Nikola Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

PHOENIX, Feb. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation solutions, today reported financial results for the quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2021.

"During the fourth quarter, we began delivering Pre-Series Tre BEVs to customers and dealers, and we are ramping up production in Coolidge.  We anticipate beginning series production of the Tre BEV on March 21.  We are laser-focused on delivering vehicles and generating revenue," said Mark Russell, Nikola's Chief Executive Officer.

Nikola Tre BEV Update

On December 17, 2021, we delivered the first two Nikola Tre BEVs to TTSI in California as a part of a three-month pilot program. Since placing the trucks into service with TTSI, the trucks have hauled multiple loads per day and logged over 4,500 miles combined. The trucks have completed a 204-mile journey on a single charge, the longest range of any BEV TTSI has tested. We are pleased with the pilot results and look forward to delivering saleable Nikola Tre BEVs to customers in the second quarter of 2022.

Nikola Tre FCEV Alpha Update

On January 24, 2022, we began pilot operations with Anheuser-Busch (A-B). Two Nikola Tre FCEV alphas are undergoing a three-month pilot in daily service within the brewer's Southern California distribution network. On February 11, 2022, Tre FCEV alphas celebrated this pilot by participating in a full zero-emission beer haul with A-B. The unique "zero-emission delivery" leveraged the technology of both partners to sustainably deliver beer from A-B's brewery in Van Nuys, CA, to its distribution centers in the greater Los Angeles area. As part of the ongoing pilot, the Nikola Tre FCEV vehicles are expected to be used in daily operations to evaluate and refine the production specifications and features of the Nikola vehicles. The trial is intended to demonstrate the advantage of fuel cell trucks in beverage hauling, an application that targets maximum payload, range, and around-the-clock operations. The pilot activity is an important step for the companies to work together and implement economically viable zero-emission solutions across the A-B brewing network.

Coolidge, Arizona Manufacturing Facility Update

Phase 1 of the Coolidge, Arizona facility provides us with a production capacity of 2,500 trucks for 2022. We have begun construction of the Phase 2 assembly expansion area, which is expected to be completed in Q1 2023 and provide us with a production capacity of up to 20,000-trucks per year on two shifts.

Ulm, Germany Joint Venture Manufacturing Facility Update

Our Ulm, Germany manufacturing facility on IVECO's industrial complex is complete. The facility is capable of producing 2,000 trucks per year and is expandable to 10,000 trucks per year. In 2022, we expect to build and deliver 25 trucks to the Hamburg Port Authority.

LOI for up to 100 BEV Trucks with Heniff Transportation Systems

On December 22, 2021, we announced that Heniff Transportation Systems has agreed to acquire 10 Nikola Tre BEVs from Thompson Truck Centers, a Nikola sales and service dealer network member. The agreement between Heniff Transportation and Thompson Truck Centers is a fleet-as-a-service model where Thompson will provide the sales, service, maintenance, and energy infrastructure required to operate the Nikola Tre BEV trucks. Deliveries are expected to commence in the first half of 2022. Upon the successful initial deployment of 10 units into their bulk transport operation, Heniff and Thompson have agreed to pursue the placement of an additional 90 trucks into Heniff's fleet.

Recent Developments

LOI for up to 100 BEV Trucks with USA Truck, Inc.

On January 5, 2022, we announced that USA Truck has entered into an LOI for an initial purchase of 10 Nikola Tre BEVs from Thompson Truck Centers, a member of the Nikola sales and service dealer network. The LOI between USA Truck Inc. and Thompson Truck Centers is a "fleet-as-a-service" model. Thompson will provide sales, service, maintenance, and energy infrastructure required to operate the Nikola Tre BEV trucks, expected to be delivered in the first half of 2022. The agreement also includes the option to purchase an additional 90 Nikola zero-emission trucks over the next two years.

LOI for up to 100 BEV Trucks with Saia LTL Freight

On January 6, 2022, we announced our collaboration with Saia LTL Freight which includes an LOI to purchase or lease 100 Nikola Tre BEVs following the satisfactory completion of a demonstration program.

The demonstration program will include three BEV trucks in separate locations across the Saia network and is expected to begin in the first half of 2022. Deliveries of 100 production vehicles are intended to occur between 2022 and 2024, with the initial 25 targeted for 2022.

LOI for up to 40 FCEV and 10 BEV Trucks with Covenant Logistics Group

On January 11, 2022, we announced our collaboration with Covenant Logistics Group, which includes an LOI for 10 Nikola Tre BEVs and 40 Nikola Tre FCEVs following the satisfactory completion of a Nikola Tre BEV and Nikola Tre FCEV demonstration program. Delivery to Covenant of the first Tre BEV truck and mobile charging trailer for testing is anticipated to occur in the second quarter of 2022, with the Tre FCEV testing expected to follow in 2023.

Nikola Tre BEV Receives HVIP Approval in California

On January 13, 2022, we announced the Nikola Tre BEV had been deemed eligible for the Hybrid and Zero Emissions Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP) program by the California Air Resources Board. With this approval, qualified purchasers of the Nikola Tre BEV can now qualify for an incentive valued at $120,000 per truck (up to $150,000 for drayage), helping to reduce the total cost of ownership for purchasers operating in the state of California.

Reached Long Term Battery Supply Agreement with Proterra

On January 18, 2022, we announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Proterra to supply Nikola with battery packs for Nikola BEVs and FCEVs. The first Proterra-powered Nikola Tre BEVs are expected to be produced in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Executed Agreement with Corcentric Fleet Funding Solutions to Facilitate Vehicle Financing

On January 20, 2022, we announced an agreement with Corcentric Fleet Funding Solutions to facilitate sales of Class 8 Nikola Tre BEVs and FCEVs. Under the agreement, Corcentric will purchase vehicles and related assets (e.g., charging assets) directly from Nikola to offer Nikola customers a bundled lease that provides Nikola trucks, related equipment, fuel, and maintenance in a single agreement.

SEC Investigation Update

On December 21, 2021, we confirmed our settlement with the SEC. We will pay a $125 million civil penalty in five installments over two (2) years. The first installment was paid on December 21, 2021. The company is seeking reimbursement from its founder, Trevor Milton, for costs and damages in connection with the government and regulatory investigations.

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Financial Highlights

	Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2021		2020		2021		2020
Loss from operations	$      (162,713)		$      (146,839)		$      (693,526)		$      (382,735)
Net loss	$      (159,416)		$      (142,236)		$      (690,438)		$      (370,866)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)	$        (90,385)		$        (65,503)		$      (302,744)		$      (200,484)
Net loss per share, basic	$            (0.39)		$            (0.37)		$            (1.73)		$            (1.15)
Net loss per share, diluted	$            (0.39)		$            (0.38)		$            (1.74)		$            (1.18)
Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic(1)	$            (0.23)		$            (0.17)		$            (0.79)		$            (0.62)
Non-GAAP net loss per share, diluted(1)	$            (0.23)		$            (0.17)		$            (0.79)		$            (0.62)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic	407,448,311		385,983,645		398,655,081		335,325,271
Weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted	407,448,311		386,323,048		398,784,392		335,831,033

(1)	A reconciliation of the non-GAAP information is provided below in the financial statement tables in the press release.

Business Outlook

Nikola looks forward to achieving the following milestones in 2022:

• Deliver 300 - 500 production Nikola Tre BEVs to customers
• Successful pilot testing of Tre FCEV alpha trucks with AB, TTSI and others
• Build, test, and validate Tre FCEV beta trucks
• Announce location, break ground, and commence construction of the first hydrogen production hub in Arizona
• Announce two or more dispensing station partners in California

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Nikola will host a webcast to discuss its fourth quarter results at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time (9:30 a.m. Eastern Time) on February 24, 2022. To access the webcast, parties in the United States should follow this link: https://www.webcast-eqs.com/register/nikola20220224/en.

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

Photos to Accompany Release

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Photos to accompany this release can be found here: https://nikolamotor.com/press_releases/nikola-corporation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2021-results-155

About Nikola Corporation

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Nikola Corporation (the "Company"), including statements relating to the Company's future performance and milestones; expected timing of manufacturing facility buildout and production capacity; timing of completion of testing, production, as well as other milestones; expectations regarding the trucks' uses and impact; expectations regarding the Company's sales and service network; and terms and potential benefits of the planned collaborations with its strategic partners. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: design and manufacturing changes and delays, including global shortages in parts and materials; general economic, financial, legal, regulatory, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; the outcome of legal, regulatory and judicial proceedings to which the Company is, or may become a party; demand for and customer acceptance of the Company's trucks; the results of customer pilot testing; the execution and terms of definitive agreements; risks associated with development and testing of fuel-cell power modules and hydrogen storage systems; risks related to the rollout of the Company's business and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on the Company's future business; the availability of and need for capital; and the factors, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's business described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC, in addition to the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release references Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP net loss, and non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures and are presented as supplemental measures of the Company's performance. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other items determined by the Company. Non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss adjusted for stock-based compensation expense and certain other items determined by the Company. Non-GAAP net loss per share basic and diluted is defined as non-GAAP net loss divided by weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding. These non-GAAP measures are not substitutes for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ended December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
	(Unaudited)
Solar revenues	$                   —		$                   —		$                   —		$                   95
Cost of solar revenues	—		—		—		72
Gross profit	—		—		—		23
Operating expenses:
Research and development(1)	91,166		67,521		292,951		185,619
Selling, general, and administrative(1)	71,547		64,903		400,575		182,724
Impairment expense	—		14,415		—		14,415
Total operating expenses	162,713		146,839		693,526		382,758
Loss from operations	(162,713)		(146,839)		(693,526)		(382,735)
Other income (expense):
Interest income (expense), net	(262)		(53)		(481)		202
Loss on forward contract liability	—		—		—		(1,324)
Revaluation of warrant liability	144		4,860		3,051		13,448
Other income (expense), net	3,928		(597)		4,102		(846)
Loss before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates	(158,903)		(142,629)		(686,854)		(371,255)
Income tax expense (benefit)	—		(1,030)		4		(1,026)
Loss before equity in net loss of affiliates	(158,903)		(141,599)		(686,858)		(370,229)
Equity in net loss of affiliates	(513)		(637)		(3,580)		(637)
Net loss	(159,416)		(142,236)		(690,438)		(370,866)
Premium paid on repurchase of redeemable convertible preferred stock.	—		—		—		(13,407)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$         (159,416)		$         (142,236)		$         (690,438)		$         (384,273)
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders:
Basic	$               (0.39)		$               (0.37)		$               (1.73)		$               (1.15)
Diluted	$               (0.39)		$               (0.38)		$               (1.74)		$               (1.18)
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	407,448,311		385,983,645		398,655,081		335,325,271
Diluted	407,448,311		386,323,048		398,784,392		335,831,033
(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ended December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Research and development	$              9,182		$              8,012		$             36,150		$            15,862
Selling, general, and administrative	44,546		38,243		169,561		122,129
Total stock-based compensation	$            53,728		$            46,255		$           205,711		$          137,991

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	December 31,
	2021		2020
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$             497,241		$              840,913
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	—		4,365
Inventory	11,597		—
Prepaid in-kind services	—		46,271
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,891		5,368
Total current assets	524,729		896,917
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	25,000		4,000
Long-term deposits	27,620		17,687
Property, plant and equipment, net	244,377		71,401
Intangible assets, net	97,181		50,050
Investment in affiliates	61,778		8,420
Goodwill	5,238		5,238
Other assets	3,896		—
Total assets	$             989,819		$           1,053,713
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$               86,982		$                29,364
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	93,487		17,739
Debt and finance lease liabilities, current	140		5,170
Total current liabilities	180,609		52,273
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, net of current portion	25,047		13,956
Operating lease liabilities	2,263		—
Warrant liability	4,284		7,335
Other long-term liabilities	84,033		—
Deferred tax liabilities, net	11		8
Total liabilities	296,247		73,572
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock	—		—
Common stock	41		39
Additional paid-in capital	1,944,341		1,540,037
Accumulated deficit	(1,250,612)		(560,174)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(198)		239
Total stockholders' equity	693,572		980,141
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$             989,819		$           1,053,713

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
	Years Ended December 31,
	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$          (690,438)		$          (370,866)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,231		6,008
Stock-based compensation	205,711		137,991
Non-cash in-kind services	46,271		45,729
Loss on forward contract liability	—		1,324
Impairment expense	—		14,415
Equity in net loss of affiliates	3,580		637
Revaluation of warrant liability	(3,051)		(13,448)
Issuance of common stock for commitment shares	5,564		—
Inventory write-downs	4,927		—
Other non-cash activity	1,626		(1,063)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Inventory	(17,412)		—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(10,967)		(928)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities	96,144		29,668
Long-term and customer deposits	(4,721)		—
Other assets	(1,216)		—
Operating lease liabilities	(50)		—
Other long-term liabilities	48,647		—
Net cash used in operating activities	(307,154)		(150,533)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases and deposits for property, plant, and equipment	(179,269)		(22,324)
Investments in affiliates	(25,000)		(8,817)
Settlement of first price differential	(3,412)		—
Proceeds from sale of equipment	200		—
Cash paid towards build-to-suit lease	—		—
Net cash used in investing activities	(207,481)		(31,141)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Series D redeemable convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs paid	—		50,349
Business Combination and PIPE financing, net of issuance costs paid	—		616,726
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,785		9,650
Proceeds from the exercise of stock warrants, net of issuance costs paid	—		264,548
Proceeds from issuance of shares under the Tumim Purchase Agreement	163,788		—
Proceeds from landlord on finance lease	—		889
Payments on finance lease liability	(863)		(1,042)
Proceeds from issuance of promissory note, net of issuance costs	24,632		—
Proceeds from note payable	—		4,134
Payment of note payable	(4,100)		(4,134)
Payment for issuance costs	(644)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities	187,598		941,120
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents	(327,037)		759,446
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	849,278		89,832
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$           522,241		$           849,278

 

 

Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Metrics to Non-GAAP
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ended December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net loss	$        (159,416)		$       (142,236)		$        (690,438)		$        (370,866)
Interest (income) expense, net	262		53		481		(202)
Income tax expense (benefit)	—		(1,030)		4		(1,026)
Depreciation and amortization	2,272		1,753		8,231		6,008
EBITDA	(156,882)		(141,460)		(681,722)		(366,086)
Stock-based compensation	53,728		46,255		205,711		137,991
Loss on forward contract liability	—		—		—		1,324
Revaluation of warrant liability	(144)		(4,860)		(3,051)		(13,448)
Revaluation of derivative liability	215		—		(104)		—
Equity in net loss of affiliates	513		637		3,580		637
Regulatory and legal matters(1)	12,185		19,510		47,842		24,683
Impairment expense	—		14,415		—		14,415
SEC settlement	—		—		125,000		—
Adjusted EBITDA	$          (90,385)		$         (65,503)		$        (302,744)		$        (200,484)

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

 

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss, and GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss per Share, basic and diluted
	Three Months Ended December 31,				Years Ended December 31,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$        (159,416)		$       (142,236)		$        (690,438)		$        (384,273)
Stock-based compensation	53,728		46,255		205,711		137,991
Premium paid on repurchase of redeemable convertible preferred stock	—		—		—		13,407
Revaluation of warrant liability	(144)		(4,860)		(3,051)		(13,448)
Revaluation of derivative liability	215		—		(104)		—
Regulatory and legal matters(1)	12,185		19,510		47,842		24,683
Impairment expense	—		14,415		—		14,415
SEC settlement	—		—		125,000		—
Non-GAAP net loss	$          (93,432)		$         (66,916)		$        (315,040)		$        (207,225)
Non-GAAP net loss per share:
Basic	$              (0.23)		$             (0.17)		$              (0.79)		$              (0.62)
Diluted	$              (0.23)		$             (0.17)		$              (0.79)		$              (0.62)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	407,448,311		385,983,645		398,655,081		335,325,271
Diluted	407,448,311		386,323,048		398,784,392		335,831,033

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

 

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