方可能會採用與我們類似的商品名稱或商標,從而阻礙我們建立品牌認同並可能領導的能力 導致市場混亂。此外,可能存在潛在的商標侵權,或所有者提出的稀釋索賠 其他商標。我們還可能被要求提起訴訟來捍衛和保護我們的商標,這可能會很昂貴,也可能不會 最終會成功,並且可能會分散管理層的注意力。
反對派 或將來可能會針對我們的商標申請和註冊(包括我們的美國商標)提起取消程序 「Stardust Power」的申請),並且我們的商標或商標申請可能無法在此類訴訟中繼續有效。如果我們 如果無法確保我們商標的註冊,我們在針對第三方強制執行它們時可能會遇到比其他情況更大的困難 我們使用此類商標運營或使用此類商標的能力將會而且可能會受到更大的限制。
我們 可能會因涉嫌侵犯其知識產權而被第三方起訴,這可能成本高昂、耗時且 限制我們未來使用某些技術的能力。
我們 我們的行爲可能會受到侵犯第三方知識產權或其他專有權利的指控。 對任何此類指控進行辯護或以其他方式處理,無論這些指控是否有根據,都可能既耗時又昂貴, 並可能轉移我們管理層的注意力,使其不再關注商業計劃的執行。此外,任何和解或不利判決 這些索賠的結果可能需要我們支付大量費用或獲得許可證才能繼續使用有爭議的知識產權 知識產權,或以其他方式限制或禁止我們使用知識產權。我們不能保證我們能夠:獲得 來自聲稱索賠的第三方以商業上合理的條款獲得許可,如果有的話;及時開發替代技術 或者獲得使用合適的替代技術的許可證。不利的裁決也可能阻止我們獲得許可 將我們的技術轉讓給其他人。對我們提出的侵權索賠可能會對我們的業務、運營結果、 或財務狀況。
風險 與法律、監管、會計和稅務事宜相關
增加 利益相關者對可持續發展問題的關注可能會對我們的業務、聲譽和經營結果產生不利影響。
在……裏面 近年來,所有行業的公司都面臨着來自各種利益相關者越來越多的審查,包括投資者、客戶、 員工、監管機構、評級機構和貸款人,與其可持續發展實踐相關。如果我們不適應或不遵守 利益相關者對可持續性問題的期望和標準,因爲它們繼續發展,或者如果我們被認爲沒有回應 適當或足夠快地應對日益增長的對可持續性問題的關注,無論是否有法規或法律要求 爲此,我們可能遭受聲譽損害,我們的業務、財務狀況和/或股票價格可能會受到實質性的不利影響。 受影響。此外,我們的客戶可能會因爲他們自己的可持續性承諾而購買我們的產品,這可能需要 使他們的供應商-包括我們-遵守超越法律法規和我們能力的可持續性標準 遵守這樣的標準。如果不能保持運營與此類「超越合規」標準保持一致,可能會導致 潛在客戶不與我們做生意或以其他方式損害對我們產品的需求。這些和其他可持續發展問題可能 使我們的聲譽受損,並對我們的業務、前景、財務狀況和經營業績產生不利影響。
49 |
另外, 各監管機構已經採取或正在考慮採取有關環境營銷主張或防止洗綠的法規 更一般地說,包括但不限於使用「可持續」、「生態友好」、「綠色」、 產品和服務營銷中的「清潔」或類似語言或更廣泛地防止洗綠。此外, 對與可持續發展相關的主張和「洗綠」指控的頻率越來越嚴格 因披露不完整、虛假或誤導性等指控而提出與可持續發展相關的索賠的公司, 包括其運營和產品的可持續性。此類洗綠審查和任何相關監管 可能導致合規成本增加以及訴訟風險、聲譽損害和執行風險增加。
我們 現在並將遵守多個司法管轄區的環境、健康和安全法律和法規,這些法律和法規可能會施加重大影響 我們運營的合規要求和其他義務。爲了遵守規定,我們的運營成本可能會大幅增加 在我們運營的司法管轄區中採用新的或更嚴格的監管標準。
我們 業務受外國、聯邦、州和地方環境保護以及健康和安全的管理,並將受其管理 法律和法規,包括但不限於聯邦安全飲用水法、清潔水法、清潔空氣法、 資源保護和恢復法、職業安全與健康法(“職業安全與健康管理局”)、國家環境 《政策法》、《瀕危物種法》、《綜合環境應對、賠償和責任法》以及類似的外國, 聯邦、州和地方法律法規以及外國、聯邦、州和地方環境部門根據這些法律頒發的許可證 以及健康和安全監管機構。這些法律法規除其他外,還制定了飲酒的標準和標準 水,用於保護環境、釋放、修復危險物質以及公共健康和安全。根據 根據這些法律,我們可能需要從某些聯邦、州和地方監管機構獲得各種許可和批准, 我們的運營。如果我們違反或未能遵守這些法律、法規或許可證,我們可能會受到行政或民事處罰。 監管機構的罰款或處罰或其他制裁,以及尋求強制執行、禁令救濟和/或 其他損害。如果我們未能遵守適用的法律、法規或許可,我們的許可或批准可能會被終止或不再續簽 和/或我們可能對損害賠償、禁令救濟和/或罰款承擔責任。此外,政府當局 私人當事人可以根據環境、健康和 之前和當前操作的安全影響。這些訴訟可能會導致巨額罰款、補救費用, 處罰和其他民事和刑事制裁,以及聲譽損害,包括對我們與客戶關係的損害, 供應商、投資者、政府或其他利益相關者。此類法律、法規、執法或私人索賠可能具有重大不利影響 對我們的財務狀況、經營業績或現金流的影響。
另外, 與環境保護有關的聯邦、州和地方法律法規可能要求現任或前任所有者或 房地產經營者調查和補救危險或有毒物質或石油產品在物業內或從物業排放的情況。 例如,根據1980年的《綜合環境響應、補償和責任法》(CERCLA)和州的同等法律,某些 包括財產所有人或經營者在內的各類人員可能承擔調查和補救費用, 對人類健康的影響和對自然資源的損害。這些法律不分青紅皁白地規定嚴格的連帶責任 過錯或貢獻程度,或擁有者或經營者是否知道或對此類危險物質的排放負責 或者導致釋放的行爲在發生時是否合法。我們也可能受到私人相關索賠的影響 當事人,包括僱員、承包商或公衆,聲稱暴露在危險環境中造成財產損失和人身傷害 或來自這些物業的其他材料。我們可能會招致與這些義務相關的大量費用或其他損害, 可能對我們的業務、財務狀況和運營結果產生不利影響。
50 |
環境 法律和條例很複雜,可能會不時改變,相關的解釋和指導也可能會改變。這些法律法規, 而在實踐中,它的應用也越來越廣泛。也有可能實施新的標準 更嚴格或更寬鬆,這可能會導致運營費用增加、我們的產品報廢或導致中斷 或暫停我們的運營並對我們的業務、財務狀況和經營業績產生重大不利影響。
合規 健康和安全法律和法規可能是複雜的,不遵守這些法律和法規可能會導致潛在的 巨額經濟損失和罰款。
我們 運營現在並將遵守一系列聯邦和州法律和法規,包括OSHA和類似的州法規 制定保護工人健康和安全的要求。OSHA危險溝通標準、美國環境 聯邦超級基金修正案和再授權法案第三章規定的保護局社區知情權法規,以及 類似的州法規要求保存有關運營和供應中使用或生產的危險材料的信息 將這些信息提供給員工、州和地方政府當局以及公民。其他OSHA標準規範特定工人 我們業務的安全方面。可以處以巨額罰款和處罰,限制或禁止某些 任何不遵守這些法律和條例的行爲,可能會被髮出行動通知。
氣候 立法、法規和政策的變化可能會導致運營成本增加,並以其他方式影響我們的業務、我們的行業 和全球經濟
氣候 變化可能會產生廣泛的影響,包括對我們的運營的潛在影響。2015年12月,21世紀ST 《聯合國氣候變化框架公約》締約方會議導致近200個國家參加,其中包括 美國共同制定了《巴黎協定》,其中包括自願限制和減少未來排放的承諾。 此外,在28號日在締約方大會上,包括美國在內的近200個成員國達成了一項協議 從化石燃料轉型,同時在本十年加快行動,到2050年實現淨零。該協議包括呼叫 爲在全球範圍內實現可再生能源能力的三倍和能效提高一倍而採取的行動 到2030年,以及加快逐步淘汰有增無減的燃煤發電和逐步取消低效化石燃料補貼的努力, 在其他措施中。最近,在第二十九屆締約方大會上(“COP29“),159個國家舉行會議,其中 其他事項,商定了根據《巴黎協定》第6條運作國際碳市場的規則,包括一項新的 《巴黎協定》信用機制,交易聯合國批准的碳信用。此外,代表159個國家的締約方會議第29屆會議的與會者 會議審查了實現全球甲烷承諾目標的進展情況,併爲以下目標增加了近50000美元的萬贈款資金 甲烷減排。然而,2025年1月,總裁·特朗普發佈行政命令,將立即通知聯合國 美國退出《巴黎協定》和根據《聯合國框架公約》達成的所有其他協定 在氣候變化問題上。與此同時,各州和地方政府也公開承諾推進 《巴黎協定》和其中許多倡議預計將繼續下去。這些,以及其他擬議的法規可能會增加我們目前的 以及未來的生產成本和我們客戶的成本,這可能會減少對我們產品的需求。
改變 法律法規以及全球和國內政策的發展有可能擾亂我們的業務,我們的供應商的業務 和/或客戶,或以其他方式對我們的業務財務狀況產生不利影響。雖然我們認爲,許多這些政策, 將有利於我們的鋰業務,但無法保證法律、法規或政策的此類潛在變化會 對我們的公司、現有或未來的客戶或大規模的經濟、環境或地緣政治條件有利。
51 |
的 氣候變化的物理影響(包括不利天氣)可能會對我們的業務和運營業績產生負面影響。
氣候 變化可能會產生廣泛的物理影響,包括嚴重的天氣狀況,例如增加 乾旱、風暴、洪水、野火和其他氣候事件的嚴重程度和頻率。如果發生如此嚴重的天氣條件,他們 可能中斷或延遲我們的運營,損壞我們的設施,對我們的產品需求產生不利影響或延遲,或導致我們招致 爲準備或應對氣候事件本身的影響而支付的巨額費用,這些費用可能沒有得到充分的保險。此外, 氣候變化的物理影響通常會導致相關保險的價格上漲和可用性下降 市場上這些因素中的任何一個都有可能對我們的業務、財務狀況、業績 業務和現金流。
的 減少或取消對替代能源技術的政府補貼和經濟獎勵,或未能更新 此類補貼和激勵措施可能會減少對我們產品的需求,導致我們的收入減少,並對我們的運營產生不利影響。 結果和流動性。
Near-term growth of alternative energy technologies is affected by the availability and size of government and economic incentives. Many of these government incentives expire, phase out over time, may exhaust the allocated funding, or require renewal by the applicable authority. In addition, these incentive programs could be reduced or discontinued for other reasons. The IRA contains a number of tax incentive provisions, some of which we intend to utilize. This legislation was adopted in August 2022, and forthcoming interagency guidance processes are still ongoing. We, and our customers and suppliers, have not yet seen the impact these IRA-related incentives may have on our business and operations and cannot guarantee that we will realize anticipated benefits of incentives under the IR Act. Furthermore, changes or amendments to clean energy tax credits might be more favorable to other technologies. In addition, the IR Act, the IRA and other recent legislation make available certain grants and other funding opportunities for alternative energy projects, some of which we intend to apply for and, if awarded, utilize. Additionally, in January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing an immediate pause on the disbursement of funds appropriated through the BIL, IR Act and the IRA, and announced efforts to remove government incentives for electric vehicles. This pause on disbursement is subject to ongoing legal challenges. The IR Act and the IRA may also be subject to efforts to amend or repeal, including through Congressional budget reconciliation. Any reduction, elimination, or discriminatory application of expiration of the government subsidies and economic incentives, or the failure to renew tax credit programs, governmental subsidies, or economic incentives, may result in the diminished economic competitiveness of our products to our customers or the availability of supply, and could materially and adversely affect the growth of alternative energy technologies, including our products, as well as our future operating results and liquidity.
Existing, and future changes to, federal, state and local regulations and policies, including permitting requirements applicable to us, and enactment of new regulations and policies, may adversely affect the market for environmental attributes generated by our operations.
The markets for environmental attributes are influenced by U.S. federal and state governmental regulations and policies. Our ability to generate revenue from sales of environmental attributes depends on our strict compliance with such federal and state programs, which are complex and can involve a significant degree of judgment. If the agencies that administer and enforce these programs disagree with our judgments, otherwise determine that we are not in compliance, conduct reviews of our activities or make changes to the programs, then our ability to generate or sell these credits could be temporarily restricted pending completion of reviews or as a penalty, permanently limited, or lost entirely, and we could also be subject to fines or other sanctions.
Compliance with data privacy regulations could require additional expenditures, and may have an adverse impact on the operating cashflows of the Company.
Our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for assessing, identifying and managing cyber security risks. He is supported by outside consulting services. The Chief Financial Officer, along with the third-party consultants, are informed of, and monitor, cybersecurity incidents. Employees of our Company receive training to minimize cybersecurity risks and attest to their understanding in the Code of Conduct which includes cybersecurity. The protocols are reviewed annually. Additional measures are taken, such as the use of two-factor authentication on our Company’s systems, and employed to further reduce threats. Despite the measures we take to assess, identify and manage cyber security risks, there can be no assurance that the various procedures and controls we use to mitigate these risks will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to our IT systems.
52 |
We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in prior year. If we experience additional material weaknesses or other deficiencies in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial results, which could result in loss of investor confidence and adversely impact our stock price.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, (as amended, the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), the Dodd-Frank Act and other applicable securities rules and regulations. In particular, we are subject to reporting obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that require us to include a management report on our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Internal controls must be evaluated continuously and be properly designed and executed by a sufficient level of properly trained staff to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting. During the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) to December 31, 2023, management identified material weaknesses in the implementation of the COSO 13 Framework (which establishes an effective control environments), lack of segregation of duties and management oversight, and control surrounding maintenance of adequate repository of contracts, appropriate classifications of expenses and complex financial instruments.
Management implemented certain controls in fiscal year 2024 to the remediate the material weakness. Management believes that the new procedures and controls provide an appropriate remediation of the material weaknesses that have been identified and these will strengthen the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. In the opinion of management, the revised control processes have been operating for a sufficient period of time and independently validated by management. We expect these systems and controls to involve significant expenditures and to may become more complex as our business grows. To effectively manage this complexity, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial, and management controls, and our reporting systems and procedures. Our inability to successfully remediate any future material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting or any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation or operation of these controls, could harm our operating results and cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements, which could limit our liquidity and access to capital markets, adversely affect our business and investor confidence in our consolidated financial statements, and adversely impact our stock price.
Risks Related to Ownership of Securities and Operating as a Public Company
Our shares of Common Stock are thinly traded, so stockholders may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if they need to sell shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate their shares.
Our Common Stock has from time to time been “thinly traded,” meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our Common Stock at or near ask prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we become more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give stockholders any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common shares will develop or be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained.
Upon our dissolution, our stockholders may not recoup all or any portion of their investment.
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, the proceeds and/or our assets remaining after giving effect to such transaction, and the payment of all of our debts and liabilities will be distributed to the holders of Common Stock on a pro rata basis. There can be no assurance that we will have available assets to pay to the holders of Common Stock, or any amounts, upon such a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up. In this event, our stockholders could lose some or all of their investment.
An active trading market for our Common Stock may never develop or be sustained, which may make it difficult to sell the shares of Common Stock you receive.
The price of our Common Stock may fluctuate significantly due to general market and economic conditions and forecasts, our general business condition and the release of our financial reports. An active trading market for our Common Stock may not develop or continue or, if developed, may not be sustained, which would make it difficult for stockholders to sell their shares of Common Stock at an attractive price (or at all). The market price of our Common Stock may decline below stockholders’ deemed purchase price, and they may not be able to sell their shares of Common Stock at or above that price (or at all). Additionally, if our Common Stock is delisted from Nasdaq for any reason and is quoted on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, the liquidity and price of our Common Stock may be more limited than if we were quoted or listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange. Stockholders may be unable to sell Common Stock unless a market can be established or sustained.
53 |
We may not be able to regain compliance with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements and rules, the Nasdaq may delist our Common Stock and Public Warrants, which could negatively affect the Company, the price of our Common Stock and Public Warrants and our shareholders’ ability to sell our Common Stock and Public Warrants.
The Nasdaq has several listing requirements set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules. For example, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) requires that our Common Stock trade at a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Price Rule”). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(C) requires that the Company maintain a minimum market value of publicly held shares of $15,000,000 (the “MVPHS Rule”).
On March 18, 2025, we received a notice (the “MVPHS Notice”) from the Nasdaq that the Company was not in compliance with the continued listing standards set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(C), as the Company’s market value of publicly held shares closed below $15,000,000 for the previous 30 consecutive business days. On March 19, 2025, we received a subsequent notice (the “Minimum Bid Price Notice”) from the Nasdaq that the Company was not in compliance with the continued listing standards set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1), as the minimum bid price of the Company’s Common Stock closed below $1.00 per share for the previous 30 consecutive business days. The MVPHS Notice and Minimum Bid Price Notice have no present impact on the listing of the Company’s securities on the Nasdaq Global Market.
Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has a period of 180 calendar days, or until September 15, 2025, to regain compliance with the Minimum Price Rule. To regain compliance with the Minimum Price Rule, during the 180-day compliance period, the minimum bid price of the Company’s listed securities must close at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days.
To regain compliance with the MVPHS Rule, during the 180-day compliance period, the market value of publicly held shares must close at $15,000,000 or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days. If compliance is not achieved with both rules by September 15, 2025, Nasdaq will provide written notification to the Company that its securities are subject to delisting. At such time, the Company may appeal the delisting determination to a Hearings Panel.
The Company continues to monitor the bid price for the Common Stock and the market value of publicly held shares. If the Company’s listed securities do not trade at levels that are likely to regain compliance, the Company’s Board of Directors will consider the options available to achieve compliance.
We intend to regain compliance with the Nasdaq listing standards by pursuing measures that are in our best interest and the best interest of our shareholders. There is no assurance that our efforts will be successful, nor is there any assurance that we will regain compliance with either the Minimum Price Rule or the MVPHS Rule or remain in compliance with such section or other Nasdaq continued listing standards in the future. A delisting of our Common Stock or Public Warrants from the Nasdaq could negatively impact us by, among other things, reducing the liquidity and market price of our Common Stock or Public Warrants; reducing the number of investors willing to hold or acquire our Common Stock or Public Warrants, which could negatively impact our ability to raise equity financing; limiting our ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future; decreasing the amount of news and analyst coverage of us; and causing us reputational harm with investors, our employees, and parties conducting business with us.
Delaware law and the Governing Documents contain certain provisions, including anti-takeover provisions, that limit the ability of stockholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws s and the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock, and therefore depress the trading price of our Common Stock. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the current stockholders or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. Among other things, the Governing Documents include provisions regarding:
● | the ability of the Company’s Board to issue shares of preferred stock, including “blank check” preferred stock and to determine the price and other terms of those shares, including preferences and voting rights, without stockholder approval, which could be used to significantly dilute the ownership of a hostile acquirer; | |
● | the Certificate of Incorporation prohibits cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates; | |
● | the limitation of the liability of, and the indemnification of, the Company directors and officers; | |
● | the ability of the Board to amend the Bylaws, which may allow the Board to take additional actions to prevent an unsolicited takeover and inhibit the ability of an acquirer to amend the Bylaws to facilitate an unsolicited takeover attempt; | |
● | the Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board serving staggered, three-year terms, making it impossible for stockholders to replace the entire Board at one time, which will give stockholders less control over corporate and management policies of the Company, including with respect to potential mergers or acquisitions, payment of dividends, asset sales, amendment of the Governing Documents, and other significant corporate transactions of the Company; | |
● | advance notice procedures with which stockholders must comply to nominate candidates to the Board or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting, which could preclude stockholders from bringing matters before annual or extraordinary general meetings of stockholders and delay changes in the Board and may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company; | |
● | providing that the Board is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the Bylaws; | |
● | the removal of the directors of the Board by its stockholders with or without cause; | |
● | the ability of the Board to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board or the resignation, death, or removal of a director in certain circumstances; | |
● | the Certificate of Incorporation prohibits, subject to the rights of the holders of shares of preferred stock to act by written consent, any stockholders from taking any action by written consent; and | |
● | that certain provisions may be amended only by the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of the Company directors. |
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in the Board or management.
54 |
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forums for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law:
● | any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; | |
● | any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; | |
● | any action asserting a claim against us arising under the DGCL, our Governing Documents; | |
● | any action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce, or determine the validity of our Governing Documents; | |
● | any action as to which DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and | |
● | any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal-affairs doctrine. |
This provision would not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all such Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid and several state trial courts have enforced such provisions and required that suits asserting Securities Act claims be filed in federal court, there is no guarantee that courts of appeal will affirm the enforceability of such provisions, and a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. If a court were to find either exclusive forum provision in our Certificate of Incorporation, to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur further significant additional costs associated with litigating Securities Act claims in state court, or both state and federal court, which could seriously harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. These exclusive forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees.
It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares we will sell under the Purchase Agreement to B. Riley Principal Capital II, or the actual gross proceeds resulting from those sales.
On October 7, 2024, we entered into a Purchase Agreement with B. Riley Principal Capital II, pursuant to which B. Riley Principal Capital II has committed to purchase up to $50,000,000 of shares of our Common Stock, subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. The shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the Purchase Agreement may be sold by us to B. Riley Principal Capital II at our discretion from time to time for a period of up to 36 months (unless the Purchase Agreement is earlier terminated) beginning on the date on which the registration statement registering the shares of Common Stock issued to B. Riley Principal Capital II for resale has been declared effective by the SEC and all other conditions to B. Riley Principal Capital II’s obligations to purchase the Common Stock set forth in the Purchase Agreement have been initially satisfied.
We generally have the right to control the timing and amount of any sales of our shares of Common Stock to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement. Sales of our Common Stock, if any, to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement will depend upon market conditions and other factors to be determined by us. We may ultimately decide to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II all, some or none of the shares of our Common Stock that may be available for us to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Depending on market liquidity at the time, resales of those shares by B. Riley Principal Capital II may cause the public trading price of our Common Stock to decrease.
55 |
Because the per share purchase price that B. Riley Principal Capital II will pay for shares of Common Stock that we may elect to effect pursuant to the Purchase Agreement will fluctuate based on the market prices of our Common Stock during the applicable purchase valuation period for each purchase made pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, it is not possible for us to predict, as of the date of this Annual Report and prior to any such sales, the number of shares of Common Stock that we will sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement, the purchase price per share that B. Riley Principal Capital II will pay for shares purchased from us under the Purchase Agreement, or the aggregate gross proceeds that we will receive from those purchases by B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement.
Although the Purchase Agreement provides that we may sell up to an aggregate of $50,000,000 of our Common Stock to B. Riley Principal Capital II, only 6,500,000 shares of our Common Stock (of which 63,694 represent the commitment shares we issued to B. Riley Principal Capital II upon our execution of the Purchase Agreement on October 7, 2024) are being registered under the Securities Act for resale by B. Riley Principal Capital II pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1. If it becomes necessary for us to issue and sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement more than the 6,436,306 shares being registered in order to receive aggregate gross proceeds equal to $50,000,000 under the Purchase Agreement, we must first (i) obtain stockholder approval to issue more than 9,569,701 shares of Common Stock, the number of shares representing 19.99% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement, in accordance with applicable Nasdaq rules (assuming such shares to not qualify for exclusion from such share limit because they were sold at a price exceeding the “minimum price” calculated in accordance with Nasdaq rules) and (ii) file with the SEC one or more additional registration statements to register under the Securities Act the resale by B. Riley Principal Capital II of any such additional shares of our Common Stock we wish to sell from time to time under the Purchase Agreement, which the SEC must declare effective, in each case before we may elect to sell any additional shares of our Common Stock to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement. The number of shares of Common Stock ultimately offered for resale by B. Riley Principal Capital II is dependent upon the number of shares of Common Stock, if any, we elect to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II under the Purchase Agreement. Any issuance and sale by us under the Purchase Agreement of a substantial amount of shares of Common Stock in addition to the 6,500,000 shares of Common Stock being registered for resale could cause additional substantial dilution to our stockholders. Our inability to access a portion or the full amount available under the Purchase Agreement, in the absence of any other financing sources, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations and cash flows.
General Risk Factors
Significant inflation could adversely affect our business and financial results.
Although historically our operations have not been materially affected by inflation and we have been successful in adjusting prices to our customers to reflect changes in our material and labor costs, the rate of current inflation and resulting pressures on our costs and pricing could adversely impact our business and financial results. Inflation can adversely affect us by increasing our operating costs, including our materials, freight and labor costs. As interest rates rise to address inflation, such increases will also impact the base rates applicable in our credit arrangements and will result in borrowed funds becoming more expensive to us over time; similar financing pressures from inflation also can have a negative impact on customers’ willingness to purchase our technologies and services in the same volumes and at the same rates as previously anticipated. In a highly inflationary environment, we may be unable to raise the prices of our technologies and services at or above the rate of inflation, which could reduce our profit margin.
56 |
The Company’s business and operations could be negatively affected if it becomes subject to any securities litigation or stockholder activism, which could cause the Company to incur significant expense, hinder execution of business and growth strategy and impact its stock price.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has been increasing recently. Volatility in the stock price of the Common Stock or other reasons may in the future cause it to become the target of securities litigation or stockholder activism. Securities litigation and stockholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and the Board’s attention and resources from the Company’s business. Additionally, such securities litigation and stockholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to the Company’s future, adversely affect its relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, the Company may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist stockholder matters. Further, its stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and stockholder activism.
The price of the Company’s securities may be volatile.
The price of the Company’s securities may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including:
● | changes in the industry in which the Company operates; | |
● | the success of competitive services or technologies; | |
● | developments involving the Company’s competitors; | |
● | regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries; | |
● | developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights; | |
● | the recruitment or departure of key personnel; | |
● | actual or anticipated changes in estimates as to financial results, development timelines or recommendations by securities analysts; | |
● | variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; | |
● | general economic, industry and market conditions, such as the effects of recessions, interest rates, inflation, international currency fluctuations, political instability and acts of war or terrorism; and the other factors described in this “Risk Factors” section. |
These market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of Common Stock regardless of the operating performance of Stardust Power.
In addition, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have frequently been the subject of securities class action and stockholder derivative litigation. We could be the target of such litigation in the future. Class action and derivative lawsuits, whether successful or not, could result in substantial costs, damage or settlement awards and a diversion of our management’s resources and attention from running our business, which could materially harm our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
The Company currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to finance the further development and expansion of its business and does not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and future agreements and financing instruments, business prospects and such other factors as the Board deems relevant. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in Common Stock unless you sell Common Stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.
57 |
The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company.” The reduced public company reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make the Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under SEC rules. As an emerging growth company, we are permitted and plan to and do rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to: (1) an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (2) not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the consolidated financial statements; (3) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation arrangements in periodic reports, registration statements and proxy statements; and (4) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. As a result, the information we provide will be different than the information that is available with respect to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. If some investors find the Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Common Stock and the market price of the Common Stock may be more volatile.
A small number of stockholders continue to have substantial control over Stardust Power, which may limit other stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and delay or prevent a third party from acquiring control over the Company.
The directors and executive officers of the Company, and beneficial owners that own 5% or more of its voting securities and their respective affiliates, beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately 75% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. Though the ownership percentage will be diluted if and to the extent the Company sells Common Stock, a small number of stockholders will still have a significant concentration of ownership and this may have a negative impact on the trading price for the Common Stock because investors often perceive disadvantages in owning stock in companies with controlling stockholders. In addition, these stockholders will be able to exercise influence over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of the Company or its assets. This concentration of ownership could limit stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, including a merger, consolidation, or other business combination or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control, even if that Change in Control would benefit the other stockholders.
Warrants may be exercised for Common Stock, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in further dilution to our stockholders.
Outstanding warrants to purchase Common Stock may be exercised by the holders of those warrants. To the extent such warrants are exercised, additional shares of Common Stock will be issued, which will result in further dilution to the holders of shares of Common Stock and increase the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market or the fact that such warrants may be exercised could adversely affect the market price of shares of Common Stock.
If the Company’s operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet the guidance provided to the public or the expectations of investment analysts, the market price of the Common Stock may decline.
We may, but are not obligated to, provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Any such guidance will consist of forward-looking statements, subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this annual report and in our other public filings and public statements. The ability to provide this public guidance, and the ability to accurately forecast our results of operations, could be negatively impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty and the current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed any guidance we have provided, especially in times of unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions, such as the current global economic uncertainty being experienced and the current inflationary environment in the United States. If, in the future, our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet any guidance provided or the expectations of investment analysts, or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of the Common Stock may decline as well. Even if we do issue public guidance, there can be no assurance that we will continue to do so in the future.
58 |
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about the Company’s business or publish negative reports, the market price of the Common Stock could decline.
The trading market for the Common Stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us and our business. If regular publication of research reports ceases, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume of the Common Stock to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade the Common Stock or if reporting results do not meet their expectations, the market price of the Common Stock could decline.
We may issue additional shares of the Common Stock (including upon the exercise of warrants), which would increase the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to the Company stockholders.
Outstanding warrants to purchase Common Stock may be exercised by the holders of those warrants. There is no guarantee that the warrants will ever be in the money prior to their expiration, and, as such, the warrants may expire worthless.
The issuance of additional shares of Common Stock as a result of any of the aforementioned transactions may result in dilution to the then-existing holders of Common Stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock. We cannot predict the ultimate value of the warrants. Sales of substantial numbers of shares issued upon the exercise of the warrants in the public market or the potential that such warrants may be exercised could also adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.
A sale of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock may cause the price of our Common Stock to decline.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market could occur at any time. If our stockholders sell, or the market perceives that our stockholders intend to sell, substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, the market price of our Common Stock could decline significantly.
We cannot predict what effect, if any, sales of our shares in the public market or the availability of shares for sale will have on the market price of our Common Stock. However, future sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock in the public market, including shares issued upon exercise of outstanding options or vesting and settlement of outstanding restricted stock units, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.
We also expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to continue our planned operations. To raise capital, we may sell Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our Common Stock.
59 |
The Company may issue additional shares of Common Stock or other equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests and may depress the market price of the Common Stock.
Pursuant to the Stardust Power 2024 Equity Plan, we may issue an aggregate of up to the number of shares equal to ten percent (10%) of Common Stock issued and outstanding at Closing, which amount will be subject to increase from time to time. We may also issue additional shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, potential financings, future acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness, without stockholder approval, in a number of circumstances.
The issuance of additional shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:
● | existing equity shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in the Company will decrease; | |
● | the rights of holders of Common Stock will be subordinated if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded Common Stock; | |
● | the Company’s “controlled company” status will be impacted; and | |
● | existing equity shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in the Company will decrease. |
The Company is a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq rules and, as a result, qualifies for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are not exempt from such corporate governance requirements.
As at December 31, 2024, Roshan Pujari, had voting power over approximately 61% of the aggregate voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company. As a result, the Company is considered a “controlled company” within the meaning of Nasdaq corporate governance standards. Under Nasdaq rules, a controlled company may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:
● | a majority of the board consist of independent directors under Nasdaq rules; | |
● | the nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and | |
● | the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. |
These requirements will not apply to the Company as long as the Company remains a controlled company. The Company may utilize some or all of these exemptions. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.
If the Company ceases to be a “controlled company” and its shares continue to be listed on the Nasdaq, it will be required to comply with these standards, subject to a permitted “phase-in” period. These and any other actions necessary to achieve compliance with such rules may increase the Company’s legal and administrative costs, will make some activities more difficult, time-consuming and costly and may also place additional strain on the Company’s personnel, systems and resources.
The Company is a holding company and its only material assets are its interest in its subsidiaries, and it is accordingly dependent upon distributions made by its subsidiaries to pay taxes and pay dividends.
The Company is a holding company with no material assets other than the equity interests in our direct and indirect subsidiaries. As a result, we have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow and our ability to pay taxes and pay dividends will depend on the financial results and cash flows of our subsidiaries and the distributions we receive from our subsidiaries. Deterioration in the financial condition, earnings or cash flow of our subsidiaries for any reason could limit or impair such subsidiaries’ ability to pay such distributions. Additionally, if we need funds and our subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of any financing arrangements, or our subsidiaries are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Dividends on Common Stock, if any, will be paid at the discretion of the Board, which will consider, among other things, our Company’s business, operating results, financial condition, current and expected cash needs, plans for expansion and any legal or contractual limitations on its ability to pay such dividends. Financing arrangements may include restrictive covenants that restrict our ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to our stockholders. In addition, entities are generally prohibited under relevant law from making a distribution to a stockholder to the extent that, at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, the liabilities of such entity (subject to certain exceptions) exceed the fair value of its assets. If our subsidiaries do not have sufficient funds to make distributions, our ability to declare and pay cash dividends may also be restricted or impaired. Stardust Power and its subsidiaries would be restricted from making distributions or advances to us under its existing credit facilities or other financing arrangements.
60 |
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY.
Through
our IT consulting firm, we employ continuous monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats
promptly. Reports are generated as needed for management and the Board of Directors, providing insights into our cybersecurity
posture, incidents, and remediation efforts. We conduct regular assessments and testing of our controls, especially those related to
the protection of financial information.
We maintain an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a cybersecurity incident. This plan includes procedures to escalate, contain, investigate and remediate the incident, as well as to comply with any legal reporting requirements and communicate with affected stakeholders. Our employees receive regular training on cybersecurity best practices, emphasizing the protection of financial information. We foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness and responsibility throughout the organization.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
Our corporate headquarters are located in Greenwich, Connecticut.
We own a 66-acre site in Muskogee, Oklahoma where we plan to construct our lithium refinery.
We also lease office space in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
61 |
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information for Common Stock
Our Common Stock and Public Warrants have been traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols “SDST” and “SDSTW,” respectively, since July 8, 2024.
Holders of Record
As of March 25, 2025, there were approximately 57 holders of record of our Common Stock and 32 holders of record of our Public Warrants. Because many of our Public Warrants and shares of Common Stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of beneficial owners of our Common Stock and Public Warrants represented by these record holders.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We issued shares of common stock related to exercises of unvested stock options, or early exercised stock options. The shares of common stock issued in connection with the early exercised stock options are subject to our repurchase right at the original purchase price. The proceeds are initially recorded as a liability and reclassified to common stock and additional paid-in capital as our repurchase right lapses.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased shares related to unvested early exercised stock options due to termination in the below amounts:
Month of: | Total
Number of Shares Repurchased | Average Price Paid per Share | Total
Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | Maximum Number of Shares Pending Repurchase Pursuant to Publicly Announced Plans or Program | ||||||||||||
October 2024 | 25,575 | (1) | $ | 0.0065 | - | 0 | ||||||||||
November 2024 | 230,112 | (1) | $ | 0.0065 | - | 0 | ||||||||||
Total | 255,687 | $ | 0.0065 | - | 0 |
(1) | Represents shares of Common Stock repurchased in connection with the exercise of the Company’s repurchase right of options upon the termination of certain employees. |
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
62 |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”, “Stardust” or “Stardust Power” refer to Stardust Power Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries at or after the consummation of the Business Combination. Terms otherwise not defined herein, have the meaning given to such terms in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus in the section titled “Certain Defined Terms” beginning on page iii thereof, and such definitions are incorporated herein by reference.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including information with respect to plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, including those factors described or referenced in this Annual Report under the heading “Risk Factors,” our actual results could differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. You should carefully read the section titled “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report to gain an understanding of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. Please also see the section titled “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report.
Company Overview and History
On December 5, 2022, Stardust Power LLC was organized as a limited liability company in the State of Delaware. On March 16, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power was organized as a corporation in the State of Delaware with operations commencing on March 16, 2023. The ownership interests of Stardust Power LLC were subsequently transferred to Stardust Power Inc. On July 8, 2024, former Stardust Power Inc. was renamed Stardust Power Operating Inc.
Stardust Power is a U.S.-based development stage battery grade lithium manufacturer designed to foster clean energy independence for America. The Company is in the process of creating capacity to manufacture battery grade lithium products, primarily for the EV market, by developing a large-scale lithium refinery in the United States. Stardust Power seeks to become a sustainable, cost-effective supplier of battery grade lithium products, by its innovative approach in the development of a large central refinery optimized for multiple inputs of lithium brine inputs in Oklahoma.
Stardust Power intends to source lithium brine feedstock from various suppliers and may make investments upstream to secure additional feedstock. We seek to sell our products to EV manufacturers as our primary market, with potential applications in other areas such as battery manufacturers, the U.S. military, and OEMs.
Some of the key driving factors are the demand for battery grade lithium products, fueled largely by the demand and production of electric vehicles and automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers seeking domestic supply options, leading to demand for minerals used in battery cells, such as lithium, governmental incentives for American manufacturing and evolving geopolitical climate that is creating a national security priority for the U.S. market.
In February 2023, Stardust Power LLC received an illustrative incentive analysis for up to $257 million in performance-based incentives from the State of Oklahoma and potential federal incentives, which also contained potential for further eligible federal grants. The state incentives were based on initial job creation, equipment procurement, training and recruitment incentives, property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and capital expenditure projections submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in the first quarter of 2023 and could be subject to changes as the Company would progress in setting up the Facility and commercial production of battery grade lithium in the future. These incentives may change based on the actual financial metrics of the Company in the future, which may be lower or higher.
63 |
Stardust Power believes that it is well poised to address these opportunities by emerging as a leading, fully integrated domestic lithium supplier, and contribute to restoring American energy independence, thereby bridging the gap in the domestic supply of battery grade lithium products.
Recent Developments
Purchase and Sale Agreement for Site
On January 10, 2024, Stardust Power entered into a purchase and sale agreement with the City of Muskogee to purchase the site in Southside Industrial Park, Muskogee, Oklahoma for a total of $1,662,030. On December 16, 2024, the agreement was finalized and the title to the land was transferred in the Company’s name.
Business Combination
On November 21, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power entered into the Business Combination Agreement GPAC II, First Merger Sub and Second Merger Sub.
On July 8, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power completed the Business Combination contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. GPAC II deregistered as a Cayman Islands exempted company and domesticated in the State of Delaware as a Delaware corporation. As per the Business Combination Agreement, First Merger Sub merged into Legacy Stardust Power, with Legacy Stardust Power being the surviving corporation (the effective time of such merger being the “First Effective Time”). Legacy Stardust Power then merged into Second Merger Sub, with Second Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Upon the completion of the Business Combination, GPAC II was renamed Stardust Power Inc.
As per the Business Combination Agreement:
● | Each share of common stock of Legacy Stardust Power (“Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time converted into the right to receive the number of shares of combined company (“Newco”) common stock (“Newco Stock”) equal to the merger consideration divided by the number of shares of the Company fully diluted stock (“per share consideration”). | |
● | Each outstanding option to purchase Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock (each a “Legacy Stardust Power Option”), whether vested or unvested, automatically converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of Newco Stock equal to the number of shares of Newco Stock subject to such Stardust Power Option immediately prior to the First Effective Time multiplied by the per share consideration. | |
● | Each share of Legacy Stardust Power Restricted Stock (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time converted into a number of shares of Newco Stock equal to the number of shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock subject to such Stardust Power Restricted Stock multiplied by the per share consideration (the “Exchanged Company Restricted Common Stock”). | |
● | All outstanding redeemable public warrants and private warrants of GPAC II representing the right to purchase one Class A ordinary share were adjusted to represent the right to purchase one share of the Newco Stock. | |
● | All outstanding GPAC Class A (after redemptions) and Class B common shares were cancelled and converted into shares of the Newco Stock. | |
● | As consideration for certain Class A ordinary shareholders entering into NRAs agreeing not to redeem or to reverse any redemption demands previously submitted, the Company issued 127,777 ordinary shares of Stardust Power at a price per share of approximately $10.00 per share at closing of the Business Combination. |
64 |
● | Additionally, the Combined Company issued one million shares of Newco Stock to the Sponsor as additional merger consideration that vest in the event that prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination. Fifty percent of the Sponsor Earnout Shares will vest when the volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Common Stock price equals or exceeds $12.00 per share for a period of 20 trading days in a 30 trading day period, and the remaining fifty percent of the Sponsor Earnout Shares will vest when the VWAP of the Common Stock price equals or exceeds $14.00 per share for a period of 20 trading days in a 30 trading day period, or are otherwise forfeited. Upon the occurrence of a change in control, any remaining unvested Sponsor Earnout Shares become vested. | |
● | Additionally, the Combined Company will issue five million shares of Newco Stock to the holders of Legacy Stardust Power as additional merger consideration that vest in the event that prior to the eighth anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination, the volume-weighted average price of GPAC II common stock is greater than or equal to $12.00 per share for a period of 20 trading days in any 30-trading-day period or there is a change of control, or are otherwise forfeited. | |
● | Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the SAFE notes automatically converted into the 138,393 shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock. | |
● | Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the convertible notes automatically converted into 55,889 shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock. | |
● | Stardust Power issued 1,077,541 shares of Newco Common Stock in exchange for $10,075,002 of cash in accordance with the terms of the PIPE Subscription Agreement in connection with the Business Combination. |
Common Stock Purchase Agreements
On October 7, 2024, the Company entered into the Purchase Agreement and the related Registration Rights Agreement with B. Riley Principal Capital II. Upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Company will have the right, in its sole discretion, to sell up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s Common Stock to B. Riley Principal Capital II, subject to certain conditions and limitations contained in the Purchase Agreement, from time to time during the term of the Purchase Agreement. Sales of Common Stock pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and the timing of any sales, are solely at the option of the Company. The purchase price of the shares of common stock will be determined by reference to the VWAP of the Common Stock during the applicable purchase date, less a fixed 3% discount to such VWAP. Upon executing the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company also issued 63,694 shares of Common Stock called Commitment Shares to B. Riley Principal Capital II as a consideration for this agreement. The Company issued 55,826 shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2024, aggregating to net proceeds of $260,927 under the Purchase Agreement.
On December 31, 2024, the Company entered into binding term sheets with certain investors pursuant to which the Company has agreed to sell, and the Investors have agreed to purchase, Company securities for an aggregate amount of $550,000 (the “Private Placement”). The proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used by the Company for capital expenditures, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Investors have agreed to purchase, and the Company has agreed to issue and sell, up to $550,000 in shares of Common Stock at a price equal to 95% of the closing bid price of the Common Stock on the last trading day prior to the closing date for the Private Placement. In addition, each Investor will receive warrants representing the right, exercisable within five years of the closing date, to purchase up to 50% of the shares of Common Stock purchased by such Investor in the Private Placement, with each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50. As of December 31, 2024, the Company received proceeds of $425,000 from one of the investors and has accounted for this as Advance from PIPE investor for shares and warrants to be issued based on purchase agreement to be entered on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024.
Subsequent to the year end, the Company consummated a public offering of an aggregate of (i) 4,792,000 shares of Common Stock and (ii) Common Stock purchase warrants to purchase up to 4,792,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Common Warrant Shares”). Each share of Common Stock was sold at a public offering price of $1.20 and associated Common Warrant to purchase one share of Common Warrant Share was sold with an exercise price of $1.30. The Company received aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $5.75 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. The Company intends to use the proceeds of this offering primarily for general corporate purposes and other business matters, as well to satisfy certain debts. Further, on March 16, 2025, pursuant to the Inducement Letter, the investor agreed to exercise, for cash, the Common Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,792,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $0.62 per share in exchange for the Company’s agreement to issue to the investor a new common stock purchase warrant, to purchase up to 9,584,000 shares of common stock (the “Inducement Warrants,” and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Inducement Warrants, the “Inducement Warrant Shares”).
65 |
Engineering Agreement
On August 4, 2024, the Company entered into the Primero Agreement pursuant to which Primero agreed to provide certain engineering, design and consultancy professional services, including to assist in procurement of major equipment, engage relevant third parties for construction and provide a FEL-3 report of the Company’s Facility at Southside Industrial Park, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The total amount due pursuant to the Primero Agreement, assuming full performance, is approximately $4.7 million, in the aggregate, subject to customary potential adjustments and is due for completion in the first half of 2025.
SAFE Note and Convertible Equity Agreement Transactions
On June 6, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power received $2,000,000 in cash from a single investor and funded a simple agreement for future equity on August 15, 2023 (the “August 2023 SAFE Note”). The funds were received from American Investor Group Direct LLC (“AIGD”), an unrelated third party, through its entity which is currently being managed under the purview of an investment management agreement between them and VCP (a related party) in consideration for which VCP is paid investment management fees. Additionally, the August 2023 SAFE note provides AIGD with certain rights of conversion upon an equity financing, or cash repayment or other form of repayment upon a change in control or dissolution. On November 18, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power amended the August 2023 SAFE note (the “amended August 2023 SAFE”), which introduced a discount rate of 20% to (a) the lowest price per share of preferred stock sold in the preferred stock purchase or (b) the listing price of the Combined Company Common Stock upon consummation of a SPAC transaction or IPO. On November 18, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power also entered into a second simple agreement for future equity with AIGD for an aggregate amount of $3,000,000 (the “November 2023 SAFE note”) under the same terms and conditions as the amended August 2023 SAFE note. On February 23, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a third SAFE note with an individual for an aggregate amount of $200,000 (the “February 2024 SAFE note”, and together with the August 2023 SAFE note and the November 2023 SAFE note, the “SAFE notes”). The SAFE notes provided Legacy Stardust Power an option to call for additional preferred stock up to $25,000,000 based on the contingent event of SAFE note conversion and notice issued by the Board, and achievement of certain milestones, for up to 42 months following such conversion.
On March 21, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a financing commitment and equity line of credit agreement with AIGD. The agreement replaced the above contingent commitment feature of the SAFE notes granting Legacy Stardust Power an option to drawdown up to an additional $15,000,000 on terms similar to the SAFE notes prior to the First Effective Time. On April 24, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power amended and restated the August 2023 SAFE note and the November 2023 SAFE note. On May 1, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power amended and restated the February 2024 SAFE note. These amendments clarified the conversion mechanism in connection with the Business Combination. Immediately prior to the First Effective Time, the cash received pursuant to the SAFE notes automatically converted into 138,393 shares of Stardust Power Common Stock.
Legacy Stardust Power entered into a convertible equity agreement with AIGD on April 24, 2024, for $2,000,000 and additionally entered into separate convertible equity agreements with other individuals for a total of $100,000 in April 2024, based on similar terms. Immediately prior to the First Effective Time, the cash received pursuant to the convertible equity agreements automatically converted into 55,889 shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock.
Unsecured Notes with Related Parties
In March 2023, Legacy Stardust Power issued unsecured notes to three related parties. These notes payable provided Legacy Stardust Power the ability to draw up to $1,000,000 in the aggregate in the following timing: $160,000 until December 31, 2023, and $840,000 until December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has repaid all the notes payable.
66 |
Investment in QX Resources and IRIS Metals Limited
In October 2023, Legacy Stardust Power purchased 13,949,579 ordinary shares (1.26% of the total equity) of QXR, for $200,000. This investment in the ordinary shares of QXR has been made for strategic purposes and specifically with an intention to gain access for conducting feasibility studies for the production of lithium products from the lithium brine surface anomaly identified over the 102 square-kilometer Liberty Lithium Brine Project in SaltFire Flat, California, for which QXR has a binding option to purchase agreement and operating agreement to earn a 75% interest from IG Lithium LLC (the “Earn-in Venture”). Legacy Stardust Power is not a direct party to the Earn-in Venture and accordingly has no direct or indirect economic or controlling interest either in the Project or in any of the associated rights originating from the Earn-in Venture held by QXR. No formal off-take agreement has been executed as of December 31, 2024. Further, no material expenses have been incurred towards the feasibility studies during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company neither has a controlling financial interest nor does it exercise significant influence over QXR. Accordingly, the investment in QXR’s ordinary shares does not result in either the consolidation or application of equity method of accounting for the Company.
In December 2024 Stardust Power subscribed to and purchased 10,000,000 ordinary shares (approximately 6% of the total equity) of IRIS Metals Limited (IRIS Metals), an Australian limited company whose ordinary shares are listed on the Australian securities exchange (“ASX”) for $1.6 Million. This investment in the ordinary shares if IRIS Metals allows the Company to explore strategic partnership with, or investment in, IRIS Metals, including without limitation, a commercial off take arrangement for battery grade lithium production, financing or other investments in IRIS Metals or its affiliates. No formal off take agreement has been executed as at December 31, 2024. Further no material expenses have been incurred towards due diligence during the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company neither has a controlling financial interest nor does it exercise significant influence over IRIS Metals. Accordingly, the investment in IRIS Metals ordinary shares does not result in either the consolidation or application of equity method of accounting for the Company.
Offtake and licensing agreements
On January 28, 2025, the Company entered into a non-binding letter agreement with Sumitomo, contemplating a long-term commercial offtake agreement, pursuant to which Sumitomo would agree to acquire 20,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate per year from the Company’s first line of production, with the potential to increase to 25,000 metric tons based on mutual agreement. The initial contract term would span 10 years starting from the date of the first qualification of the Company’s lithium carbonate for sale to any of Sumitomo’s customers, with an option for Sumitomo to renew for an additional five years under mutually agreed terms, provided written notice is given to the Company at least twelve months prior to the end of the initial term.
On February 7, 2025, the Company executed an exclusive license agreement with KMX. Under the terms of the License Agreement, KMX agreed to irrevocably license to the Company the use of KMX’s VMD Technology and associated processes and systems (including the KMX VMD Units) for the purpose of the Company’s use of the technology in its refining and upstream operations. Among other obligations set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall be required to exclusively purchase all KMX VMD Units from KMX during the term of the Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth therein. The License Agreement grants the Company the exclusive right to sub license, use, market, sell and operate KMX’s VMD Technology across the United States, Canada and select international markets. The Company agreed to pay KMX a royalty comprised of 500,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Royalty Shares”).
67 |
Short-term loans
In December 2024, the Company entered into a binding term sheet (“Term Sheet”) with Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC (“Endurance”) a related party, providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in the aggregate principal amount of $1,750,000, bearing interest at a rate of 15% per year, and maturing in March 2025 (the “Maturity Date”). The Term Sheet contained customary representations and warranties and customary events of default. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, 5,500,000 shares of Company’s Common Stock, owned by Roshan Pujari, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, were pledged as collateral. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue to Endurance $3,500,000 in Common Stock as an Equity Kicker, with the price of each share being determined based on terms per the earlier to occur of (i) the consummation of a private placement offering of Company securities (in which case such issuance shall be on no less favorable terms than the terms of such private placement) and (ii) the Maturity/ Repayment Date, provided that the minimum number of shares of Common Stock shall be no less than 500,000 shares. In addition, Endurance will receive warrants representing the right, exercisable within five years of the closing date, up to 50% of Common Stock issued as Equity Kicker, with each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 in accordance with the Private Placement terms. Subsequent to year end, the Company has fully repaid the principal amount and accrued interest. The Company is yet to issue the equity shares and warrants to Endurance as of the date of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
In December 2024, the Company entered into binding term sheets (“Term Sheets”) with several lenders including DRE Chicago, LLC, a related party (collectively, the “Lenders”), providing for loans (the “Loans”) in the aggregate principal amount of $1,800,000, bearing interest at a rate of 15% per year, and maturing in March 2025 (the “Maturity Date”). The proceeds of the Loans are expected to be used by the Company for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Term Sheets contained customary representations and warranties and customary events of default. Pursuant to the Term Sheets, an aggregate of approximately 3,400,000 shares of Company’s Common Stock, owned by Roshan Pujari, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, were pledged as collateral. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue to the Lenders an aggregate of $2,700,000 in Common Stock as an Equity Kicker, with the price of each share being determined based on terms per the earlier to occur of (i) the consummation of a private placement offering of Company securities (in which case such issuance shall be on no less favorable terms than the terms of such private placement) and (ii) the Maturity/ Repayment Date, provided that the minimum number of shares of Common Stock issued to the Lenders shall be no less than an aggregate of 360,000 shares. In addition, the Lenders will receive warrants representing the right, exercisable within five years of the closing date, up to 50% of Common Stock issued as Equity Kicker, with each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 in accordance with the Private Placement terms. Subsequent to year end, the Company has fully repaid the principal amount and accrued interest. The Company is yet to issue the equity shares and warrants to the Lenders as of the date of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.
Key Factors Affecting Our Performance
We believe that our performance and future success depend on a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including competition from other lithium brine and other brine producers, changes to existing federal and state level incentive framework, changes in regulations, and other factors discussed under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Prospectus and this Annual Report. We believe the factors described below are key to our success.
Commencing Commercial Operations
We are a development stage company, and have purchased the site in Southside Industrial Park, Muskogee, Oklahoma. The critical issue analysis, phase I ESA, geotechnical study, and readiness assessment of the site in Southside Industrial Park, Muskogee, Oklahoma has been conducted, and we may be required to conduct other relevant studies.
Stardust Power is developing a large central refinery in a phased approach. The first phase is the construction of a production line with up to 25,000 metric tpa. The second phase is to add a second production line with up to 25,000 tpa, to create a total capacity of up to 50,000 tpa.
A technological innovation of Stardust Power’s planned refinery is the ability for the Facility to refine different sources of lithium brine inputs. The Facility is being designed to accept lithium brines, of a certain approved chemical composition. It is Stardust Power’s intention that the Facility will be able to dilute and pre-treat feedstock as necessary, to ensure that various lithium feedstock can be blended, in order to produce a consistent feedstock. Stardust Power’s strategy is to differentiate itself by screening for a broader set of contaminants, in comparison to other lithium refineries.
68 |
Partnership Ecosystem
Our success will depend on whether we can execute and expand our ecosystem of commercial arrangements with additional suppliers of brine and executing agreements with them at favorable terms. The availability of brine for the purpose of extracting lithium is still in a nascent stage and we would require access to multiple sources as we start commercial production and grow our business. Our management team frequently evaluates current and future sources of supplies for reliability of supply and geographic locations for logistics and cost efficiency. We would also have to maintain technology arrangements with existing strategic affiliations on whose patented and proprietary processes we depend on, as well as forging new technology affiliations as exploration, extraction and purification processes evolve, to obtain raw materials required to manufacture high-quality lithium suitable for consumption by the EV industry, and other potential usages. These affiliations will enable us to refine and sell battery grade lithium at competitive prices, which in turn helps secure the growth and profitability of our business operations in the long term.
Adequate Capital Raise
The success of our refinery’s activities relating to producing battery grade lithium from brine and the success of our ability to obtain relevant permits in a timely manner require significant capital investment and financing to fund the initial investment in all aspects of setting up the operations, and may subsequently be impacted by our operating losses, competition from substitute products and services from larger companies, protection of proprietary technology of our strategic partners, and dependence on key individuals.
Our consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that the Company is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has not earned any revenue and has been operating at a loss since inception. The Company has an accumulated deficit and stockholders’ deficit. We believe that the cash on hand and additional investments available through issuance of new Common Stock will be inadequate to satisfy the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. As a development stage company, Stardust Power needs to raise additional capital to realize its business objectives. Our long-term success and ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to successfully raise additional capital or financing, or successfully enter into strategic partnerships. Until commercial production is achieved from our planned operations, we will continue to incur operating and investing net cash outflows associated with, among other things, maintaining and acquiring exploration properties and undertaking ongoing exploration activities.
Limited Operating History
We have a limited operating history and there is limited historical financial information upon which to base an evaluation of our performance. Our business and financial condition must be considered in light of the uncertainties, risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of operation. As Legacy Stardust Power was incorporated on March 16, 2023, the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) to December 31, 2023, is not comparable to the year ended December 31, 2024.
Key Business Metrics, Non-GAAP Measure
Since we have yet to start the construction of our Facility and associated commercial production, we do not have financial information on key business metrics. However, based on our experience and industry knowledge, we expect the following would be key business metrics:
● | Raw Material Cost/ton: This includes the input cost of lithium chloride for the plant. As this may be obtained from various sources, the weighted average cost will be calculated to arrive at the raw material cost per ton and reflects the Company’s ability to procure high-quality raw materials at an appropriate price. The weighted average method also helps in calculating the gross margin on a per-ton basis. The technology implemented and the efficiency of the operations are also reflected on the gross margin per ton. |
● | Selling Price/ton: This multiple is driven by the demand and supply of the lithium price as well as the efficient operations of the plant. The computation of the selling price may be based on the output sold per long-term contract, which is expected to have a floor and a cap, as well as the spot price on the date of placing a purchase order by the customer, with the Company and the customer sharing the difference between the floor and spot price. |
69 |
● | Capex/ton: This reflects the Capex incurred on a per-ton basis. It includes both direct and indirect costs. It also has contingency costs built in for any impact on Capex, to account for unforeseen events. The key is to optimize plant efficiency in long-term operations with the appropriate technology and set-up. |
● | Opex/ton: This includes the ongoing expenses incurred from the day-to-day running of the operations. It helps in measuring how much profit a company makes on a dollar of sales after paying for variable costs of production, such as wages and raw materials, but before paying interest or tax. The lower multiple reflects the efficient functioning of the management. |
● | Capacity Utilization: This measures how much output a plant is producing, compared to its maximum potential output, which is dependent on two key factors: (a) design capacity, which impacts the operational efficiency of the plant, and (b) the plant’s downtime for its maintenance. Timely maintenance is also the key to running any efficient operations. |
Further, since we are yet to generate revenue, non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and EBITDA margins, cannot be captured currently, but will be stated once we have commenced commercial production and selling of battery grade lithium to our intended customers.
Business and Macroeconomic Conditions
Our business and financial condition has been, and we believe will continue to be, impacted by adverse and uncertain macroeconomic conditions and events, including higher inflation, higher interest rates, supply chain and logistics challenges, banking crises, and fluctuations or volatility in capital markets.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
We have not generated any revenue to date. We expect to generate a significant portion of our future revenue from the sale of battery grade lithium primarily to the EV market. We expect that we will enter into long-term contracts (typically 10 years), driven by industry dynamics of the EV industry, with a pricing structure at cap and ceiling, and sharing of variable price between customers and the Company.
Cost of Goods Sold
We have not sourced any raw material to date. We expect to source brine from lithium producing suppliers including the oil and gas industry as a by-product of their exploration and extraction processes. We are in the process of negotiating with multiple suppliers for brine feedstock, including producers from the oil and gas industry. The length, tenure and pricing of these contracts will depend largely on the type of supply and is expected to vary from supplier to supplier.
Expenses
General and administrative
General and administrative expense consists of costs to maintain our daily operations and administer the business that are not directly attributable to generating revenue or cost of goods or raw material. These consist primarily of consulting services (including advisory services for organization setup and administrative related services from contractors, consultants), professional services such as accounting advisory, statutory auditor fees, technical consultants, and business consulting, as well as personnel related expenses (including stock based compensation), legal and book-keeping services, insurance expenses (including director and officer’s insurance), investor relations activities and marketing expenses. We expect our general and administrative expenses will increase in absolute dollars over time as we continue to invest in initially setting up our Facility, and subsequently in the growth of our business recruit more employees, and incur costs associated with being a publicly traded company with respect to compliance with the regulations of the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market.
70 |
Other Income (Expenses)
Interest income
Interest income is comprised of interest earned on promissory notes issued during the current year. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company issued promissory notes of $176,000 and $316,000 to IGX Minerals LLC and IG Lithium LLC respectively. These notes carry an interest rate of 6% with maturity date of February 28, 2025, and July 1, 2025, respectively. The Company is in active discussion in negotiating the terms for repayment of the promissory note issued to IGX and is evaluating multiple options including a possible strategic investment.
Interest expense
Interest expense is comprised of interest payable on the Insurance Funding loans and short-term loans.
The Company entered into a financing agreement of $510,000 for the purchase of a D&O insurance policy with AFCO Insurance Premium Finance. The Company made a downpayment of $44,162, which was applied to the loan amount at the time of the loan agreement. The debt is payable in monthly installments of $44,162 per month for 11 months. Payments include a stated interest rate of 8.46% and are secured against a lien on the insurance policy.
The Company issued a Term Sheet to Endurance in the aggregate principal amount of $1,750,000, bearing interest at a rate of 15% per year, and maturing in March 2025.
The Company issued Term Sheets to several lenders, providing for loans in the aggregate principal amount of $1,800,000, bearing interest at a rate of 15% per year, and maturing in March 2025.
Interest expense also included interest on a Legacy Stardust Power financing agreement of $80,800 for the purchase of an insurance policy with First Insurance Funding. Payments include a stated interest rate of 8.25% and are secured against a lien on the insurance policy. The debt was fully paid off as of December 31, 2024.
Finance charges
Finance charges are comprised of cost of issuance of short-term loans and the accretion impact related to the Common Stock to be issued to lenders per the Equity Kicker related to these loans. This also includes cost incurred to enter into the Purchase Agreement with B Riley Principal Capital II and the change in fair value of the Company’s make-whole provision related to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement.
Change in fair value of investment in equity securities
變化 股權證券投資公允價值與戰略投資股權證券投資公允價值變動有關 例如對QXR和IRIS Metals的投資,需要記錄在每個報告期的合併運營報表中,基於 此類投資的現成報價。
71 |
變化 外匯儲備票據和可轉換票據的公允價值
SAFE票據和可轉換票據的公允價值變化與變動有關 在合併財務報表中被歸類爲負債工具的SAFE票據和可轉換票據的公允價值中, 需要根據進行的第三方估值記錄在每個報告期的綜合運營報表中 期末出局。業務合併於2024年7月8日完成後,外管局票據和可轉換票據進行轉換 進入普通股。
變化 以發起人盈利股份的公允價值計算
發起人盈利股份的公允價值變化與以下變動有關 發行給發起人的盈利股份的公允價值,該股份已在合併財務中被分類爲負債工具 報表,需要根據第三方估值記錄在每個報告期的綜合經營報表中 在期末進行。
變化 以認購證負債的公允價值計算
變化 認購憑證負債的公允價值與認購憑證的公允價值變動有關 已在合併財務報表中分類爲負債工具的公開招股說明書和私人招股說明書 需要根據期末的公允價值記錄在每個報告期的綜合經營報表中。
提供 所得稅
我們 是一家特拉華州公司,根據已頒佈的稅率(經調整)繳納美國聯邦和州所得稅 允許的抵免、扣除、不確定的稅務狀況、遞延稅資產和負債的變化以及稅法的變化。
結果 運營部
的 下表列出了所示期間我們的綜合經營報表信息:
年 結束 | 期間 從2023年3月16日(成立)到 | |||||||||||
十二月 2024年31日 | 十二月 2023年31日 | 變化 | ||||||||||
收入 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
一般信息 和行政費用 | $ | 17,972,828 | $ | 2,675,698 | $ | 15,297,130 | ||||||
操作 損失 | $ | (17,972,828 | ) | $ | (2,675,698 | ) | $ | (15,297,130 | ) | |||
其他 收入(費用) | ||||||||||||
安全 票據發行成本 | - | (466,302 | ) | 466,302 | ||||||||
其他 交易成本 | - | (450,113 | ) | 450,113 | ||||||||
利息 收入 | 10,838 | - | 10,838 | |||||||||
利息 費用 | (50,454 | ) | (7,828 | ) | (42,626 | ) | ||||||
金融 電荷 | (7,579,713 | ) | - | (7,579,713 | ) | |||||||
變化 以發起人盈利股份的公允價值計算 | 4,076,200 | - | 4,076,200 | |||||||||
變化 以認購證負債的公允價值計算 | (511,342 | ) | - | (511,342 | ) | |||||||
變化 股權證券投資的公允價值 | (322,134 | ) | 18,556 | (340,690 | ) | |||||||
變化 可換股票據之公平值 | (471,400 | ) | - | (471,400 | ) | |||||||
變化 外匯儲備票據的公允價值 | (955,000 | ) | (212,200 | ) | (742,800 | ) | ||||||
其他收入 | 21,970 | - | 21,970 | |||||||||
總 其他費用 | $ | (5,781,035 | ) | $ | (1,117,887 | ) | $ | (4,663,148 | ) | |||
淨 損失 | $ | (23,753,863 | ) | $ | (3,793,585 | ) | $ | (19,960,278 | ) |
遺產 Stardust Power於2023年3月16日成立,因此從 2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日,與截至2024年12月31日的年度不可比較。
72 |
收入
自成立以來,我們沒有獲得任何收入。
成本 銷貨
我們 自成立以來,沒有生產任何產品,因此沒有發生任何與生產或庫存有關的直接費用。
一般信息 和行政費用
一般 和行政費用主要歸因於專業諮詢費,主要包括成立和 組織結構、諮詢營銷諮詢服務和其他諮詢、法律服務和諮詢服務 向公司組織支付戰略投資評估費用和員工相關薪酬費用 代表基本工資、福利和股票補償費用。這些費用的詳細信息如下:
年 告一段落 | 期間 從 三月 2023年16日 (開始) 通過 | |||||||||||
十二月 2024年31日 | 十二月 2023年31日 | 變化 | ||||||||||
專業 和諮詢費 | $ | 4,455,225 | $ | 1,586,680 | $ | 2,868,545 | ||||||
法律 和簿記服務 | 1,134,778 | 347,835 | 786,943 | |||||||||
人員 及相關稅費 | 10,951,854 | 443,672 | 10,508,182 | |||||||||
保險 | 355,932 | 12,473 | 343,459 | |||||||||
營銷和廣告 | 91,319 | 119,363 | (28,044 | ) | ||||||||
其他 | 983,720 | 165,675 | 818,045 | |||||||||
$ | 17,972,828 | $ | 2,675,698 | $ | 15,297,130 |
爲 截至2024年12月31日的年度,一般和行政費用增加 與2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間相比,主要是由於員工相關成本增加 由於股票薪酬費用和員工數量的增加,法律和專業服務(例如法律)的增加 費用、專業和諮詢費用,包括顧問、會計諮詢、法定核數師的股票補償費用 費用、技術顧問和業務諮詢以及業務發展和其他行政費用的增加與此相符 隨着業務的增長。該增加被該公司營銷和廣告服務的減少部分抵消 比較時期發生的組織。
其他 收入(費用)
安全 票據發行成本
安全 截至2024年12月31日止年度的票據發行成本爲零美元,2023年3月16日(開始)至2024年12月31日期間的票據發行成本爲466,302美元 31,2023年分別主要是爲採購國家外匯管理局票據而向關聯方支付的資本諮詢服務費435,000美元 投資者的承諾和31,302美元的法律費用,用於建立和執行國家外匯管理局票據協議。
73 |
其他 交易成本
其他 截至2024年12月31日止年度的交易成本爲零美元,2023年3月16日(成立)至12月期間的交易成本爲450,113美元 2023年31日分別涉及代表費用和開支的成本,主要是與潛在風險評估相關的法律費用 公司最終沒有執行的其他SPAC合併機會,包括向關聯方支付的100,000美元費用。
利息 收入
興趣 截至2024年12月31日止年度的收入爲10,838美元,2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間的收入爲零, 分別與截至2024年12月31日的本年度發行的期票賺取的利息有關。
興趣 費用
爲 截至2024年12月31日的年度,利息費用與2023年3月16日(成立)至2024年3月16日期間相比有所增加 2023年12月31日, 主要由於融資協議產生的利息費用 公司購買董事和高級職員以及其他保單。此外,公司還涉足財務領域 協議 短期 截至2024年12月31日止年度內向多家貸方發放的貸款,導致利息增加 費用42,626美元。
金融 指控
的 截至12月的年度財務費用增加7,579,713美元 與2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間相比,2024年31日是由於短期貸款的發放成本 以及與這些貸款相關的股權激勵者向貸方發行的普通股相關的增值影響。這也包括 與B Riley Principal Capital II簽訂普通股購買協議所產生的成本以及公允價值的變化 公司與普通股購買協議相關的整體條款。公司沒有任何類似的融資安排 在上一比較期。
變化 股權證券投資的公允價值
的 截至2024年12月31日止年度,股本證券投資的公允價值減少322,134美元,原因是 於QXR及IRIS Metals之投資之公平值乃根據該等投資之現成報價計算。的 2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間投資公允價值增加18,556美元 由於QXR投資的公允價值發生變化。
變化 外匯儲備票據的公允價值
的 截至2024年12月31日止年度以及自3月16日起的期間,SAFE票據的公允價值增加了955,000美元和212,200美元, 2023年(成立)至2023年12月31日分別是由於與SAFE票據估值中使用的輸入相關的估計發生變化,SAFE票據已被歸類爲負債工具, 在將工具轉換爲普通股之前,基於第三方估值。外管局票據,此前已被 被歸類爲負債工具,在7月與GPAC II完成業務合併後轉換爲股權 2024年8月8日。該公司在業務合併完成後尚未發行任何此類SAFE票據。
變化 可換股票據之公平值
的 與2023年3月16日(成立)至12月期間相比,截至2024年12月31日的年度可轉換票據公允價值增加471,400美元 2023年31日,是由於與可轉換票據估值中使用的輸入數據相關的估計發生變化,該票據已被分類爲負債 工具,基於第三方估值。該可轉換票據此前被歸類爲負債工具, 於2024年7月8日與GPAC II完成業務合併後轉爲股權。本公司並無發行任何 比較期的此類可轉換票據。
74 |
變化 以發起人盈利股份的公允價值計算
的 全年發起人盈利股票公允價值減少4,076,200美元 與2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間相比,截至2024年12月31日,與公允價值變動有關 業務合併結束時向發起人發行的盈利股份的價值,已被歸類爲負債 合併財務報表中的工具,需要在每次報告的合併經營報表中記錄 期間,基於期末進行的第三方估值。該公司在比較中並未發行任何此類發起人盈利股份 期
變化 以認購證負債的公允價值計算
截至12月31日止年度,認股權證的公允價值增加511,342美元, 2024年3月31日,與2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間相比,與公共資產的公允價值變動有關。 及私人認股權證已於綜合財務報表分類爲負債工具, 於各報告期的綜合經營報表中,根據期末的公允價值計量。本公司並無發行 比較期內的任何此類認購證。
其他收入
截至2024年12月31日止年度的其他收入爲21,970美元,與收到的保險退款有關。
稅 費用
爲 截至2024年12月31日的年度以及自2023年3月16日起的期間 (一開始)截至2023年12月31日,由於這些期間發生的淨虧損,稅收費用爲零美元。我們不攜帶任何延期 2024年12月31日和2023年12月31日合併資產負債表上的稅收資產,主要由於淨營業虧損結轉 因發生的淨運營損失和這些損失的全額估值備抵而產生的遠期,作爲我們實現未來的能力 與這些資產相關的稅收優惠在很大程度上取決於運營盈利能力,而運營盈利能力是不確定的。由於這種不確定性, 我們已建立了充分的估值備抵,在報告期間沒有確認所得稅的淨備抵或利益。
淨 損失
爲 截至2024年12月31日止年度,公司自2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年3月16日期間淨虧損爲23,753,863美元 2023年12月31日,公司淨虧損3,793,585美元。由於公司尚未開始電池商業化生產 鋰級,隨着公司開始招聘更多人員來執行一般運營,運營費用預計將會增加 任務並建立設施並執行供應協議。
流動性 和資本資源
概述
我們 已投入大量精力和財政資源籌集資本、組織和人員配備公司,並作爲 結果,造成了重大的經營損失。截至2024年12月31日和2023年12月31日,我們的累計赤字爲 分別爲52,618,948美元和3,793,585美元。
我們 自成立以來一直處於虧損狀態,沒有獲得任何收入。我們有累積的赤字和股東的利益 赤字
流動性 要求
我們 流動性和資本的主要要求是對新設施、新技術、流動資金和一般企業的投資 需求具體來說,在這方面,煉油廠總成本,其中包括所有直接和間接成本以及所需的意外情況 建造煉油廠,估計耗資116500万美元。我們打算通過債務、股權和潛力的組合爲我們的項目成本融資 政府撥款。我們預計在可預見的未來,我們的運營支出將在當前和未來增加 活動具體來說,支出將會增加,因爲我們:
● | 安全 並建設設施; | |
● | 投資 開展研究和開發活動,以推進我們技術的發展;以及 |
75 |
● | 招致 與過渡到上市公司並作爲上市公司運營相關的額外費用。 |
我們 當前和持續的流動性需求將取決於許多因素,包括:我們的啓動節奏、支出的時間和程度 支持額外的開發工作、新的和增強的產品的引入、我們的產品的持續市場採用, 投資於我們設施開發的額外資本支出的時間和程度。此外, 我們未來可能會達成收購或投資補充業務、業務產品和技術的安排。 然而,我們目前沒有達成任何此類收購或投資的協議或承諾。
來源 流動性和持續經營
我們 通過出售Legacy Stardust Power普通股、期票、SAFE票據、債務的收益爲我們的運營提供資金 融資、股權融資和可轉換股權協議。爲了繼續持續經營,我們預計爲近期提供資金 通過出售股權證券、期票、債務融資或其他資本來源進行的業務。如果資金充足 不可用,我們可能會被要求減少、推遲或取消部分或全部計劃活動,或籌集額外費用 融資以繼續爲運營提供資金,並且可能無法繼續作爲持續經營企業。
我們 合併財務報表是在持續經營的基礎上呈列的,預計實現 正常業務過程中的資產和負債的償還。該公司是一家沒有收入的開發階段實體, 自成立以來已發生淨虧損52,618,948美元,截至2024年12月31日股東赤字爲19,385,784美元。的 公司預計將繼續爲實現其運營和投資計劃而產生巨額成本。這些成本超過了公司的 現有現金餘額和淨運營資本。
如上所述:
● | 在 2024年10月,公司簽訂普通股購買協議及相關 與B的註冊權協議。萊利主要資本II。關於條款和主題 爲滿足購買協議中規定的條件,公司將 有權全權酌情出售最多50,000,000美元的新發行股份 將公司普通股的股份轉讓給B。萊利主要資本II,但須遵守某些規定 購買協議中不時包含的條件和限制 購買協議的期限。 | |
● | 在 2024年12月,公司與多個貸方發佈了條款表並收到了現金收益 3,550,000美元。 | |
● | 在 2024年12月,該公司與某些投資者簽訂了具有約束力的條款表 公司同意出售且投資者同意購買的公司 總金額爲550,000美元的證券。公司和每位投資者已同意 簽訂證券購買協議(「購買協議」) 儘快進行私募。 | |
● | 後續 截至年底,該公司完成了公開募股並收到了總收益 發行約575万美元,未扣除安置代理費和 其他報價費用。此外,於2025年3月16日,根據誘導函,本公司 在扣除費用和其他開支之前,從認股權證的行使中獲得的總收益爲300万美元。 |
76 |
我們 相信手頭的現金以及通過發行新普通股提供的額外投資將不足以滿足 公司至少未來十二個月的運營資本和資本支出要求。公司的能力 繼續作爲持續經營企業取決於管理層通過發行股權籌集額外資本的計劃或接收 額外借款爲公司明年的運營和投資活動提供資金。該等綜合 財務報表不包括對記錄資產金額和分類的可收回性和分類的任何調整 如果公司無法繼續經營,可能需要承擔的責任。
沒有 可以保證任何未來的融資將是可用的,或者,如果可用,它將是令人滿意的條件, 我們即使我們能夠獲得額外的融資,也可能對我們的業務產生不適當的限制,就債務融資而言, 或者在股權融資的情況下,會對我們的股東造成大幅稀釋。未能獲得足夠的融資可能會 對公司的業務、運營和財務業績造成重大不利影響。
承兌 注意到
在 2023年3月,Legacy Stardust Power向三家關聯方發行無擔保票據。應付票據使公司能夠 在以下時間提取總計不超過100万美元:2023年12月31日之前提取16萬美元,2025年12月31日之前提取84萬美元。 這些貸款安排按內部制定的長期半年聯邦利率每半年付息一次 稅務局,自2023年3月提取票據以來,該比例實際上爲3.71%。
作爲 截至2023年12月31日,Legacy Stardust Power已使用所有可用設施,並於12月31日之前支付160,000美元, 2023年,2025年12月31日之前應支付840,000美元。截至2024年12月31日和2023年12月31日,公司已償還全部 應付票據。
保險 融資借款
對 2023年11月19日,Legacy Stardust Power從First Insurance Funding借入80,800美元爲其保險提供資金 施政綱要而保費、稅費和費用總計爲101,000美元,其中20,200美元的首期首付由Stardust支付 電力,以及通過First Insurance Funding資助的餘額。該貸款的年利率爲8.25%,償還時間爲10 分期付款至2024年9月21日。截至2024年12月31日,貸款已全部償還。
對 2024年7月18日,公司與AFCO簽訂了510,000美元的融資協議,用於購買保單 保險費金融。該公司支付了44,162美元的首付款,已計入貸款時的貸款金額 協議該債務按月分期償還,每月44,162美元,爲期11個月。付款包括指定利息 費率爲8.46%,並以保單上的扣押權爲擔保。
安全 票據及可換股票據
對 2023年6月6日,Legacy Stardust Power從單一投資者處收到2,000,000美元現金,並於8月資助了2023年8月SAFE票據 2023年15日。這些資金是通過其實體從一個不相關的第三方收到的,該實體目前在該職權範圍內管理 他們與VIKASA Capital Advisors,LLC(關聯方)之間的投資管理協議,VIKASA正在考慮該協議 Capital Advisors,LLC支付投資管理費。
77 |
對 2023年11月18日,Legacy Stardust Power修訂了2023年8月的SAFE票據(「修訂後的2023年8月的SAFE票據」),其中引入了 對(a)優先股購買中出售的每股優先股最低價格,或(b)上市的20%的折扣率 SPAC交易或IPO完成後合併公司普通股的價格。2023年11月18日,Legacy Stardust Power 還在相同的條款和條件下與同一投資者簽訂了總額爲300万美元的2023年11月SAFE票據 正如修訂後的2023年8月SAFE註釋。每張安全紙幣都在第一個有效時間之前轉換爲Legacy Stardust 電力普通股。
對 2024年2月23日,Legacy Stardust Power簽署了2024年2月的SAFE票據,金額爲20萬美元。的條款 2024年2月SAFE票據,在第一次發行之前,SAFE票據已轉換爲Legacy Stardust Power普通股的股份 有效時間的條款與其他SAFE票據類似。
的 SAFE票據根據評估工具的特徵被歸類爲負債,並按公允價值列爲非流動票據 公司的負債 合併資產負債表。
這個 Safe Notes爲Legacy Stardust Power提供了根據或有事件要求額外優先股至多25,000,000股的選擇權 星塵力量董事會(「董事會」)發佈的安全票據轉換和通知,以及某些 里程碑,在這種轉換之後長達42個月。此功能被確定爲嵌入式功能,並作爲一部分進行價值評估 與整個票據相關的責任價值。此外,外管局票據爲投資者提供了某些權利, 合併財務報表附註6所述的股權融資、控制權變更或解散 公司的成員。外管局票據的估計公允價值考慮了發行的時間,以及各項 自發行以來的情景。截至2023年12月31日,安全票據的公允價值爲5,212,200美元,被歸類爲非流動票據 責任。外管局票據沒有利率或到期日、股息說明和參與權。清算優先權 與其他未償債務和債權人債權相比,安全票據的支付比例較低,與其他安全票據和/或其他安全票據的付款相當 優先股,優先於支付非安全票據及/或同等優先股的本公司其他股本。
對 2024年3月21日,Legacy Stardust Power與AIGD達成融資承諾和股權信用額度協議。協議 通過授予Legacy Stardust Power一個提取額外資金的選項,取代了SAFE票據的上述或有承諾功能 15,000,000美元,條款與首次生效時間之前的現有SAFE票據相似。2024年4月24日,Legacy Stardust Power修訂 並重述了2023年8月SAFE票據和2023年11月SAFE票據。2024年5月1日,Legacy Stardust Power修改並重申了 2024年2月安全票據。該等修訂澄清了與業務合併相關的轉換機制。根據 根據可轉換股權協議的條款,在首次生效時間之前,根據 SAFE票據協議自動轉換爲636,916股合併公司普通股。
對 2024年4月24日,Legacy Stardust Power與AIGD簽訂了價值2,000,000美元的可轉換股權協議。此外,遺產星塵 Power於2024年4月與其他個人簽訂了總計100,000美元的單獨可轉換股權協議 基於與AIGD可轉換股權協議類似的條款。根據可轉換股權協議的條款,立即 在首次生效時間之前,根據可轉換股權協議收到的現金自動轉換爲257,216 合併公司普通股的股份。
短期貸款
2024年12月,公司簽訂 與關聯方Endurance Antarctica Partners II,LLC(「Endurance」)具有約束力的條款表(「條款表」), 提供本金總額爲1,750,000美元的貸款(「貸款」),利率爲每年15% 年,並於2025年3月到期(「到期日」)。投資條款表包含習慣表述和 保證和習慣違約事件。根據條款表,5,500,000股公司普通股,由 公司首席執行官Roshan Pujari已作爲抵押品。此外,本公司已同意向 耐力$3,500,000普通股作爲股權踢球者,每股的價格是根據每個條款確定的, (i)公司證券的私募發行完成(在此情況下, (ii)到期日/還款日,前提是 普通股的最低股數不得少於500,000股。此外,耐力還將收到逮捕令 代表最多50%作爲股權激勵者發行的普通股的權利,可在截止日期後五年內行使, 根據私人規定,每份完整的認購權可以以11.50美元的行使價格行使一股普通股 安置條款。年終後,公司已全額償還本金及應計利息。該公司尚未 截至合併財務報表發佈之日,向Endurance發行股權股份和認購證。
78 |
2024年12月,本公司簽訂了 與包括Dre Chicago,LLC、關聯方(統稱爲 「貸款人」),提供本金總額爲1,800,000美元的貸款(「貸款」), 年息15%,於2025年3月(「到期日」)到期。貸款的收益是 預計將由公司用於一般公司和營運資本目的。條款說明書包含慣例 陳述和擔保以及違約的習慣性事件。根據條款說明書,總計約3400,000 公司首席執行官羅山·普賈裏擁有的公司普通股股票被質押爲抵押品。 此外,該公司已同意向貸款人發行總計2,700,000美元的普通股作爲股權激勵, 每股價格是根據下列各項中較早發生的條款確定的:(I)私募發行完成 公司證券(在這種情況下,發行條款應不低於私募的條款)以及 (2)到期日/還款日,但向出借人發行的普通股的最低數量不得少於 超過360,000股的總和。此外,貸款人將收到代表權利的認股權證,可在五年內行使。 截止日期的年份,最多50%的普通股作爲股權回扣發行,每份完整的認股權證可爲一股行使 根據定向增發條款,以11.50美元的行使價出售普通股。年終後,本公司 已全額償還本金和應計利息。本公司尚未發行股權股份及認股權證予 出借人自合併財務報表發佈之日起。
現金 流
總結
的 下表總結了我們所列期間的現金流量:
年 結束 十二月 2024年3月31日 | 期間
從 2023年3月16日 (開始) 穿過 2023年12月31日 | 變化 | ||||||||||
淨 經營活動所用現金 | $ | (9,719,714 | ) | $ | (2,983,206 | ) | $ | (6,736,508 | ) | |||
淨 投資活動所用現金 | (4,791,363 | ) | (301,974 | ) | (4,489,389 | ) | ||||||
淨 融資活動提供的現金 | 14,151,827 | 4,557,004 | 9,594,823 | |||||||||
網絡 現金零錢 | $ | (359,250 | ) | $ | 1,271,824 | $ | (1,631,074 | ) |
現金 運營活動中使用的流程
爲 2024年12月31日,經營活動使用的淨現金爲9,719,714美元,其中淨虧損23,753,863美元, 調整爲15,515,723美元的SAFE票據、可轉換票據、投資、認購證公允價值變化的非現金費用 負債、盈利股份、股票薪酬、財務費用和折舊以及1,481,574美元的運營淨變化 資產和負債,主要是由於應付賬款和其他流動負債減少1,433,575美元, 代表我們在此期間開展業務時預計發生的各種成本,以及預付費用增加的47,999美元。
爲 2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間,經營活動使用的淨現金爲2,983,206美元,其中淨虧損3,793,585美元,調整後的718,488美元因SAFE票據、投資、費用公允價值變動而產生的非現金費用 SAFE票據發行成本、股票補償和折舊以及91,891美元的運營資產淨變化以及 負債,主要由應付賬款和其他流動負債518,388美元驅動,由於相關 各方和其他流動負債,主要代表我們成立時預計產生的各種成本 此期間的運營被426,497美元預付費用部分抵消。
79 |
現金 投資活動中使用的流量
爲 截至2024年12月31日止年度,投資活動使用的淨現金爲4,791,363美元,主要爲帳戶1,010,180美元 與煉油廠建設相關的資本項目成本,土地購買1,623,946美元,投資1,600,000美元 IRIS Metals的股權證券、50,000美元的其他長期投資 資產中,492,000美元用於簽發的期票,15,237美元用於購買計算機和設備。三月期間 2023年16日(成立)至2023年12月31日,投資活動使用的淨現金爲301,974美元,主要爲帳戶100,000美元 與收購土地相關的資本項目成本、QXR股權證券投資200,000美元以及用於購買的1,974美元 計算機和設備。
現金 融資活動的流量
爲 截至2024年12月31日止年度,融資活動提供的淨現金爲14,151,827美元,主要與完成業務合併(包括髮行)的收益有關 PIPE股票11,639,088美元,發行可轉換票據收到的現金2,100,000美元,來自多家公司的短期貸款收益 投資者2,060,000美元、關聯方短期貸款收益2,000,000美元、認購憑證行使1,561,655美元、收益 來自PIPE 425,000美元、普通股發行收益260,927美元和SAFE票據200,000美元,部分被遞延抵消 業務合併交易成本4,167,323美元,償還發起人本票1,562,834美元,償還短期 貸款324,415美元。
2023年3月16日期間 (成立)至2023年12月31日,融資活動提供的淨現金爲4,557,004美元,主要與5,000,000美元收益有關 SAFE票據發行、發行應付關聯方票據所得收益1,000,000美元、短期貸款所得收益72,967美元以及 提前行使股票期權獎勵的收益14,850美元,部分被向關聯方支付SAFE票據發行成本所抵消 435,000美元、償還應付關聯方票據1,000,000美元以及支付遞延交易成本95,900美元。 此外, 期內,我們提取並償還了應付關聯方的票據。
操作 和資本性支出的需要
這個 該公司沒有賺取任何收入,自成立以來一直處於虧損狀態。公司有累計的虧損和股東的 赤字。這些條件使人對其在未來12個月繼續爲運營提供資金的能力產生了極大的懷疑, 取決於管理層通過發行股票籌集額外資本的計劃或接受額外借款以提供資金 公司未來一年的經營和投資活動。我們預期的資本要求取決於許多因素。 包括建立我們的設施所需的資本支出,以及開展啓動商業生產所需的所有活動, 資本設備價格和初步成本。未來,這將取決於我們收購新資產/地點的擴展 原材料的可及性和潛在所有權。我們未來可能會達成收購或投資於互補業務的安排, 服務和技術,包括知識產權。我們可能被要求尋求額外的股權或債務融資。如果 除了我們目前打算籌集的資金之外,我們還需要從外部來源獲得額外的資金,我們可能無法 在可接受的條件下或根本不提高它。如果我們無法在需要時籌集額外資本,我們的業務、運營結果 和財務狀況將受到實質性和不利的影響,並可能無法繼續我們計劃的業務 擔憂。
承諾 和合同義務
我們 已與Primero USA,Inc.達成工程協議花費4,724,690美元提供FEL-3報告。截至2024年12月31日, Primero待執行並收取費用的總績效爲1,855,911美元。請參閱我們的合併財務註釋4 本年度報告其他地方包含有關其他合同義務和承諾的更多詳細信息的聲明。 雖然公司尚未達成任何其他具有約束力的承諾,但正在評估其他戰略合作伙伴關係,這可能會 導致未來的合同義務。
80 |
總結 關鍵會計估計
我們 認爲以下會計政策和估計涉及高度的判斷和複雜性。因此該等 我們認爲對於幫助充分了解和評估我們的綜合財務狀況最關鍵的政策是什麼 和我們的業務成果。請參閱本年報其他地方的綜合財務報表附註2, 10-K爲我們的其他重要會計政策的描述。我們的合併財務報表的編制 符合美國GAAP要求我們做出影響合併中報告金額的估計和判斷 財務報表和隨附註釋。儘管我們相信估計數,但由於固有的 做出這些估計涉及不確定性,未來期間報告的實際結果可能會與 估算
遞延 交易成本
在 根據“員工會計公告的編纂-主題5:雜項會計A。出售費用' (「SAB主題5」),公開募股相關費用,包括法律費用以及諮詢和諮詢費用,將推遲至 擬議公開募股的完成/完成。Legacy Stardust Power已將1,005,109美元的相關費用遞延至 擬議公開發行,在截至2023年12月31日的合併資產負債表的流動資產中呈列。 期間 截至2024年12月31日止年度,公司推遲了公開發行產生的6,496,114美元相關成本。後 業務合併完成後,分配給股權分類工具的成本記錄爲7,501,223美元 作爲額外實繳資本的減少。
The Company has deferred $116,121 of costs incurred towards potential follow-on offerings which is presented within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2024. If the offering is terminated, the deferred offering costs will be expensed.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), which provides for deferred taxes using an asset and liability approach. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided, if based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740. When uncertain tax positions exist, we recognize the tax benefit of tax positions to the extent that the benefit would more likely than not be realized assuming examination by the taxing authority. The determination as to whether the tax benefit will more likely than not be realized is based upon the technical merits of the tax position as well as consideration of the available facts and circumstances. We recognize any interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
Earnout Share Liability, SAFE Notes, and Convertible Notes
We account for the earnout share liability, SAFE notes, and convertible notes in accordance with the guidance in ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” and ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging,” whereby it is accounted for as a liability which requires initial and subsequent measurements at fair value. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until a triggering event, equity financing, change in control or dissolution occurs, and any change in fair value is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The valuation uses probabilities considering pay-offs under various scenarios as follows: (i) an equity financing where the SAFE notes and convertible note will convert into certain preferred stock; (ii) a change in control where the SAFE note and convertible note holders will have an option to receive a portion of the cash and other assets equal to the purchase amount; (iii) a dissolution event where the SAFE notes and convertible note holders will be entitled to the purchase amount subject to liquidation priority and (iv) achievement of Combined Company Common Stock price targets, where the earnout share liability will convert into certain number of shares of Common Stock. The value of the instrument is likely to vary significantly based on the probability of each of the conversion scenarios that occurs, and management will reassess such probability at each reporting period. These probabilities will ultimately be factored into the valuation of the instrument and will require third party valuation experts to assist in the determination of this value. The changes in value of the instrument could impact the consolidated financial statements materially and therefore constitute a critical estimate.
81 |
Fair Value of Common Stock
Due to the absence of an active market for our Common Stock prior to consummation of the business combination, and in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Privately-Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, the fair value of our Common Stock is estimated based on valuation carried out by third party appraisers and approved by our Board based on current available information and after exercising reasonable judgment. This estimate requires significant judgment and considers several factors, including:
● | 獨立 我們普通股的第三方估值; | |
● | 估計 未來清算情景的可能性; | |
● | 預計 管理層提供的未來現金流; | |
● | 準則 公開公司信息; | |
● | 折扣 費率; | |
● | 我們 實際運營和財務業績; | |
● | 電流 業務狀況和預測; | |
● | 我們 發展階段; | |
● | 美國 和全球資本市場狀況;以及 | |
● | 預計 基於所測量時間段內可比上市公司股票表現的波動率。 |
概率 潛在流動性情景的權重基於管理層預期的近期和長期資金需求 並在估值時評估最有吸引力的清算可能性。在加權最重的情況下, 企業估值是使用基於指導上市公司方法、和 採用期權定價模型和成本法進行收益法分析,以確定分配的總股權價值金額 到我們的普通股。
在 在所有情況下,都應用缺乏市場流通性的折扣(「DTOM」)來得出普通股的公允價值。DTOM 這解釋了未公開交易的股票缺乏市場性。
應用 這些方法和方法涉及使用複雜和主觀的估計、判斷和假設,例如 有關我們預期未來收入、費用、運營和現金流、貼現率、行業和經濟前景的信息,以及 潛在未來事件發生的可能性和時間。任何或所有估計和假設或關係的變化 這些假設之間的差異會影響我們截至每個相關估值日期的估值,並可能對估值產生重大影響 我們的普通股。普通股公允價值的估計用於衡量股票薪酬。以下 業務合併後,不再需要確定我們業務的公允價值,因爲Stardust Power普通股 現已公開交易。
最近 會計聲明
看到 我們的合併財務報表註釋2包含在本年度報告的其他地方,以了解有關的更多詳細信息 最近的會計公告。
段 報告
的 公司報告分部信息的方式與管理層內部組織業務評估績效和製造的方式相同 根據ASC主題280做出有關資源分配的決定,”細分市場報告.”本公司已 作爲單一業務平台運營的單一可報告經營分部。在得出這一結論時,管理層考慮了 首席運營決策者(「CODM」)的定義、CODM如何定義業務、 提供給主要運營決策者的信息、主要運營決策者如何使用此類信息做出運營決策,以及資源和績效如何 訪問。本公司有一個單一的共同管理團隊,我們的現金流報告和審查沒有明確的現金流。
82 |
相關 方交易
遺產 Stardust Power於2023年3月16日與Roshen Pujari的附屬公司VCP就相關服務簽訂了服務協議 建立鋰精煉廠。VCP提供組建和組織結構諮詢、資本市場諮詢、營銷 諮詢服務和其他有關公司組織的諮詢和顧問服務。根據服務 根據協議和隨後的修訂,VCP的諮詢服務補償總額最高可達1,050,000美元。
對 2023年3月16日,Legacy Stardust Power與7636 Holdings LLC達成諮詢協議,該協議隨後於4月修訂 2023年1月1日。該協議主要爲戰略、業務、財務、運營和行業諮詢服務提供補償 該公司計劃開發鋰精煉廠業務。
爲 2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間,Legacy Stardust Power發生的諮詢費用總額爲98萬美元 VCP、7636 Holdings LLC和VIKASA Capital LLC分別爲180,806美元和171,213美元。代表Legacy Stardust發生的其他費用 電力總額爲44,186美元,其中VIKASA Capital LLC的34,318美元和VCP的9,868美元。截至2023年12月31日,無欠公司關聯方款項。
期間 2023年3月16日(成立)至2023年12月31日期間,Legacy Stardust Power簽訂了應付票據協議 與關聯方合作1,000,000美元,包括與Energy Transition Investors LLC合作750,000美元、與VIKASA Clean Energy I LP合作160,000美元以及 與Roshan Pujari合作90,000美元。VIKASA Capital LLC爲代表關聯方獲得的票據提供了初始融資。 截至2023年12月31日止年度,相同的票據已償還。
2024年9月18日, 該公司與Dre Chicago LLC簽訂了一項價值500,000美元的諮詢協議,Dre Chicago LLC的委託人是帕拉米塔·達斯。女士。 達斯被任命爲公司的首席戰略官和首席執行官的高級顧問。此外,如上所述,在 2024年12月,本公司與Dre Chicago LLC和其他貸款人簽訂了具有約束力的條款說明書,規定在 本金250,000美元,利率爲年息15%,將於2025年3月到期( 「到期日」)。此外,該公司還同意向Dre Chicago發行總計375,000美元的普通股 作爲一名股票踢球手。此外,德雷芝加哥將獲得代表權利的認股權證,可在五年內行使 截止日期,最多50%的普通股作爲股權溢價發行,每份完整的認股權證可以行使一股普通股 根據定向增發條款,行使價爲11.50美元的股票。於年終後,本公司已全面 償還本金和應計利息。公司尚未向Dre Chicago發行股權股份和認股權證 合併財務報表的印發日期。
如上所述,在 2024年12月,該公司與Endurance Antarctica Partners II,LLC(「Endurance」)簽訂了具有約束力的條款表, 當時一名董事和一名股東的關聯公司,以本金總額提供貸款(「貸款」) 金額爲1,750,000美元,按每年15%的利率計算,於2025年3月(「到期日」)到期。在 此外,該公司已同意向Endurance發行3,500,000美元的普通股作爲股權激勵者。此外,耐力還將 收到代表最多50%作爲發行普通股的權利的配股,該權利可在截止日期後五年內行使 Equity Kicker,根據 私募條款。年終後,公司已全額償還本金及應計利息。的 公司尚未發行股本和認購權 截至合併財務報告發布之日的耐久性 報表
83 |
Private Warrants
The Sponsor purchased from GPAC II an aggregate of 5,566,667 warrants at a price of $1.50 per warrant in a private placement that occurred simultaneously with the completion of the Company’s initial public offering (the “Private Warrants”). At the closing of the Business Combination, Stardust Power acquired the net liabilities for GPAC II including the Private Warrants. Each Private Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at $11.50 per share. At December 31, 2024 there were 5,566,667 Private Warrants outstanding. As at December 31, 2024, the fair value of Private Warrants amounted to $1,308,166. The Company valued its Private Warrants based on the closing price of the Public Warrants since they are similar instruments.
Sponsor Related Party Loans
At closing of the Business Combination, the Company acquired the liabilities for GPAC II including the sponsor working capital loan amounting to $4,127,189. As part of the closing of the Business Combination, the Sponsor forgave a portion of the loan amounting to $2,564,355. The Company repaid the balance of $1,562,834 on closing.
Sponsor Earnout Shares
As part of the closing of the Business Combination, the Company issued 1,000,000 shares to the Sponsor. These shares are subject to vesting (or forfeiture) based on achieving certain trading price thresholds following the closing (“Sponsor Earnout Shares”). Fifty percent of the Sponsor Earnout Shares will vest when the VWAP of the Combined Company Common Stock price equals or exceeds $12.00 per share for a period of 20 trading days in a 30 trading day period, and the remaining fifty percent of the Sponsor Earnout Shares will vest when the VWAP of the Combined Company Common Stock price equals or exceeds $14.00 per share for a period of 20 trading days in a 30 trading day period. Upon the occurrence of a change in control, any remaining unvested Sponsor Earnout Shares become vested. Unvested Sponsor Earnout Shares will be forfeited if vesting does not occur prior to the eighth anniversary of the Closing Date. The Company assesses the fair value of expected earnout consideration at each reporting period using the Monte Carlo Method, which is consistent with the initial measurement of the expected earnout consideration. As at December 31, 2024, the fair value of Sponsor Earnout Shares amounted to $532,700.
Recent Events
See Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional details regarding subsequent events.
84 |
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk Framework
Market risk represents the risk of losses, or financial volatility, that may result from the change in value of our products due to fluctuations in its market price. The scope of our market risk management policies and procedures includes all market-sensitive data related to input and selling prices. We expect to be able to limit this risk by using third parties to finance acquisition of feedstock and logistics, as required. We may enter into long-term arrangements for supply to limit impacts of market risk.
The Company’s different types of market risk include:
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk represents the potential volatility from changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from changes in the level and volatility of interest rates, changes in the slope of the yield curve, changes in credit spreads, and the rate of prepayments on our interest-earning assets (e.g., inventories) and our funding sources (e.g., short-term financing) which finance these assets. Project finance and loan facilities are a key component of our financing strategy. Volatility in the interest rate market could impede our plans for growth.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that we are unable to timely access necessary funding sources in order to operate our business, as well as the risk that we are unable to timely divest securities that we hold in connection with our sales and trading activities. The Company has been successful in equity financing in the past but there is no assurance that it will continue to be able to finance the Company with equity financing. The Company does not have substantial credit lines for financing the Company.
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the potential for loss due to the default or deterioration in credit quality of a counterparty, customer, borrower, or issuer. The nature and amount of credit risk depends on the type of transaction, the structure and duration of that transaction and the parties involved. Credit risk also results from an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with us or otherwise fail to perform as agreed. This may be reflected through issues such as settlement obligations or payment collections.
Operational risk
The success of our plan requires us to be able to operationally deliver on the project plan and timelines as projected by management. In order to mitigate and control operational risk, we will develop policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization. We will also have business continuity plans in place that we believe will cover critical processes on a company-wide basis, and redundancies are built into our systems as we deem appropriate. These control mechanisms will be designed to ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that our various businesses are operating within established corporate policies and limits. We are leveraging and intend to continue implementing established best practices for our industry to reduce operational risk.
Human Capital Risk
The success of our business is dependent upon the skills, expertise, industry knowledge and performance of our employees. Human capital risks represent the risks posed if we fail to attract and retain qualified individuals, particularly those having specialized technical knowledge in the exploration, extraction, and purification of brine from varying sources to produce battery-grade lithium, and employees who are motivated to serve the best interests of our clients, thereby serving the best interests of our Company. Attracting and retaining employees depends, among other things, on our Company’s culture, management, work environment, geographic locations and compensation. There are risks associated with the proper recruitment, development and rewards of our employees to ensure quality performance and retention. We offer competitive compensation and benefits to retain human capital, intend to offer educational opportunities to allow advancement, and promote balance in work life conditions by offering hybrid work- from-home options.
85 |
Legal and regulatory risk
Legal and regulatory risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and loss to our reputation we may suffer as a result of failure to comply with laws, regulations, rules, related self-regulatory organization standards and codes of conduct applicable to our business activities. We are generally subject to extensive regulation in the various jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. We are in the process of setting up procedures that are designed to ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, such as public company reporting obligations, regulatory net capital requirements, sales practices, potential conflicts of interest, anti-money laundering, privacy and recordkeeping. We will also establish procedures that are designed to require that our policies relating to ethics and business conduct are followed.
Market Risk Exposure
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not have any significant risk for changes in interest rates.
Credit Risk
We are subject to credit risk with respect to our cash balances for those amounts in excess of the FDIC insured amount of $250,000. The Company has only one financial banking institution.
Inflation Risk
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, other than its impact on the general economy. However, we are currently operating in a more volatile inflationary environment due to macroeconomic conditions and have limited data and experience doing so in our history, particularly as we continue to invest in growth in our business. The principal inflationary factor affecting our business is higher costs. Our inability or failure to address challenges relating to inflation could harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
86 |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to the Consolidated Financial Statements
87 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the consolidated financial statements
Substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred losses during the year, has an accumulated deficit and stockholders’ deficit. The Company expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its operating and investment plans. These costs exceed the Company’s existing cash balance and net working capital. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon management’s plan to raise additional capital from issuance of equity or receive additional borrowings to fund the Company’s operating and investing activities over the next year. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
KNAV CPA LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
March 27, 2025
PCAOB ID - 2983
F-1 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(all amounts in USD, except number of shares)
As of December 31, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
Deferred transaction costs | ||||||||
Promissory notes | ||||||||
Total current assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
Capital project costs | ||||||||
Investment in equity securities | ||||||||
Other long-term assets | ||||||||
Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | ||||||||
Current portion of early exercised shares option liability | ||||||||
Short-term loans from related parties (Note-16) | ||||||||
Short-term loans | ||||||||
Total current liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
SAFE notes | ||||||||
Warrant liability | ||||||||
Advance from PIPE investor | ||||||||
Earnout liability | ||||||||
Early exercised shares option liability | ||||||||
Total liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4) | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) | ||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | par value, and shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023||||||||
Common stock, $ | par value, and shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total stockholders’ deficit | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(all amounts in USD, except number of shares)
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period
from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | $ | ||||||
General and administrative expenses | 1 | 1 | ||||||
Operating Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other income (expenses) | ||||||||
SAFE note issuance costs | 2 | ( | )2 | |||||
Other transaction costs | 3 | ( | )3 | |||||
Interest income | ||||||||
Interest expense | ( | )4 | ( | )4 | ||||
Finance charge | ( | )5 | ||||||
Change in fair value of sponsor earnout shares | ||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | ( | ) | ||||||
Change in fair value of investment in equity securities | ( | ) | ||||||
Change in fair value of convertible notes | ( | ) | ||||||
Change in fair value of SAFE notes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other income | ||||||||
Total other expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Net loss per share | ||||||||
Basic | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||
Basic | ||||||||
Diluted |
(1) | |
(2) | |
(3) | |
(4) |
|
(5) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(all amounts in USD, except number of shares)
For the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional paid-in | Accumulated | Total Stockholder’s | |||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | capital | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as at March 16, 2023 (inception) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
Retroactive application of recapitalization | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance as at March 16, 2023 (inception) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Transfer from early exercised stock option liability on vesting | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to early exercised stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of unvested early exercised common stock | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) |
For the year ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional paid-in | Accumulated | Total Stockholder’s | |||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | capital | Deficit | Deficit | ||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
Retroactive application of recapitalization | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation (Note 8) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
Synthetic at-the-market (“ATM”) commitment fee | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer from early exercised stock liability on vesting | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of unvested early exercise stock options | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon exercise of common stock warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon conversion of SAFE notes | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued upon conversion of convertible notes | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon the reverse capitalization including PIPE financing, net of transaction costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Transaction costs | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
Merger Earnout shares (Note 3) | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2024 | ( | ) | ( | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(all amounts in USD, except number of shares)
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||
Stock based compensation | ||||||||
Finance charges | ||||||||
Synthetic ATM commitment fee | ||||||||
Loss from change in fair value of common stock make-whole obligation | ||||||||
Change in fair value of investment in equity securities | ( | ) | ||||||
Change in fair value of SAFE notes | ||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | ||||||||
Change in fair value of convertible notes | ||||||||
Change in fair value of sponsor earnout shares | ( | ) | ||||||
Depreciation expense | ||||||||
SAFE notes issuance costs | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Capital project costs | ( | ) | ||||||
Land acquisition costs | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Investment in equity securities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Investment in other long-term assets | ( | ) | ||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Promissory notes issued | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from stock issuance, net of repurchases | ||||||||
Payment of equity issuance costs | ( | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from early exercise of stock option awards | ||||||||
Proceeds from investor for issuance of SAFE notes | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable to related parties | ||||||||
Repayment of notes payable to related parties | ( | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes | ||||||||
Deferred transaction costs paid | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Payment of issuance costs for SAFE notes to related parties | ( | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from short-term loan | ||||||||
Repayment of short-term loan | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Proceeds from advance received from PIPE investor | ||||||||
Proceeds from of business combination and issuance of PIPE shares | ||||||||
Repayment of sponsor promissory notes | ( | ) | ||||||
Repurchase of unvested shares | ( | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | $ | $ | ||||||
Net (decrease)/ increase in cash | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||
Cash at the beginning of the period | ||||||||
Cash at the end of the period | $ | $ | ||||||
Supplemental disclosure for cash flow information: | ||||||||
Interest paid | $ | $ | ||||||
Taxes paid | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
Unpaid deferred transaction costs | $ | $ | ||||||
Unpaid amount for repurchase of unvested shares | ||||||||
Conversion of legacy SAFE notes | ||||||||
Conversion of legacy convertible notes | ||||||||
Sponsor earnout share liability | ||||||||
Issuance of common stock to Sponsor | ||||||||
Net liabilities assumed upon closing of business combination | ||||||||
Issuance of common stock to non-redeeming shareholders | ||||||||
Unpaid SAFE note issuance costs | ||||||||
Unpaid capital project costs | ||||||||
Unpaid land purchase costs | ||||||||
Commitment and other fees for synthetic ATM | ||||||||
Unpaid finance charge related to common stock issuance to lenders | ||||||||
Finance charge related to Equity Kicker |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY
Nature of Business
Stardust
Power Inc. (the “Company”, “Stardust Power”) formerly known as Global Partner Acquisition Corp II, a
Delaware corporation, is an American developer of battery grade lithium products, designed to foster energy independence in the
United States. While the Company has not earned any revenue yet, the Company is in the process of developing a strategically
central, lithium refinery capable of producing up to
Business Combination
On November 21, 2023, Stardust Power Operating Inc. entered into a business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Global Partner Acquisition Corp II (“GPAC II”), a Cayman Islands exempted company incorporated on November 3, 2020, Strike Merger Sub I, Inc. (“First Merger Sub”), a Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of GPAC II, and Strike Merger Sub II LLC (“Second Merger Sub”), a Delaware limited liability company and direct wholly owned subsidiary of GPAC II. On July 8, 2024, former Stardust Power Inc. was renamed Stardust Power Operating Inc.
On July 8, 2024 (the “Closing Date”), Legacy Stardust Power completed the business combination contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the “Business Combination”). GPAC II deregistered as a Cayman Islands exempted company and domesticated in the State of Delaware as a Delaware corporation. As per the Business Combination Agreement, First Merger Sub merged into Legacy Stardust Power, with Legacy Stardust Power being the surviving corporation (the effective time of such merger being the “First Effective Time”). Legacy Stardust Power then merged into Second Merger Sub, with Second Merger Sub being the surviving entity. Upon the completion of the Business Combination, GPAC II was renamed Stardust Power Inc.
The common stock (the “Common Stock”) and warrants of the Company are currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “SDST” and “SDSTW”, respectively.
As per the Business Combination Agreement:
● | Each share of common stock of Legacy Stardust Power (“Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time converted into the right to receive the number of shares of combined company (“Newco”) common stock (“Newco Stock”) equal to the merger consideration divided by the number of shares of the Company fully diluted stock (“per share consideration”). |
● | Each outstanding option to purchase Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock (each a “Legacy Stardust Power Option”), whether vested or unvested, automatically converted into an option to purchase a number of shares of Newco Stock equal to the number of shares of Newco Stock subject to such Legacy Stardust Power Option immediately prior to the First Effective Time multiplied by the per share consideration. |
● | Each share of Legacy Stardust Power Restricted Stock (as defined in the Business Combination Agreement) outstanding immediately prior to the First Effective Time converted into a number of shares of Newco Stock equal to the number of shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock subject to such Stardust Power Restricted Stock multiplied by the per share consideration (the “Exchanged Company Restricted Common Stock”). |
● | All outstanding redeemable public warrants and private warrants of GPAC II representing the right to purchase one Class A ordinary share were adjusted to represent the right to purchase one share of the Newco Stock. |
● | All outstanding GPAC Class A (after redemptions) and Class B common shares were cancelled and converted into shares of the Newco Stock. |
F-6 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
● | As consideration for certain Class A ordinary shareholders entering into non-redemption agreements (“NRAs”) agreeing not to redeem or to reverse any redemption demands previously submitted, the Company issued ordinary shares of Stardust Power at a price per share of approximately $ per share at closing of the Business Combination. |
● | Additionally, |
● | Additionally, the Combined
Company will issue |
● | Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the SAFE notes automatically converted into the shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock. |
● | Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the convertible notes automatically converted into shares of Legacy Stardust Power Common Stock. |
● | Stardust Power issued |
The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization. Under this method of accounting, GPAC II has been treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes (refer to Note 3).
NOTE 2 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023, included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Legacy Stardust Power as of that date.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stardust Power Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Stardust Power LLC and Strike Merger Sub II, LLC. All material intercompany balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
These consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Those estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, useful life of assets, realization of deferred tax assets, and fair valuation of stock-based compensation, common shares purchase agreement, warrants, simple agreement for future equity notes (each a “SAFE note”), convertible notes and sponsor earnout shares. The Company evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ from these estimates, and those differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements.
F-7 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Emerging Growth Company
Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when an accounting standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard.
Going Concern
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis that it is a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
The
Company is a development stage entity having no revenues and has incurred a net loss of $
As
of December 31, 2024, the Company has $
On
October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) and a related
Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC (“B.
Riley Principal Capital II”). Upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Purchase
Agreement, the Company will have the right, in its sole discretion, to sell up to $
In
December 2024, the Company entered into binding Term Sheets (“Term Sheets”) with
various lenders and received cash proceeds of $
On
December 31, 2024, the Company entered into binding term sheets with certain investors pursuant to which the Company has agreed to
sell, and the Investors have agreed to purchase, Company securities for an aggregate amount of $
F-8 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subsequent
to the year end, the Company consummated a public offering (the “Offering”) of an aggregate of (i) shares (the “Shares”) of common stock,
par value $per share (the “Common Stock”) and
(ii) Common Stock purchase warrants (“Common Warrants”) to purchase up to
As of the date on which these consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, we believe that the cash on hand, and additional investments available through issuance of new Common Stock, will be inadequate to satisfy the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon management’s plan to raise additional capital from issuance of equity or receive additional borrowings to fund the Company’s operating and investing activities over the next year. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations
The Company is a newly incorporated company and has yet to construct its facility and commence production. As a result, the Company has a limited operating history upon which to evaluate the business and future prospects, which subjects it to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the ability to plan for and predict future growth. Since the Company’s founding, and acquisition of the land for the establishment of the facility, the Company has made significant progress towards site due diligence, engineering and techno-economic analysis for assessing suitability of the land and location. The refinery designs, brine extraction and transportation process of the facility, process configurations, and control system of the facility are representative of an industrial-scale battery-grade lithium production facility.
The Company expects that it will need to raise additional capital to support its development and commercialization activities. Significant risks and uncertainties to the Company’s operations include failing to secure additional funding and the threat of other companies developing and bringing to market similar technology at an earlier time than the Company.
The Company’s cash balance is held at one financial institution. As such, as at December 31, 2024, cash held with the financial institution exceeded federally insured limits.
As
at December 31, 2024, the company had a promissory note receivable of $
F-9 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Deferred Transaction Costs
In
accordance with ‘Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins – Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting A. Expenses of Offering’
(“SAB Topic 5”), public offering related costs, including legal fees and advisory and consulting fees, are deferred until
consummation/completion of the proposed public offering. The Company has deferred $
As
disclosed in the “Going Concern” note above, subsequent to the year end, the Company consummated a public offering. The Company
has deferred $
Capital Project Costs and Property and Equipment, net
The
Company had an exclusive option purchase agreement with the City of Muskogee, Oklahoma for 66 acres of undeveloped tract (excluding
wetlands and creeks). The option was scheduled to end on the earlier of February 29, 2024, the date the property is purchased, or
the termination of the agreement by either party. The agreement allowed for two three-month extensions, provided that the Company is
performing due diligence and pursuing permits and approvals. Non-refundable option payments of $
Property
and equipment, net is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss. The Company depreciates computer
and equipment using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful lives of the asset, which are generally
to
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates long-lived assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is estimated at the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
F-10 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fair Value of Measurement
ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement”, defines fair value as the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect management’s assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. There are three fair value hierarchies based upon the level of inputs that are significant to fair value measurement:
● | Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical unrestricted assets or liabilities. | |
● | Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. | |
● | Level 3 – Prices or valuation techniques requiring inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. |
The categorization of a financial instrument within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires management to make judgements and consider factors specific to the asset or liability.
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis. The carrying amounts of certain financial assets and liabilities, including cash, other current assets, accounts payable and short-term loans approximate fair value because of the short maturity and liquidity of those instruments.
Income Taxes
The Company records income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The Company nets the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities from temporary differences arising from a particular tax-paying component of the Company within the same tax jurisdiction and presents the net asset or liability as long term. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Although the Company believes that it has adequately reserved for uncertain tax positions, the Company can provide no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be materially different. The Company makes adjustment to these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The Company elects to record interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of provision for income taxes.
Investments in Equity Securities
Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are accounted in accordance with ASC 321, Investment in Equity Securities. These investments are recorded at cost and subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
F-11 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SAFE notes
SAFE notes represent instruments that provide a form of financing to the Company and possess characteristics of both a debt and equity instrument. The Company accounts for the SAFE note in accordance with the guidance in ASC 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” and ASC 815-40, “Derivatives and Hedging”. For the SAFE notes outstanding as of December 31, 2023, the Company first assessed whether the instrument meets the definition of a liability under ASC 480. The SAFE note includes terms that would affect the conversion of the note into shares based on the next round of financing. Since the instrument neither represents, nor is it indexed to an obligation to repurchase its own shares, the instrument does not represent any conditional obligation to settle the fixed monetary amount of the debt in a variable number of shares, the instrument is not a liability under ASC 480. The Company then assessed whether the instrument represents either an equity, derivative or a liability instrument per the guidance under ASC 815-40 and noted that due to the contingent settlement essentially representing a repayment of a fixed monetary amount, it would neither represent an instrument indexed to its own equity nor would it meet the definition of a derivative. Therefore, the note would be accounted for as a liability which requires initial and subsequent measurements at fair value. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until a triggering event, equity financing, change in control or dissolution occurs, and any change in fair value is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The fair value estimate includes significant inputs not observable in market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The valuation uses probabilities considering pay-offs under various scenarios as follows: (i) an equity financing where the SAFE notes will convert into preferred stock; (ii) a SPAC transaction or an initial public offering where the SAFE notes will convert into common stock (iii) a change in control where the SAFE notes holders will have an option to receive a portion of the cash and other assets equal to the purchase amount and (iv) dissolution event where the SAFE notes holders will be entitled to the purchase amount subject to liquidation priority. Issuance cost incurred during the period March 16, 2023 (inception) to December 31, 2023, were expensed as incurred and presented separately in the consolidated statements of operations.
Warrant Liabilities
The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Management’s assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, whether they meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period-end date while the warrants are outstanding.
Issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. Issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are recorded as a liability at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and subject to remeasurement each balance sheet date with changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants to be recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations. Cost associated with issuing the warrants accounted for as liabilities are charged to consolidated statements of operations when warrants are issued.
Short-term loans
The Company accounts for short-term loans, as a single liability measured at amortized cost. The carrying value of the liability equals the proceeds received from the issuance of the loan agreements, accrued premium less debt issuance costs. See “Note 7 – Short-term loans” for additional information.
F-12 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Leases
At the inception of a contract, the Company performs an assessment whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The assessment is based on whether: (1) the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (2) the Company obtains the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the term of the contract, and (3) the Company the right to direct the use of the asset.
Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if any one of the following criteria are met: (1) the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, (2) the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, (3) the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset, (4) the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset, or (5) the leased asset is so specialized that the asset will have little to no value at the end of the lease term. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any one of the above criteria.
Operating and finance leases are recorded as right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating and finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses the implicit interest rate if readily determinable. When the implicit interest rate is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is based on its collateralized borrowing capabilities over a similar term of the lease payments. When using the incremental borrowing rate, the Company utilizes the consolidated group incremental borrowing rate. Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has elected the practical expedient to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company has also elected not to record right of use assets and associated lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet for leases that have a term, including any reasonably assured renewal terms, of 12 months or less at the lease commencement date. The lease payments are recognized for these short-term leases in the consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease payments in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred.
The
Company has entered into a lease agreement with Tower Lake LLC, for office space. The Company has not recognized any ROU asset and
lease liability pursuant to this lease as it is a short-term lease. The Company recorded rent expense of $
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily include compensation for employees, consultants, and advisors, legal and professional service fees, utilities, travel and other general overhead costs to support the Company’s operations.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in general and administrative expenses, in accordance with ASC 720-35, “Other Expenses – Advertising Cost”.
Other Transaction Costs
Other
transaction costs consist of $ and $
Organizational Costs
In
accordance with ASC 720, “Other Expenses”, organizational costs, including accounting fees, legal and professional fees,
and costs of incorporation, are expensed as incurred. The Company has incurred $
The Company accounts for stock options, restricted share awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), to employees, consultants and other advisors, and directors based on their estimated fair value on the date of grant. The fair value of the Company’s stock options is measured based on the grant-date fair value which is calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value option awards upon each grant of stock options. At the election of the grantees, the stock options granted by the Company are early exercisable at any time from the date of grant but are subject to a repurchase right, under which the Company may buy back any unvested shares in the event of an employee’s termination prior to full vesting at lower of original exercise price or fair market value as on the date the Company delivers the Repurchase Notice. The consideration received for an early exercise of an unvested option is considered as deposit of the exercise price and the related amount is recorded as a liability. The liabilities are reclassified into common stock and additional paid-in capital as the awards vest. The shares are included in common stock on the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit) as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and are not included in the calculation of basic net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, and for the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023. However, the early exercised shares are included in calculation of diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, and for the period ended December 31, 2023, to the extent they are not anti-dilutive.
F-13 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fair value of RSUs awarded is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock, as reported on Nasdaq on the date of grant. The fair value and derived service period of PSUs with market-based conditions is estimated using the Monte Carlo valuation model. The Company evaluates the assumptions used to value PSU awards upon each grant of PSUs.
Stock-based compensation expense associated with service and market-based conditions for RSUs will be recognized over the longer of the expected achievement period for the service condition and market condition. Stock-based compensation expense associated with PSUs is recognized over the longer of the expected achievement period for the performance condition and the service condition The Company generally recognizes stock-based compensation expense for RSUs with only service condition on a straight-line basis over the vesting term and RSUs /PSUs with service and market-based conditions, respectively, on graded vesting method over the vesting term. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
The Company adopted ASC 260, “Earnings per Share”, at its inception. Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of Common Stock outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the Company’s net loss available to common stockholders by the diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. The diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding is the basic weighted number of shares adjusted as at the first of the year for any potentially dilutive debt or equity. Potential common shares from unvested restricted stock options, earnouts and common stock warrants are computed using the treasury stock method. Contingently issuable shares are included in basic EPS only when there is no circumstance under which those shares would not be issued.
Recent accounting pronouncements
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), under its ASC or other standard setting bodies, and adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07). ASU 2023-07 improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2024. Early application is permitted. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. The Company adopted the standard for the year ended December 31, 2024, with disclosures included in Note 15 – Segment Reporting.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
With the exception of those listed below, the Company has reviewed the accounting pronouncements issued during the year ended December 31, 2024, and concluded they were either not applicable or not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which is referred to as ASU 2024-03. ASU 2024-03 requires public entities to disclose detailed information about specific types of expenses included within the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. While ASU 2024-03 does not alter the presentation of expense captions on the face of the income statement, it introduces requirements for disaggregating certain expense captions into specified categories within the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2024-03 will have on its consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes.
In December 2023, FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes paid. The ASU is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is also permitted for annual consolidated financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU will likely result in the required additional disclosures being included in our consolidated financial statements, once adopted.
F-14 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 – REVERSE RECAPITALIZATION
As mentioned above in Note 1, the Business Combination was closed on July 8, 2024, and has been accounted for a reverse recapitalization because Legacy Stardust Power has been determined to be the accounting acquirer pursuant to ASC 805, “Accounting for Business Combinations”, based on the evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:
● | Stardust Power shareholders who controlled Legacy Stardust Power prior to the Business Combination, retained the majority voting interest in the Combined Company immediately after the Business Combination; | |
● | Legacy Stardust Power has the ability to elect a majority of the members of the Combined Company’s governing body; | |
● | Legacy Stardust Power’s senior management makes up the senior management of the Combined Company; | |
● | The Combined Company assumed Stardust Power’s name. |
Therefore, as there was no change in control, the Business Combination was accounted for as a common control transaction with respect to Legacy Stardust Power along with a reverse recapitalization of the Company. Under the Business Combination, while GPAC II was the legal acquirer, it has been treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Business Combination was treated as the equivalent of Legacy Stardust Power issuing stock for the net assets of GPAC II, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets of GPAC II have been stated at historical cost, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.
Immediately
following the Business Combination, there were
Immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the total number of Legacy Stardust Power ordinary shares issued and outstanding was . Further, as consideration for certain Class A ordinary shareholders entering into NRAs agreeing not to redeem or to reverse any redemption demands previously submitted, the Company issued Class A ordinary shares of Stardust Power. The shares are fully vested, nonforfeitable equity instruments.
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the former owners of Legacy Stardust Power were granted and will have the ability to earn, in the aggregate, an additional shares of Common Stock (“Merger Earnout Shares”) if the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock is greater than or equal to $ for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period (or a change of control of the Company occurs), during the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending on the eighth anniversary of the Closing Date. There are no service conditions or any requirement for the participants to provide goods or services in order to vest in the Merger Earnout Shares. Accordingly, we determined that the Merger Earnout Shares are not within the scope of ASC 718. Further, since the Merger Earnout Shares represent a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument, we evaluated the requirements of ASC 480 and concluded that the Merger Earnout Shares should not be classified as a liability and instead is a financial instrument within the scope of ASC 815.
The Merger Earnout Share arrangement contains two exercise contingencies – the daily volume weighted average stock price and a change of control neither of which is based on an observable market or an observable index other than one based on the Company’s stock. Further, with respect to settlement provisions, we noted that no provisions impact the fixed number of shares to be issued upon settlement, except for adjustments for standard anti-dilutive provisions. Furthermore, the equity classification conditions in ASC 815-40-25 are also met. Therefore, in accordance with ASC 815-40, the Earnout Shares are indexed to the Common Stock and are accordingly classified as equity. As the merger is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, the fair value of the Earnout Share arrangement as of the merger date, amounting to $ has been accounted for as an equity transaction (as a deemed dividend) as of the closing date of the merger.
The Earnout Shares were valued using the following assumptions under the Monte Carlo Model that assumes optimal exercise of the Company’s redemption option at the earliest possible date:
Market price of public stock | $ | |||
Expected term (years) | ||||
Volatility | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | % | |||
Dividend rate | % |
F-15 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the consummation of the Business Combination were:
Stardust Power rollover equity (1)(2) | ||||
GPAC II public shareholders (3)(4) | ||||
Sponsor (5)(6) | ||||
PIPE (7) | ||||
Non-redemption shares (8) | ||||
Total Shares issued and Outstanding |
(1) | |
(2) | |
(3) | |
(4) | |
(5) | |
(6) | |
(7) | |
(8) |
Upon
the closing of the Business Combination and the PIPE financing, the Company received net cash proceeds of $
Recapitalization | ||||
Cash proceeds from GPAC II, net of redemptions | ||||
Cash proceeds from PIPE financing | $ | |||
Less: Cash payment of assumed liabilities of GPAC II | ( | ) | ||
Less: Settlement of sponsor promissory notes | $ | ( | ) | |
Net cash proceeds upon closing of the Business Combination and PIPE financing | ||||
Less: Non-cash net liabilities assumed from GPAC II | ( | ) | ||
Net charge to additional paid-in-capital as a result of the Business Combination reported in stockholder’s (deficit) | ( | ) |
Legacy
Stardust Power incurred $
F-16 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Sponsor Earnout Shares
Upon the occurrence of a change in control, any remaining unvested Sponsor Earnout Shares become vested. Unvested Sponsor Earnout Shares will be forfeited if vesting does not occur prior to the eighth anniversary of the Closing Date. The Company assesses the fair value of expected earnout consideration at each reporting period using the Monte Carlo Method, which is consistent with the initial measurement of the expected earnout consideration. As at December 31, 2024, the fair value of Sponsor Earnout Shares amounted to $ .
The Sponsor Earnout Shares were valued using the following assumptions under the Monte Carlo Model that assumes optimal exercise of the Company’s redemption option at the earliest possible date:
December 31, 2024 | ||||
Market price of public stock | $ | |||
Expected term (years) | | |||
Volatility | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | % | |||
Dividend rate | % |
NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Certain conditions may exist as at the date the consolidated financial statements are issued, which may result in a loss to the Company, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The Company assesses such contingent liabilities, and such assessment inherently involves an exercise of judgment. The Company monitors the arrangements that are subject to guarantees in order to identify if the obligor who is responsible for making the payments fails to do so. If the Company determines it is probable that a loss has occurred, then any such estimable loss would be recognized under those guarantees. The methodology used to estimate potential loss related to guarantees considers the guarantee amount and a variety of factors, which include, depending on the counterparty, the latest financial position of the counterparty, actual defaults, historical defaults, and other economic conditions. Management does not believe, based upon information available at this time, that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, there is no assurance that such matters will not materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, and results of operations or cash flows.
F-17 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On
March 13, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power and IGX, entered into an exclusive letter of intent (the “IGX
LOI”) to potentially acquire interests in certain mining claims (the “IGX Claims”). The contemplated transaction is
subject to the entering into of a definitive agreement, due diligence by the Company, and other factors. In connection with the entering
into the non-binding IGX LOI, the Company has paid a non-refundable payment of $
On
August 19, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a promissory note arrangement with IGX (the “IGX Note”) for $
On March 15, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power and
Usha Resources Ltd. (“Usha Resources”) entered into a non-binding Letter of Intent (the “Jackpot LOI”),
except for certain binding terms such as those relating to the exclusivity period until June 30, 2025, as extended, to acquire an
interest in Usha Resources’ lithium brine project, situated in the United States. Usha Resources is an established lithium
developer with multiple projects in development. The Jackpot Lake Lithium Brine Project is a flagship asset of Usha Resources and is
a lithium brine asset located in the United States, comprising of 8,714 acres of property. The project is currently engaged in its
maiden drill program. The Jackpot LOI provides Stardust Power with the exclusive option to agree to acquire up to 90% of the
interests held by Usha Resources in the Jackpot Lake project, based on an indicative earn-in schedule. As part of a definitive
agreement, Stardust Power would be required to invest into the development of the Jackpot Lake project. The Company has made a
non-refundable payment of $
On
October 10, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a non-binding (except for the confidentiality provision) letter of intent with QX
Resources Limited, an Australian limited liability company (“QXR”), to negotiate an agreement to work together collaboratively
and in good faith to assess the lithium brines contained in QXR’s Liberty Lithium Brine Project (the “Project”). QXR
is earning into 75% of the Project situated in Inyo County, California, by way of an earn-in agreement with IG Lithium LLC (“IGL”)
and QXR intends to use either evaporation or direct extraction technology to produce a concentrated lithium product or other lithium
products. On August 16, 2024, the Company entered into a promissory note arrangement with IGL (the “IGL Note”) for $
On
August 4, 2024, the Company entered into an engineering agreement (the “Primero Agreement”) with Primero USA, Inc. (“Primero”)
pursuant to which Primero agreed to provide certain engineering, design and consultancy professional services, including to assist in
procurement of major equipment, engage relevant third parties for construction and provide a Front End Loading-3 report of the Company’s
Muskogee Lithium facility at Southside Industrial Park, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The total amount due pursuant to the Primero Agreement,
assuming full performance, is approximately $
Legal proceedings
We are also subject to certain routine legal and regulatory proceedings, as well as demands and claims that arise in the normal course of our business. We make a provision for a liability relating to legal matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impact of negotiations, estimated settlements, legal rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. In our opinion, resolution of any pending claims (either individually or in the aggregate) is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position, nor is it possible to provide an estimated amount of any such loss. However, depending on the nature and timing of any such dispute, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could materially affect our future financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, or all in a particular period.
F-18 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5 – BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
Deposit | ||||||||
Other current assets | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
Property and equipment, net | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Land | $ | $ | ||||||
Computer and equipment | ||||||||
Property and equipment, gross | ||||||||
Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Total | $ | $ |
Depreciation
expense was $
Other long-term assets | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Non-current portion of prepaid expense | $ | $ | ||||||
Long-term deposit | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
Accounts payable | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Vendors | $ | $ | ||||||
Due to employees | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
Capital market advisory fees | ||||||||
Personnel related liabilities | ||||||||
Accrued interest | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
F-19 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 6 – COMMON STOCK
On July 8, 2024, the Common Stock and warrants began trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols “SDST” and “SDSTW”, respectively.
Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. The holders of Common Stock are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the board of directors (the “Board”), subject to prior rights of the convertible preferred stockholders. Shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of stockholders’ deficit includes shares related to restricted stock that are subject to repurchase.
The Company is authorized to issue and shares, par value of $ per share, of Common Stock and Preferred stock, respectively. At December 31, 2024, the Company had shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. Not reflected in the shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024, is approximately shares of Common Stock related to restricted stock units that vested in 2024 but have not yet been settled and issued. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had shares of common stock, par value $ , issued and outstanding.
Common Stock Purchase Agreement
On
October 7, 2024, the Company entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement and a Registration Rights Agreement (collectively
referred to as the “Purchase Agreement”) with B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC. Pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement, the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to sell to B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC up to the lesser of (i) $
Upon
executing the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company also issued shares
of Common Stock called Commitment Shares to B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC as a consideration for this agreement. These shares,
valued at $each
(based on Nasdaq’s closing price on October 4, 2024), represent 1.0% of B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC’s $
a) | If
B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC’s resale of the Commitment Shares yields less than $ | |
b) | No
cash payment will be made if B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC’s net proceeds from reselling the shares meet
or exceed $ | |
c) | If
B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC’s resale proceeds exceed $ |
Under
the terms of the Purchase Agreement, if the aggregate proceeds received by B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC from its resale of the Commitment Shares is less
than $
The
Company agreed to reimburse B. Riley Principal Capital II, LLC an amount of $
The
Company issued
F-20 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 – SHORT-TERM LOAN
Insurance funding borrowing
On
July 18, 2024, the Company entered into a financing agreement of $
On
November 19, 2023, the Company entered into a financing agreement of $
Other short-term loans
In December 2024, the Company entered into a
binding Term Sheet (“Term Sheet”) with Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC (“Endurance”), a related party,
providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in the aggregate principal amount of $
In December 2024, the Company entered into
binding Term Sheets (“Term Sheets”) with several lenders including DRE Chicago LLC, a related party (collectively, the
“Lenders”), providing for loans (the “Loans”) in the aggregate principal amount of $
F-21 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
Company recognized interest expense of $
The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding short-term loan arrangements:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Insurance funding loan | $ | $ | ||||||
Short-term loans from related parties (See Note 16) | ||||||||
Other short-term loans | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
As the Business Combination has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, the consolidated financial statements of the merged entity reflect the continuation of Legacy Stardust Power, Inc. consolidated financial statements. Legacy Stardust Power’s. equity has been retroactively adjusted to the earliest period presented to reflect the legal capital of the legal acquirer, GPAC II. As a result, the number of shares was also retrospectively adjusted for periods ended prior to the Business Combination.
Shares Issued at Inception
At March 16, 2023 (inception of Legacy Stardust Power), certain employees and service providers participated in the purchase of restricted Common Stock of Legacy Stardust Power aggregating to shares. Out of the total, certain restricted stock vested immediately and remaining unvested restricted stock aggregating to shares vests over months subject to service conditions and accelerated vesting upon certain events. The agreements also contain a repurchase option noting that if the employee or service provider is terminated, for any reason, the Company has the right and option to repurchase the service provider’s unvested restricted Common Stock. Since all shareholders purchased the shares at par value and the shares had no incremental value beyond the par value as at that date, during the periods from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023, and year ended December 31, 2024, the stock-based compensation expense impact is insignificant. As at December 31, 2024, outstanding shares had not vested and the weighted average remaining contractual period of the unvested restricted stock is years. Any shares subject to repurchase by the Company are not deemed, for accounting purposes, to be outstanding until those shares vest. The amount to be recorded as liabilities associated with shares issued with repurchase rights were immaterial as at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
F-22 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Common Stock | ||||||||||||
Number of shares outstanding | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | Weighted average remaining contractual life (Years) | ||||||||||
Unvested as of December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||
Granted | ||||||||||||
Vested | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Forfeited or cancelled | ||||||||||||
Unvested as of December 31, 2024 | $ |
2023 Equity Incentive Plan
At March 16, 2023, the Legacy Stardust Power stockholders approved the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan and shares of the Company’s Common Stock were reserved for issuance thereunder. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Board adopted a resolution to increase the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan by shares of Common Stock. During the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023, there were grants under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
Stock Options
During October and November 2023, Legacy Stardust Power granted options for shares of stock options under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan: options were granted to employees, and options were granted to a consultant. The employee grants vest over a period of to years, and the consultant grant vests over months. The options granted to both employees and the consultant were exercisable at the exercise price of $ .
All
the options under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan were early-exercised by grantees. Accordingly, the Company received a total amount of
$
On
December 14, 2023, the Company repurchased
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased unvested shares that were granted to a consultant and unvested shares that were granted to an employee under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan at the original exercise price of $ .
The early exercised shares liability amounting to $ and $ is outstanding as at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively, and is presented under ‘Early exercised shares option liability’ on the consolidated balance sheet.
F-23 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Stock Options | ||||||||||||||||
Number of options | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | Weighted average remaining contractual life (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
Unvested as of December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Granted | ||||||||||||||||
Vested | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Forfeited | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Unvested as of December 31, 2024 | $ | $ |
The
total compensation expense for stock options recognized in the General and administrative expenses of the Company’s
consolidated statements of operations was $
As at December 31, 2024, total unvested compensation cost for stock options granted to employees not yet recognized was $ . The Company expects to recognize this compensation over a weighted average period of approximately years.
2023 | ||||
Expected option life (years) | - years | |||
Expected volatility | % - | % | ||
Risk-free interest rate at grant date | - | % | ||
Dividend yield | % |
Due to the absence of an active market for the Company’s Common Stock at the time of the grant, the Company utilized methodologies in accordance with the framework of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Technical Practice Aid (Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation) to estimate the fair value of its Common Stock. In determining the exercise prices for options granted, the Company has considered the estimated fair value of the Common Stock as at the grant date. The estimated fair value of the Common Stock has been determined at each grant date based upon a variety of factors, including the business, financial condition and results of operations, economic and industry trends, the illiquid nature of the Common Stock, the market performance of peer group of similar publicly traded companies, and future business plans of the Company. Significant changes to the key assumptions underlying the factors used could result in different fair values of Common Stock at each valuation date.
The Company based the risk-free interest rate on a U.S. Treasury Bond Yield with a term substantially equal to the option’s expected term.
The Company based the expected volatility on a blend of historical volatility and implied volatility derived from price of publicly traded shares of peer group of similar companies.
The expected term represents the period that stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term for option grants is determined using the simplified method which represents the average of the contractual term of the option and the weighted average vesting period of the option. The Company considers this appropriate as there is not sufficient historical information available to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns and post-vesting employment termination behavior.
F-24 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Restricted Stock Units
During April and June 2024, Legacy Stardust Power granted restricted stock units (“2023 Plan RSUs”) to employees under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. These 2023 Plan RSUs are subject to a service-based vesting requirement, and a liquidity plus service-based vesting requirement, which is defined as completion of a go public transaction or change in control. In order for any shares to vest, both the service-based vesting requirement and the liquidity plus service-based vesting requirement must be satisfied with respect to such shares. The liquidity conditions were met on July 8, 2024, upon consummation of the Business Combination, and therefore compensation expenses related to these awards began to be recognized in the year ended December 31, 2024, using a graded vesting method over the requisite service period.
Given the absence of a public trading market prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the Legacy Stardust Power board of directors considered numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the fair value of its common stock at each grant date. These factors included, but were not limited to: (i) independent contemporaneous third-party valuations of common stock; (ii) the prices for the Company’s convertible notes sold to outside investors; (iii) the rights and preferences of convertible preferred stock relative to common stock; (iv) the lack of marketability of its common stock; (v) developments in the business; and (vi) the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as an IPO, given prevailing market conditions. Subsequent to the closing of the Business Combination, the fair value of common stock is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock, as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant.
Number of shares | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
Granted | ||||||||
Vested | ( | ) | ||||||
Forfeited | ( | ) | ||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2024 | $ |
The
total compensation expense for RSUs recognized in the General and administrative expenses of the Company’s consolidated
statements of operations was $
The total fair value of RSU’s vested during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $ . As at December 31, 2024, total unvested compensation cost for RSUs granted to employees not yet recognized was $ . The Company expects to recognize this compensation over a weighted average period of approximately years.
In October 2024, one of the employees transitioned to a consultant role, under a Consulting Agreement. A Service Provider Letter dated November 27, 2024, confirmed his continued status under the Equity Incentive Plan. On December 31, 2024, his consulting agreement was terminated. Following the termination on December 31, 2024, as part of his severance benefits,
RSUs that were scheduled to vest on March 15, 2025, which otherwise would have been forfeited upon separation, were accelerated with vesting as on December 31, 2024.
The Company determined that the acceleration of the unvested units constituted a Type III modification in accordance
with ASC 718, since the expectation of the award vesting changed from improbable to probable, which resulted in a new measurement of compensation
cost. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the acceleration resulted in the recognition of $
F-25 |
2024 Equity Incentive Plan
The Board adopted, and the stockholders of the Company approved, the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan in September 2024. The maximum number of shares with respect to one or more awards that may be granted to any one participant during any calendar year shall be shares of Common Stock. The 2024 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options, RSUs, PSUs share appreciation rights, restricted shares, dividend equivalents, substitute awards, and other share or cash-based awards (such as cash bonus awards and performance awards) for issuance to employees or consultants of the Company (or any of the Company’s parents or subsidiaries), or directors of the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company granted (a) RSUs to independent directors, officers, employees and consultants which are subject to a service based vesting requirement, (b) RSUs fully vested as of the date of grant to consultants and (c) PSUs to employees with a service and market condition. These PSUs cliff vest at the end of a three-year term subject to share price based market condition (i.e., the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock is greater than or equal to $ per share for a period of 20 trading days in any 30 trading day period or there is a change of control, or the PSUs are otherwise forfeited). The compensation expense for these RSUs and PSUs were recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the award.
The fair value of common stock is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock, as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of grant.
F-26 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Number of shares | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
Granted | ||||||||
Vested | ( | ) | ||||||
Forfeited | ||||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2024 | $ |
The
total compensation expense for RSUs recognized in the General and administrative expenses of the Company’s consolidated
statements of operations was $
The total fair value of RSU’s vested during the year ended December 31, 2024, was $ . As at December 31, 2024, total unvested compensation cost for RSUs granted to employees and non-employee directors not yet recognized was . The Company expects to recognize this compensation over a weighted average period of approximately years.
As at December 31, 2024, total unvested compensation cost for RSUs granted to the consultants not yet recognized was $ . We expect to recognize this compensation over a period of approximately years.
Assumptions | ||||
Fair value of Common Stock | $ | |||
Selected volatility | % | |||
Risk-free interest rate | % | |||
Contractual terms (years) |
Number of shares | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
Granted | ||||||||
Vested | ||||||||
Forfeited | ||||||||
Unvested as at December 31, 2024 | $ |
The total compensation expense for PSUs recognized in the General and administrative expenses of the Company’s consolidated statements of operations was $ and $ for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023, respectively.
As at December 31, 2024, total unvested compensation cost for PSUs granted to employees not yet recognized was $ . The Company expects to recognize this compensation over a weighted average period of approximately years.
F-27 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9 – ACCOUNTING FOR WARRANT LIABILITY
The
Company established the initial fair value of the Private Placement and Public Warrants on July 8, 2024, the date of consummation of
the Business Combination, and revalued the warrants on December 31, 2024. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common
Stock at $
Each
Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at $
The Company, in no event later than twenty (20) Business Days after the closing of its initial Business Combination, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the Commission a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the same to become effective within sixty (60) Business Days following the closing of its initial Business Combination and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration or redemption of the warrants in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
If any such registration statement has not been declared effective by the sixtieth (60th) Business Day following the closing of the Business Combination, holders of the warrants shall have the right, during the period beginning on the sixty-first (61st) Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination and ending upon such registration statement being declared effective by the Commission, and during any other period when the Company shall fail to have maintained an effective registration statement covering the issuance of the Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to exercise such warrants on a “cashless basis,” by exchanging the warrants (in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption) for that number of Ordinary Shares equal to the lesser of:
(A) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Ordinary Shares underlying the warrants, multiplied by the excess of the Fair Market Value less the warrant Price by (y) the Fair Market Value and
(B) 0.361 per warrant (“a settlement cap” for accounting purposes).
The Private Placement Warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Public Warrants. However, the Private Placement Warrants are not redeemable by the Company as long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by holders other than the Sponsor or its permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company in all redemption scenarios and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.
F-28 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company’s warrants are not indexed to the Company’s Common Stock in the manner contemplated by ASC Section 815-40-15 because the holder of the instrument is not an input into the pricing of a fixed-for-fixed option on equity shares. Further, there is a settlement cap for Public Warrants, and Private Placement Warrants upon transfer from Sponsor or permitted transferees to other holders, if the holder elects to exercise warrants on a cashless basis if the Company fails to maintain an effective registration statement covering the Common Stock issuable upon warrant exercises throughout the term of the warrants. Maintenance of an effective registration statement is not an input to the fair value option model for a fixed-for-fixed option or forward. As such, the Company’s warrants are accounted for as derivative warrant liabilities which are required to be valued at fair value at each reporting period.
The following tables present information about the Company’s warrant liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:
Description | At December 31, 2024 | Quoted price in active markets (level 1) | Significant other observable input (level 2) | Significant other unobservable input (level 3) | ||||||||||||
Warrant liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Public warrants | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Private placement warrants | ||||||||||||||||
Warrant liability | $ | $ | $ | $ |
At December 31, 2024 the Company valued its Public Warrants by reference to the publicly traded price of the Public Warrants. The Company valued its Private Placement Warrants based on the closing price of the Public Warrants since they are similar instruments.
The warrant liabilities are not subject to qualified hedge accounting. The Company’s policy is to record transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers during the year ended December 31, 2024.
NOTE 10 – INVESTMENT IN EQUITY SECURITIES
In
October 2023, Legacy Stardust Power subscribed to and purchased
The Company neither has a controlling financial interest nor does it exercise significant influence over QXR. Accordingly, the investment in QXR’s ordinary shares does not result in either the consolidation or application of equity method of accounting for the Company.
QXR’s
ordinary shares are listed on the ASX with a readily determinable fair value and change in fair value is recognized in the consolidated
statements of operations. Accordingly, the investment in these securities has been recorded at cost at initial recognition and at fair
value of $
F-29 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In
December 2024 Stardust Power subscribed to and purchased ordinary shares (approximately
IRIS
Metals’ ordinary shares are listed on the ASX with a readily determined fair value and change in the fair value is recognized
in the consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the investment in these securities has been recorded at cost at initial recognition
and at fair value of $
NOTE 11 – SIMPLE AGREEMENT FOR FUTURE EQUITY (SAFE NOTES)
On June 6, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power received $ in cash from a single investor and funded a SAFE note on August 15, 2023. The funds were received from an unrelated third party, through its entity which is currently being managed under the purview of an investment management agreement between them and VIKASA Capital Advisors, LLC (a related party) in consideration for which VIKASA Capital Advisors, LLC is paid-investment management fees.
On
November 20, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power received an additional $
The
SAFE notes were classified as a liability based on evaluating characteristics of the instrument and is presented at fair value as a non-current
liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The SAFE notes provide the Company an option to call for additional preferred
stock up to $
On
March 21, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a financing commitment and equity line of credit agreement with American Investor
Group Direct LLC (“AIGD”). The agreement replaced the above contingent commitment feature of the SAFE notes, granting the
Company an option to drawdown up to an additional $
F-30 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The
estimated fair value of the SAFE notes considered the timing of issuance and whether there were changes in the various scenarios since
issuance. Pursuant to the consummation of the Business Combination, the SAFE notes converted into
NOTE 12 – CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On
April 24, 2024, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a convertible equity agreement (“convertible notes”) for $
Pursuant to the consummation of the Business Combination and in accordance with the terms of the convertible equity agreements, the convertible notes converted into shares of the Company’s Common Stock and therefore no further fair valuation was required as at December 31, 2024.
NOTE 13 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The following tables summarize the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements:
Fair Value Measurements as at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Other noncurrent assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment in equity securities (a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total financial assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Fair Value Measurements as at December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Other noncurrent assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Investment in equity securities (a) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total financial assets | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Fair Value Measurements as at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
SAFE notes (b) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Sponsor earnout shares (c) | ||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
Fair Value Measurements as at December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Sponsor earnout shares (c) | ||||||||||||||||
Total financial liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ |
(a) |
F-31 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(b) |
(c) |
The make-whole obligation liability related to the Purchase Agreement is measured at fair value categorized within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 6.
The following table provides a reconciliation of activity and changes in fair value for the Company’s SAFE notes, convertible notes and Sponsor earnout liability:
SAFE notes at fair value | Convertible notes at fair value | Sponsor Earnout liability at fair value | ||||||||||
Balance as at March 16, 2023 (inception) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Issuance of notes | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value | ||||||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Issuance of notes | ||||||||||||
Sponsor earnout liability recognized on closing of Business Combination | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon conversion | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Balance as at December 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ |
The valuation of the Level 3 measurement for SAFE notes considered the probabilities of the occurrence of the scenarios as discussed in Note 2 of the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the period March 16, 2023 (inception) to December 31, 2023, included in the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the SEC on May 8, 2024. The Company valued the SAFE notes based on the occurrence of the preferred financing or a SPAC transaction. As of the date of initial measurement and December 31, 2023, the management has assigned zero probability for a change in control event or a dissolution event. Pursuant to the consummation of the Business Combination and in accordance with the terms of the convertible equity and SAFE note agreements, the SAFE notes and convertible notes converted into and shares of the Company’s Common Stock, respectively.
F-32 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 – PROMISSORY NOTES
In
March 2023, Legacy Stardust Power entered into unsecured notes payable with three related parties as described in Note 16. These notes
payable provided the Company the ability to draw up to $
As
at December 31, 2024, the Company had $
NOTE 15 – SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company reports segment information in the same way management internally organizes the business in assessing performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources in accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”. The Company has a single reportable operating segment which operates as a single business platform. In reaching this conclusion, management considered the definition of the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), how the business is defined by the CODM, the nature of the information provided to the CODM, how the CODM uses such information to make operating decisions, and how resources and performance are assessed. The Company has a single, common management team and our cash flows are reported and reviewed with no distinct cash flows. The measure of segment assets is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total consolidated assets. All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in the United Sates.
In addition to the significant expense categories included within net loss presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, see below for disaggregated amounts that comprise general and administrative expenses.
Year ended | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through | |||||||
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Professional and consulting fees | $ | $ | ||||||
Legal and book-keeping services | ||||||||
Personnel and related taxes | ||||||||
Insurance | ||||||||
Marketing and advertisement | ||||||||
Other | ||||||||
Total general and administrative expenses | $ | $ |
F-33 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 16 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Legacy
Stardust Power entered into a service agreement with VIKASA Capital Partners LLC (“VCP”) on March 16, 2023, for services
associated with setting up a lithium refinery. VCP provides formation and organization structure advisory, capital market advisory, marketing
advisory services and other consulting and advisory services with respect to the Company’s organization. Under the service agreement
and subsequent amendments, VCP can be compensated for advisory services up to total of $
On March 16, 2023, Legacy Stardust Power entered into a consulting agreement with 7636 Holdings LLC, which was subsequently amended on April 1, 2023, and also separately entered into an agreement with VIKASA Capital LLC. The agreement primarily provides compensation for strategic, business, financial, operations and industry advisory services to the Company’s planned development of a lithium refinery operation.
On
September 18, 2024, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with DRE Chicago LLC, whose principal is Paramita Das. Paramita
was onboarded as a Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Advisor to CEO of the Company. Additionally, in December 2024, the Company
entered into a binding term sheet with DRE Chicago LLC, providing for loan in the principal amount of $
In
December 2024, the Company entered into a binding term sheet (“Term Sheet”) with Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC
(“Endurance”) an affiliate of a director at the time and a shareholder, providing for a loan (the “Loan”) in
the aggregate principal amount of $
The Company incurred the following expenses with related parties, which were all affiliates of the Company:
Expense type | Year Ended December 31,2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
Expenses under contract due to: | ||||||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | Consulting expense | $ | $ | |||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | Interest | |||||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | Finance charges | |||||||||
Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC | Interest | |||||||||
Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC | Finance charges | |||||||||
VIKASA Capital Partners LLC | Consulting expense | |||||||||
7636 Holdings LLC | Consulting expense | |||||||||
VIKASA Capital LLC | Consulting expense | |||||||||
Energy Transition Investors LLC* | Interest | |||||||||
VIKASA Clean Energy I LP* | Interest | |||||||||
Roshan Pujari* | Interest | |||||||||
Total expenses | $ | $ | ||||||||
Other expenses paid on the Company’s behalf due to: | ||||||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | $ | $ | ||||||||
VIKASA Capital LLC | ||||||||||
VIKASA Capital Partners LLC | ||||||||||
Total other expenses paid on the Company’s behalf | ||||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
F-34 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As
of December 31, 2023, $
As
of December 31, 2024, $
The
Company and Legacy Stardust Power entered into notes payable agreements of $
Year Ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||||
Energy Transition Investors LLC* | Notes payable | $ | $ | |||||||
VIKASA Clean Energy I LP* | Notes payable | |||||||||
Roshan Pujari* | Notes payable | |||||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | Interest Accrued | |||||||||
Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC | Interest Accrued | |||||||||
DRE Chicago LLC | Short-term loan** | |||||||||
Endurance Antarctica Partners II, LLC | Short-term loan** | |||||||||
Notes obtained from related parties | $ | $ |
* | ||
** |
As
of December 31, 2024, $
Subsequent to year end, the Company has fully repaid the principal amount of $
F-35 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As the Business Combination has been accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, the consolidated financial statements of the merged entity reflect the continuation of Legacy Stardust Power consolidated financial statements. Legacy Stardust Power equity has been retroactively adjusted to the earliest period presented to reflect the legal capital of the legal acquirer, GPAC II. As a result, net loss per share was also retrospectively adjusted for periods ended prior to the Business Combination. See Note 3 for details of this recapitalization.
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Numerator: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Denominator: | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding | ||||||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | ) | $ | ) |
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Unvested common stock – restricted shares (Note 8) | ||||||||
Restricted stock options | ||||||||
Restricted stock units | ||||||||
Performance stock units | ||||||||
Sponsor earnout shares (Note 3)* | ||||||||
Public warrants | ||||||||
Private placement warrants |
* |
F-36 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 18 – INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with authoritative guidance, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed.
Income/(loss) before provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
United States | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) |
The federal and state income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Current | ||||||||
Federal | $ | $ | ||||||
State* | ||||||||
Other | ||||||||
Total current tax expense | ||||||||
Deferred | ||||||||
Federal | ||||||||
State | ||||||||
Other | ||||||||
Total deferred tax expense | ||||||||
Total tax expense | $ | $ |
* |
The Company had income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024, and for the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and (b) operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.
F-37 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s deferred taxes as of December 31 are as follows:
December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
Start-up expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
Land development costs | ||||||||
Net operating loss | ||||||||
Accruals and other | ||||||||
Stock based compensation | ||||||||
Accrued bonuses | ||||||||
Bridge loan discount | ||||||||
Total deferred tax assets | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||
Fixed assets | ( | ) | ||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net deferred taxes | $ | $ |
ASC 740 requires that the tax benefit of net operating losses, temporary differences and credit carry forwards be recorded as an asset to the extent that management assesses that realization is “more likely than not.” Realization of the future tax benefits is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carry forward period. Because of the Company’s recent history of operating losses, management believes that recognition of the deferred tax assets arising from the above-mentioned future tax benefits is currently not likely to be realized and, accordingly, has provided a valuation allowance.
The
valuation allowance increased by $
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards as of the Financial Statement Date December 31, 2024, are as follows:
Amount | Expiration Years | |||||
Net operating losses, federal (Post December 31, 2017) | $ | Do Not Expire | ||||
Net operating losses, state | - |
F-38 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The effective tax rate of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the federal statutory rate as follows:
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Statutory rate | % | % | ||||||
State tax | % | % | ||||||
SPAC exploration expenses | - | % | ||||||
SAFE note expenses | - | % | - | % | ||||
Change in valuation allowance | - | % | - | % | ||||
Start up costs | % | |||||||
Other | - | % | - | % | ||||
Earn out shares value adjustment | % | |||||||
Success based fees | % | |||||||
Stock based compensation | - | % | ||||||
IPO related finance charge | - | % | ||||||
Total |
The effective tax rate of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the federal statutory rate as follows (in dollars):
Year ended December 31, 2024 | Period from March 16, 2023 (inception) through December 31, 2023 | |||||||
Statutory rate | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
State tax | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
SPAC exploration expenses | ||||||||
SAFE note expenses | ||||||||
Change in valuation allowance | ||||||||
Start up costs | ( | ) | ||||||
Other | ||||||||
Earn out shares value adjustment | ( | ) | ||||||
Success based fees | ( | ) | ||||||
Stock based compensation | ||||||||
IPO related finance charge | ||||||||
Total | $ | $ |
F-39 |
Stardust Power Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 19 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On
January 28, 2025, the Company entered into a non-binding letter agreement with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (“Sumitomo”),
a New York corporation, contemplating a long-term commercial offtake agreement, pursuant to which Sumitomo would agree to acquire
On February 7, 2025, the Company executed an exclusive license agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. a Delaware corporation. Under the terms of the License Agreement, KMX agreed to irrevocably license to the Company the use of KMX’s vacuum membrane distillation technology (the “VMD Technology”) and associated processes and systems (including units incorporating the VMD Technology (the “KMX VMD Units”)) for the purpose of the Company’s use of the technology in its refining and upstream operations. Among other obligations set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall be required to exclusively purchase all KMX VMD Units from the Licensor during the term of the Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth therein. The License Agreement grants the Company the exclusive right to sub license, use, market, sell and operate KMX’s VMD Technology across the United States, Canada and select international markets. The Company agreed to pay KMX a royalty comprised of shares of Company Common Stock. The securities are being offered and sold by the Company pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) provided by Section 4(a)(2) and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, as a transaction not involving a public offering.
On
March 18, 2025, the Company received notice from the Nasdaq that the Company was not in compliance with the Minimum Market Value of Publicly
held shares requirement of $
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued and there are no other items that would have had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
F-40 |
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We are required to comply with the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for the period ending December 31, 2024, and thereafter. Only in the event that we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer or an accelerated filer and no longer qualify as an emerging growth company would we be required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement on internal control over financial reporting. Further, for as long as we remain an emerging growth company as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.
Disclosure controls are procedures with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act, such as this report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are designed with the objective of ensuring that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Background and Remediation of Material Weaknesses
During the period from March 16, 2023 (inception) to December 31, 2023, the Company’s management identified material weaknesses in the implementation of the COSO 13 Framework (which establishes an effective control environment), lack of segregation of duties and management oversight, and control surrounding maintenance of adequate repository of contracts, appropriate classifications of expenses and complex financial instruments. We designed and implemented measures to improve our controls over financial reporting process and remediated these material weaknesses. Our ability to comply with the annual internal control report requirements will depend on the effectiveness of our financial reporting controls across our Company. We expect these systems and controls to involve significant expenditures and may become more complex as our business grows. To effectively manage this complexity, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, and our reporting systems and procedures. For more information, please refer to “Risk Factors - We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if we experience additional material weaknesses or other deficiencies in the future, or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial results, which could result in loss of investor confidence and adversely impact our stock price” in this Annual report on Form 10K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the material weakness remediation efforts undertaken during the year, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
88 |
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Internal Controls
An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error overriding of controls, and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
Insider Trading Arrangements
During
the three months ended December 31, 2024, three of our directors or officers (as defined in Section 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act)
Name and Position | Action | Date | Maximum number of shares of Common Stock eligible for sale | Expiration date | ||||||
Adoption | November 29, 2024 | |||||||||
Adoption | November 26, 2024 | |||||||||
Adoption | December 13, 2024 |
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
The names of executive officers of the Company and their ages, titles and biographies as of the date hereof are incorporated by reference from Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report. The other information called for by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed by Stardust Power pursuant to Regulation 14A of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act no later than 120 days following the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
89 |
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its officers, directors and employees. We have posted a copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on the “Governance Overview” section of our website at https://investors.stardust-power.com/corporate-governance/governance-overview. Any amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our executive officers and directors will be posted on such website. Note that the information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this filing.
All other information required by this item will be included in our Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
The information called for by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The information called for by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
The information called for by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
The information called for by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.
90 |
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1) Financial Statements.
Our consolidated financial statements are listed in the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements and notes.
(3) Exhibits. The exhibits listed below in the Exhibit Index are filed, furnished or incorporated by reference pursuant to the requirements of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
91 |
Exhibit Index
* | Filed herewith. |
** | Furnished herewith. |
† | Schedules and exhibits to this Exhibit omitted pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(2). The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request. |
# | Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. |
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
None.
92 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
STARDUST POWER INC. | ||
Date: March 27, 2025 | By: | /s/ Roshan Pujari |
Roshan Pujari | ||
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Udaychandra Devasper his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all, exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each, and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, or the substitute or substitutes of any or all of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Roshan Pujari | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman | March 27, 2025 | ||
Roshan Pujari | (Principal Executive Officer) | |||
/s/ Udaychandra Devasper | Chief Financial Officer | March 27, 2025 | ||
Udaychandra Devasper | (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||
/s/ Anupam Agarwal | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Anupam Agarwal | ||||
/s/ Martyn Buttenshaw | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Martyn Buttenshaw | ||||
/s/ Charlotte Nangolo | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Charlotte Nangolo | ||||
/s/ Mark Rankin | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Mark Rankin | ||||
/s/ Michael Cornett | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Michael Cornett | ||||
/s/ Sujit Kankanwadi | Director | March 27, 2025 | ||
Sujit Kankanwadi |
93 |