Research Alliance Corp. II - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022
OR
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Research Alliance Corp. II |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Delaware | 001-39373 | 85-2019822 |
(State or other jurisdiction | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
3172 North Rainbow Blvd. #1278 Las Vegas, NV 89108 |
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 778.2500 |
Not Applicable |
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| RACB |
| The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
| | Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☒ No ☐
As of November 10, 2022, 15,449,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001, and 3,737,500 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001, were issued and outstanding.
Research Alliance Corp. II
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
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| Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2022 (unaudited) and December 31, 2021 | 1 |
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| Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 | 4 |
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| 5 | |
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 17 | |
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24 | ||
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26 | ||
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities | 27 | |
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28 |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Interim Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
|
| September 30, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | ||
ASSETS | | | (unaudited) | | | |
Cash | | $ | 402,355 | | $ | 1,050,573 |
Prepaid expenses | | | 93,017 | | | 204,891 |
Total Current Assets | | | 495,372 | | | 1,255,464 |
Investments held in Trust Account | | | 150,374,929 | | | 149,511,634 |
Total Assets | | $ | 150,870,301 | | $ | 150,767,098 |
| | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | |
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Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 11,192 | | $ | 20,441 |
Accrued expenses | | | 56,543 | | | 158,000 |
Total Current Liabilities | | | 67,735 | | | 178,441 |
Deferred underwriting commissions | | | 5,232,500 | | | 5,232,500 |
Total Liabilities | | | 5,300,235 | | | 5,410,941 |
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Commitments and Contingencies | |
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Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 14,950,000 shares subject to possible redemption at redemption value at $10.05 and $10.00 per share at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively | | | 150,213,295 | | | 149,500,000 |
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Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) | |
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Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 499,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 | | | 50 | | | 50 |
Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,737,500 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 | | | 374 | | | 374 |
Additional paid-in capital | | | — | | | — |
Accumulated deficit | | | (4,643,653) | | | (4,144,267) |
Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) | | | (4,643,229) | | | (4,143,843) |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) | | $ | 150,870,301 | | $ | 150,767,098 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
1
RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| | Three Months Ended | | Three Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | | Nine Months Ended | ||||
| | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | | September 30, | ||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||||
Formation and operating costs | | $ | 173,239 | | $ | 148,105 | | $ | 649,386 | | $ | 313,052 |
Loss from operations | | | (173,239) | | | (148,105) | | | (649,386) | | | (313,052) |
Other income: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account | | | 660,065 | | | 3,768 | | | 863,295 | | | 7,865 |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 486,826 | | $ | (144,337) | | $ | 213,909 | | $ | (305,187) |
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A redeemable common stock | | | 14,950,000 | | | 14,950,000 | | | 14,950,000 | | | 10,514,286 |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, Class A redeemable common stock | | 0.03 | | (0.01) | | 0.01 | | (0.02) | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class B non-redeemable common stock | |
| 4,236,500 | | | 4,236,500 | | | 4,236,500 | | | 3,943,802 |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, Class A and B non-redeemable common stock | | 0.03 | | (0.01) | | 0.01 | | (0.02) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
2
RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 AND 2021
| | Common Stock | | Additional | | | | | Total | ||||||||||
| | Class A | | Class B | | Paid-In | | Accumulated | | Stockholders’ | |||||||||
|
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Deficit |
| Equity (Deficit) | |||||
Balance — December 31, 2021 | | 499,000 | | $ | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | $ | 374 | | $ | — | | $ | (4,144,267) | | $ | (4,143,843) |
Net loss | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (291,108) | | | (291,108) |
Balance — March 31, 2022 (unaudited) | | 499,000 | | | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | | 374 | | | — | | | (4,435,375) | | | (4,434,951) |
Net income | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 18,191 | | | 18,191 |
Balance — June 30, 2022 (unaudited) |
| 499,000 | | | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | | 374 | | | — | | | (4,417,184) | | | (4,416,760) |
Increase in redemption value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption against accumulated deficit | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (713,295) | | | (713,295) |
Net income |
| — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 486,826 | | | 486,826 |
Balance – September 30, 2022 (unaudited) |
| 499,000 | | $ | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | $ | 374 | | $ | — | | $ | (4,643,653) | | $ | (4,643,229) |
| | Common Stock | | Additional | | | | | Total | ||||||||||
| | Class A | | Class B | | Paid-In | | Accumulated | | Stockholders’ | |||||||||
|
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Deficit |
| Equity (Deficit) | |||||
Balance — December 31, 2020 | | — | | $ | — | | 3,737,500 | | $ | 374 | | $ | 24,626 | | $ | (7,864) | | $ | 17,136 |
Issuance of Common Stock to Sponsor in a private placement | | 499,000 | | | 50 | | — | | | — | | | 4,989,950 | | | — | | | 4,990,000 |
Subsequent measurement of Class A Common Stock subject to redemption against additional paid-in capital | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | (5,014,576) | | | — | | | (5,014,576) |
Subsequent measurement of Class A Common Stock subject to redemption against accumulated deficit | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (3,688,127) | | | (3,688,127) |
Net loss |
| — | |
| — | | — | | | — | |
| — | |
| (28,659) | |
| (28,659) |
Balance — March 31, 2021 (unaudited) |
| 499,000 | | | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | | 374 | | | — | | | (3,724,650) | | | (3,724,226) |
Net loss | | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (132,191) | | | (132,191) |
Balance – June 30, 2021 (unaudited) | | 499,000 | | | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | | 374 | | | — | | | (3,856,841) | | | (3,856,417) |
Net loss |
| — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| (144,337) | |
| (144,337) |
Balance – September 30, 2021 (unaudited) |
| 499,000 | | $ | 50 | | 3,737,500 | | $ | 374 | | $ | — | | $ | (4,001,178) | | $ | (4,000,754) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
3
RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Nine months ended | | Nine months ended | ||
| | September 30, 2022 | | September 30, 2021 | ||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
| | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 213,909 | | $ | (305,187) |
Interest earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account | | | (863,295) | | | (7,865) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 111,874 | | | (247,141) |
Accounts payable | | | (9,249) | | | 49,298 |
Accrued expenses | | | (101,457) | | | 84,114 |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (648,218) | | | (426,781) |
| | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | | | | | | |
Investment of cash into Trust Account | | | — | | | (149,500,000) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | — | | | (149,500,000) |
| | |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | |
| | | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock to Sponsor in a private placement | | | — | | | 4,990,000 |
Proceeds from issuance of Class A redeemable common stock | | | — | | | 149,500,000 |
Payment of Offering Costs | | | — | | | (3,339,348) |
Repayment of Related Party Note | | | — | | | (300,000) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | — | | | 150,850,652 |
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| | | |
Net Change in Cash | | | (648,218) | | | 923,871 |
Cash – beginning of the period | | | 1,050,573 | | | 224,455 |
Cash – end of the period | | $ | 402,355 | | $ | 1,148,326 |
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Non-cash investing and financing activities: | |
| | | | |
Deferred underwriting commissions in connection with the initial public offering | | $ | — | | $ | (5,232,500) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
4
RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2022
Note 1 - Organization and Business Operations
Research Alliance Corp. II (the “Company”) is a newly organized blank check company incorporated on July 17, 2020 (inception) as a Delaware corporation for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”). While the Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business, industry, sector or geographical location, it intends to focus on industries that complement its management team's background, and to capitalize on the ability of its management team to identify and acquire a business, focusing on the healthcare industry. In particular, the Company will target companies in the biotechnology sector where its management has extensive investment experience. The Company is an emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with emerging growth companies.
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from July 17, 2020 (inception) through September 30, 2022 relates to the Company's formation, the initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”) described below and, since the Initial Public Offering, the Company’s search for a target. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of its initial Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company generates non-operating income in the form of interest income derived from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public Offering. The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.
The Company’s sponsor is Research Alliance Holdings II LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”). The registration statement for the Company’s Initial Public Offering was declared effective on March 17, 2021. On March 22, 2021, the Company consummated the Initial Public Offering, and sold 14,950,000 shares of Class A common stock for $10.00 per share, generating gross proceeds of $149.5 million, and incurring offering costs of approximately $8.6 million, inclusive of approximately $5.2 million in deferred underwriting commissions (Note 5).
Concurrently with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Company completed the private sale of 499,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (each, a “Private Placement Share” and collectively, the “Private Placement Shares”) at a purchase price of $10.00 per Private Placement Share, to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $5.0 million. The Private Placement Shares are identical to the Class A Common Stock sold in the Initial Public Offering, except that, so long as they are held by the Sponsor and their permitted transferees: (i) they may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the Sponsor until the earlier of (A) one year after the completion of the Company’s initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the Company’s initial Business Combination, the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property, and (ii) they are entitled to registration rights. Additionally, if the closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the Company’s initial Business Combination, the Private Placement Shares will be released from the lock-up. In addition, the Sponsor has agreed to waive its redemption rights with respect to the Private Placement Shares in connection with (i) the consummation of the Company’s initial Business Combination, including, without limitation, any such rights available in the context of a stockholder vote to approve such Business Combination, or (ii) a stockholder vote to approve an amendment to the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the shares of Class A common stock sold in the Company’s Initial Public Offering if the Company has not consummated a Business Combination within 24 months of the closing of its Initial Public Offering or with respect to any other material provisions relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity or in the context of a tender offer made by the Company to purchase the Initial Public Offering shares (although the Sponsor, shall be entitled to redemption and liquidation rights with respect to any Initial Public Offering shares it holds if the Company fails to consummate a Business Combination within 24 months of the closing of the Initial Public Offering).
5
The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Company’s Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement shares, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. The Company must complete one or more initial Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (as defined below) (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial Business Combination. However, the Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering, $149.5 million ($10 per share) of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and certain of the proceeds of the Private Placement Shares were placed in a trust account (“Trust Account”), located in the United States at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee, and invested only in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of paragraphs (d)(2), (d)(3) and (d)(4) of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination and (ii) the distribution of the assets held in the Trust Account as described below.
The Company will provide the holders of its outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 (the “Class A common stock”), sold in the Initial Public Offering (each, a “Stockholder” and collectively, the “Stockholders”) with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares (as defined in Note 3) upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek stockholder approval of a Business Combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company, solely in its discretion. The Stockholders will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account (anticipated to be $10.05 per Public Share). The per-share amount to be distributed to Stockholders who redeem their Public Shares will not be reduced by the deferred underwriting commissions the Company will pay to the underwriters (as discussed in Note 5). These Public Shares will be recorded at a redemption value and classified as temporary equity upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” In such case, the Company will proceed with a Business Combination if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and a majority of the shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination. If a stockholder vote is not required by law and the Company does not decide to hold a stockholder vote for business or other legal reasons, the Company will, pursuant to its second amended and restated certificate of incorporation, conduct the redemptions pursuant to the tender offer rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and file tender offer documents with the SEC prior to completing a Business Combination. If, however, stockholder approval of the transactions is required by law, or the Company decides to obtain stockholder approval for business or legal reasons, the Company will offer to redeem shares in conjunction with a proxy solicitation pursuant to the proxy rules and not pursuant to the tender offer rules. Additionally, each Stockholder may elect to redeem their Public Shares irrespective of whether they vote for or against the proposed transaction. If the Company seeks stockholder approval in connection with a Business Combination, the Company’s Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed to vote their Founder Shares (as defined below in Note 4), Private Placement Shares and any Public Shares purchased during or after the Initial Public Offering in favor of a Business Combination. In addition, the Company’s Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed to waive its redemption rights with respect to their Founder Shares, Private Placement Shares and Public Shares owned by it in connection with the completion of a Business Combination.
6
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s second amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a Stockholder, together with any affiliate of such stockholder or any other person with whom such stockholder is acting in concert or as a “group” (as defined under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), will be restricted from redeeming its shares with respect to more than an aggregate of 15% or more of the shares of Class A common stock sold in the Initial Public Offering, without the prior consent of the Company.
The Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed not to propose an amendment to the second amended and restated certificate of incorporation to modify the substance or timing of the Company's obligation to redeem 100% of its Public Shares if the Company does not complete a Business Combination or with respect to any other material provisions relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity, unless the Company provides the stockholders with the opportunity to redeem their shares of Class A common stock in conjunction with any such amendment.
If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, or March 22, 2023 (the “Combination Period”), the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its income taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the Company’s remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company, subject in each case to the Company’s obligations to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
The Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed to waive their liquidation rights with respect to the Founder Shares and Private Placement shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. However, if the Sponsor, directors or executive officers acquire Public Shares in or after the Initial Public Offering, they will be entitled to liquidating distributions from the Trust Account with respect to such Public Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period. The underwriters have agreed to waive their rights to their deferred underwriting commission (see Note 5) held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Company’s Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the residual assets remaining available for distribution (including Trust Account assets) will be only $10.00 per share initially held in the Trust Account (or less than that in certain circumstances). In order to protect the amounts held in the Trust Account, the Sponsor has agreed to be liable to the Company if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amount of funds in the Trust Account. This liability will not apply with respect to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to any monies held in the Trust Account or to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Initial Public Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Moreover, in the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third party claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers (except for the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm), prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.
7
Liquidity and Going Concern
As of September 30, 2022, the Company had $0.4 million in its operating bank account and working capital of $0.4 million. The Company’s liquidity needs have been satisfied prior to the completion of the Company’s Initial Public Offering through receipt of a $25,000 capital contribution from the Company’s Sponsor in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares to the Company’s Sponsor and a commitment from the Company’s Sponsor to loan the Company up to $300,000 to cover expenses in connection with the Initial Public Offering.
The Company’s liquidity needs to date have been satisfied through a payment of $25,000 from the Sponsor to cover certain expenses on behalf of the Company in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares, the loan of $300,000 from the Sponsor pursuant to the Note, and the proceeds from the consummation of the Private Placement not held in the Trust Account. The Company repaid the Note in full upon consummation of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, provide the Company Working Capital Loans (as defined in Note 4). As of September 30, 2022, the Company had no borrowings under any Working Capital Loans.
Based on the foregoing, management believes that the Company will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors to meet its needs through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or March 22, 2023. Over this time period, the Company will be using these funds for the purpose of paying existing accounts payable, identifying and evaluating prospective Business Combination candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business Combination.
However, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 205-40, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern,” the Company has until the end of the Combination Period (24 months, or March 22, 2023) to consummate a Business Combination. It is uncertain that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination by this time. If a Business Combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of the Company. Management has determined that the liquidity condition and mandatory liquidation, should a Business Combination not occur, and potential subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Currently, no adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities. Management continues to search for a prospective Business Combination.
Risks and Uncertainties
Management is continuing to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these condensed financial statements. The condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
In February 2022, the Russian Federation commenced a military action with the country of Ukraine. As a result of this action, various nations, including the United States, have instituted economic sanctions against the Russian Federation. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy are not determinable as of the date of this report, and the specific impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows is also not determinable as of the date of this report.
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Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases of stock by publicly traded U.S. domestic corporations and certain U.S. domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax.
Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the Business Combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a Business Combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a Business Combination but issued within the same taxable year of a Business Combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a Business Combination and inhibit the Company’s ability to complete a Business Combination.
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the balances and results for the periods presented. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected through December 31, 2022 or any future period.
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2022 which contains the audited financial statements and notes thereto.
Emerging Growth Company
The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may 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 auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
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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 an emerging growth 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 a 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.
This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
The Company has two classes of shares, which are referred to as Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Earnings and losses are shared pro rata between the two classes of shares. The table below presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for each class of common stock:
| | For the Three Months Ended September 30, | | For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
|
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | ||||
Class A Common Stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allocation of net income (loss) | | $ | 379,332 | | $ | (112,466) | | $ | 166,677 | | $ | (221,940) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding of Class A redeemable ordinary shares, basic and diluted | | | 14,950,000 | | | 14,950,000 | | | 14,950,000 | | | 10,514,286 |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share |
| 0.03 |
| (0.01) | | 0.01 | | (0.02) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class B Common Stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Numerator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allocation of income (loss) | | $ | 107,494 | | $ | (31,871) | | $ | 47,232 | | $ | (83,247) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denominator: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding of Class A and B non-redeemable ordinary shares, basic and diluted | |
| 4,236,500 | | | 4,236,500 | | | 4,236,500 | |
| 3,943,802 |
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share | | 0.03 | | (0.01) | | 0.01 | | (0.02) |
Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
The Company accounts for its Class A common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity (deficit). The Company’s Class A common stock, sold in the Company’s initial public offering, features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 14,950,000 shares of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ equity (deficit) section of the Company’s unaudited condensed balance sheets.
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The Company has classified all of the shares of Class A common stock, not sold under the Private Placement, as redeemable. Additionally, the Company recorded accretion to adjust the initial carry value of the redeemable shares of Class A common stock to redemption value. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is subject to SEC and its staff’s guidance on redeemable equity instruments, which has been codified in FASB ASC 480-10-S99. If it is probable that the equity instrument will become redeemable, the Company has the option to either accrete changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance (or from the date that it becomes probable that the instrument will become redeemable, if later) to the earliest redemption date of the instrument or to recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. The Company has elected to recognize the changes immediately. The accretion or remeasurement is treated as a deemed dividend (i.e., a reduction to retained earnings, or in absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital).
The Class A common stock subject to possible redemption reflected on the unaudited condensed balance sheets as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is reconciled in the following table:
Gross proceeds |
| $ | 149,500,000 |
Less: | |
|
|
Class A common stock offering costs | |
| (8,694,975) |
Plus: | |
|
|
Accretion of carrying value to redemption value | |
| 8,694,975 |
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption at December 31, 2021 | | | 149,500,000 |
Increase in redemption value of Class A common stock subject to possible redemption | | | 713,295 |
Class A common stock subject to possible redemption at September 30, 2022 | | $ | 150,213,295 |
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage of $250,000. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company has not experienced losses on these accounts and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such accounts.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
● | Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; |
● | Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and |
● | Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. |
In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
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As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying values of cash, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and advances from related party approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The Company’s portfolio of investments held in the Trust Account is comprised of investments in U.S. Treasury securities with an original maturity of 185 days or less. The fair value for trading securities is determined using quoted market prices in active markets. See Note 7 for additional information on assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of condensed financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the condensed financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future events.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had approximately $0.4 and $1.1 million in cash as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The Company had approximately $150.4 and $149.5 million in cash equivalents held in the Trust Account as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and had no cash equivalents, held outside of the Trust, as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Investments Held in Trust Account
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the assets held in the Trust Account were invested in money market funds. The Company presents its investments in money market funds on the condensed balance sheets at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses resulting from the change in fair value of these securities are included in interest income in the accompanying unaudited condensed statements of operations. The estimated fair value of investments held in the Trust Account are determined using available market information.
Offering Costs
Offering costs consist of legal, accounting, and other costs incurred through the condensed balance sheet date that are directly related to the Initial Public Offering and were charged to stockholders’ equity (deficit) upon the completion of the Initial Public Offering in March 2021. The Company classifies deferred underwriting commissions as non-current liabilities as their settlement is not reasonably expected to require the use of current assets or require the creation of current liabilities.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
FASB ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Company recognizes
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accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.
The Company may be subject to potential examination by U.S. federal, U.S. state or foreign taxing authorities in the area of income taxes. These potential examinations may include questioning the timing and amount of deductions, the nexus of income among various tax jurisdictions and compliance with U.S. federal, U.S. state and foreign tax laws. The Company’s management does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company’s management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s condensed financial statements.
Note 3 - Initial Public Offering
On March 22, 2021, pursuant to the Initial Public Offering, the Company sold 14,950,000 shares of Class A common stock (the “Public Shares”), including the issuance of 1,950,000 shares as a result of the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option. The Class A common stock was sold at a price of $10.00 per share, generating gross proceeds to the Company of $149.5 million.
Note 4 - Related Party Transactions
Founder Shares
On July 23, 2020, the Sponsor paid $25,000 in consideration for 3,737,500 shares (the “Founder Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “common stock”).
The Company filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation on March 17, 2021, such that the Company is authorized to issue shares of Class B common stock. Pursuant to the amendment, the Founder Shares were converted into shares of Class B common stock.
The Founder Shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of the Company’s initial Business Combination and are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in Note 6. The Company’s Sponsor had agreed to forfeit up to 487,500 Founder Shares to the extent that the over-allotment option was not exercised in full by the underwriters. On March 22, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full; thus, these Founder Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.
The Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of its Founder Shares or Private Placement Shares until the earlier to occur of: (A) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the initial Business Combination, (x) if the last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination, or (y) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property.
Private Placement Shares
Concurrently with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, the Sponsor purchased 499,000 Class A Private Placement Shares, at a price of $10.00 per share in a private placement for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. The Private
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Placement Shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock sold in the Initial Public Offering, subject to certain limited exceptions as described in Note 1.
The Sponsor and the Company’s officers and directors have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Private Placement Shares until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination.
Related Party Loans
On July 23, 2020, the Sponsor agreed to loan the Company an aggregate of up to $0.3 million to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). In October 2020, the Company borrowed $0.3 million under the Note. The loan was non-interest bearing and the borrowings outstanding under the Note of $0.3 million were repaid in full in March 2021, and the Note facility is no longer available.
In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes a Business Combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination is not completed, the Company may use a portion of the proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into Private Placement Shares at a price of $10.00 per share. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there are no Working Capital Loans outstanding.
Note 5 - Commitments and Contingencies
Registration and Stockholder Rights
Holders of the Founder Shares will be entitled to registration rights with respect to the Founder Shares and Private Placement Shares (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion of such shares into shares of Class A common stock) pursuant to a registration and stockholder rights agreement entered into in connection with the consummation of the Initial Public Offering. Holders of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Shares are entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration and stockholder rights. However, the registration and stockholder rights agreement provides that the Company will not permit any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities to be registered. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Underwriting Agreement
The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 1,950,000 additional shares of Class A common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at $10.00 per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters exercised this option in full on March 22, 2021.
The underwriters were entitled to an underwriting discount of $0.20 per share, or approximately $3.0 million in the aggregate, paid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. An additional fee of $0.35 per share, or approximately $5.2 million in the aggregate, will be payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred underwriting commissions will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that the Company completes a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
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Note 6 - Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Preferred stock — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designations, voting and other rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there was no preferred stock issued or outstanding.
Class A common stock — The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value $0.0001 per share. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were 499,000 Class A shares issued and outstanding, excluding 14,950,000 Class A shares subject to possible
Class B common stock — The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were 3,737,500 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding. In connection with the filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the 3,737,500 shares of common stock that were outstanding became shares of Class B common stock, of which 487,500 shares were subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment option was not exercised in full or in part, so that the Company’s Sponsor would collectively own 20.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock after the Public Offering. The underwriters exercised this option in full on March 22, 2021; thus, these Founder Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.
The shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of the Company’s initial Business Combination on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like), and subject to further adjustment as provided herein. In the case that additional shares of Class A common stock, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in this prospectus and related to the closing of the Business Combination, including pursuant to a specified future issuance, the ratio at which shares of Class B common stock shall convert into shares of Class A common stock will be adjusted (unless the Sponsor agrees to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance, including a specified future issuance) so that the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of Class B common stock will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all shares of common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering plus all shares of Class A common stock and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued in connection with the Business Combination (after giving effect to any redemptions of shares of Class A common stock by public stockholders) (excluding any shares or equity-linked securities issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the Business Combination and any private placement shares). The Company’s Sponsor may also elect to convert their shares of Class B common stock into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, subject to adjustment as provided above, at any time.
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Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques that the Company utilized to determine such fair value:
|
| | | | Quoted Prices |
| Significant Other |
| Significant Other | |||
| | | | | in Active Markets | | Observable Inputs | | Unobservable Inputs | |||
Description | | September 30, 2022 |
| (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | ||||
Assets held in Trust Account: |
| |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Cash equivalents – money market funds | | $ | 150,374,929 | | $ | 150,374,929 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Total | | $ | 150,374,929 | | $ | 150,374,929 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
| | |
| Quoted Prices |
| Significant Other |
| Significant Other | ||||
| | | | in Active Markets | | Observable Inputs | | Unobservable Inputs | ||||
Description |
| December 31, 2021 |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) | ||||
Assets held in Trust Account: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash equivalents – money market funds | | $ | 149,511,634 | | $ | 149,511,634 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Total | | $ | 149,511,634 | | $ | 149,511,634 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between levels for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Level 1 instruments include investments in money market funds. The Company uses inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, quoted market prices from dealers or brokers, and other similar sources to determine the fair value of its investments.
Note 8 - Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred through the date that the unaudited condensed financial statements were issued. The Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the unaudited condensed financial statements.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
References to the “Company,” “our,” “us” or “we” refer to Research Alliance Corp. II The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Such statements include, but are not limited to, possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Form 10-Q. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those described in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.
Overview
We are a blank check company incorporated on July 17, 2020 as a Delaware corporation for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”). We have not selected any Business Combination target and we have not, nor has anyone on our behalf, initiated any substantive discussions, directly or indirectly, with any Business Combination target. We intend to effectuate our initial Business Combination using cash from the proceeds of our Initial Public Offering and the shares, our shares, debt or a combination of cash, equity, and debt.
The registration statement for our Initial public offering was declared effective on March 17, 2021 (the “Initial Public Offering”). On March 22, 2021, we consummated the Initial Public Offering of 14,950,000 shares of Class A common stock at $10.00 per share, generating gross proceeds of $149.5 million, and incurring offering costs of approximately $8.6 million, inclusive of approximately $5.2 million in deferred underwriting commissions.
Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the private sale of 499,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Private Placement” or “Private Placement Share(s)”) at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Share to our sponsor, Research Alliance Holdings II LLC (our “Sponsor”), generating gross proceeds of approximately $5.0 million.
Upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering and Private Placement, $149.5 million ($10.00 per share) of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and certain of the proceeds of the Private Placement were placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”), located in the United States, at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee. Except with respect to interest earned on the funds in the trust account that may be released to us to pay our taxes, if any, the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering will not be released from the trust account until the earliest to occur of: (a) the completion of our initial Business Combination, (b) the redemption of any public shares properly tendered in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our amended and Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (i) to modify the substance or timing of its obligation to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering or (ii) with respect to any other provisions relating to stockholders’ rights or pre-initial Business Combination activity and (c) the redemption of all of our public shares if we have not completed our initial Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offer, subject to applicable law.
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If we are unable to complete a Business Combination within 24 months from the closing of the Initial Public Offering, or March 22, 2023 (the “Combination Period”), we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the public shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account including interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to us to pay our income taxes (less up to $100,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding public shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidating distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining stockholders and our board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company, subject in each case to our obligations to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of other applicable law.
The issuance of additional shares in a Business Combination:
● | may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors in this offering, which dilution would increase if the anti-dilution provisions in the shares of Class B common stock resulted in the issuance of shares of Class A common stock on a greater than one-to-one basis upon conversion of the shares of Class B common stock; |
● | may subordinate the rights of holders of shares of Class A common stock if shares of preferred stock are issued with rights senior to those afforded our shares of Class A common stock; |
● | could cause a change in control if a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock are issued, which may affect, among other things, our ability to use our net operating loss carry forwards, if any, and could result in the resignation or removal of our present officers and directors; |
● | may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us by diluting the share ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of us; and |
● | may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares of Class A common stock. Similarly, if we issue debt securities or otherwise incur significant debt, it could result in: |
● | default and foreclosure on our assets if our operating revenues after an initial Business Combination are insufficient to repay our debt obligations; |
● | acceleration of our obligations to repay the indebtedness even if we make all principal and interest payments when due if we breach certain covenants that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios or reserves (in the absence of a waiver or renegotiation of that covenant); |
● | our immediate payment of all principal and accrued interest, if any, if the debt security is payable on demand; |
● | our inability to obtain necessary additional financing if the debt security contains covenants restricting our ability to obtain such financing while the debt security is outstanding; |
● | our inability to pay dividends on our shares of Class A common stock; |
● | using a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for dividends on our shares of Class A common stock if declared, expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes; |
● | limitations on our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and in the industry in which we operate; |
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● | increased vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation; and |
● | limitations on our ability to borrow additional amounts for expenses, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our strategy and other purposes and other disadvantages compared to our competitors who have less debt. |
As indicated in the accompanying financial statements, as of September 30, 2022, we had $0.4 million in cash and $150.4 million of investments held in the Trust Account. Further, we expect to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our initial Business Combination. We cannot assure you that our plans to raise capital or to complete our initial Business Combination will be successful.
Results of Operations and Known Trends or Future Events
We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities since inception have been organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for our Initial Public Offering and identifying a target company for our initial Business Combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial Business Combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents held in the Trust Account. We incur expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as expenses as we conduct due diligence on prospective Business Combination candidates.
For the three months ended September 30, 2022, we had a net income of $486,826, which consists of operating costs of $173,329 offset by interest income on investments held in the Trust Account of $660,065. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $144,337, which consists of operating costs of $148,105, offset by interest income on investments held in the Trust Account of $3,768.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had a net income of $213,909, which consists of operating costs of $649,386, offset by interest income on investments held in the Trust Account of $863,295. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $305,187, which consists of operating costs of $313,052, offset by interest income on investments held in the Trust Account of $7,865.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our liquidity needs have been satisfied prior to the completion of our Initial Public Offering through receipt of a $25,000 capital contribution from our Sponsor in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares to our Sponsor and a commitment from our Sponsor to loan us up to $300,000 to cover our expenses in connection with our Initial Public Offering.
The net proceeds from (i) the sale of the shares of Class A common stock in our Initial Public Offering, after deducting offering expenses of $0.5 million, underwriting commissions of $3.0 million (excluding deferred underwriting commissions of $5.2 million), and (ii) the sale of the Private Placement Shares for a purchase price of $5.0 million generated net proceeds of $150.5 million. $149.5 million was placed within the Trust Account, which includes the deferred underwriting commissions described above. The proceeds held in the Trust Account are invested only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations.
As of September 30, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million outside of the Trust Account. We intend to use the funds held outside the Trust Account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete our initial Business Combination.
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We do not believe we will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business prior to our initial Business Combination. However, if our estimates of the costs of identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial Business Combination are less than the actual amount necessary to do so, we may have insufficient funds available to operate our business prior to our initial Business Combination. In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that our initial Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the trust account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our trust account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1.5 million of such loans may be convertible into private placement shares at a price of $10.00 per share at the option of the lender. The terms of such loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. Prior to the completion of our initial Business Combination, we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in our trust account.
We expect our primary liquidity requirements during that period to include approximately $350,000 for legal, accounting, due diligence, travel and other expenses associated with structuring, negotiating and documenting successful Business Combinations; $150,000 for legal and accounting fees related to regulatory reporting requirements; $100,000 for consulting, travel and miscellaneous expenses incurred during the search for an initial Business Combination target; $55,000 for Nasdaq continued listing fees; and $345,000 for general working capital that will be used for miscellaneous expenses and reserves. RA Capital will provide us office space and administrative and support services free of charge.
These amounts are estimates and may differ materially from our actual expenses. In addition, we could use a portion of the funds not being placed in trust to pay commitment fees for financing, fees to consultants to assist us with our search for a target business or as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision (a provision designed to keep target businesses from “shopping” around for transactions with other companies or investors on terms more favorable to such target businesses) with respect to a particular proposed Business Combination, although we do not have any current intention to do so. If we entered into an agreement where we paid for the right to receive exclusivity from a target business, the amount that would be used as a down payment or to fund a “no-shop” provision would be determined based on the terms of the specific Business Combination and the amount of our available funds at the time. Our forfeiture of such funds (whether as a result of our breach or otherwise) could result in our not having sufficient funds to continue searching for, or conducting due diligence with respect to, prospective target businesses.
Moreover, we may need to obtain additional financing to complete our initial Business Combination, either because the transaction requires more cash than is available from the proceeds held in our trust account, or because we become obligated to redeem a significant number of our public shares upon completion of the Business Combination, in which case we may issue additional securities or incur debt in connection with such Business Combination. If we are unable to complete our initial Business Combination because we do not have sufficient funds available to us, we will be forced to cease operations and liquidate the Trust Account.
Based on the foregoing, management believes that we will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor, or our officers and directors to meet our needs through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this filing. Over this time period, we will be using these funds to pay existing accounts payable, identifying and evaluating prospective Business Combination candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business Combination. However, in connection with management’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 205-40, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern,” we have until the end of the Combination Period, March 22, 2023, (or 24 months) to consummate a Business Combination. It is uncertain that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination by this time. If a Business Combination is not consummated by this date, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution of our Company. Management has determined that the liquidity condition and mandatory liquidation, should a Business Combination not occur, and potential subsequent dissolution raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Currently, no adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities.
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Related Party Transactions
Founder Shares
On July 23, 2020, our Sponsor paid $25,000 in consideration for 3,737,500 shares (the “Founder Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “common stock”).
We filed an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation on March 17, 2021, such that we are authorized to issue shares of Class B common stock. Pursuant to the amendment, the Founder Shares were converted into shares of Class B common stock.
The Founder Shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of our initial Business Combination and are subject to certain transfer restrictions, as described in Note 6 of our unaudited financial statements. Our Sponsor has agreed to forfeit up to 487,500 Founder Shares to the extent that the over-allotment option is not exercised in full by the underwriters. On March 22, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full; thus, these Founder Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.
Our Sponsor, directors and executive officers have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Founder Shares or Private Placement Shares until the earlier to occur of: (A) one year after the completion of the initial Business Combination or (B) subsequent to the initial Business Combination, (x) if the last sale price of the shares of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the initial Business Combination, or (y) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange or other similar transaction that results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property.
Private Placement Shares
Concurrently with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, our Sponsor purchased 499,000 Private Placement Shares, at a price of $10.00 per share in a private placement for an aggregate purchase price of $5.0 million. The Private Placement Shares are identical to the shares of Class A common stock sold in the Initial Public Offering, subject to certain limited exceptions as described in Note 1 of our unaudited financial statements.
The Sponsor and our officers and directors have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of their Private Placement Shares until 30 days after the completion of the initial Business Combination.
Related Party Loans
On July 23, 2020, the Sponsor agreed to loan us an aggregate of up to $0.3 million to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). In October 2020, we borrowed $0.3 million under the Note. The loan was non-interest bearing and the borrowings outstanding under the Note of $0.3 million were repaid in full in March 2021, and the Note facility is no longer available.
In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If we complete a Business Combination, we would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to us. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that a Business Combination is not completed, we may use a portion of the proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. Except for the foregoing, the terms of such Working Capital Loans, if any, have not been determined and no written agreements exist with respect to such loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1.5 million of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into Private Placement Shares at a price of $10.00 per share.
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Commitments and Contingencies
Registration Rights
Holders of the Founder Shares will be entitled to registration rights with respect to the Founder Shares and Private Placement Shares (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion of such shares into shares of Class A common stock) pursuant to a registration and stockholder rights agreement entered into in connection with the consummation of the Initial Public Offering. Holders of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Shares are entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration and stockholder rights. However, the registration and stockholder rights agreement provides that we will not permit any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities to be registered. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Underwriting Agreement
We granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 1,950,000 additional shares of Class A common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at $10.00 per share, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters exercised this option in full on March 22, 2021.
The underwriters were entitled to an underwriting discount of $0.20 per share, or approximately $3.0 million in the aggregate, paid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering. An additional fee of $0.35 per share, or approximately $5.2 million in the aggregate, will be payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred underwriting commissions will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that we complete a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
Risks and Uncertainties
Management is continuing to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on our financial position, results of our operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of these financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
In February 2022, the Russian Federation commenced a military action with the country of Ukraine. As a result of this action, various nations, including the United States, have instituted economic sanctions against the Russian Federation. The impact of this action and related sanctions on the world economy are not determinable as of the date of this report and the specific impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows is also not determinable as of the date of this report.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IR Act”) was signed into federal law. The IR Act provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases of stock by publicly traded U.S. domestic corporations and certain U.S. domestic subsidiaries of publicly traded foreign corporations occurring on or after January 1, 2023. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its shareholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carry out and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax.
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Any redemption or other repurchase that occurs after December 31, 2022, in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise, may be subject to the excise tax. Whether and to what extent the Company would be subject to the excise tax in connection with a Business Combination, extension vote or otherwise would depend on a number of factors, including (i) the fair market value of the redemptions and repurchases in connection with the Business Combination, extension or otherwise, (ii) the structure of a Business Combination, (iii) the nature and amount of any “PIPE” or other equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination (or otherwise issued not in connection with a Business Combination but issued within the same taxable year of a Business Combination) and (iv) the content of regulations and other guidance from the Treasury. In addition, because the excise tax would be payable by the Company and not by the redeeming holder, the mechanics of any required payment of the excise tax have not been determined. The foregoing could cause a reduction in the cash available on hand to complete a Business Combination and inhibit the Company’s ability to complete a Business Combination.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of September 30, 2022 we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.
Contractual Obligations
We do not have any long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, other than the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of $5.2 million in the aggregate. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that we complete a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of condensed financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following critical accounting policies:
Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption
We account for our common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as a liability instrument and is measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as stockholders’ equity (deficit). Our common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of our control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, the common stock subject to possible redemption is presented as temporary equity, outside of the stockholders’ equity (deficit) section of our condensed balance sheets.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Net income (loss) per share of common stock is computed by dividing income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. We apply the two-class method in calculating earnings per share.
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Recent Accounting Standards
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our condensed financial statements.
JOBS Act
Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We qualify as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act will be allowed to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if, as an “emerging growth company,” we choose to rely on such exemptions we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii) provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the PCAOB regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis) and (iv) disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our initial public offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
As of September 30, 2022, we were not subject to any market or interest rate risk. Following the consummation of our Initial Public Offering, the net proceeds of our Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement Shares are held in the Trust Account invested in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2022, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2022, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e)
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and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2022, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
None.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
As of the date of this Report, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 10-K filed with the SEC on March 18, 2022 and our 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 10, 2022 except as set forth below.
We are subject to SPAC Rule Proposals relating to how the funds in the Trust Account currently being held.
With respect to the regulation of special purpose acquisition companies like the Company (“SPACs”), on March 30, 2022, the SEC issued proposed rules (the “SPAC Rule Proposals”) relating to, among other items, disclosures in business combination transactions involving SPACs and private operating companies; the condensed financial statement requirements applicable to transactions involving shell companies; the use of projections by SPACs in SEC filings in connection with proposed business combination transactions; the potential liability of certain participants in proposed business combination transactions; and the extent to which SPACs could become subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), including a proposed rule that would provide SPACs a safe harbor from treatment as an investment company if they satisfy certain conditions that limit a SPAC’s duration, asset composition, business purpose and activities. The funds in the Trust Account have, since our IPO, been held only in U.S. government treasury obligations with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds investing solely in U.S. government treasury obligations and meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act.
However, to mitigate the risk of us being deemed to have been operating as an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act), we may, and likely will, on or prior to the 24-month anniversary of the effective date of the registration statement filed in connection with our IPO (the “IPO Registration Statement”), should our Company continue to exist (and have not liquidated) as is to such date, instruct Continental, the trustee with respect to the Trust Account, to liquidate the U.S. government treasury obligations or money market funds held in the Trust Account and thereafter to hold all funds in the Trust Account in cash until the earlier of consummation of our initial business combination or liquidation. As a result, following such liquidation, we would likely receive minimal interest, if any, on the funds held in the Trust Account, which would reduce the dollar amount our public shareholders would receive upon any redemption or liquidation of the Company.
We may be subject to the Excise Tax included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 in the event of a liquidation or in connection with redemptions of our common stock after December 31, 2022.
On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) (the “IRA”) , which among other things, beginning in 2023, will impose a 1% excise tax on any domestic corporation that repurchases or buybacks public company stock after December 31, 2022 (the “Excise Tax”). The company is assessing the potential impact of the Act.
The total taxable value of shares repurchased is reduced by the fair market value of and newly issued shares during the taxable year. Because we are a Delaware corporation and our securities trade on Nasdaq, we may be deemed a “covered corporation” within the meaning of the IRA. Redemption rights are ubiquitous to nearly all SPACs. Shareholders have the ability to require the SPAC to repurchase their shares prior to the merger in what is known as a redemption right, essentially getting their money back. There are two possible scenarios in which redemption rights come into play. First, they can be exercised by the shareholders themselves because they are exiting the transaction, or second, they can be triggered because the SPAC did not find a target with which to merge. While not free from doubt, absent any further guidance from Congress, the Excise Tax may apply to any redemptions of our common stock after December 31, 2022, including redemptions in connection with an initial business combination, unless an exemption is available. Issuances of securities in connection with our initial business combination transaction (including any PIPE transaction at the time of our initial business
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combination) are expected to reduce the amount of the Excise Tax in connection with redemptions occurring in the same calendar year, but the number of securities redeemed may exceed the number of securities issued. Moreover, the fair market value of any stock redeemed may exceed the fair market value of any stock issued. Consequently, Excise Tax may reduce the amount of cash we have available to complete a business combination and may make a transaction with us less appealing to potential business combination targets. Further, the application of the Excise Tax in the event of a liquidation is uncertain. The Company will continue to assess the potential impact of the IR Act and the impact on SPACs.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit |
| Description |
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#101.INS | | XBRL Instance Document |
| | |
#101.SCH | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
| | |
#101.CAL | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
| | |
#101.DEF | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
| | |
#101.LAB | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
| | |
#101.PRE | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
| | |
#104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) |
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized on this 10th day of November, 2022.
| RESEARCH ALLIANCE CORP. II | ||
| | ||
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| By: | /s/ Tess Cameron | |
| | Name: | Tess Cameron |
| | Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
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