Faraday Future Intelligent Electric (FFIE) Risk Factors
2,360 Followers
Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric disclosed 98 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Faraday Future Intelligent Electric reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
39% Finance & Corporate
23% Legal & Regulatory
15% Production
8% Tech & Innovation
8% Ability to Sell
6% Macro & Political
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
2020
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 38 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 38 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
98
-1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
98
-1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
11Risks added
12Risks removed
44Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
11Risks added
12Risks removed
44Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
44
+44
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
44
+44
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Faraday Future Intelligent Electric in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 98
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 38/98 (39%)Below Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights15 | 15.3%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Added
FF has significant unfunded commitments from its investors. If FF is unable to satisfy the conditions to funding or if there is a dispute regarding the conversion requirements related to the unfunded commitments, FF may not have enough capital to support its business and could be subject to investor legal claims.
Pursuant to the Secured SPA, Unsecured SPA, the Unsecured Streeterville SPA, FFVV Joinder, and the Senyun Joinder, (each as defined in Note 7, Notes Payable to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) FF has obtained commitments from several investors totaling $554.5 million in convertible note financing and $20.0 million in committed forced warrant exercise proceeds, subject to certain conditions. A total of $351.5 million under these commitments had been funded as of December 31, 2023 ($273.3 million net of original discount and transaction costs) with the remaining unfunded commitment of $223.0 million. Investors of the convertible notes have the option to purchase an additional up to 100% of the committed notes at the same economics. In aggregate, these investors have an option to invest an additional $366.0 million of which the $39.0 million ($33.8 million net of original issuance discount and transaction fees) has been funded with the remaining optional funding of $327.0 million. There can be no assurance that FF will be able to successfully satisfy the conditions to receive the additional funding. Further, if FF fails to satisfy these funding conditions to receive the unfunded commitments, FF may be required to further delay its production and delivery plans for the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, and/or cease operations. In addition, during and after the third quarter of 2023, FF temporarily suspended effecting the conversion requests from its noteholders. As of and since December 31, 2023, FF was and had been in default on the Secured SPA Notes (as defined in Notes 7, Notes Payable to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).While FF has begun effecting these conversion requests, there can be no assurance that FF will not again suspend effecting such requests in a manner that could result in an event of default and monetary penalties under the various securities purchase agreements. Further, FF may be subject to legal claims by the investors, which could have a material and adverse impact on FF's reputation and financial condition.
FF may also be subject to legal claims arising from disagreement over the terms of its securities. For example, FF previously issued certain convertible notes (the "Senyun Notes") to Senyun International Ltd. ("Senyun"). The Senyun Notes are subject to a restriction that FF will not convert the Senyun Notes, and Senyun will not have the right to convert the Senyun Notes, to the extent that Senyun would own more than 9.99% of FF's outstanding Class A Common Stock of FF after giving effect to the conversion. In May 2023, Senyun requested to convert the Senyun Notes into shares of Common Stock and FF converted a certain amount of the Senyun Notes. FF did not convert the Senyun Notes that would have resulted in Senyun owning more than 9.99% of the Common Stock. However, Senyun believes that the Senyun Notes should have been converted in full in accordance with its interpretation of conversion limitations in the Senyun Notes. FF disputes this interpretation. In July 2023 and October 2023, Senyun sent FF a letter outlining its position and reserving its rights under the Secured SPA. Further, pursuant to the Senyun Joinder, Senyun agreed to exercise its option to purchase $15.0 million of Tranche A Notes (as defined in Note 7, Notes Payable, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 10-K) in accordance with the terms of the Secured SPA, with funding of 75% of such amount within five business days of the date of the Senyun Joinder and the remaining 25% of such amount within three business days thereafter, subject to certain conditions which have been satisfied. As of December 31, 2023, Senyun had funded $11.5 million of its obligation and had not funded the remaining $3.5 million. It is not possible at this time to predict the outcome of the disagreement with Senyun.
Further, any litigation, proceedings or dispute related to legal claims of FF's investors, even those without merit, may divert FF's financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of FF's operations. Any adverse determination against FF in any potential proceedings may also result in settlements, injunctions or damages that could have a material adverse effect on FF's business, financial condition and results of operations and investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding to FF on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, as a result of any legal claims.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Added
FF is not currently in compliance with the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq and may be delisted, which could affect the market price and liquidity for the FF's Common Stock and reduce the FF's ability to raise additional capital.
On December 28, 2023, FF received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of Nasdaq noting that FF was not in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive trading days for continued listing on Nasdaq, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the "Minimum Bid Price Requirement"). Beginning on November 9, 2023, FF's closing bid price of the Class A Common Stock has been below $1.00 per share.
Pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), FF was initially provided 180 calendar days from receipt of the notice from Nasdaq to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
On April 18, 2024, Nasdaq notified FF that since it had not yet filed this Form 10-K, it no longer complied with Listing Rule 5250(c)(1). Pursuant to Listing Rule 5810(c)(2)(A), this deficiency was an additional basis for delisting.
On April 24, 2024, FF received a letter from Nasdaq indicating that FF was not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iii), as FF's Class A Common Stock had a closing bid price of $0.10 or less for ten consecutive trading days (the "Low Priced Stocks Rule"). The letter indicated that, as a result, the Nasdaq staff had determined to delist FF's securities from The Nasdaq Capital Market (the "Delisting Determination").
On May 1, 2024, FF requested a hearing to appeal the Delisting Determination, which stayed the suspension of FF's securities for 15 days. FF also requested an extended stay of the suspension pending such hearing with Nasdaq's Hearings Panel (the "Panel"), which Nasdaq granted on May 28, 2024.
The Panel may not grant FF's request for continued listing of the Class A Common Stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market pending FF's compliance with all applicable listing criteria, including the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, or FF may be unable to timely satisfy the terms of any extension that may be granted by the Panel.
FF will continue to monitor the closing bid price of its Class A Common Stock and seek to regain compliance with all applicable Nasdaq requirements within the allotted compliance periods and may, if appropriate, consider available options, including implementation of a reverse stock split, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
If Nasdaq delists FF's shares from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the applicable listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:
- a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;- reduced liquidity for our securities;- a determination that our Common Stock is a "penny stock" which will require brokers trading in our Common Stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for shares of our Common Stock;a limited amount of news and analyst coverage; and - a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Added
If FF seeks to implement a reverse stock split in order to remain listed on Nasdaq, the announcement or implementation of such a reverse stock split could negatively affect the price of its Common Stock.
While Nasdaq rules do not impose a specific limit on the number of times a listed company may effect a reverse stock split to maintain or regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, Nasdaq has stated that a series of reverse stock splits may undermine investor confidence in securities listed on Nasdaq. Accordingly, Nasdaq may determine that it is not in the public interest to maintain FF's listing, even if we regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
In addition, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A)(iv) states that if a listed company that fails to meet the Minimum Bid Price Requirement after effecting one or more reverse stock splits over the prior two-year period with a cumulative ratio of 250 shares or more to one, then FF is not eligible for a Compliance Period. FF effected a 1-for-80 reverse stock split of its Common Stock on August 25, 2023, and an additional 1-for-3 reverse stock split of its Common Stock on February 29, 2024, for a cumulative ratio of 240 shares to one. FF anticipates seeking stockholder approval for another reverse stock split. Any subsequent reverse stock split would cause FF to exceed the 1-for-250 ratio.
FF may fail to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price requirement during the Compliance Period or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements. In particular, the rights granted to FF Global Partners LLC ("FF Global") under the Amended Shareholder Agreement or other similar rights granted to other investors may cause FF to fall out of compliance with certain of Nasdaq's Listing Rules, including Nasdaq Rule 5640, which disallows the voting rights of existing stockholders to be disparately reduced through any corporate action or issuance. Any non-compliance may be costly, divert management's time and attention, and could have a material adverse effect on FF's business, reputation, financing, and results of operation A delisting could substantially decrease trading in the Class A Common Stock, adversely affect the market liquidity of the Common Stock as a result of the loss of market efficiencies associated with Nasdaq and the loss of federal preemption of state securities laws, materially adversely affect its ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, if at all, and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, suppliers, customers and employees and fewer business development opportunities. Additionally, the market price of the Class A Common Stock may decline further and stockholders may lose some or all of their investment.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Changed
The price of the Class A Common Stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.
The trading price of the Class A Common Stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile and could be attributable, among others, to factors beyond our control, including limited trading volume. For example, our stock traded within a range of a high price of $117.36 and a low price of $0.038 per share for the period from April 1, 2023, through May 15, 2024.
Any of the factors listed below could have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Class A Common Stock and as a result your investment in FF's securities, and FF's securities may trade at prices significantly below the price paid by you. In such circumstances, the trading price of FF's securities may not recover and may experience a further decline. Factors affecting the trading price of FF's securities may include:
- FF's failure to raise sufficient financing;- actual or anticipated fluctuations in FF's financial results or the financial results of companies perceived to be similar to it;- changes in the market's expectations about FF's operating results;- success of competitors;- FF's ability to meet its three-phase delivery plan;- FF's operating results failing to meet the expectation of securities analysts or investors in a particular period;- FF's ability to attract and retain senior management or key operating personnel, and the addition or departure of key personnel;- changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts concerning FF or the transportation industry in general;- operating and share price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to FF;- FF's ability to market new and enhanced products and technologies on a timely basis;- changes in laws and regulations affecting FF's business;- FF's ability to meet compliance requirements;- commencement of, or involvement in, threatened or actual litigation and government investigations;- changes in FF's capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt;- the volume of FF's Common Stock available for public sale;- any change in FF's Board or management;- actions taken by FF's directors, executive officers or significant stockholders such as sales of FF's Common Stock, or the perception that such actions could occur;- ongoing and potential litigation involving FF, including the SEC investigation;- the implementation of the Special Committee's recommendations and FF's related remedial actions; and - general economic and political conditions such as recessions, interest rates, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations and acts of war or terrorism.
Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of FF's securities irrespective of FF's operating performance. The stock markets in general have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of FF's securities, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for electric vehicle manufacturers' stocks or the stocks of other companies which investors perceive to be similar to FF could depress FF's share price regardless of FF's business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. A decline in the market price of FF's securities also could adversely affect FF's ability to issue additional securities and FF's ability to obtain additional financing in the future.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Changed
In the event that the independent registered public accounting firm operating in China that FF uses as an auditor for its operations in China is not permitted to be subject to inspection by PCAOB, then investors may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.
Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCA"), if the SEC determines that a company has filed audit reports by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, the SEC shall prohibit such ordinary shares from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the U.S. The PCAOB provides a framework to use when determining, as contemplated under the HFCA, whether the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by one or more authorities in that jurisdiction. Additionally, the SEC has disclosure requirements that apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an Annual Report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in foreign jurisdictions.
Our current auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issued the audit report included this Form 10-K, is registered with the PCAOB, and is subject to laws in the U.S. pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Accordingly, we have not been identified as a "Commission-Identified Issuer" by the PCAOB under the current framework of the HFCA. However, prior to 2022, the auditors of the PRC Subsidiaries were not subject to inspection by the PCAOB and any future determination by the PCAOB that the PRC Subsidiaries' auditors are not subject to inspection could materially adversely affect FF.
Our ability to retain an auditor subject to PCAOB inspection and investigation may depend on the relevant positions of U.S. and Chinese regulators. If the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely FF's auditor in China because of a position taken by the Chinese authorities, then such lack of inspection could cause trading in FF's securities to be prohibited under the HFCA, and ultimately result in a determination by the SEC to delist FF's securities. Such a prohibition would substantially impair an investor's ability to sell or purchase the Common Stock and negatively impact the price of the Common Stock. Accordingly, the HFCA calls for additional and more stringent criteria to be applied to emerging market companies upon assessing the qualification of their auditors, especially non-U.S. auditors. In addition, PCAOB inspections help improve future audit quality and effectiveness. Without the benefit of PCAOB inspections, existing or potential investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements with respect to the PRC Subsidiaries.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Changed
The JOBS Act permits "emerging growth companies" like FF to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. The reduced reporting requirements applicable to us may make FF's shares of Common Stock less attractive to investors.
FF qualifies as an "emerging growth company" as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such, FF is eligible for and intends to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, including, but not limited to, (a) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (b) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in FF's periodic reports and proxy statements and (c) exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, FF's stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. FF will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of our fiscal year following July 24, 2025 (the fifth anniversary of the consummation of PSAC's initial public offering), (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of FF's shares of Common Stock that are held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of June 30 of that fiscal year, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.235 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation) or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period. We cannot predict whether investors will find FF's securities less attractive because it will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find FF's securities less attractive as a result of its reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of FF's securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for FF's securities and the trading prices of FF's securities may be more volatile.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have 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, we, 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 FF'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. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares of Common Stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our shares of Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active market for our shares of Common Stock and our share price may be more volatile.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Changed
FF and its stockholders face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in China resident enterprises through transfer of non-Chinese-holding companies. Enhanced scrutiny by the Chinese tax authorities may have a negative impact on potential acquisitions and dispositions it may pursue in the future.
On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued the Bulletin on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises, known as Bulletin 7. Pursuant to this Bulletin 7, an "indirect transfer" of assets, including non-publicly traded equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, by non-PRC resident enterprises may be re-characterized and treated as a direct transfer of PRC taxable assets, if such arrangement does not have a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of avoiding payment of PRC enterprise income tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax. According to Bulletin 7, "PRC taxable assets" include assets attributed to an establishment in China, immovable properties located in China, and equity investments in PRC resident enterprises, in respect of which gains from their transfer by a direct holder, being a non-PRC resident enterprise, would be subject to PRC enterprise income taxes. When determining whether there is a "reasonable commercial purpose" of the transaction arrangement, features to be taken into consideration include, without limitation: whether the main value of the equity interest of the relevant offshore enterprise derives directly or indirectly from PRC taxable assets; whether the assets of the relevant offshore enterprise mainly consists of direct or indirect investment in China or if its income mainly derives from China; whether the offshore enterprise and its subsidiaries directly or indirectly holding PRC taxable assets have real commercial nature which is evidenced by their actual function and risk exposure; the duration of existence of the stockholders, business model and organizational structure; the income tax payable abroad on the income from the transaction of indirect transfer of PRC taxable assets; the replicability of the transaction by direct transfer of PRC taxable assets; and the tax situation of such indirect transfer and applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements. In respect of an indirect offshore transfer of assets of a PRC establishment, the resulting gain is to be included with the enterprise income tax filing of the PRC establishment or place of business being transferred, and would consequently be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Where the underlying transfer relates to the immovable properties located in China or to equity investments in a PRC resident enterprise, which is not related to a PRC establishment or place of business of a non-resident enterprise, a PRC enterprise income tax of 10% would apply, subject to available preferential tax treatment under applicable tax treaties or similar arrangements, and the party who is obligated to make the transfer payments has the withholding obligation. Bulletin 7 does not apply to transactions of sale of shares by investors through a public stock exchange where such shares were acquired from a transaction through a public stock exchange. On October 17, 2017, the SAT promulgated the Announcement of the SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, known as SAT Circular 37, which became effective on December 1, 2017 and was most recently amended on June 15, 2018. SAT Circular 37, among other things, simplified procedures of withholding and payment of income tax levied on non-resident enterprises.
We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries or investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions under Bulletin 7 and SAT Circular 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors that are non-PRC resident enterprises, the PRC Subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under Bulletin 7 and SAT Circular 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 7 and SAT Circular 37 or to request the relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these publications, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these publications, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Changed
The issuance of additional shares of Common Stock, including upon full conversion of the principal amount of all outstanding SPA Notes, Unsecured SPA Notes and the Streeterville Note and exercise of all outstanding SPA Warrants and the Streeterville Warrant, and/or the implementation of the full ratchet anti-dilution price protection in the SPA Notes and SPA Warrants and the issuance of shares pursuant to the SEPA would substantially dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders.
The shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon full conversion and exercise of the SPA Notes and the SPA Warrants issued and issuable under the SPA, as amended, upon full conversion of the Unsecured SPA Notes, and upon full conversion and exercise of the Streeterville Note and the Streeterville Warrant will result in significant additional dilution to the existing stockholders of FF. At a special meeting of FF stockholders held on November 3, 2022, FF stockholders approved (among other proposals) a proposal to approve, as is required by the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations, transactions involving notes and warrants issued to ATW Partners LLC ("ATW"), RAAJJ Trading LLC ("RAAJJ"), Senyun and/or their affiliates as committed under the SPA, the Joinder and the Third Amendment, including the issuance of any shares in excess of 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock upon conversion of the SPA Notes and exercise of the SPA Warrants. At a special meeting of FF stockholders held on March 30, 2023, FF stockholders approved (among other proposals) a proposal to approve, as is required by the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations, additional transactions involving notes and warrants issued to ATW Partners LLC, RAAJJ, Senyun, Acuitas Group Holdings LLC and/or their affiliates as committed under the Sixth Amendment to the SPA (as defined in Note 7, Notes Payable to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). At a special meeting of FF stockholders held on August 16, 2023, FF stockholders approved (among other proposals), as is required by the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations, additional transactions involving notes and warrants issued to MHL, V W Investment and Senyun under the Unsecured SPA, as amended. At a special meeting of FF stockholders held on February 5, 2024, FF stockholders approved (among other proposals), as is required by the applicable Nasdaq rules and regulations, additional transactions involving notes and warrants issued to Streeterville Capital, LLC ("Streeterville") under the Unsecured Streeterville SPA.To the extent the SPA Notes, the Unsecured SPA Notes and the Streeterville Note are converted and the SPA Warrants and the Streeterville Warrant are exercised, such conversions and exercises would have a significant dilutive effect on the ownership interest of existing stockholders of FF. Additionally, any issuance of shares of Class A Common Stock under the SEPA that is below the exercise price of the warrants issued and issuable under the SPA or the conversion price of the notes issued and issuable under the SPA will decrease such exercise or conversion price, as applicable, as described in more detail in such warrants and notes.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Changed
FF has granted preferential director nomination rights to certain investors which may cause FF to fall out of compliance with Nasdaq listing rules.
FF has been raising additional capital via debt or equity financings and expects to continue doing so in order to continue its operations. See "Risk Factors – Risks Related to FF's Business and Industry – FF does not have sufficient liquidity to pay its outstanding obligations and to operate its business and it will likely file for bankruptcy protection if it is unable to access additional capital." As discussed above, the sale of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in further dilution of the equity interests of our existing stockholders. Additionally, FF has entered into arrangements with certain of stockholders that give them additional representation on the Board. Pursuant to the Amended Shareholder Agreement, FF Top has the right to nominate for election to the Board four designees until the first date on which FF Top has ceased to beneficially own at least 88,890 shares of Common Stock for at least 365 consecutive days, with such amount subject to adjustment in connection with any stock split, reverse stock split or other similar corporate action after the date of the Amended Shareholder Agreement. Following the termination of FF Top's right to nominate four designees, FF Top will continue to have the right to nominate a number of designees not less than the number equal to the total number of directors on the Board, multiplied by the aggregate voting power of the shares of Common Stock and other securities of FF generally entitled to vote in the election of directors of FF beneficially owned by FF Top and its affiliates, divided by the total voting power of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock issued as of the record date for any meeting of stockholders of FF at which directors are to be elected, rounding up to the next whole director. Such right granted to FF Top or other similar rights granted to other investors in the future may cause FF to fall out of compliance with certain of Nasdaq's listing rules, in particular Nasdaq Rule 5640, which disallows the voting rights of existing stockholders to be disparately reduced through any corporate action or issuance, and cause FF's Class A Common Stock to be delisted from Nasdaq.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Changed
FF's dual-class structure may depress the trading price of the Class A Common Stock.
We cannot predict whether FF's dual-class structure will result in a lower or more volatile market price of the Class A Common Stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multiple-class share structures in certain of their indexes. S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, pursuant to which companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock are excluded. In addition, several stockholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple-class structures. As a result, the dual-class structure of the Common Stock may cause stockholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about FF'S corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices or any actions or publications by stockholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could adversely affect the value and trading market of the Class A Common Stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
Changed
FF's Third Amended and RestateCertificate of Incorporation, as amended provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit FF's stockholders' ability to obtain a chosen judicial forum for disputes with it or its directors, officers, employees or stockholders.
FF's Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our certificate of incorporation. In addition, our third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
In March 2020, the Delaware Supreme Court issued a decision in Salzburg et al. v. Sciabacucchi, which found that an exclusive forum provision providing for claims under the Securities Act to be brought in federal court is facially valid under Delaware law. It is unclear whether this decision will be appealed, or what the final outcome of this case will be. We intend to enforce this provision, but we do not know whether courts in other jurisdictions will agree with this decision or enforce it.
This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm its business, operating results and financial condition.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Changed
FF may issue additional shares of Common Stock or preferred shares, which would dilute the interest of FF stockholders.
FF has and may, in the future, issue a substantial number of additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock. The issuance of additional shares of Common Stock or preferred stock:
- may significantly dilute the equity interest of investors;- may subordinate the rights of holders of Common Stock if preferred stock is issued with rights senior to those afforded our Common Stock;- could cause a change of control if a substantial number of shares of our 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; and - may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Common Stock.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A Common Stock in the public market, including the resale of the shares of Common Stock held by FF stockholders pursuant to Rule 144, could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares of Common Stock intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of the Class A Common Stock.
In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the Class A Common Stock was also subject to potential dilution from: (i) conversion of notes and exercise of warrants for which 3,136,051 shares have been registered; (ii) conversion of notes which have satisfied the holding period subject to Rule 144 eligibility; (iii) the exercise of up to 98,551 warrants; (iv) the exercise of up to 134,986 stock options; (v) the vesting of 115,327 unvested RSUs; (vi) the issuance of up to 104,167 earnout shares pursuant to the triggering events in the merger agreement; (vii) the issuance of up to 96,334 remaining registered shares of Class A Common Stock that FF may elect, in its sole discretion, to issue and sell to YA II PN Ltd. ("Yorkville") pursuant to the SEPA (as defined in Note 2, Liquidity and Capital Resources and Going Concern, to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) (FF currently does not have enough authorized and uncommitted shares to access the SEPA); and (viii) issuance of shares in connection with the ATM Program. Additionally, the Class A Common Stock is subject to potential dilution upon the full conversion and exercise of the SPA Notes, Unsecured SPA Notes and SPA Warrants. The Class A Common Stock is also subject to potential dilution due to issuance of Common Stock in connection with future equity and/or convertible debt financings. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market, including the resale of the shares of Common Stock held by FF stockholders, could adversely affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock, the impact of which is increased as the value of our stock price increases.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
Changed
Charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also reduce the market price of the Common Stock.
FF's Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of FF. These provisions could also make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include:
- authorizing the Board to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could discourage a takeover attempt or delay changes in control;- prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;- limiting the adoption, amendment or repeal of FF'S Amended and Restated Bylaws or the repeal of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation regarding the election and removal of directors without the required approval of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors;- prohibiting stockholder action by written consent; and - limiting the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders.
These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporate Law ("DGCL") govern FF. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with FF for a certain period of time without the consent of its Board. These and other provisions in our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incoproration and Amended and Restated Bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of Class A Common Stock and result in the market price of Class A Common Stock being lower than it would be without these provisions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
Changed
Disputes with FF's stockholders are costly and distracting.
We have in the past been, and may in the future be, party to various disputes with our stockholders. For example, beginning in June 2022 FF and FF Global were party to a dispute over various terms of the Shareholder Agreement (as then in effect), including relating to FF Global's right to remove its designees from the Board. As part of this dispute, on June 22, 2022, Matthias Aydt, FF's current Global CEO and director and then a member of the board of managers of FF Global, after a discussion with a member of FF Global, relayed to Mr. Brian Krolicki, a former member of the Board, that FF Global would pay Mr. Krolicki up to $700,000, offset by the amount of any severance payments made by FF, if Mr. Krolicki resigned from the Board. This offer was rejected by Mr. Krolicki.
While FF entered into governance settlements with FF Top on September 23, 2022 and on January 13, 2023, which included general mutual releases of claims, there can be no assurance that disputes with FF Global or FF's other stockholders will not arise in the future. For instance, shortly following the execution of the Heads of Agreement, FF Global began making additional demands of FF which were beyond the scope of the terms contemplated by the Heads of Agreement and pertained to, among other things, FF's management reporting lines and certain governance matters. On September 30, 2022, FF Global alleged that FF was in material breach of the spirit of the Heads of Agreement. FF believes it has complied with the applicable terms of the Heads of Agreement, and disputes any characterization to the contrary. Such dispute could result in litigation, may consume substantial amounts of Board and management time, make it difficult for the Board to operate in a constructive and collegial manner and are likely to be costly to FF. In addition, the diversion of management and Board attention caused by such disputes may risk the successful completion of FF's ongoing financing efforts. If we are unable to raise sufficient additional funds in the near term, we may be required to further delay our production and delivery plans for the FF 91 Futurist, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, and/or cease operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15
Changed
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about FF's business or publish negative reports about its business, its share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A Common Stock will depend on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover FF downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of FF or fail to regularly publish reports on FF, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
Accounting & Financial Operations12 | 12.2%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
FF has a limited operating history and faces significant barriers to growth in the electric vehicle industry.
FF expects to need substantial additional financing to start the third phase of its three phase delivery plan. There cannot be any assurance that FF will be able to develop the manufacturing capabilities and processes, or secure reliable sources of component supply to meet the quality, engineering, design or production standards, or the required production volumes to successfully grow into a viable business.
Although FF has started production and delivery on its first electric vehicle, it faces significant barriers to growth in the electric vehicle industry, including continuity in development and production of safe and quality vehicles, brand recognition, customer base, marketing channels, pricing policies, talent management, value-added service packages and sustained technological advancement. If FF fails to address any or all of these risks and barriers to entry and growth, its business and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.
Given FF's limited operating history, the likelihood of its success must be evaluated especially considering the risks, expenses, complications, delays and the competitive environment in which it operates. There is, therefore, no assurance that FF's business plan will prove successful. FF will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by early commercial stage companies, including scaling its infrastructure and headcount, and may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties or delays in connection with its growth. In addition, due to the capital-intensive nature of FF's business, it can be expected to continue to incur substantial operating expenses without generating sufficient revenues to cover those expenditures. There is no assurance FF will ever be able to generate revenue consistently, raise additional capital when required or operate profitably. Any investment in FF is therefore highly speculative.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
FF expects its operating expenses to increase significantly in the future, which may impede its ability to achieve profitability.
FF expects to further incur significant operating costs including R&D expenses, capital expenditures relating to its manufacturing capacities, additional operating costs and expenses for production ramp-up, raw material procurement costs, general and administrative expenses as it seeks to scale its operations, and sales, marketing, and distribution expenses as it builds its brand and markets its vehicles. Additionally, it may incur significant costs as it delivers the FF 91 series, including vehicle service and warranty expenses.
FF's ability to become profitable will not only depend on its ability to successfully market its vehicles and other products and services, but also to control costs. Ultimately, FF may not be able to adequately control costs associated with its operations for reasons outside its control, including the cost of raw materials such as aluminum, steel and lithium-ion cells. Substantial increases in such costs could increase FF's cost of revenue and its operating expenses and reduce its margins. Additionally, currency fluctuations, inflationary pressures, tariffs or shortages in petroleum and other economic or political conditions could result in significant increases in logistics and freight charges and raw material costs. If FF is unable to design, develop, manufacture, market, sell and service its vehicles, including providing service in a cost-efficient manner, its margins, profitability, and prospects would be materially and adversely affected.
The rate at which FF may incur costs and losses may increase significantly as it:
- continues to develop the FF 91, and potentially refocuses on the FF 81, and FF 71 series and SLMD electric vehicle models;- continues to develop and equip its manufacturing facility in Hanford, California to produce the FF 91 series, and prepares for manufacturing capabilities in South Korea and other potential manufacturing options, and in China for additional production capacity for the FF 91 series and other electric vehicle models;- builds up inventories of parts and components for the FF 91 series;- develops and expands its design, development, maintenance, servicing and repair capabilities;- potentially looks to open offline FF stores; and - increases its sales and marketing activities.
These efforts may be more expensive than FF currently anticipates, and these efforts may not result in increases in revenues, which could further increase its losses. As FF is seeking funding to realize its business operations plan based on its estimated capital requirements, any cost overruns that deviate from FF's estimates may materially and adversely affect its business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
FF's operating results forecast relies in large part upon assumptions and analyses developed by its management. If these assumptions and analyses prove to be incorrect, its actual operating results could suffer.
FF operates in a capital-intensive industry which requires significant cash to fund its operations, and FF will require substantial additional capital to support the continued production and delivery of the FF 91 series, put FF on a path toward cash flow break-even, and satisfy its additional capital needs, including resuming development of its other electric vehicle models. See "- FF does not have sufficient liquidity to pay its outstanding obligations and to operate its business and it will likely file for bankruptcy protection if it is unable to access additional capital" for a discussion of FF's capital needs and the current status of its financing efforts.
FF's operating results forecast largely relies on management's assumptions and analyses, which could be incorrect. Additionally, there cannot be any assurance that FF's current fundraising efforts will be successful. Whether actual operating and financial results and business developments will be consistent with FF's expectations and assumptions as reflected in the forecast depends on a number of factors, many of which are outside FF's control, including, but not limited to:
- whether it can obtain sufficient and timely capital to sustain and grow its business, including the development of future vehicle models; - its ability to manage growth; - whether it can manage relationships with key suppliers; - whether it can sign up and manage relationships with business partners for them to invest in and operate sales and service centers; - the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; - demand for its products and services in its target markets; - the timing and cost of new and existing marketing and promotional efforts; - competition, including established and future competitors; - its ability to retain existing key management, to integrate recent hires and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel;- the overall strength and stability of domestic and international economies; - regulatory, legislative and political changes; and - consumer spending habits.
Specifically, FF's operating results forecast is based on projected purchase prices, unit costs for materials, manufacturing, labor, packaging and logistics, warranty, sales, marketing and service, tariffs, and its projected number of orders for the vehicles with factors such as industry benchmarks taken into consideration. Any of these factors could turn out to be different than those anticipated. Unfavorable changes in any of these or other factors, most of which are beyond FF's control, could materially and adversely affect its business, prospects, financial results and results of operations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
Changed
If FF has not fully developed and implemented all required accounting practices and policies and has been unable to provide the financial information required of a U.S. publicly traded company in a timely and reliable manner.
We have failed to to develop and maintain effective internal controls and procedures and disclosure procedures and controls, we have been unable to provide financial information and required SEC reports that a U.S. publicly traded company is required to provide in a timely and reliable fashion. Any such delays or deficiencies could penalize us, including by limiting our ability to obtain financing, either in the public capital markets or from private sources and hurt our reputation and could thereby impede our ability to implement our growth strategy. The delay in filing this Form 10-K has resulted in our failure to meet the requirements for listing of our shares of Common Stock on Nasdaq.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
Changed
FF's failure to timely and effectively implement controls and procedures required by Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") could have a material adverse effect on its business.
The standards required for a public company under Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are significantly more stringent than those required of Legacy FF as a privately-held company. Management may not be able to effectively and timely implement controls and procedures that adequately respond to the increased regulatory compliance and reporting requirements that are now applicable after the consummation of the Business Combination. As described in "Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Restatement – FF has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If FF is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if it identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, could result in material misstatements in FF's consolidated financial statements and FF's inability to accurately or timely report its financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect FF's business and share price." management has identified material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting. If FF does not remediate such material weaknesses, or if other material weaknesses are identified, or if FF is not able to implement the additional requirements of Section 404(a) in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, it may not be able to assess whether its internal controls over financial reporting are effective, which may subject it to adverse regulatory consequences and could harm investor confidence and the market price of its securities.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
Changed
FF has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. FF's inability to remediate these material weaknesses, or identification of additional material weaknesses in the future or other failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, has resulted, and could further result, in material misstatements in FF's consolidated financial statements and FF's ability to accurately or timely report its financial condition or results of operations, which may adversely affect FF's business and share price.
FF's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of these material weaknesses, FF's management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2023. FF has engaged in remediation efforts designed to address these material weaknesses. As FF continues to evaluate and work to improve its internal control over financial reporting, FF may determine that additional measures or modifications to the remediation plan are necessary. FF is working to remediate the material weaknesses, but full remediation could go beyond December 31, 2024. At this time, we cannot predict the total costs expected to be incurred; however, the remediation measures have been and will continue to be time consuming, costly, and a significant demand on our financial and operational resources.
While FF believes these efforts will remediate the material weaknesses, it will not be considered remediated until FF completes the design and implementation of the enhanced controls, the controls operate for a sufficient period of time, and FF has concluded, through testing, that these controls are effective. FF may not be able to complete its evaluation, testing or any required remediation in a timely fashion, or at all. FF cannot assure you that the measures it has taken to date and may take in the future, will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. The effectiveness of FF's internal control over financial reporting is subject to various inherent limitations, including cost, judgments and assumptions, human error and the risk of fraud. The material weaknesses, or a failure to promptly remediate them, may adversely affect our business, our reputation, our results of operations and the market price of our Class A Common Stock. If FF is unable to remediate the material weaknesses in a timely manner, our investors, customers and other business partners may lose confidence in our business or our financial reports, and our access to capital markets may be adversely affected.
In addition, our ability to record, process, and report financial information accurately, and to prepare financial statements within the time periods specified by the rules and regulations of the SEC and other regulatory authorities, could be adversely affected, which may result in violations of applicable securities laws, stock exchange listing requirements and the covenants under our debt and equity agreements. Any such delays or deficiencies could penalize us, including by limiting our ability to obtain financing, either in the public capital markets or from private sources and hurt our reputation and could thereby impede our ability to implement our growth strategy. We could also be exposed to lawsuits, investigations, or other legal actions.
The control deficiencies resulting in the material weaknesses, in the aggregate, has resulted, and may in the future result, in misstatements of accounts or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements. For example, in July 2023, FF identified errors in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, determined these financial statements should no longer be relied upon, and subsequently restated them.
In addition, we cannot be certain that we will not identify additional control deficiencies or material weaknesses in the future. If we identify future control deficiencies or material weaknesses, these may lead to adverse effects on our business, our reputation, our results of operations, and the market price of our Class A Common Stock. Further, if our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weaknesses, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate additional financial results.
Further, FF has recently experienced substantial turnover in key management personnel, including legal, compliance, human resources and finance personnel, as well as substantial changes to the composition of the Board, and further changes may occur in the future. As a result of these Board and management changes, there can be no guarantee that FF's board of directors (the "Board") as composed in the future will agree with decisions made by the Board regarding the material weakness and the necessary remedial measures, that they will not identify other areas that require remediation or that they will continue to pursue the remediation measures. Any turnover of personnel, particularly accounting, finance and legal personnel, may also negatively impact FF's internal controls over financial reporting and other disclosures and our ability to prepare and make timely and accurate public disclosures.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 7
Changed
FF will depend on revenue generated from a single series of vehicles for the foreseeable future.
FF's success will initially depend substantially on the future sales and success of the FF 91 series. FF expects the FF 91 series to be its only manufactured vehicle in the market in the near future; it remains uncertain when FF will raise sufficient funding to complete design, development, tooling, production, and deliveries of its second model, the FF 81 series. Historically, automobile customers have come to expect a variety of vehicle models offered in a manufacturer's fleet and new and improved vehicle models to be introduced frequently. It remains uncertain if FF's business will generate sufficient funds or FF will be able to obtain sufficient funds through other means to introduce new vehicle models on a regular basis. Given that FF's business will depend on a single or limited number of models in the foreseeable future, to the extent a particular model is not well-received by the market, FF's business prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 8
Changed
FF does not currently intend to pay dividends on the Class A Common Stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of the Class A Common Stock.
FF has no direct operations and no significant assets other than the ownership of the stock of its subsidiaries. As a result, FF will depend on its subsidiaries for distributions, loans and other payments to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations, including our expenses as a publicly traded company, and to pay any dividends with respect to our Class A Common Stock. Applicable state law and contractual restrictions, including in agreements governing the current or future indebtedness of FF, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of FF and limitations on the ability of the PRC Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends or make payment to us, may limit our ability to obtain cash from FF subsidiaries. Thus, we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock. Any future dividend payments are within the absolute discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, working capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, financial condition, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, business opportunities, anticipated cash needs, provisions of applicable law and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 9
Changed
FF has incurred substantial losses in the operation of its business and anticipates that it will continue to do so. It may never achieve or sustain profitability.
The design, engineering, manufacturing, sales and service of intelligent, connected electric vehicles is a capital-intensive business. FF has incurred losses from operations and has had negative cash flows from operating activities since inception. FF incurred a net loss of $431.7 million and $602.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities was $278.2 million and $383.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
FF may incur unforeseen expenses, or encounter difficulties, complications, and delays in delivering the FF 91 series, and therefore may never generate sufficient revenues to sustain itself. Even though FF has begun initial deliveries of the FF 91 series, it may continue to incur substantial losses for a variety of reasons, including the lack of demand for the FF 91 series and the relevant services, vehicle service and warranty costs, increasing competition, challenging macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes and other risks discussed herein, and so it may never achieve or sustain profitability.
Given the risks associated with FF's ability to obtain additional funding to execute on its plans to develop and deliver vehicles and begin to generate significant revenue, the amount of additional funding needed could differ from earlier estimates and the timing to reach profitability and positive cash flows could be further delayed. Based on delays in obtaining sufficient funding relative to its plans, as well as the likelihood that FF's plan will be implemented successfully, timely, or at all, once such funding is in place, FF cannot estimate a breakeven point at this time.
FF has delayed the development of other planned vehicles in the portfolio (FF 81 series, FF 71 series, and SLMD and substantially reduced incremental spending on the development of future vehicles with the goal of reducing new capital requirements in 2024.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 10
Added
FF faces risks related to the restatement of its previously issued consolidated financial statements.
We reached a determination to restate certain financial information and related footnote disclosures in our previously issued consolidated financial statements for the 2022 Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2022 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022. As a result, we face a number of additional risks and uncertainties, which may affect investor confidence in the accuracy of our financial disclosures and may raise reputational issues for our business. We expect to continue to face many of the risks and challenges related to the restatement, including the following:
- we may face potential for litigation or other disputes, which may include, among others. Claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from the restatement, and - the processes undertaken to effect the restatement may not have been adequate to identify and correct all errors in our historical financial statements and, as a result, we may discover additional errors and our financial statements remain subject to the risk of future restatement.
We cannot assure that all of the risks and challenges described above will be eliminated or that general reputational harm will not persist. If one or more of the foregoing risks or challenges persist, our business, operations and financial condition are likely to be materially and adversely affected.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 11
FF may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, or FF may be subject to restructuring, impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on FF's business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and the trading price of FF's securities, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.
Factors outside of FF's control may, at any time, arise. As a result of these factors, FF may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure its operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in FF reporting losses. Even though these charges may be non-cash items and therefore not have an immediate impact on FF's liquidity, the fact that FF reports charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about FF or its securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause FF to be unable to obtain future financing on favorable terms or at all.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 12
FF's ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may be limited in connection with the Business Combination or other ownership changes.
Legacy FF has net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal and state, as well as non-U.S., income tax purposes that are potentially available to offset future taxable income, subject to certain limitations (including the limitations described below). If not utilized, U.S. federal net operating loss carryforward amounts generated prior to January 1, 2018 will begin to expire 20 years after the tax year in which such losses originated. Non-U.S. and state net operating loss carryforward amounts may also be subject to expiration. Realization of these net operating loss carryforwards depends on the future taxable income of FF, and there is a risk that the existing carryforwards of FF could expire unused and be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities, which could materially and adversely affect FF's operating results.
Under Section 382 of the Code, if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change" (generally defined as a greater than 50% change (by value) in the ownership of its equity by certain stockholders over a three-year period), the corporation's ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and certain other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income may be limited. The applicable rules generally operate by focusing on changes in ownership among stockholders considered by the rules as owning, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the stock of a company, as well as changes in ownership arising from new issuances of stock by FF. Legacy FF may have experienced ownership changes in the past and FF may have experienced an ownership change as a result of the Business Combination. FF may also experience ownership changes in the future as a result of changes in the ownership of its stock, which may be outside our control. Accordingly, FF's ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards could be limited by such ownership changes, which could result in increased tax liability to FF, potentially decreasing the value of its stock.
There are additional limitations found under Sections 269, 383, and 384 of the Code that may also limit the use of net operating loss carryforwards that may apply and result in increased tax liability to FF, potentially decreasing the value of the Common Stock. In addition, a Separate Return Limitation Year ("SRLY"), generally encompasses all separate return years of a U.S. federal consolidated group member (or predecessor in a Section 381 or other transaction), including tax years in which it joins a consolidated return of another group. According to Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-21, net operating losses of a member that arise in a SRLY may be applied against consolidated taxable income only to the extent of the loss member's cumulative contribution to the consolidated taxable income. As a result, this SRLY limitation may also increase FF's tax liability (by reducing the carryforward of certain net operating losses that otherwise might be used to offset the amount of taxable gain), potentially decreasing the value of the Common Stock.
Debt & Financing8 | 8.2%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Added
FF is not able to continue to utilize its "at-the-market" equity program.
FF's operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since its inception. Historically, FF has primarily financed its operations through the sale of its Common Stock, warrants and convertible notes. For example, on June 16, 2023, FF filed the Registration Statement which was declared effective by the SEC on June 28, 202. On September 26, 2023, FF also entered into a sales agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, B. Riley Securities, Inc., A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, Wedbush Securities Inc. and Maxim Group LLC, as sales agents, to sell shares of Class A Common Stock, from time to time, with aggregate gross sales proceeds of up to $90.0 million pursuant to the Registration Statement as an ATM Program. The ATM Program was the primary source of liquidity for FF from September to December 2023.
Under applicable SEC rules and regulations, because FF failed to timely file this Form 10-K, it is not eligible to access the ATM Program.
Although alternative public and private transaction structures may be available, these may require additional time and cost, may impose operational restrictions on FF, and may not be available on attractive terms. FF's inability to continue to raise capital when needed will harm its business, financial condition and results of operations, and will likely cause FF's stock value to decline and FF will likely have to file for bankruptcy protection and its assets will likely be liquidated. FF's equity holders would likely not receive any recovery at all in a bankruptcy scenario.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Added
FF does not have sufficient liquidity to pay its outstanding obligations and to operate its business and it will likely file for bankruptcy protection if we are unable to access additional capital.
Since inception, we have incurred cumulative losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities and has an accumulated deficit of $3,958.5 million, $3,526.8 million and $2,907.6 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We expect to continue to generate significant operating losses for the foreseeable future. Based on our recurring losses from operations since inception and continued cash outflows from operating activities, in our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we concluded that this circumstance raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the original issuance date of such financial statements. Similarly, in their audit reports on the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our current and former independent registered public accounting firms included an explanatory paragraph stating that our recurring losses from operations and continued cash outflows from operating activities raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty. As of the date our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 were issued, our management determined that FF would be required to obtain additional funding to continue as a going concern, resulting in there being substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
FF only recognized $0.8 million in revenue during the second half of the year ended December 31, 2023. FF relies on capital from investors to support its operations.To date, we have primarily financed our operations through the sale of our Class A Common Stock, warrants and convertible notes. For example, on June 16, 2023, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 covering the offering of up to $300.0 million of Class A Common Stock and warrants, which was declared effective by the SEC on June 28, 2023 (the "Registration Statement"). On September 26, 2023, we also entered into a sales agreement with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, B. Riley Securities, Inc., A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, Wedbush Securities Inc. and Maxim Group LLC, as sales agents, to sell shares of Common Stock, from time to time, with aggregate gross sales proceeds of up to $90.0 million pursuant to the Registration Statement as an "at-the-market" (the "ATM Program") offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The ATM Program was the primary source of liquidity for FF from September to December 2023. As of December 31, 2023, our principal source of liquidity was cash totaling $1.9 million, which was held for working capital and general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2023, our cash position was $4.0 million, including restricted cash of $2.1 million. For a discussion of our capital needs and the current status of our financing efforts, see "– FF does not have sufficient liquidity to pay its outstanding obligations and to operate its business and it will likely file for bankruptcy protection if it is unable to access additional capital."
We do not have sufficient cash on hand to meet our current obligations and are unable to generate cash through our ATM Program or via our Registration Statement because we are not currently S-3 eligible. For further detail, see "-FF is not able to continue to utilize its "at the market program." We also have extremely limited remaining authorized share availability to generate cash through equity or equity-linked issuances. If we are unable to find additional sources of capital, we will lack sufficient resources to fund our outstanding obligations and continue operations and we will likely have to file for bankruptcy protection and our assets will likely be liquidated. Our equity holders would likely not receive any recovery at all in a bankruptcy scenario.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Added
MHL and V W Investment are purchasers of the Unsecured SPA Notes (as defined in Notes 7, Notes Payable to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and are affiliates of FF Global and a longtime FF stockholder, respectively, and such purchasers have limited assets.
On May 8, 2023, FF entered into the Unsecured SPA with Metaverse Horizon Limited ("MHL") and V W Investment Holding Limited ("V W Investment") to issue and sell, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of FF's senior unsecured convertible promissory notes. MHL and V W Investment committed to fund in eight subsequent closings fifteen days apart, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. MHL who is the anchor investor in the Unsecured SPA Notes and has committed $80.0 million of the funding, is an independent investment fund with investors including FF Global, and V W Investment is an affiliate of Mr. Lijun Jin, a long-term shareholder of FF. As such MHL is a related party of FF as MHL's investors include ax subsidiary FF Global. FF Global has control over FF's management, business and operations, and may use this control in ways that are not aligned with FF's business or financial objectives or strategies or that are otherwise inconsistent with FF's interests.
Further, in connection with the Unsecured SPA, FF entered into equity commitment letters with each of FF Global Partners Investment LLC (formerly known as FF Top Holdings LLC) and Mr. Jin to support the obligations of MHL and V W Investment under the Unsecured SPA subject to the limitations set forth therein. If MHL or V W Investment are unable to fund their commitments and FF Global and/or Mr. Jin breach their obligations under their equity commitment letters with FF, it may not be able to recover the damages caused by such breach(es) from FF Global due to the nature of their assets, including the fact that many of Mr. Jin's assets are not located in the United States and FF Global's only assets are shares of FF's Class B Common Stock, a note payable from FF, and a capital commitment from an investor with terms not disclosed to FF or third party beneficiary rights in favor of FF. If MHL and/or V W Investment do not fund their commitments and FF is unable to recover damages under the equity commitment letters, FF may need to seek additional investors or other financing sources.
There can be no assurance that FF would be able to attract additional investors or other financing source. If we are unable to attract additional investors or other financing sources in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be required to further delay our production and delivery plans for the FF 91 Futurist, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, and/or cease operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Added
Non-binding pre-orders and other non-binding indications of interest may not be converted into binding orders or sales.
While the Company has announced that its first users of the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance have joined or are currently considering participating in the FF owner-developer co-creation project, as of December 31, 2023, FF had only sold four and leased six vehicles. These user developers also entered into consulting, branding, and other arrangements with FF in exchange for fees ranging from approximately $150,000 to $475,000.
Further, although FF has engaged in marketing activities in anticipation of starting customer deliveries of the FF 91 series and FF had received 303 non-binding, fully refundable pre-orders in the U.S. and China as of December 31, 2023 and other non-binding indications of interest, FF does not have binding purchase orders or commitments from customers to purchase any of FF's vehicles in development. As such, there can be no assurance that the pre-orders and other indications of interest would be converted into binding orders or sales.
Until the time that FF's products are commercially available for purchase and FF is able to scale up its marketing function to support sales, there will be substantial uncertainty as to customer demand for FF vehicles. The potentially long wait from the time a non-binding pre-order is made or other indication of interest is provided until the time FF vehicles are delivered, and any delays beyond expected wait times, could also impact customer decisions on whether to ultimately make a purchase. Even if FF is able to obtain binding orders, customers may limit their volume of purchases initially as they assess FF's vehicles and whether to make a broader transition to electric vehicles. Commercializing the FF 91 Futurist and other vehicles in FF's development pipeline will be a long process and depends on FF's ability to fund and scale up its productions, including through securing additional funding for its operations, the consummation of various third-party agreements and expanding FF's marketing functions, as well as the safety, reliability, efficiency and quality of FF's vehicles, and the support and service that will be available. It will also depend on factors outside of FF's control, such as competition, general market conditions and broader trends in vehicle electrification and fleet management, that could impact customer buying decisions. As a result, there is significant uncertainty regarding demand for FF's products and the pace and levels of growth that FF may be able to achieve.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Added
If FF has insufficient reserves to cover future warranty claims, its business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
As our vehicles are produced and delivered, we will need to maintain warranty reserves to cover warranty-related claims. If our warranty reserves are inadequate to cover future warranty claims on our vehicles, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, estimating the necessary amount of warranty reserves is inherently uncertain, particularly in light of our limited operating history and limited field data available to us, and changes to such estimates based on real-world observations may cause material changes to our warranty reserves. In the future, we may become subject to significant and unexpected warranty expenses. There can be no assurances that then-existing warranty reserves will be sufficient to cover all claims. In addition, if future laws or regulations impose additional warranty obligations on us that go beyond our manufacturer's warranty, we may be exposed to materially higher warranty expenses than we expect, and our reserves may be insufficient to cover such expenses.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Changed
A significant portion of FF's financing in the near future is expected to come from investors in China, and such investment is subject to delay due to due diligence review, including know your customer, anti-money laundering and other review.
We conduct due diligence, including know your customer, anti-money laundering and other review, on all potential financing sources. This process has been time consuming, particularly in connection with review of investors in China, and may result in our not being able to consummate any financing from these or other financing sources on a timely basis or at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient additional funds in the near term, we may be required to further delay our production and delivery plans for the FF 91 Futurist, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, and/or cease operations. For more information, see "Risk Factors – Risks Related to FF's Business and Industry – FF does not have sufficient liquidity to pay its outstanding obligations and to operate its business and it will likely file for bankruptcy protection if it is unable to access additional capital.."
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
Changed
FF is a holding company and, in the future, may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by the PRC Subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements that FF may have, and the restrictions on the PRC Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends or make other payments to FF could restrict FF's ability to satisfy its liquidity requirements and have a material adverse effect on FF's ability to conduct its business.
FF is a holding company and conducts all of its business through its operating subsidiaries. FF may need to rely on dividends and other distributions paid by its operating subsidiaries, including the PRC Subsidiaries, to fund any cash and financing requirements FF may have. Any limitation on the ability of the PRC Subsidiaries to make payments to FF, including but not limited to foreign currencies control, could have a material and adverse effect on FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation, including FF's ability to conduct business, or limit FF's ability to grow. Current PRC regulations permit the PRC Subsidiaries to pay dividends to FF only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the PRC Subsidiaries are required to set aside at least 10% of their accumulated profits each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until the total amount set aside reaches 50% of their registered capital. The PRC Subsidiaries may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to employee welfare and bonus funds at their discretion. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Furthermore, if the PRC Subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to FF. Any limitation on the ability of the PRC Subsidiaries to distribute dividends or to make payments to FF may restrict its ability to satisfy its liquidity requirements.
In addition, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law (the "EIT Law"), and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of up to 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by Chinese companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC-resident enterprises are incorporated.
The PRC government may continue to strengthen its capital controls, and more restrictions and substantial vetting process may be put forward by SAFE for cross-border transactions falling under both the current account and the capital account. Any limitation on the ability of the PRC Subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other kinds of payments to FF could materially and adversely limit FF's ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to FF's business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct FF's business.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
FF has historically incurred substantial indebtedness and may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, and it may not be able to refinance borrowings on terms that are acceptable to FF, or at all.
Although FF settled the majority of its debt in either equity or cash upon consummation of the Business Combination and paid off certain other indebtedness with the proceeds of the Business Combination, FF may incur additional indebtedness from time to time to support its operations. If FF incurs additional debt, the risks it faces as a result of indebtedness and leverage could intensify. The incurrence of any additional debt could:
- limit FF's ability to satisfy obligations under certain debt instruments, to the extent there are any;- cause FF to seek bankruptcy protection or enter into other insolvency proceedings in the event FF is not able to renew or refinance any existing indebtedness as it becomes due;- increase FF's vulnerability to adverse general economic and industry conditions;- require FF to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to servicing and repaying indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund its working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;- increase its exposure to interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations;- limit its ability to borrow additional funds and impose additional financial and other restrictions on FF, including limitations on declaring dividends; and - increase the cost of additional financing.
Commercial banks, financial institutions and individual lenders may have concerns in providing additional financing for FF's operations. The governments of the United States, China and Europe may also pass measures or take other actions that may tighten credit available in relevant markets. Any future monetary tightening measures as well as other monetary, fiscal and industrial policy changes and/or political actions by those governments could materially and adversely affect FF's cost and availability of financing, liquidity, access to capital, and ability to operate our business.
Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 3.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Changed
FF has incurred and will continue to incur increased expenses and administrative burdens as a public company, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Following the consummation of the Business Combination, FF has incurred and will continue to incur increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses as a public company that Legacy FF did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act , including the requirements of Section 404, to the extent applicable to FF, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated thereunder, the PCAOB and the securities exchanges, impose additional reporting and other obligations on public companies. Compliance with public company requirements will increase costs and make certain activities more time consuming. Under a number of those requirements, we have to carry out activities Legacy FF has not done previously. For example, FF has created committees of the Board and adopted internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, expenses associated with SEC reporting requirements are incurred on a continuous basis. Furthermore, if any issues in complying with those requirements are identified (for example, if FF identifies additional material weaknesses or significant deficiency in internal control over financial reporting), we would incur additional costs rectifying those issues, and the existence of those issues could adversely affect our reputation or investor perceptions of it. It may also be more expensive to obtain director and officer liability insurance. Risks associated with our status as a public company may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board or as executive officers. The additional reporting and other obligations imposed by these rules and regulations will increase legal and financial compliance costs and the costs of related legal, accounting and administrative activities. These increased costs will require us to divert a significant amount of money that could otherwise be used to expand the business and achieve strategic objectives. Advocacy efforts by stockholders and third parties may also prompt additional changes in governance and reporting requirements, which could further increase costs.
Furthermore, the need to establish the corporate infrastructure demanded of a public company may divert management's attention from implementing our growth strategy, which could prevent us from improving our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a publicly traded company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a publicly traded company.
For as long as we remain an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"), we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies." See "– The JOBS Act permits "emerging growth companies" like FF to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. The reduced reporting requirements applicable to us may make FF's shares of Common Stock less attractive to investors" for more information. There is no guarantee that the exemptions available to us under the JOBS Act will result in significant savings. To the extent we choose not to use exemptions from various reporting requirements under the JOBS Act, we will incur additional compliance costs, which may impact earnings.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Changed
Yueting Jia and FF Global, over which Mr. Jia exercises significant influence, have control over FF's management, business and operations, and may use this control in ways that are not aligned with FF's's business or financial objectives or strategies or that are otherwise inconsistent with the FF's interests.
Mr. Yueting Jia founded FF in 2014, and was its Chief Executive Officer from 2017 until 2019. He chose and led the team creating the FF 91 series, and is our current Chief Product & User Ecosystem Officer, Mr. Jia continues to be an integral part of the innovation and development of our products. In addition, under the Heads of Agreement, FF agreed to reinstitute the FF Transformation Committee, a management committee without decision-making authority (of which Mr. Jia is a member and Mr. Jerry Wang is initially an observer as a representative of FF Global) that discusses business matters being undertaken by FF. Effective as of October 4, 2022, Mr. Jia was also appointed as Founder Advisor, in which capacity he acts as an advisor to the Board (with no change to his current compensation). On February 26, 2023, after an assessment by the Board of FF's management structure, the Board approved Mr. Jia (alongside FF's then Global CEO, Mr. Xuefeng Chen) reporting directly to the Board, as well as FF's product, mobility ecosystem, I.A.I., and advanced R&D technology departments reporting directly to Mr. Jia. The Board also approved FF's user ecosystem, capital markets, human resources and administration, corporate strategy and China departments reporting to both Mr. Jia and Mr. Xuefeng Chen, subject to processes and controls to be determined by the Board after consultation with FF's management. FF's remaining departments continue to report to Mr. Xuefeng Chen. Based on the changes to his responsibilities within FF, the Board determined that Mr. Jia is a Section 16 officer and an "executive officer" of FF under Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act. As a result, Mr. Jia's responsibilities at FF have been expanded and his ability to further influence FF, its management, business and operations has been increased.
FF Global is controlled by a board of five voting managers that includes Mr. Jia and certain business associates and a family member, which at times have included directors and senior executives of FF. Despite the participation of some members of our executive management in the management of FF Global, FF Global is not under the control of our Board.
FF Global, in turn, has control over FF's management, business and operations by several means, including:
- FF Global has substantial influence over the composition of our Board (in addition to FF Global's director nomination rights under the Shareholder Agreement described below). Additionally, pursuant to the Amended Shareholder Agreement, FF Top informed the Company that it may request the Company to submit a proposal to the Company stockholders for approval to amend the Amended and Restated Charter to provide that (i) the voting power of the Class B Common Stock, of which FF Global owns all outstanding shares, will be 10 votes per share and (ii) the voting power of the Class B Common Stock will increase from 10 votes per share to 20 votes per share following the Company achieving an equity market capitalization of $3.0?billion.
- Control of the Partnership Program described in this 10-K under "Business – Partnership Program." Acting through FF Global, in July 2019 certain current and former directors and executives of the Company established an arrangement which they refer to as the "Partnership Program." The Partnership Program provides financial benefits to certain Company directors, management and employees. The Partnership Program is administered by FF Global and is not under the Company's supervision, and as a consequence the Company cannot be sure that it has all information about the Partnership Program that would be necessary to evaluate or mitigate its impact on FF's ability to set and ensure the execution of FF's business objectives and strategies.
- the exercise of rights to appoint and remove directors. As previously disclosed, beginning in June 2022, FF was party to a dispute with FF Global over various terms of the Shareholder Agreement (as then in effect), including relating to FF Global's right to remove its designees from the Board. On September 23, 2022, FF entered into the Heads of Agreement, which provided for a governance settlement with FF Top that gave FF Global significant influence over the nomination and election of directors to the Board. On January 13, 2023, FF entered into the Amended Shareholder Agreement, which in part amended the Heads of Agreement.
Under the Heads of Agreement, as amended by the Amended Shareholder Agreement, FF Global (through its subsidiary FF Top) had the right to select four directors (at least two of whom must be independent directors) out of a total of seven directors to be included on the Board's slate for the Company's 2023 annual meeting of stockholders. The four directors selected by FF Global are Mr. Chad Chen, Ms. Li Han, Mr. Chui Tin Mok and Mr. Jie Sheng.
Pursuant to the Amended Shareholder Agreement, FF Top currently has the right to nominate for election to the Board four designees until the first date on which FF Top has ceased to beneficially own at least 88,890 shares of Common Stock for at least 365 consecutive days, with such amount subject to adjustment in connection with any stock split, reverse stock split or other similar corporate action after the date of the Amended Shareholder Agreement. Following the termination of FF Top's right to nominate four designees, FF Top will continue to have the right to nominate a number of designees not less than the number equal to the total number of directors on the Board, multiplied by the aggregate voting power of the shares of Common Stock and other securities of FF generally entitled to vote in the election of directors of FF beneficially owned by FF Top and its affiliates, divided by the total voting power of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock issued as of the record date for any meeting of stockholders of FF at which directors are to be elected, rounding up to the next whole director. The Amended Shareholder Agreement also requires FF to take all Necessary Action (as defined in the Amended Shareholder Agreement) to cause to be appointed to any committee of the Board a number of FF Top designees that corresponds to the proportion that the number of directors FF Top has the right to designate to the Board bears to the total number of directors on the Board, to the extent such designees of FF Top are permitted to serve on such committees under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and applicable listing rules. The designees of FF Top are required to include two independent directors for so long as FF Top is entitled to nominate four designees, and FF is at all times required to cause the Board to include a sufficient number of independent directors who are not designees of FF Top to comply with applicable listing standards, unless and until FF becomes a "controlled company" under relevant listing exchange rules. FF Top has the /right to fill any vacancies created on the Board at any time by the death, disability, retirement, removal, failure of being elected or resignation of any designee of FF Top. Further, FF Top has the right at any time, and from time to time, to remove any designee of FF Top, and FF Top has the exclusive right to nominate a replacement nominee to fill any vacancy so created by such removal or resignation of such designee of FF Top. FF will use its reasonable best efforts to take or cause to be taken, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all necessary action to fill such vacancies or effect such removals in accordance with the Amended Shareholder Agreement. The appointment or nomination for election of designees of FF Top (other than FF Top's designees for the Company's 2023 annual meeting of stockholders, the appointment of whom was governed by the Heads of Agreement, as amended by the Amended Shareholder Agreement) will be subject to the reasonable verification and/or approval by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board based on the criteria set forth in the Amended Shareholder Agreement. If any designee of FF Top fails to be elected at any meeting of FF's stockholders, then, upon FF Top's request in writing, FF will promptly expand the size of the Board by a number of seats equal to the number of non-elected designees of FF Top, and FF Top will have the exclusive right to fill the vacancy or vacancies on the Board created by such expansion (provided the individual or individuals who will fill such vacancy or vacancies will not be the same designees of FF Top who failed to get elected, without prejudice to FF Top's right to re-designate the non-elected designees as designees of FF Top in any other circumstance), and such new designees of FF Top will be appointed to the Board by the Board promptly following their having been approved or deemed approved in accordance with the relevant criteria and procedures set forth in the Amended Shareholder Agreement. Immediately prior to (and effective as of) the first meeting of stockholders following such expansion of the Board, the Board will cause the size of the Board to be decreased back to seven.
As a result of the foregoing, FF Global has significant influence over the composition of the Board and, as a result, Mr. Jia and FF Global have strengthened their already significant influence over FF.
Given that Mr. Jia was disciplined by FF in connection with the Special Committee investigation, and in light of the regulatory sanctions he has faced in China (as described above under "– Yueting Jia, FF's founder and Chief Product and User Ecosystem Officer, is closely associated with FF's image and brand, and his public image may color public and market perceptions of FF. Negative information about Mr. Jia may adversely impact FF. Disassociating from Mr. Jia could also adversely impact FF"), the fact that the Board has determined that Mr. Jia is a Section 16 officer and as an "executive officer" of FF under Rule 3b-7 of the Exchange Act, which both could imply that Mr. Jia has policy-making authority in FF, could adversely affect the outcome of the pending SEC and DOJ investigations of FF in connection with the matters that were the subject of the Special Committee investigation. Moreover, as a result of Mr. Jia's regulatory sanctions in China, the Board's determination that Mr. Jia is both a Section 16 officer and an executive officer of FF could result in the delisting of FF's securities by Nasdaq, which would adversely impact our ongoing financing efforts, business and financial position and materially impair the market for and market price of our Class A Common Stock and warrants. If our securities are delisted by Nasdaq, we are unlikely to be able to raise sufficient additional funds in the near term, and as a result may be required to further delay our production and delivery plans for the FF 91, reduce headcount, liquidate our assets, file for bankruptcy, reorganize, merge with another entity, and/or cease operations. In determining that Mr. Jia is a Section 16 officer and as an "executive officer" of FF under Rule 3b-7 of the Exchange Act, the Board considered the value of Mr. Jia to FF's product and technology innovation, I.A.I., advanced technology, product and technology power and future development and his significant contributions to FF's financings.
Mr. Jia maintains that the litigation previously initiated by FF Global for purposes of changing the Board and management of FF, which has since been dismissed without prejudice pursuant to the Heads of Agreement, was a collective decision made by FF Global and was not Mr. Jia's decision. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Proceedings, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our interests may not coincide with the interests of Mr. Jia or FF Global in all circumstances. For example, our Board may prioritize business or financial objectives or strategies that Mr. Jia or FF Global disagree with or that Mr. Jia or FF Global consider not to be in their interest. In such a case, Mr. Jia or FF Global could use their significant influence over FF's stockholders and potential investors, FF's management, business and operations to advance the interests of Mr. Jia or FF Global notwithstanding any adverse impact on FF's interests.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
FF's go-to-market and sales strategy, including its own and partner stores and showrooms as well as FF's online web platform, will require substantial investment and commitment of resources and is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.
FF intends to establish online and offline marketing, sales, and after-sales channels, which consist of its own stores, partner stores and showrooms and an online web platform. FF plans to distribute its vehicles in certain key markets through its direct stores, while establishing a distribution model of direct sales and partner-owned stores and showrooms in other markets. Users will be able to place orders and purchase FF's vehicles exclusively through an online platform while assigning the transaction to a specific store or showroom. Establishing FF's direct stores rather than exclusively distributing its vehicles though partner stores will require significant capital expenditures and may result in reduced or slower expansion of FF's distribution and sales systems in the key markets compared to a traditional dealership system.
FF expects the partner stores and showrooms will be compensated from the sales and services that are conducted online and from the capital upside of the FF equity that the retail partners may receive as an incentive for making their initial investment in stores of showrooms. However, FF cannot assure that its partner business model will be as attractive as that of traditional OEMs and thus that FF will be able to scale up its network to an adequate size. In addition, FF is not in a position to guarantee that it will be able to generate sufficient traffic to FF's online web platform or to attract enough users to place orders. Moreover, FF will be competing with automakers with well-established distribution channels, which places significant risk to the successful implementation of FF's business plan.
If FF is unable to roll out and establish a broad network covering both online and offline channels that fully meet customers' expectations, consumer experience could be adversely affected, which could in turn materially and adversely affect FF's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Implementing the FF business model is subject to numerous significant challenges, including obtaining permits and approvals from government authorities, and FF may not be successful in addressing these challenges. In addition, dealer trade associations may mount challenges to FF's distribution strategy by challenging the legality of FF's operations in court and employing administrative and legislative processes to attempt to prohibit or limit FF's ability to operate. All these would have a material and adverse effect on FF's business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 23/98 (23%)Above Sector Average
Regulation13 | 13.3%
Regulation - Risk 1
FF may be subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, economic sanctions and other similar laws and regulations, and non-compliance with such laws and regulations could subject FF to civil, criminal and administrative penalties, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could adversely affect FF's business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.
FF is or will be subject to laws with respect to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, financial and economic sanctions and other similar laws and regulations in various jurisdictions in which FF conducts, or in the future may conduct, activities, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") and other anti-corruption laws and regulations. The FCPA prohibits FF and its officers, directors, employees and business partners acting on its behalf, including agents, from offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to a "foreign official" for the purposes of influencing official decisions or obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. The FCPA also requires companies to make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. A violation of these laws or regulations could adversely affect FF's business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.
FF's policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with these regulations may not be sufficient, and its directors, officers, employees, representatives, consultants, agents, and business partners could engage in improper conduct for which FF may be held responsible. Non-compliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering or financial and economic sanctions laws could subject FF to adverse media coverage, investigations, and severe administrative, civil and criminal sanctions, collateral consequences, remedial measures and legal expenses, all of which could materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and reputation.
Regulation - Risk 2
Yueting Jia is subject to restrictions in China that may continue if not all creditors participating in his personal bankruptcy restructuring plan request his removal from such restrictions. These restrictions may adversely impact FF's China strategy.
As a condition to receiving distributions from the trust established as part of Mr. Jia's personal bankruptcy restructuring plan, Mr. Jia's creditors are required to request his removal from a Chinese official list of dishonest judgment debtors and the lifting of any consumption or travel restrictions that are currently imposed on him. This process has not been completed and Mr. Jia remains subject to restrictions that prevent him from working for FF in China. Continuance of these restrictions would adversely impact FF because of our reliance on him to develop our business in China, which is a crucial part of our growth strategy.
Regulation - Risk 3
Uncertainties with respect to the Chinese legal system, regulations and enforcement policies could have a material adverse effect on FF.
FF's operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. As the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules may involve uncertainties. In addition, the PRC government authorities may continue to promulgate new laws and regulations related to, among other things, foreign investment and manufacturing in China. We cannot assure you that our business operations would not be deemed to violate any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to operate our business in China.
From time to time, the PRC Subsidiaries may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China could materially and adversely affect our business, impede the PRC Subsidiaries' operations and reduce the value of your investment in FF.
Recently, the General Office of the State Council and another PRC authority jointly issued the "Opinions on Severely Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities According to Law" (the "Opinions"), which was promulgated on July 6, 2021. The Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by PRC-based companies and the need to revise the special provisions of the State Council on overseas issuance and listing of shares by those companies. Effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems will be taken to deal with the risks and incidents of PRC-based companies, and cybersecurity, data security, privacy protection requirements and similar matters. On February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the "CSRC") promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic companies (the "Overseas Listing Trial Measures") and relevant five guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures will comprehensively reform the existing regulatory regime for overseas securities offering and listing of PRC domestic companies by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. See "The approval of, or filing or other administrative procedures with, the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities may be required in connection with certain of our financing activities, and, if required, we cannot predict if we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing or other administrative procedures" for more details.
Furthermore, the PRC government may strengthen oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers with substantial operations in China. Such actions taken by the PRC government may intervene or influence the PRC Subsidiaries' operations at any time, which are beyond our control. Therefore, any such action may adversely affect our operations and significantly limit or hinder our ability to raise additional capital and reduce the value of our securities.
Uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and the fact that rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice, along with the risk that the Chinese government may intervene or influence the PRC Subsidiaries' operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers with substantial operations in China could result in a material change in our operations or financial performance and/or could result in a material reduction in the value of our Class A Common Stock and warrants or hinder our ability to raise necessary capital.
Regulation - Risk 4
FF may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for its vehicles.
Motor vehicles are subject to substantial regulation under international, federal, state and local laws. Vehicles produced by FF will be required to comply with the applicable safety, product and other standards and regulations in FF's targeted markets. For example, FF's vehicles in the U.S. are subject to numerous regulatory requirements established by the NHTSA, including all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards ("FMVSS"). FF's vehicles must also obtain emissions certification from either the EPA or CARB. Rigorous testing and the use of approved materials and equipment are among the requirements for achieving federal certification. In addition, FF's vehicles sold in China must pass various tests and undergo a certification process and be affixed with the China Compulsory Certification ("CCC"), before delivery from the factory and sale, and such certification is also subject to periodic renewal. FF may fail to obtain or renew the required certification or regulatory approval for its vehicles, which may prevent FF from delivering, selling and/or importing/exporting its vehicles, and therefore materially and adversely affect its business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Regulation - Risk 5
FF is subject to stringent and changing laws, regulations, standards and contractual obligations related to data privacy and security, and FF's actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm its reputation, subject it to significant fines and liability, or otherwise adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
FF plans to permit certain of its business partners to collect, process, store, and in some cases transfer across borders, personally identifiable information concerning the drivers and passengers of FF's vehicles. Such information may include among other things faces, names, geolocation information, payment data, and preferences. Although FF has adopted security policies and measures, including technology, to protect its customer information and other proprietary data, it may be required to expend significant resources to further comply with information security laws, data breach notification requirements, as well as privacy and data protection law if third parties improperly obtain or use personal information of FF's customers or FF otherwise experiences a data loss with respect to its customers' personal information. Moreover, privacy and data protection laws are constantly evolving, and new requirements may limit or disrupt FF's data practices, restrict our ability to market our products, impact operations and increase legal and reputational risks.
FF plans to operate on a global basis, and thus FF will face a significant burden to comply with data privacy and information security laws and regulations in the United States at the federal and state level, China, Brazil, Europe, the UK and the rest of the world. Although FF endeavors to comply with all such laws and regulations, as well as FF's own policies and obligations under contracts with third parties, FF may at times fail to do so or be alleged to have failed to do so. Any failure or perceived failure by FF to comply with such privacy, data protection or information security laws, regulations, policies, and obligations in one or more jurisdictions could expose FF to litigation, awards, fines or judgments, civil and/or criminal penalties or negative publicity, and could adversely affect FF's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The global regulatory framework governing the collection, processing, storage, use and sharing of personal information, is rapidly evolving and is likely to continue to be subject to uncertainty and varying interpretations. In the United States, certain state laws may be more stringent or broader in scope, or offer greater individual rights, with respect to sensitive and personal information than federal, international or other state laws, and such laws may differ from each other, which may complicate compliance efforts. For example, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 ("CCPA") which went into effect in January 2020 and became enforceable by the California Attorney General in July 2020, and which, among other things, requires companies covered by the legislation to provide new disclosures to California consumers and afford such consumers new rights of access and deletion for personal information, as well as the right to opt out of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for certain data breaches that result in the loss of personal information. This private right of action may increase the likelihood of, and risks associated with, data breach litigation. Additionally, a California ballot initiative, the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA") was passed in November 2020 and its amendments to the CCPA went into effect January 1, 2023. The CPRA amendments impose additional obligations on in-scope companies and significantly modify the CCPA, including by expanding consumers' rights with respect to certain sensitive personal information. The CPRA amendments also created a new state agency vested with authority to implement and enforce the CCPA, and which is presently engaged in rulemaking processes that can introduce additional burdens or obligations on FF's compliance programs and data practices. Moreover, additional states such as Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut and Utah have passed similar legislation that went into effect in 2023, and further states may follow. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission has issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in August of 2022 indicating its interest in developing broad regulations around information security and commercial surveillance practices that may further impact our business. The effects of these new privacy laws and regulations are potentially significant and may require FF to modify its data collection or processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in an effort to comply and increase our potential exposure to regulatory enforcement and/or litigation.
Internationally, many jurisdictions have established their own data security and privacy legal framework with which FF or its clients may need to comply, including, but not limited to, the E.U. The E.U.'s data protection landscape is currently unstable, resulting in possible significant operational costs for internal compliance and risk to FF's business. In China, the Personal Information Protection Law was passed on August 20, 2021 and took effect on November 1, 2021, imposing restrictions on entities that collect and process personal data and sensitive information about subjects in China. China also has a cybersecurity regulatory regime that may also add to our regulatory compliance risks.
Failure by FF, whether actual or perceived, to comply with federal, state or international privacy, data protection or security laws or regulations could result in regulatory or litigation-related actions against FF, legal liability, fines, damages and other costs, and could adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Regulation - Risk 6
Changed
FF has taken remedial measures in response to the Special Committee findings. There can be no assurance that such remedial measures will be successful. In addition, such remedial measures have not been fully implemented in light of the corporate governance agreements with FF Top and FF Global and the recent assessment by the Board of FF's management structure, including management roles, responsibilities and reporting lines, and changes to the Board.
In November 2021, the Board established a special committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") to investigate allegations of inaccurate Company disclosures. The Special Committee engaged independent legal counsel and a forensic accounting firm to assist in its review. The Special Committee made several findings, including that certain statements made by or on behalf of FF in connection with the PIPE Financing were inaccurate; that deficiencies exist in FF's internal control environment; and that certain of FF's policies and procedures required enhancement. Based on the results of the Special Committee investigation and subsequent investigative work based on the Special Committee's findings performed under the direction of the Executive Chairperson and reporting to the Audit Committee, the Board directed management to implement a number of remedial measures. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the findings and remedial actions relating to the Special Committee investigation.
There can be no guarantee that the Special Committee investigation revealed all instances of inaccurate disclosure or other deficiencies, or that other existing or past inaccuracies or deficiencies will not be revealed in the future. Additional inaccuracies or deficiencies could subject FF to further litigation and regulatory investigations and could contribute to a failure of FF to meet its SEC reporting obligations in a timely manner, any of which could adversely impact investor confidence in FF, contribute to a decline in trading prices for FF's securities and interfere with FF's ability to access financing.
On September 23, 2022, FF entered into an agreement with FF Global and FF Top (the "Heads of Agreement") pursuant to which FF agreed to and implemented significant changes to the Board and Company governance. Certain of such changes have altered some of the remedial measures of the Special Committee and/or preclude FF from fully implementing other remedial measures. For instance, Ms. Swenson, who was appointed to the position of Executive Chairperson that the Board created based on the Special Committee investigation, tendered her resignation from her role as both Executive Chairperson and member of the Board on October 3, 2022, effective immediately, and Mr. Adam (Xin) He was appointed to serve as Interim (non-Executive) Chairman of the Board effective as of the same date. On July 31, 2023, Mr. He tendered his resignation from the Board, effective immediately. FF expects that the current Board will select a permanent Chairperson of the Board. Following the resignation of Ms. Swenson, all FF management (including Mr. Yueting Jia) reported directly or indirectly to the Global CEO of FF (previously Dr. Breitfeld and Mr. Xuefeng Chen). In addition, Mr. jia was, effective as of October 4, 2022, also appointed as Founder Advisor, in which capacity he acts as an advisor to the Board with no change to his current compensation.
On January 13, 2023, FF entered into an amended shareholder agreement with FF Global (only with respect to the amendment of the Heads of Agreement) and FF Top (the "Amended Shareholder Agreement"), pursuant to which various terms of the Heads of Agreement were amended.
On February 26, 2023, after the Board's assessment of FF's management structure, the Board approved Mr. Yueting Jia (alongside Mr. Xuefeng Chen) reporting directly to the Board, as well as FF's product, mobility ecosystem, I.A.I., and advanced R&D technology departments reporting directly to Mr. Jia. The Board also approved FF's user ecosystem, capital markets, human resources and administration, corporate strategy and China departments reporting to both Mr. Jia and Mr. Xuefeng Chen. FF's remaining departments continued to report to Mr. Xuefeng Chen. Mr. Chen subsequently resigned from his position as Global CEO and was replaced by Matthias Aydt. Based on the changes to his responsibilities within FF, the Board determined that Mr. Jia is an "officer" of FF within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act (a "Section 16 officer") and an "executive officer" of FF under Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act.
Given the governance changes pursuant to the Heads of Agreement such as those described above and further changes to the composition of the Board, there can be no assurance that the remedial actions approved by the Board in connection with the Special Committee investigation will be fully implemented or successful. FF's Board and management intend to continue to evaluate the Special Committee remedial actions and take actions in the best interest of FF and its stakeholders.
Regulation - Risk 7
Changed
The Mergers and Acquisitions Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish certain procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for FF to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies (the "M&A Rules") and related regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that have or may have an impact on the national economic security, (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand, or (iv) or in circumstances where overseas companies are established or controlled by PRC enterprises or residents acquire affiliated domestic companies. Moreover, the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds must be cleared by the relevant anti-monopoly authority before they can be completed.
In addition, in 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Also, the Rules on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, issued by the MOFCOM and effective in September 2011 specify that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise "national defense and security" concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprises that raise "national security" concerns are subject to strict review by the MOFCOM, and the Rules prohibit any activities attempting to bypass a security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy, re-investment through multiple levels, leases, loans or control through contractual control arrangement or offshore transactions. Furthermore, NDRC and MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investments, effective January 18, 2021, which require foreign investors or relevant parties to file a prior report before making a foreign investment if such investment involves military related industry, national defense security or taking control of an enterprise in a key industry that concerns national security; and if a foreign investment will or may affect national security, the standing working office organized by NDRC and MOFCOM will conduct a security review to decide whether to approve such investment.
In the future, we may grow our business in China by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions, if required, could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval or clearance from the MOFCOM or its local counterparts and other relevant PRC authorities, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. It is unclear whether our business would be deemed to be in an industry that raises "national defense and security" or "national security" concerns. However, the MOFCOM or other government agencies may publish explanations in the future determining that our business is in an industry subject to the security review, in which case our future acquisitions in the PRC, including those by way of entering into contractual control arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited. Our ability to expand our business or maintain or expand our market share in China through future acquisitions would as such be materially and adversely affected.
Regulation - Risk 8
Changed
Changes in the laws and regulations of China or noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations may have a significant impact on FF's business, results of operations and financial condition.
FF's operations in China are subject to the laws and regulations of China, which continue to evolve. For example, on January 9, 2021, China's Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM") issued the Rules on Blocking Improper Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures (the "Blocking Rules"), which established a blocking regime in China to counter the impact of foreign sanctions on Chinese persons. The Blocking Rules have become effective upon issuance, but have only established a framework of implementation, and the rules' effects will remain unclear until the Chinese government provides clarity on the specific types of extraterritorial measures to which the rules will apply. At this time, we do not know the extent to which the Blocking Rules will impact the operations of the PRC Subsidiaries. There is no assurance that the PRC Subsidiaries will be able to comply fully with applicable laws and regulations should there be any amendment to the existing regulatory regime or implementation of any new laws and regulations. In addition, the interpretations of many laws and regulations are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.
The continuance of the PRC Subsidiaries' operations depends upon compliance with, among other things, applicable Chinese environmental, health, safety, labor, social security, pension and other laws and regulations. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in fines, penalties or lawsuits.
Furthermore, our business and operations in China entail the procurement of licenses and permits from the relevant authorities. Rapidly evolving laws and regulations and uncertainties regarding interpretations and enforcements thereof could impede the PRC Subsidiaries' ability to obtain or maintain the required permits, licenses and certificates required to conduct our businesses in China. Difficulties or failure in obtaining the required permits, licenses and certificates could result in the PRC Subsidiaries' inability to continue our business in China in a manner consistent with past practice. In such an event, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Regulation - Risk 9
Changed
FF may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulations on internet-related business, automotive businesses and other business carried out by the PRC Subsidiaries.
The Chinese government extensively regulates the internet and automotive industries and other business carried out by the PRC Subsidiaries, such laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
Several PRC regulatory authorities, such as the State Administration for Market Regulation, the NDRC, MOFCOM, and the MIIT of China, oversee different aspects of the electric vehicle business, and the PRC Subsidiaries will be required to obtain a wide range of government approvals, licenses, permits and registrations in connection with their operations in China. For example, according to the Administrative Rules on the Admission of New Energy Vehicle Manufacturers and Products, promulgated by the MIIT on January 6, 2017 and amended on July 24, 2020, the MIIT is responsible for the national-wide administration of new energy vehicles and their manufacturers. The manufacturers must apply to the MIIT for the entry approval to become a qualified manufacturer in China and must further apply to the MIIT for the entry approval for the new energy passenger vehicles before commencing the manufacturing and sale of the new energy passenger vehicles in China. Both of the new energy passenger vehicles and their manufacturers will be listed in the Announcement of the Vehicle Manufacturers and Products issued by the MIIT from time to time, if they have obtained the entry approval from the MIIT. According to the Management Measures for Automobile Sales promulgated by the MOFCOM in July 2017, corporate basic information filings must be made by automobile dealers through the information system for the national automobile circulation operated by the MOFCOM within 90 days after the receipt of a business license. Furthermore, the electric vehicle industry is relatively immature in China, and the government has not adopted a clear regulatory framework to regulate the industry.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of the existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to internet-related businesses as well as automotive businesses and companies. There is no assurance that FF will be able to obtain all the permits or licenses related to its business in China, or will be able to maintain its existing licenses or obtain new ones. In the event that the PRC government considers that FF was or is operating without the proper approvals, licenses or permits, promulgates new laws and regulations that require additional approvals or licenses, or imposes additional restrictions on the operation of any part of FF's business, the PRC government has the power, among other things, to levy fines, confiscate FF's income, revoke its business licenses, and require FF to discontinue the relevant business or impose restrictions on the affected portion of its business. Any of these actions by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 10
Changed
U.S. regulatory bodies may be limited in their ability to conduct investigations or inspections of FF's operations in China.
The SEC, the DOJ and other U.S. authorities may also have difficulties in bringing and enforcing actions against the PRC Subsidiaries or the directors or executive officers of the PRC Subsidiaries. The SEC has stated that there are significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for investigations or litigation in China. China has adopted a revised securities law that became effective on March 1, 2020, Article 177 of which provides, among other things, that no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. Furthermore, on February 24, 2023, the CSRC and several other Chinese authorities promulgated the Provisions on Strengthening Confidentiality and Archives Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which provide that where an overseas securities regulator and a competent overseas authority requests to inspect, investigate or collect evidence from a PRC domestic company concerning overseas offering and listing, or to inspect, investigate, or collect evidence from the PRC domestic securities companies and securities service providers that undertake relevant businesses for such PRC domestic companies, such inspection, investigation and evidence collection will be conducted under a cross-border regulatory cooperation mechanism, and the CSRC or other competent Chinese authorities will provide necessary assistance pursuant to bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. PRC domestic companies, securities companies and securities service providers must first obtain approval from the CSRC or other competent Chinese authorities before cooperating with the inspection and investigation by the overseas securities regulator or competent overseas authority, or providing documents and materials requested in such inspection and investigation. Accordingly, without governmental approval in China, no entity or individual in China may provide documents and information relating to securities business activities to overseas regulators when it is under direct investigation or evidence discovery conducted by overseas regulators, which could present significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for investigations and litigation conducted outside of China.
Regulation - Risk 11
Changed
The PRC government can take regulatory actions and make statements to regulate business operations in China with little advance notice, so FF's assertions and beliefs of the risks imposed by the Chinese legal and regulatory system cannot be certain.
The Chinese government has taken and continues to take regulatory actions and make statements to regulate business operations in China, sometimes with little advance notice. Our ability to operate and to expand our operations in China in the future may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to foreign investment, cybersecurity and date protection, foreign currency exchange, taxation, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. The central or local governments of these jurisdictions may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations. Accordingly, government actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China, or particular regions thereof, and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties.
As such, the PRC Subsidiaries could be subject to regulation by various political and regulatory entities, including various local and municipal agencies and government sub-divisions. The PRC Subsidiaries may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. The PRC Subsidiaries' operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future laws and regulations relating to their business or industry. Given that the Chinese government may intervene or influence the PRC Subsidiaries' operations at any time, it could result in a material change in the PRC Subsidiaries' operations and a material reduction in the value of our Class A Common Stock and warrants. Given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder FF's ability to offer or continue to offer our shares of Class A Common Stock and warrants to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether FF will be required to obtain permission from the PRC government to maintain its listing on U.S. exchanges in the future, and even when such permission is obtained, whether it will be denied or rescinded. Although FF is currently not required to obtain permission from the PRC government and has not received any denial to list on the U.S. exchange, as the PRC laws and regulations are still evolving rapidly and their interpretation and implementation are subject to uncertainties, our operations could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, by existing or future PRC laws and regulations relating to its business or industry.
Regulation - Risk 12
Changed
The approval of, or filing or other administrative procedures with, the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities may be required in connection with certain of FF's financing activities, and, if required, it cannot predict if it will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing or other administrative procedures.
The PRC governmental authorities recently have strengthened oversight over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in overseas-listed China-based issuers. Such actions taken by the PRC governmental authorities may intervene with our operations or financing activities, which are beyond our control. For instance, on July 6, 2021, the relevant PRC governmental authorities promulgated the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities, which emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities, the need to strengthen the supervision over overseas listings by PRC-based companies and the need to revise the special provisions of the State Council on overseas issuance and listing of shares by those limited by shares companies. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Trial Administrative Measures of the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, or the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, and relevant five guidelines, which will became effective on March 31, 2023. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, companies in mainland China that seek to offer securities or list in overseas markets, either directly or indirectly, are required to fulfill the filing procedure with the CSRC. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures provide that if the issuer meets both of the following criteria, the overseas securities offering or listing conducted by such issuer will be deemed as an indirect overseas offering or listing by PRC domestic companies: (i) more than 50% of any of the issuer's operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent fiscal year is accounted for by companies in mainland China; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer's business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main place(s) of business are located in mainland China, or the majority of senior management staff in charge of its business operations and management are PRC citizens or have their usual place(s) of residence located in mainland China. Initial public offerings or listings in overseas markets will be filed with the CSRC within three working days after the relevant application is submitted overseas, and subsequent securities offerings of an issuer in the same overseas market where it has previously offered and listed securities will be filed with the CSRC within three working days after the offering is completed.
In addition, the Overseas Listing Trial Measures provide that an overseas listing or offering by a PRC domestic company is explicitly prohibited under any of the following circumstances: (i) such securities offering and listing is explicitly prohibited by provisions in laws, administrative regulations and relevant state rules; (ii) the intended securities offering and listing may endanger national security upon reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Council in accordance with law; (iii) the domestic company intending to conduct the securities offering and listing, or its controlling shareholder(s) and the actual controller, have committed relevant crimes such as corruption, bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property or undermining the order of the socialist market economy during the latest three years; (iv) the domestic company intending to conduct the securities offering and listing is currently under investigations for suspicion of criminal offenses or major violations of laws and regulations, and no conclusion has yet been made thereof; or (v) there are material ownership disputes over equity held by the domestic company's controlling shareholder(s) or by other shareholder(s) that are controlled by the controlling shareholder(s) and/or actual controller.
As the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and the related guidelines are newly promulgated, there are uncertainties regarding their implementation and interpretation. We cannot predict the impact of these new rules on our future securities offerings or other forms of financing activities, if any, at this stage, or guarantee that we will be able to satisfy the scrutinized and new regulatory requirements in case they are applicable to us. In addition, we cannot guarantee that new rules or regulations promulgated in the future will not impose any additional requirement on us or otherwise tightening the regulations on PRC companies seeking overseas listing. If it is determined in the future that approval of, or filing or other administrative procedures with, the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities are required for our future financing or listing activities, we cannot assure you we can obtain such approval or complete such filing or other required procedures in a timely manner. Any failure or delay in obtaining or completing such approval, filing or other required procedures, or a rescission of any such approval or filing or other procedures, would subject us to sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities. These PRC governmental authorities may impose fines and/or other penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our offshore financing activities into China or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Any uncertainties or negative publicity arising from these events could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
Regulation - Risk 13
Changed
PRC regulation of loans to and direct investments in PRC entities by offshore holding companies may delay or prevent FF from making loans or additional capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely affect its liquidity and its ability to fund and expand its business.
As an offshore holding company with PRC Subsidiaries, FF may finance the operations of the PRC Subsidiaries by means of loans or capital contributions. As permitted under PRC laws and regulations, we may make loans to the PRC Subsidiaries subject to the approval from governmental authorities and limitation of amount, or we may make additional capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries. Furthermore, loans by us to the PRC Subsidiaries to finance its activities cannot exceed the statutory limits, which is either the difference between the registered capital and the total investment amount of such enterprise or a multiple of its net assets in the previous year. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise ("FIE"), will use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope. The capital of an FIE will not be used for the following purposes: (i) directly or indirectly used for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used for investment in securities or investments other than banks' principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations; (iii) the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license; and (iv) paying the expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the foreign-invested real estate enterprises).
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to, and direct investment in, the PRC Subsidiaries by offshore holding companies, and the fact that the PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account and capital account transactions in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to the PRC Subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to the PRC Subsidiaries. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to capitalize or otherwise fund the PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities5 | 5.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Changed
FF is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and disputes arising both in and outside the ordinary course of business.
FF has been, continues to be, and may in the future be involved in legal proceedings and claims arising both in and outside the ordinary course of FF's business. We could also be subject to claims and litigation by investors based on the decline of the price of our Common Stock. For example, FF has been involved in litigation with contractors and suppliers over past due payments and FF's subsidiaries in the People's Republic of China (the "PRC Subsidiaries") are involved in multiple proceedings or disputes involving lease contracts, third-party suppliers or vendors, or labor disputes. Additionally, FF has in the past been, and may in the future be, party to various disputes with our stockholders, such as the dispute with FF Global, the California Federal Derivative Action, the Delaware Federal Derivative Actions, the Consolidated Delaware Class Action, and a putative class action (each as defined in Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies), in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies", in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and "Part I, Item 13 Legal Proceedings" for more information regarding the current legal proceedings FF is involved in.
Such litigation and other legal proceedings or disputes are inherently uncertain, divert managements time and attention, and are costly. Any adverse judgments or settlements in some of these legal disputes, or future proceedings or disputes, may result in adverse monetary damages, penalties or injunctive relief against FF, which could negatively impact its financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Additionally, if one or more of those legal matters were resolved against FF in a reporting period for amounts above management's expectations, FF's business prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected. Further, any claims or litigation, regardless of outcome or if fully indemnified or insured, could damage FF's reputation and make it more difficult to compete effectively or to obtain adequate insurance in the future.
Furthermore, while FF maintains insurance for certain potential liabilities, such insurance does not cover all types and amounts of potential liabilities and is subject to various exclusions as well as retentions and caps on amounts recoverable. Even if FF believes a claim is covered by insurance, insurers may dispute its entitlement to recovery for a variety of potential reasons, which may affect the timing and, if the insurers prevail, the amount of FF's recovery.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
Changed
Claims for indemnification by FF's directors and officers may reduce its available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against it and may reduce the amount of money available to it.
Our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, our Amended and Restated Bylaws and our indemnification agreements that we entered into with our directors and officers provide that:
- We will indemnify our directors and officers for serving FF in those capacities or for serving other business enterprises at our request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that a corporation may indemnify such person if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the registrant and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful;- We may, in our discretion, indemnify employees and agents in those circumstances where indemnification is permitted by applicable law;- We will be required to advance expenses, as incurred, to our directors and officers in connection with defending a proceeding, except that such directors or officers will undertake to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification;- The rights conferred in our Amended and Restated Bylaws are not exclusive, and we are authorized to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers, employees and agents and to obtain insurance to indemnify such persons; and - We may not retroactively amend provisions of our Amended and Restated Bylaws to reduce our indemnification obligations to directors, officers, employees and agents.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 3
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FF is involved in an SEC investigation and may be further subject to investigations and legal proceedings related to the matters underlying the Special Committee investigation and other matters, which may result in adverse findings, damages, the imposition of fines or other penalties, increased costs and expenses and the diversion of management's time and resources.
On December 23, 2021, a putative class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Exchange Act was filed in the United States District Court, Central District of California, against FF, among others, and its former Global CEO, its former Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), its current Chief Product and User Ecosystem Officer, as well as the CFO of Legacy FF and former CFO of FF, three independent directors of PSAC, and the Co-CEOs of PSAC. Also, in 2021, 2022 and 2023, putative stockholder derivative lawsuits were filed against numerous current and former officers and directors of FF alleging violations of the Exchange Act and various common law claims. In addition, on June 14, 2022, a verified stockholder class action complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against, among others, FF, its former Global CEO, its former CFO and its current Chief Product and User Ecosystem Officer alleging breaches of fiduciary duties (the "Yun Class Action"). Lastly, on September 21, 2022, a verified stockholder class action complaint was filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against, among others, FF, the Co-CEOs and independent directors of PSAC, and certain third-party advisors to PSAC, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties, and aiding and abetting the alleged breaches, in connection with disclosures and stockholder voting leading up to the Business Combination (the "Cleveland Class Action"), which action subsequently was consolidated with the Yun Class Action with the complaint in the Cleveland Class Action being designated as the operative pleading. In April, 2023, the defendants respectively filed motions to dismiss the complaint which are scheduled to be heard by the court on May 4, 2024.. See Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies – Legal Proceedings, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding these lawsuits.
In connection with the Special Committee investigation, FF, certain members of the management team and FF employees received a notice of preservation and subpoena from the staff of the SEC stating that the SEC had commenced a formal investigation relating to the matters that were the subject of the Special Committee investigation beginning in October 2021. FF, which had previously voluntarily contacted the SEC in connection with the Special Committee investigation, is cooperating fully with the SEC's investigation. The outcome of such an investigation is difficult to predict, and the SEC has expanded the scope of its investigation beyond that of the Special Committee. In addition, the SEC may subject our directors, officers and employees to fines, penalties and other punitive actions. In June 2022, FF received a preliminary request for information from the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") in connection with the matters that were the subject of the Special Committee investigation. FF has responded to that request and intends to fully cooperate with any future requests from the DOJ. We have incurred, and may continue to incur, significant expenses related to legal, accounting and other professional services in connection with the SEC investigation. At this stage, we are unable to assess whether any material loss or adverse effect is reasonably possible as a result of the SEC's investigation or estimate the range of any potential loss.
On October 20, 2022, FF received a subpoena from the SEC requiring FF to produce certain documents relating to FF's transactions with Senyun. On March 31, 2023, FF received questions from the SEC regarding FF's disclosed delivery estimates regarding the start of production of the FF 91 Futurist. On March 23, 2023, FF received from the SEC a request to supplement production and on May 18, 2023, FF received an additional subpoena from the SEC. On July 14, 2023, FF received an additional request from the SEC to supplement production related to the May 18, 2023 subpoena and documents related to the consulting or sales agreements with the first three users of the FF 9.1 Futurist Alliance. On each of January 30, 2024, and April 8, 2024, FF received a subpoena from the SEC requiring FF to produce certain additional documents relating to the SEC's investigation. FF has fully complied with and intends to continue to fully comply with the subpoenas.
FF has incurred, and may continue to incur, significant legal, accounting and other professional services expenditures in connection with the Special Committee investigation, SEC investigation, SEC inquiries, the stockholders lawsuits and DOJ inquiry. Any legal proceedings resulting from these investigations and litigation, including further shareholder derivative litigation or governmental inquiries or investigations may further divert management's time and attention and may result in the incurrence of significant expense, including legal fees. Such legal proceedings could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows including as a result of such expenses or arising from any consequences of such legal proceedings including damages, monetary fines, sanctions, penalties, adverse publicity and damage to reputation.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 4
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FF may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm its financial condition and liquidity if it is not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.
FF may become subject to product liability claims, even those without merit, which could harm its business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. The automobile industry experiences significant product liability claims and FF faces inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event its vehicles do not perform as expected or malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. The risks in this area are particularly pronounced given FF has limited field experience for its vehicles and currently does not have product liability insurance. A successful product liability claim against FF could require it to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about FF's vehicles and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future vehicle candidates, which would have a material adverse effect on FF's brand, business, prospects and operating results. Any insurance coverage FF is able to obtain in the future might not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. FF may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on commercially acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed, which could have a material and adverse effect on FF's operating results and financial condition.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 5
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There may be difficulties in effecting service of legal process, conducting investigations, collecting evidence, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws against FF and its management.
We currently have operations, and plan to have significant operations and assets in the future, in China. Moreover, one of our current directors is a national and resident of the PRC. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside of China with regard to such persons or assets relating to our operations in China, including actions arising under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws. In addition, there are legal and other obstacles in China to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigation initiated by regulators outside China. Overseas regulators may have difficulties in conducting investigations or collecting evidence within China. It may also be difficult for investors to bring a lawsuit against us or our directors or executive officers based on U.S. federal securities laws in a Chinese court. Moreover, China does not have treaties with the United States providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of courts. Therefore, even if a judgment were obtained against us or our management for matters arising under U.S. federal or state securities laws or other applicable U.S. federal or state law, it may be difficult to enforce such a judgment with respect to our operations or assets in China.
Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 3.1%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
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Under the EIT Law, FF may be classified as a PRC "resident enterprise" for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Such classification would likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to FF and its non-PRC enterprise stockholders and have a material adverse effect on FF's results of operations and the value of your investment.
Under the EIT Law, as well as its implementing rules, an enterprise established outside the PRC with "de facto management bodies" within the PRC is considered a "resident enterprise" for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. Under the implementation rules to the EIT Law, a "de facto management body" is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. In addition, a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, issued in April 2009 by the State Administration of Taxation of the PRC (the "SAT"), specifies that certain offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in the PRC: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, company seal, and minutes of board meetings and stockholders' meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors having voting rights. Further to SAT Circular 82, the SAT issued a bulletin, known as SAT Bulletin 45, which took effect in September 2011, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82 and clarify the reporting and filing obligations of such "Chinese-controlled offshore incorporated resident enterprises." SAT Bulletin 45 provides procedures and administrative details for the determination of resident status and administration on post-determination matters. Although both SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreign individuals, the determining criteria set forth in SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 may reflect the SAT's general position on how the "de facto management body" test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, PRC enterprise groups or by PRC or foreign individuals.
We do not believe that FF, as a holding company incorporated in Delaware, meets all of the conditions above, and thus we do not believe that FF is a PRC resident enterprise. However, if the PRC tax authorities determine that FF is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, FF will be subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax on our world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income.
In addition, FF will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term "de facto management body."
Finally, since there remains uncertainties regarding the interpretation and implementation of the EIT Law and its implementation rules, it is uncertain whether, if FF is regarded as a PRC resident enterprise, any dividends payable by us to our investors and gains on the sale of our Common Stock would become subject to PRC withholding tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of non-PRC enterprises (subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty). It is unclear whether our non-PRC enterprise stockholders would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that FF is treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the Common Stock.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
FF's tax obligations and related filings have become significantly more complex and subject to greater risk of audit or examination by taxing authorities, and outcomes resulting from such audits or examinations could adversely impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, including our after-tax profitability and financial results.
FF's operations are subject to significant income, withholding and other tax obligations in the United States and may become subject to taxes in numerous additional state, local and non-U.S. jurisdictions with respect to our income, operations and subsidiaries related to those jurisdictions. In addition, FF now has international supplier and customer relationships and may expand operations to multiple jurisdictions, including jurisdictions in which the tax laws, their interpretation or their administration may not be favorable. Additionally, future changes in tax law or regulations in any jurisdiction in which FF operates or will operate could result in changes to the taxation of FF's income and operations, which could cause our after-tax profitability to be lower than anticipated.
FF's potential future after-tax profitability could be subject to volatility or affected by numerous factors, including (a) the availability of tax deductions, credits, exemptions, refunds (including refunds of value added taxes) and other benefits to reduce FF's tax liabilities, (b) changes in the valuation of FF's deferred tax assets and liabilities, (c) expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances, (d) tax treatment of stock-based compensation, (e) changes in the relative amount of our earnings subject to tax in the various jurisdictions in which FF operates or has subsidiaries, (f) the potential expansion of FF's business into or otherwise becoming subject to tax in additional jurisdictions, (g) changes to FF's existing intercompany structure (and any costs related thereto) and business operations, (h) the extent of FF's intercompany transactions and the extent to which taxing authorities in the relevant jurisdictions respect those intercompany transactions and (i) FF's ability to structure its operations in an efficient and competitive manner. Due to the complexity of multinational tax obligations and filings, FF may have a heightened risk related to audits or examinations by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxing authorities.
Outcomes from these audits or examinations could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations, including our after-tax profitability and financial condition.
FF's potential future after-tax profitability may also be adversely impacted by changes in the relevant tax laws and tax rates, treaties, regulations, administrative practices and principles, judicial decisions and interpretations thereof, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. Additionally, the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS recently entered into force among the jurisdictions that have ratified it, although the United States has not yet entered into this convention. These recent changes could negatively impact FF's taxation, especially if FF expands its relationships and operations internationally.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
Government financial support, incentives and policies for electric vehicles are subject to change. Discontinuation of any of the government subsidies or imposition of any additional taxes or surcharges could adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Government financial support and subsidies are critical to electric vehicle sales and changing consumer behaviors. Any reduction, discontinuation, elimination or discriminatory application of government financial support, subsidies and economic incentives because of policy changes, fiscal tightening, or the perceived success of electric vehicles or other reasons may result in the diminished competitiveness of the electric vehicle industry generally or FF's electric vehicles in particular. Competitors who have already rolled out their electric vehicles before the phase-out or discontinuation of these incentives may be able to expand their customer base more effectively, which could place FF at a competitive disadvantage. While certain tax credits and other incentives for alternative energy production, alternative fuel and electric vehicles have been available in the past, there is no guarantee that these programs will be available in the future. If current tax incentives or saleable electric vehicle emissions credits are not available in the future, or if additional taxes or surcharges are imposed, FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
Environmental / Social2 | 2.0%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
FF and its suppliers and manufacturing partners may be subject to increased environmental and safety or other regulations and disclosure rules resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions.
As a manufacturing company, including with respect to the current FF ieFactory California facility, its planned future facility with a third-party manufacturer in South Korea and other potential contract manufacturing options, and its planned joint venture in China, FF and its suppliers and manufacturing partners are or will be subject to complex environmental, manufacturing, health and safety laws and regulations at numerous jurisdictional levels in the U.S., South Korea and other locations where they may expand operations, including laws relating to the use, handling, storage, recycling, disposal and human exposure to hazardous materials and relating to the construction, expansion and maintenance of their facilities. Evolving disclosure rules on environmental matters may also entail additional compliance and reporting costs, including, for instance, the new climate change reporting rules recently adopted by the SEC.
The costs of compliance, including remediating contamination if any is found on FF or its manufacturing partner's properties, and any changes to their operations mandated by new or amended laws, may be significant. FF and/or its suppliers and manufacturing partners may be required to incur additional costs to comply with any changes to such regulations, and any failures to comply could result in significant expenses, delays or fines. FF and its suppliers and manufacturing partners will be subject to laws, regulations and standards applicable to the supply, manufacture, import, sale and service of automobiles in different jurisdictions and relating to vehicle safety, fuel economy and emissions, among other things, in different jurisdictions which often may be materially different from each other. As a result, FF and/or its suppliers and manufacturing partners may need to make additional investments in the applicable vehicles and systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
Additionally, there is a variety of international, federal and state regulations that may apply to autonomous vehicles, which include many existing vehicle standards that were not originally intended to apply to vehicles that may not have a driver. For example, there are currently no federal U.S. regulations pertaining to the safety of autonomous vehicles; however, NHTSA has established recommended guidelines. Certain states have legal restrictions on autonomous vehicles, and many other states are considering them. Such regulations continue to rapidly change, which increases the likelihood of a patchwork of complex or conflicting regulations. This could result in higher costs and cash expenditures, or may delay products or restrict self-driving features and availability, any of which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
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FF faces challenges from the evolving regulatory environment regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any actual or alleged failure to comply with related laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, data privacy and protection could materially and adversely affect its business and results of operations.
In the regular course of our business, we obtain information about various aspects of our operations as well as regarding our employees and third parties. The integrity and protection of FF, employee and third-party data are critical to our business. Our employees and third parties expect that we will adequately protect their personal information. We are required by applicable laws to keep strictly confidential the personal information that we collect, and to take adequate security measures to safeguard such information.
PRC regulators, including the CAC, the MIIT, and the Ministry of Public Security, have been increasingly focused on regulation in data security and data protection. PRC regulatory requirements regarding cybersecurity are evolving. For instance, various regulatory bodies in China have enforced data privacy and protection laws and regulations with varying and evolving standards and interpretations.
On November 7, 2016, the Standing Committee of the PRC National People's Congress issued the Cyber Security Law of the PRC (the "Cyber Security Law"), which became effective on June 1, 2017.
Pursuant to the Cyber Security Law, network operators must not, without users' consent, collect and disclose their personal information, and may only collect users' personal information necessary to provide their services. Providers are also obliged to provide security maintenance for their products and services and must comply with provisions regarding the protection of personal information as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations.
The PRC Criminal Law, as most recently amended in 2020, prohibits institutions, companies and their employees from selling or otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen's personal information obtained in performing duties or providing services or obtaining such information through theft or other illegal ways. The Civil Code of the PRC provides legal basis for privacy and personal information infringement claims under the Chinese civil laws.
On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China (the "SCNPC"), promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect on September 1, 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacy obligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protection system based on the importance of data in economic and social development, and the degree of harm it will cause to national security, public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked, illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities that may affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information.
On August 16, 2021, the CAC and certain other PRC regulatory authorities promulgated the Several Provisions on the Management of Automobile Data Security (Trial Implementation), which came into effect on October 1, 2021 and clearly stipulates that:(i) to carry out personal information processing activities, automobile data processors must notify individuals of relevant information in a prominent manner, obtain personal consent or comply with laws and administrative regulations in other circumstances; (ii) for the processing of sensitive personal information, the automobile data processor must obtain separate consent from individuals, and meet specific requirements; and (iii) automobile data processors must collect biometric information only with sufficient necessity and for the purpose to enhance driving safety. In addition, these provisions also define the term of "important data" thereunder and establish corresponding protection and regulation mechanisms on the important data.
On August 20, 2021, the SCNPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which took effect on November 1, 2021. This legislation marks China's first comprehensive legal attempt to define personal information and regulate the storing, transferring, and processing of personal information. It restricts the cross-border transfer of personal information and has major implications for companies that rely on data for their operations in China.
In December 2021, the CAC and 12 other related authorities promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022. The Cybersecurity Review Measures stipulates that:
- the CSRC is included as one of the regulatory authorities for purposes of jointly establishing the state cybersecurity review working mechanism;- the purchase of network products and services by a "critical information infrastructure operator" and the data processing activities of a "network platform operator" that affect or may affect national security will be subject to the cybersecurity review;- if a network platform operator who possesses personal information of more than one million users intends to go public in a foreign country, it must apply for a cybersecurity review with the CAC; and - the relevant PRC governmental authorities may initiate cybersecurity review if they determine certain network products, services, or data processing activities affect or may affect national security.
Furthermore, on November 14, 2021, the CAC published a discussion draft of Regulations on the Administration of Cyber Data Security for public comment, which provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing abroad of data processors processing over one million users' personal information; (iii) listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. The draft also provides that operators of large internet platforms that set up headquarters, operation centers or R&D centers overseas will report to the national cyberspace administration and competent authorities. In addition, the draft also requires that data processors processing important data or going public overseas will conduct an annual data security self-assessment or entrust a data security service institution to do so, and submit the data security assessment report of the previous year to the local branch of the Cyberspace Administration of China before January 31 each year. As of the date of this Form 10-K, the above mentioned drafts have not been formally adopted, and substantial uncertainties exist with respect to their enactment timetable, final content, interpretation and implementation. On July 7, 2022, the CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transmission, which took effect on September 1, 2022. These measures require the data processor providing data overseas and falling under any of the following circumstances apply for the security assessment of cross-border data transmission by the national cybersecurity authority through its local counterpart: (i) the data processor provides important data overseas; (ii) critical information infrastructure operators and data processors processing personal information of more than one million individuals provide personal information overseas; (iii) data processors which have provided personal information of 100,000 individuals or sensitive personal information of 10,000 individuals overseas since January 1 of the previous year provides personal information overseas; and (iv) other situations required to declare security assessment of cross-border data transmission as stipulated by the national cybersecurity authority.
The PRC Subsidiaries may become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review. Certain internet platforms in China have been reportedly subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny in relation to cybersecurity matters. If the PRC Subsidiaries are deemed to be a critical information infrastructure operator or a network platform operator that is engaged in data processing that affect or may affect national security, they could be subject to PRC cybersecurity review. As of the date of this Form 10-K, we have not received any notice from any PRC governmental authority identifying any of the PRC Subsidiaries as a "critical information infrastructure operator" or "network platform operator" that is engaged in data processing which affects or may affect national security as mentioned above, or requiring us to go through the cybersecurity review or initiating a cybersecurity review against us in such respects.
As advised by the PRC counsel, the above mentioned laws, regulations or the relevant drafts are relatively new and the PRC laws and regulations relating to cybersecurity, information security, data privacy and protection are evolving rapidly, there remains significant uncertainty in the enactment, interpretation and enforcement of such PRC laws, regulations or the relevant drafts, and the PRC Subsidiaries could become subject to enhanced cybersecurity review or non-compliance investigations launched by PRC regulators in the future. Any failure or delay in the completion of the cybersecurity review procedures or any other non-compliance investigations in accordance with the related laws and regulations may result in fines or other penalties, including suspension of business, website closure, and revocation of prerequisite licenses, as well as reputational damage or legal proceedings or actions to the PRC Subsidiaries, which may have material adverse effects on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As of the date of this Form 10-K, the PRC Subsidiaries have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC or related governmental regulatory authorities, and they have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, or sanction in such respect. However, as uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that the PRC Subsidiaries will comply with such regulations in all respects and they may be ordered to rectify or terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by regulatory authorities.
Production
Total Risks: 15/98 (15%)Below Sector Average
Manufacturing5 | 5.1%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
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The production and delivery of the FF 91 Futurist has experienced, and may continue to experience, significant delays.
FF's future business depends in large part on its ability to execute its plans to develop, manufacture, market, and deliver electric vehicles, including the FF 91, FF 81 and FF 71 series, and SLMD electric vehicle models that appeal to customers. Based on certain management assumptions, including timely completion of certain testing and the suppliers meeting our supply chain requirement, FF originally expected deliveries of the FF 91 to users to begin before the end of April 2023. The first phase of the three-phase delivery plan began at the end of May 2023. In addition, due to a supplier's timing constraints and the completion of an additional system testing related to FF's enhanced safety testing of a single unique product feature of the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, the second phase of the three-phase delivery plan originally contemplated to begin by June 30, 2023, began in August 2023.
Production or delivery of the FF 91 Futurist has experienced further delays due to insufficient capital and may experience further delays due to reasons such as supply shortages and constraints, design defects, additional system testing, talent gaps, and/or force majeure. FF needs substantial additional financing to start the third phase of the delivery plan and is in discussions with additional potential investors to obtain such financing. Further, FF relies on third-party suppliers for the provision and development of many key components used in the FF 91 Futurist and other models and during the second quarter of 2023, certain of FF's suppliers informed FF that they would be unable to meet FF's timing requirements, which resulted in FF updating the timing for the start of deliveries for its FF 91 vehicle, and the previously announced three-phase delivery plan. To the extent FF's suppliers experience any further delays in providing or developing necessary components or if they experience quality issues, FF could experience further delays in delivering on its timelines. In addition, if FF has to adjust and/or reduce or suspend certain payments to suppliers, such adjustments and/or reductions could further delay the production and deliveries of the FF 91 Futurist.
To the extent FF were to further meaningfully delay additional production and delivery of the FF 91 series, potential consumers may lose confidence in FF, and customers who have placed pre-orders for the FF 91 Futurist may cancel pre-orders, which may curtail FF's growth prospects. Additionally, FF's competitors may move more quickly to market than FF, which could impact FF's ability to grow its market share.
Manufacturing - Risk 2
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FF's decision to manufacture its own vehicles in its leased FF ieFactory California does not guarantee FF will not incur significant delays in the production of the vehicles.
FF plans to continue to build-out its leased FF ieFactory California to support the production of the FF 91 series. Additionally, this construction may experience unexpected delays or other difficulties which could further increase costs and/or adversely affect FF's scheduled timeline to manufacture and deliver vehicles. Further, manufacturing and assembling components in-house in the FF ieFactory does not guarantee that the production of its vehicles will be on schedule. Various risks and uncertainties inherent in all new manufacturing processes could result in delays in the production of FF's vehicles, including for example those with respect to:
- pace of bringing production equipment and processes online with the capability to manufacture high-quality units at scale;- compliance with complex and evolving environmental, workplace safety and similar regulations;- channels to secure necessary equipment, tools and components from suppliers on acceptable terms and in a timely manner;- the ability to attract, recruit, hire and train skilled employees;- quality controls;- a health emergency, difficult economic conditions and international political tensions; and - other delays and cost overruns.
Manufacturing - Risk 3
The discovery of defects in vehicles may result in delays in production and delivery of new models, recall campaigns or increased warranty costs, which may adversely affect FF's brand and result in a decrease in the residual value of FF's vehicles.
FF's vehicles may contain design and manufacturing defects. The design and manufacturing of FF's vehicles are complex and could contain latent defects and errors, which may cause its vehicles not to perform or operate as expected or even result in property damage, personal injuries or death. Furthermore, FF's vehicles use a substantial amount of third-party and in-house software codes and complex hardware to operate. Advanced technologies are inherently complex, and defects and errors may be revealed over time. While FF has performed extensive internal testing on its vehicles and the related software and hardware systems, and will continue this testing and evaluation, FF has a limited frame of reference by which to assess the long-term performance of its vehicles and systems. There can be no assurance that FF will detect or fix the defects in a timely manner.
The discovery of defects in FF's vehicles may result in delays in production and delivery of new models, recall campaigns, product liability claims or increased warranty costs and other expenses, and may decrease the residual values of vehicles that are subject to leasing arrangements. FF might from time to time, voluntarily or involuntarily, initiate vehicle recalls if any of FF's vehicles, including any systems or parts sourced from suppliers and contractors, prove to be defective or noncompliant with applicable laws and regulations. For example, on March 1, 2024, FF issued a voluntary recall of certain 2023 FF 91 2.0 vehicles when it was discovered that these vehicles had a software issue that could prevent the airbag malfunction light from illuminating in case of an airbag control unit communications fault. Such recalls, whether voluntary or involuntary or caused by systems or components engineered or manufactured by FF or by suppliers and contractors, could require that FF incur significant costs relating to logistics and/or repair. All of the foregoing could materially harm FF's brand image, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Manufacturing - Risk 4
FF has minimal experience servicing and repairing its vehicles. The inability to adequately service vehicles may adversely affect FF's business.
FF has minimal experience servicing and repairing its vehicles. Servicing EVs is different than servicing vehicles with internal combustion engines and requires specialized skills, including high voltage training and servicing techniques. Although FF is planning to internalize most aspects of vehicle service over time, initially FF plans to partner with third parties to enable nationwide coverage for roadside and off-road assistance and collision repair needs. There can be no assurance that FF will be able to enter into an acceptable arrangement with any such third-party providers. Although such servicing partners may have experience in servicing other vehicles, they will initially have limited experience in servicing FF vehicles. There can be no assurance that such service arrangements will adequately address the service requirements of FF's customers to their satisfaction, or that FF and its servicing partners will have sufficient resources, experience, or inventory to meet these service requirements in a timely manner as the volume of EVs we deliver increases.
In addition, a number of states currently impose limitations on the ability of manufacturers to directly service vehicles. The application of these state laws to our operations could hinder or impede our ability to provide services for our vehicles from a location in every state. As a result, if FF is unable to roll out and establish a widespread service network that complies with applicable laws, customer satisfaction could be adversely affected, which in turn could materially and adversely affect FF's reputation and thus its business.
In the future, additional pressure may be placed on FF's customer support team or partners, and FF may be unable to respond quickly enough to accommodate short-term increases in customer demand for technical support. Customer behavior and usage may result in higher than expected maintenance and repair costs, which may negatively affect FF's business. FF also could be unable to modify the future scope and delivery of its technical support to compete with changes in the technical support provided by its competitors. Increased customer demand for support, without corresponding revenue, could increase costs and negatively affect FF's results of operations. If FF is unable to successfully address the service requirements of its customers or establish a market perception that FF maintains high-quality support, FF may be subject to claims from customers, including loss of revenue or damages, and FF's business could be materially and adversely affected.
Manufacturing - Risk 5
FF's vehicles will make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flame.
FF's vehicles will make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which have been reported that on rare occasions, can rapidly release the energy they store by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion cells. While the FF battery pack has been designed with the management system and thermal event alarming system which should actively and continuously monitor each cell voltage and also the battery pack temperature and pressure condition to prevent such incidents, a field or testing failure of our vehicles or battery packs could occur, which could subject FF to product liability claims, product recalls, or redesign efforts, and lead to negative publicity. Moreover, any failure of a competitor's electric vehicle or energy storage product may cause indirect adverse publicity for FF and FF's products.
In addition, FF will need to store a significant number of lithium-ion cells at its facilities. Any mishandling of battery packs may cause disruption to business operations and cause damage and injuries.
Employment / Personnel3 | 3.1%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
If FF is unable to attract and/or retain key employees and hire qualified Board members, officers and other individuals, its ability to compete could be harmed.
FF's future success depends, in part, upon its ability to retain key members of its senior management team and the Board, and to attract and retain other highly qualified individuals for the Board and senior management positions. FF has experienced significant changes in the membership of the Board and senior management team, including most recently the resignations of Ke Sun from her position as a member of the Board and member of both the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and of Adam He from his position as interim Chairman of the Board, member and Chair of the Audit Committee and from all other committees of the Board on which he served, as well as the resignation of FF's China CEO, its Chief Accounting Officer and its Head of Human Resources, the transition in the Interim Chief Financial Officer position and, prior to that, the Global CEO position, and the appointment of a new Interim Chief Financial Officer and a new member of the Board and Audit Committee Chair. This significant recent turnover has disrupted, and potential future turnover could further disrupt, FF's operations, strategic focus or ability to drive stockholder value.
If FF fails to attract new skilled personnel for senior management positions and the Board, or if one or more of them are unable or unwilling to continue their services with FF, FF may not be able to replace them easily, in a timely manner, or at all. Movements in the price of Class A Common Stock, including any decline, may significantly affect the value of employee stock options, which may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies.
In addition, FF may incur additional expenses to recruit, train and retain qualified personnel. Certain current and former executives of FF adopted a global partnership program to retain, and provide incentives for, certain key management members. However, there is no guarantee that FF will be able to attract other qualified candidates to fill certain positions. The failure to do so may lead to difficulties in effectively executing FF's business strategies, and its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, if any of FF's executive officers or key employees join a competitor or form a competing company, FF may lose know-how and be poorly positioned in the marketplace.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Unionization activities or labor disputes may disrupt FF's business and operations and affect its profitability.
Although none of our employees are currently represented by organized labor unions, it is not uncommon for employees at companies in the automobile industry to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. Although FF works diligently to provide the best possible work environment for its employees, they could still decide to join or seek representation by organized labor unions, or FF may be required to become a union signatory. FF's business and operations as well as its profitability could be adversely affected if unionized activities such as work stoppages occur, or if FF becomes involved in labor disputes or other actions filed by labor unions. Any unfavorable outcome in such disputes could create a negative perception of how FF treats its employees.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
If FF's employees were to engage in strikes or other work stoppages, or if third-party strikes or work stoppages cause supply chain interruptions, FF's business, prospects, operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
A strike or work stoppage by FF's employees or by employees of FF's outsourcing partners or suppliers could have a material adverse effect on its business, prospects, operations, financial condition and liquidity. Work stoppages at FF's suppliers may cause supply chain interruptions, which could materially and adversely impact FF's operations given its limited, and in most cases, single-source supply chain. If a work stoppage occurs, it could delay the manufacture and sale of FF's products, disrupt its business and operations, or have an adverse effect on FF's cash flow, all of which could materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
Supply Chain3 | 3.1%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
If any of FF's suppliers become economically distressed or go bankrupt, FF may be required to provide substantial financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials, which could increase FF's costs, affect its liquidity or cause production disruptions.
FF expects to purchase various types of equipment, raw materials and manufactured component parts from its suppliers. If any of these suppliers experience substantial financial difficulties, cease operations, or otherwise face business disruptions, FF may be required to provide substantial financial support to ensure supply continuity, or FF would have to take other measures to ensure components and materials remain available. Any disruption could affect FF's ability to deliver vehicles and could increase FF's costs and negatively affect its liquidity and financial performance.
Supply Chain - Risk 2
Changed
FF depends on its suppliers, the majority of which are single-source suppliers. The inability of these suppliers to deliver necessary components for FF's products according to the schedule and at prices, quality levels and volumes acceptable to FF, or FF's inability to efficiently manage these suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on its business prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The FF 91 model incorporates approximately 1,800 purchased components sourced from approximately 150 suppliers, many of whom are currently FF's single-source suppliers for the components they supply, and FF expects this to be similar for any other vehicles FF may produce. The supply chain exposes FF to multiple potential sources of delivery failure or component shortages. For example, on June 16, 2023, FF announced that due to a supplier's timing constraints and the completion of an additional system testing related to FF's enhanced safety testing of a single unique product feature of the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, the timing of its previously announced FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance Phase 2 delivery would be delayed to August 2023 from the end of the second quarter 2023. Additionally, in view of FF's current cash position, it has delayed payment to suppliers, which in some cases has resulted in, and may continue to result in, certain of such suppliers ceasing to do business with FF. FF is in active negotiations with suppliers to minimize these risks and has been successful in retaining the majority of key suppliers. To the extent FF's suppliers experience any delays or stoppages in providing FF with or developing necessary components or experience quality issues, or if they otherwise decide to cease doing business with FF, FF could experience further delays, some of which may be significant, in delivering on its planned timelines.
Currently, FF has not approved secondary sources for the key single sourced components used in the FF 91 series. Generally, FF does not maintain long-term agreements with these single-source suppliers.
Historically, certain suppliers ceased supplying their components and initiated legal claims against FF when FF failed to make overdue payments. While most of these prior legal claims have been settled through the vendor trust FF established in April 2019 ("Vendor Trust"), there are still a number of remaining and new disputes with suppliers in the U.S. and in China. Some suppliers have requested accelerated payments and other terms and conditions as a result of our past payment history and concerns about FF's financial condition, leading to less favorable payment terms than FF had anticipated, and delaying or putting at risk certain deliveries. More recently, some suppliers have initiated legal claims against FF as FF fails to make overdue payments and more suppliers may continue to do so in the future. Any disruption in the supply of components, whether or not from a single-source supplier, could temporarily disrupt FF's production until a satisfactory alternative supplier is found, which can be time consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that FF would be able to successfully retain alternative suppliers or supplies in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If FF is unable to efficiently manage its suppliers, including its relationship with them, FF's business, prospects, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, changes in business and/or political conditions, force majeure events, changes in regulatory framework and other factors beyond FF's control could also affect the suppliers' ability to deliver components in a timely manner. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and operating results and could result in a material change in FF's operations and a material reduction in the market value of FF's securities.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
Changed
Production and manufacturing of some of FF's vehicles are expected be outsourced to a third-party contract manufacturer in South Korea and potentially through a joint venture in China. If such contract manufacturer or joint venture fails to produce and deliver vehicles in a timely manner for any reason, FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation could be materially harmed.
FF plans to outsource the manufacturing of some of its vehicles to a third-party contract manufacturer in South Korea and may also set up a joint venture in China for vehicle manufacturing, which FF may heavily rely upon. Collaboration with third parties for the manufacturing of vehicles is subject to risks that may be outside FF's control. FF has yet to enter into any legally binding definitive agreements regarding such third-party contract manufacturers (other than with a third-party contract manufacturer in South Korea) or joint venture, and the parties could revise or terminate the preliminary memorandum of understanding and cooperation agreement. The parties may also not reach agreement on legally binding definitive documents regarding such joint venture, could abandon the related preliminary memorandum of understanding and cooperation agreement and pursue other commercial arrangements (such as contract manufacturing or sale) or could terminate the preliminary memorandum of understanding and cooperation agreement at any time before the definitive agreements are signed. Even though the definitive agreement has been signed with the third-party contract manufacturer in South Korea, there remains uncertainty if the manufacturing facility will be built-out as planned or if the parties will cooperate with each other as agreed.
In addition, FF could experience delays if such third-party contract manufacturing partner or joint venture does not meet agreed upon timelines or experiences capacity constraints. There is risk of potential disputes with business partners, and FF could be affected by adverse publicity related to its business partners, whether or not such publicity is related to their collaboration with FF. FF's ability to successfully build a premium brand could also be adversely affected by perceptions if the quality of the third-contract manufacturing partners or joint venture's products not related to FF's products are questioned. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that FF will successfully ensure its manufacturing partners or joint ventures maintain appropriate quality standards, with any failure to do so adversely affecting customers' perceptions of FF's self-manufactured electric vehicles.
If FF experiences delays, disputes or other difficulties with third-party manufacturers or joint ventures that FF outsources orders to, there can be no assurance that it would be able to engage other third parties or to establish or expand its own production capacity to meet the needs of its customers in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, or at all. The expense and time required to complete any transition, and to assure that vehicles manufactured at facilities of new manufacturers comply with FF's quality standards and regulatory requirements may be greater than anticipated. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect FF's business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Costs4 | 4.1%
Costs - Risk 1
Added
FF has missed rental payments on all of its leased properties and may be in breach of its insurance obligations under its property leases.
FF leases five facilities in California and three facilities in China for manufacturing, retail, office, administrative services, R&D and strategic planning purposes. FF is behind on rental payments at all locations. Additionally, FF does not currently have the insurance coverage required under some property leases.
FF is taking certain actions, and may take additional actions, with respect to many if not all of its existing leases, including negotiating with landlords for rent abatement or deferral, terminating certain leases, or discontinuing rent payments, which may subject FF to legal, reputational and financial risks. FF can provide no assurances that any forbearance of its lease obligations will be provided to it, nor that FF will be able to regain compliance with its lease obligations. If, as a result, FF's leases are terminated, FF may not be able to continue production of its vehicles. If FF is unable to continue production, FF will likely have to file for bankruptcy protection and its assets will likely be liquidated. FF's equity holders would likely not receive any recovery at all in a bankruptcy scenario.
Costs - Risk 2
Added
FF's payroll expenses reduction plan may not be successful.
In December 2023, FF implemented an expenses reduction plan to reduce operating costs. The number of employees at FF subsequently decreased from 499 on December 1, 2023, to 288, including those on leaves of absence and furloughed, as of May 14, 2024. FF instituted ongoing pay cuts for many of its employees and instituted an ongoing pay cap for members of the senior leadership team, among other actions.
These expense reduction measures may yield unintended consequences and costs, such as the loss of institutional knowledge and expertise, attrition beyond the intended reduction-in-force, a reduction in morale among remaining employees, and the risk that FF may not achieve the anticipated benefits, all of which may have an adverse effect on FF's results of operations and financial condition. In addition, FF may be unsuccessful in distributing the duties and obligations of departed employees among remaining employees or to external service providers. FF may also discover that the reductions in workforce and cost cutting measures will make it difficult to ramp up production as anticipated, which may result in additional and unanticipated costs and expenses. FF may further discover that, despite the implementation of its expense reduction plan, it may not have sufficient capital to cover operating expenses and FF will likely have to file for bankruptcy protection and its assets will likely be liquidated. FF's equity holders would likely not receive any recovery at all in a bankruptcy scenario.
Costs - Risk 3
Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of materials used to manufacture FF's vehicles, in particular for lithium-ion cells or electronic components, could harm its business.
FF incurs significant costs related to procuring components and raw materials required to manufacture its vehicles. FF may experience cost increases, supply disruption and/or shortages relating to components and raw materials, which could materially and adversely impact its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. FF uses various components and raw materials in its business, such as steel, aluminum, and lithium battery cells. The prices for these materials fluctuate, and their available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of increased production of electric vehicles by FF's competitors, as well as unforeseeable events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
For instance, FF is exposed to multiple risks relating to lithium battery cells or electronic components, including but not limited to: (i) an increase in the cost, or decrease in the available supply, of materials used in the battery cells, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese; (ii) disruption in the supply of battery cells or electronic components due to quality issues or recalls by battery cell or electronic component manufacturers; and (iii) the inability or unwillingness of FF's current battery cell or electronic component manufacturers to build or operate battery cell or electronic components manufacturing plants to supply the numbers of lithium cells or electronic components required to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry as demand for such battery cells or electronic components increases.
FF's business is dependent on the continued supply of battery cells for the battery packs used in its vehicles and other electronic components. While FF believes several sources of the battery cells are available for such battery packs, it has to date fully qualified only one supplier for the battery cells used in such battery packs and has very limited flexibility in changing battery cell suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of battery cells or electronic components from such suppliers could disrupt production of FF's vehicles until such time as a different supplier is fully qualified. There can be no assurance that FF would be able to successfully retain alternative suppliers on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all.
Furthermore, tariffs or shortages in petroleum and other economic conditions may result in significant increases in freight charges and material costs. In addition, a growth in popularity of electric vehicles without a significant expansion in battery cell production capacity could result in shortages which would result in increased materials costs to FF thereby negatively impacting its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Substantial increases in the prices for FF's raw materials or components would increase its operating costs, and could reduce margins if FF cannot recoup the increased costs through increased vehicle prices. Any attempts to increase product prices in response to increased material costs could result in a decrease in sales and therefore materially and adversely affect FF's brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Costs - Risk 4
FF might not obtain and maintain sufficient insurance coverage, which could expose FF to significant costs and business disruption.
To the extent FF commercializes its vehicles, FF may only obtain and maintain a limited liability insurance coverage for its products and business operations. A successful liability claim against FF due to injuries suffered by the users of its vehicles or services could materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and reputation. In addition, FF does not have any business disruption insurance. Any business disruption event could result in substantial cost and diversion of resources.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 8/98 (8%)Below Sector Average
Trade Secrets5 | 5.1%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
If FF is sued for infringing or misappropriating intellectual property rights of third parties, litigation could be costly and time consuming and could prevent FF from developing or commercializing its future products.
FF is subject to litigation risks from third parties alleging infringement of their intellectual property, which could be time consuming and costly, regardless of whether the claims have merit. Individuals, organizations and companies, including FF's competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks and/or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit or interfere with its ability to make, use, develop, sell and/or market FF's vehicles or components, and may bring claims alleging FF's infringement of such rights. If FF is determined to have or believes there is a high likelihood that FF has infringed upon a third party's intellectual property rights, not only may FF be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs, but FF may also be required to cease sales of its vehicles, incorporate certain components into its vehicles, or offer vehicles or other goods or services that incorporate or use the challenged intellectual property, seek a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property rights (which license may not be available on reasonable terms or at all), redesign the vehicles or other goods or services, establish and maintain alternative branding for FF's products and services, and/or alter FF's business strategy, all of which could prevent FF from developing or commercializing its vehicles and adversely and materially hamper its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs, negative publicity, and diversion of resources and management attention.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
FF may be subject to damages resulting from claims that FF or its employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets or other intellectual property rights of former employers of FF's employees.
Many of FF's employees were previously employed by other automotive companies or by suppliers to automotive companies. FF may be subject to claims that it or these employees have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If FF fails in defending such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, it may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. A loss of key personnel or their work product could hamper or prevent FF's ability to commercialize its products, which could severely harm FF's business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. Even if FF is successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs, negative publicity and demand on management resources, which would materially adversely affect its business, prospects, brand, financial condition and results of operations.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
FF has elected to protect some of its technologies as trade secrets rather than as patents, however, this approach has certain risks and disadvantages.
FF has elected to protect many of its technological developments as trade secrets rather than filing patent applications on them. If another person has filed or files in the future a patent application on the same subject invention FF may be precluded from subsequently filing for its own patent on such invention. In addition, if the other person's patent application is granted, FF's continued use of its technological development could then constitute infringement of the other person's patent. In that case FF could be forced to stop using the affected technology or to pay royalties to continue using it. These risks are heightened for FF given the large number of patent filings in the industry.
Another risk of reliance upon trade secret protection is that there is no guarantee that the efforts FF has made to keep its trade secrets secret will be successful. Trade secrets may be taken or used without FF's authorization or knowledge, including via information security breaches. It is difficult to detect that trade secrets are being misappropriated, and it is very difficult and expensive to prove disclosure or unauthorized use in court and to obtain an adequate remedy.
Trade Secrets - Risk 4
FF is dependent upon its proprietary intellectual properties.
FF considers its copyrights, trademarks, trade names, internet domain names, patents and other intellectual property assets invaluable to its ability to develop and protect new technology, grow its business and enhance FF's brand recognition. FF has invested significant resources to develop its intellectual property assets. Failure to successfully maintain or protect these assets could harm FF's business. The steps FF has taken to protect its intellectual property rights may not be adequate or prevent theft and use of its trade secrets by others or prevent competitors from copying its newly developed technology. If FF is unable to protect its proprietary rights or if third parties independently develop or gain access to similar technology, FF's business, revenue, reputation and competitive position could be harmed. For example, the measures FF takes to protect its intellectual property from unauthorized use by others may not be effective for various reasons, including the following:
- any patent applications FF submits may not result in the issuance of patents;- the scope of FF's issued patents may not be broad enough to protect its proprietary rights;- FF's issued patents may be challenged and/or invalidated by its competitors or others;- the costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and invention agreements and/or other intellectual property rights may make aggressive enforcement impracticable;- current and future competitors may circumvent FF's patents;- FF's in-licensed patents may be invalidated, or the owners of these patents may breach their license arrangements; and - even if FF obtains a favorable outcome in litigation asserting its rights, FF may not be able to obtain an adequate remedy, especially in the context of unauthorized persons copying or reverse engineering FF's products or technology.
FF may need to resort to litigation to enforce its intellectual property rights if its intellectual property rights are infringed or misappropriated, which could be costly and time consuming. Additionally, protection of FF's intellectual property rights in different jurisdictions may vary in their effectiveness. FF has little patent coverage anywhere in the world except the United States and China. Implementation and enforcement of Chinese intellectual property-related laws historically has been considered to be deficient and ineffective. Moreover, with FF's ownership of patents limited mostly to those issued in China and the United States, FF may find it impossible to prevent competitors from copying its patented advancements in vehicles manufactured and sold elsewhere.
Despite FF's efforts to protect its proprietary rights, third parties may still attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use its intellectual property or seek court declarations that such third parties' intellectual property does not infringe upon FF's intellectual property rights, or they may be able to independently develop technologies that are the same as or similar to FF's technologies.
Trade Secrets - Risk 5
FF may not be able to obtain patent protection on certain of its technological developments, and may face better-funded competitors with formidable patent portfolios.
FF may not be able to obtain patent protection for certain of its technological developments because some of its existing applications were abandoned and applicable filing deadlines for seeking to protect such technologies may have passed in the United States and around the world. Also, FF has elected to protect some of its technologies as trade secrets rather than as patents. However, this approach risks the wrongful disclosure and use of FF's trade secrets by departing employees and others. FF has delayed filing for patent protection on certain of its technological developments in recent years due to financial constraints. Because patents are granted on a first-to-file basis, a delay in patent filings, such as this, can result in other companies filing for and obtaining the same inventions either independently derived or otherwise. In addition, inventions not subject to an earlier filing date as disclosed in an active application can result in FF's inventions or patents being "blocked" by prior art in the meantime. The consequences of the filing delays could place FF at a disadvantage relative to competitors that have been continuously more active in filing patent applications and could leave FF unable to protect its technologies that differentiate FF's vehicles from the vehicles of its competitors. FF also faces better-funded competitors with formidable patent portfolios and there can be no guarantee that one or more competitors has not and/or will not obtain patent protection on features necessary to implement in FF's vehicles.
Cyber Security1 | 1.0%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
FF is subject to cybersecurity risks relating to its various systems and software, or that of any third party that FF relies upon, and any failure, cyber event or breach of security could prevent FF from effectively operating its business, harm its reputation or subject FF to significant liability.
FF's business requires it to use and store confidential information, including information relating to its suppliers and other third parties, and FF's customers' personal information and preferences. FF and the business partners storing its data are routinely subject to cybersecurity threats and attacks. Information security risks have increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, state-sponsored actors, and other external parties. Moreover, cybersecurity laws are increasing in complexity and creating expanded areas for potential legal liability in the wake of data breaches or technological vulnerabilities. FF's vehicles contain complex IT systems and software to support interactive and other functions. FF maintains policies, procedures and technological safeguards and has implemented policy, procedural, technical, physical and administrative controls intended to prevent unauthorized access to its IT networks and vehicles' systems. However, FF regularly defends against and responds to information security incidents, vulnerabilities and other security events. Unauthorized persons may gain unauthorized access to modify, alter, insert malicious code and use such networks and systems or gain access to confidential information of our suppliers, other third parties or customers, or our software or other technologies may have vulnerabilities that lead to operational interruptions, data losses, or other harms. In the event FF's or FF business partners' data system protection, disaster recovery, business continuity or secure software and development lifecycle efforts are unsuccessful and such systems or the data systems of vehicles are compromised, FF could suffer substantial harm. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine may increase the risk of cyberattacks.
FF cannot entirely eliminate the risk of improper or unauthorized access to or disclosure of data or personal information, technological vulnerabilities or other security events that impact the integrity or availability of FF's data systems and operations, or the related costs FF may incur to mitigate the consequences from such events. Additionally, FF cannot guarantee that its insurance coverage would be sufficient to cover all losses. Moreover, FF has limited control over and limited ability to monitor FF's third-party business partners that collect, store, and process information, including personally identifiable information, on FF's behalf. They and their systems could be the subject of cyberattacks, just as FF could, and they may or may not put into practice the policies and safeguards they should in order to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and their contractual obligations to FF. A vulnerability in a third-party business partner's software or systems, a failure of FF's third-party business partner's safeguards, policies or procedures, or a breach of a third-party business provider's software or systems could result in the compromise of the confidentiality, integrity or availability of FF's systems or vehicles, or the data stored by FF's business partners.
To the extent that FF's vehicles are commercialized, there can be no assurance that these vulnerabilities related to FF's systems and software will not be exploited in the future before they can be identified, or that FF's remediation efforts will be successful. A major breach of FF's network security and systems could have negative consequences for its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation including possible fines, penalties and damages, reduced customer demand for FF's vehicles and harm to its reputation and brand. Any cyberattacks, unauthorized access, disruption, damage or control of FF's IT networks and systems or any loss or leakage of data or information stored in its systems could result in disruption of FF's operations and legal claims or proceedings. In addition, regardless of their veracity, reports of cyberattacks to our networks, systems or data, as well as other factors that may result in the perception that FF's networks, systems or data are vulnerable to "hacking," could further negatively affect FF's brand and harm its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
Technology2 | 2.0%
Technology - Risk 1
FF needs to develop complex software and technology systems in coordination with vendors and suppliers to reach production for its electric vehicles, and there can be no assurance such systems will be successfully developed.
FF's vehicles will use a substantial amount of third-party and in-house software code and complex hardware to operate. The development of such advanced technologies is inherently complex, and FF will need to coordinate with vendors and suppliers to achieve development for its electric vehicles. Defects and errors may be revealed over time, and FF's control over the performance of third-party services and systems may be limited. FF is relying on third-party suppliers to develop and manage emerging technologies for use in its vehicles, including lithium-ion battery technology. As technology in electric vehicles is constantly evolving, FF may also need to rely on suppliers to develop technologies that are not yet commercially viable. There can be no assurance that FF's suppliers will be able to meet the technological requirements, production timing, and volume requirements needed to support FF's business plan. Nor can FF assure that such emerging technologies and systems will be successfully developed on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. FF's potential inability to develop the necessary software and technology systems may harm its competitive position and its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Technology - Risk 2
FF may be subject to risks associated with autonomous driving technology.
The FF 91 series is designed with autonomous driving functionalities and FF plans to continue its R&D efforts in autonomous driving technology. However, such functionality is relatively new and poses risks, such as from defective software performance or unauthorized access or security attacks by other persons. The safety of such technologies also depends in part on user interaction, and users may not be accustomed to using such technologies. Such failures could lead to accidents, injury and death. For example, there have already been fatal accidents caused by autonomous driving vehicles developed by other leading market players. Any accidents involving self-driving vehicles - even if involving those of FF's competitors - may result in lawsuits, liability and negative publicity and increase calls for more restrictive laws and regulations governing self-driving vehicles or to keep in place laws and regulations in locations that do not permit drivers to employ the self-driving functionality. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect FF's business, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and prospects.
Autonomous driving technology is also subject to considerable regulatory uncertainty as the law evolves to catch up with the rapidly evolving nature of the technology itself, all of which are beyond FF's control. Also see "– FF and its manufacturing partners may be subject to increased environmental and safety or other regulations and disclosure rules resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions."
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 8/98 (8%)Below Sector Average
Competition3 | 3.1%
Competition - Risk 1
Developments in new energy technology or improvements in the fuel economy of internal combustion engines or significant reduction in gas prices may materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
Significant developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol, or compressed natural gas or improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine or significant reduction in gas prices may materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation. Other fuels or sources of energy, such as hydrogen fuel cells, may emerge as customers' preferred alternative to battery electric vehicles. FF is currently a pure battery electric vehicle company. Any failure by FF to develop new or enhanced technologies or processes, or to react to changes in existing technologies or consumer preferences, could result in the loss of competitiveness of FF's vehicles, decreased revenue and a loss of market share to competitors.
Competition - Risk 2
Continued or increased price competition in the automotive industry generally, and in electric and other alternative fuel vehicles, may harm FF's business.
Increased competition could result in lower vehicle unit sales, increased inventory, price reductions, revenue shortfalls, loss of customers and loss of market share, which could harm FF's business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. For example, the automotive industry has witnessed increasing price competition over the years. With more competitors entering the field, many manufacturers are facing downward price pressure and have been adjusting their pricing strategies. FF may not have the same financial resources as some of the competitors to allow it to adjust pricing strategies, which may result in a loss of customers and future market share. On the other hand, if FF follows the downward price adjustment trend, its ability to generate revenues and achieve profitability may be adversely affected. Any of the foregoing may harm FF's business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
Competition - Risk 3
FF faces competition from multiple sources, including new and established domestic and international competitors, and expects to face competition from others in the future, including competition from companies with new technology. This fierce competition may adversely affect FF's revenues, increase its costs to acquire new customers, and hinder its ability to acquire new customers.
The automotive market in the United States, China, and the E.U), which are FF's target markets, is and will remain highly competitive. A significant and growing number of established and new automobile manufacturers, as well as other companies, have entered or are reported to have plans to enter the alternative fuel vehicle market, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, as well as the market for autonomous driving technology and applications. In some cases, such competitors have announced an intention to produce electric vehicles exclusively at some point in the future. FF directly competes with other pure-play electric vehicle companies targeting the high-end market segment, and to a lesser extent with NEVs and ICE" vehicles in the mid- to high-end market segment offered by traditional OEMs. In light of the increased demand and regulatory push for and technology changes in connection with the alternative fuel vehicles, FF expects competition in the industry to intensify with more new players in the future, including companies with new technology.
Many of FF's current and potential competitors, have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and other resources than FF, and are able to devote greater resources to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of their products than FF. In order to acquire customers and better compete, FF may have to incur significant expenses for marketing and business development activities and discounts. Any inability to successfully compete with new or existing competitors may prevent FF from attracting new customers and result in loss of market share. By the time FF starts delivering FF 91 on a larger scale, a substantial portion of the market share may have already been taken by FF's competitors. There can be no assurance that FF will be able to compete successfully in global and local markets, failure of which may materially and adversely affect FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Demand1 | 1.0%
Demand - Risk 1
The market for FF's vehicles, including its SLMD vehicles, is nascent and not established.
FF's B2C passenger electric vehicles are planned to be with leading design and provide superior driving experience and personalized user experience in their respective customer segments. FF believes its electric vehicles represent the "smart mobility" of the next generation. FF's growth is highly dependent upon the consumers' reception and adoption of FF's vision as to what the future of transportation and mobility should embody. Although there are many automakers introducing multiple options of mass-market electric vehicles, the market for electric vehicles with ultra-new technology and cutting-edge styling is still nascent and untested. In addition to vehicles targeting end-customers, FF plans to build the SLMD vehicles targeting B2B business-to-business last-mile delivery logistics companies. FF believes its modular approach to vehicle design provides adaptive and sustainable solutions in the commercial vehicle segment, thus meeting the needs of commercial vehicle owners. However, there is uncertainty as to the future demands for FF's vehicles in both B2B and B2C market segments, and there is no assurance that the retail and commercial vehicle market FF envisions for its vehicles will be established. To a large extent, it depends on general economic, political, and social conditions, all of which are beyond FF's control.
Sales & Marketing3 | 3.1%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
FF faces a number of challenges in the sale and marketing of its vehicles.
FF plans to enhance its brand recognition, improve its brand reputation and grow its client base by substantial investments in marketing and business development activities. However, FF cannot guarantee that its marketing spending or the marketing strategies it plans to adopt will have their anticipated effect or generate returns. FF faces a number of challenges in the sale and marketing of its vehicles, including, without limitation:
- Demand in the automobile industry is highly volatile;- Final delivered range, performance and quality of FF's vehicles may vary from estimates;- It is expensive to establish a strong brand. FF may not succeed in continuing to establish, maintain and strengthen the FF brand in a cost-efficient manner, or at all;- Many consumers are not aware of the benefits of FF's products, which may depend on factors beyond FF's control such as transition of consumer behaviors;- FF competes with other automotive manufacturers for consumer spending;- Many other automotive manufacturers have already manufactured and sold electric vehicles providing them with a marketing advantage;- FF's failure to keep up with rapid technological changes could make its vehicles less attractive than those of competitors or make potential customers unwilling to pay a premium for FF's vehicles;- FF may not be able to attract a sufficient number of retail partners to support its expected sales volumes; and - FF's efforts to develop and market its SLMD vehicles might not be successful given the fact that its target customers are commercial logistic companies which have different requirements compared to retail consumers.
If FF is unable to efficiently enhance its brand and market its products, its business prospects, financial condition and operating results may be adversely and materially affected.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 2
FF may not be able to guarantee customers access to efficient, economical and comprehensive charging solutions.
FF has not built any commercial charging infrastructure, and FF's customers will have to rely on private and publicly accessible charging infrastructure, which is generally considered to be insufficient, especially in China. FF may not have competitive advantages in terms of proprietary charging infrastructure or holistic charging solutions. Some competitors may provide charging services via self-owned charging infrastructure, battery swapping and charging vehicles, which FF may not be able to deliver.
The charging services FF may provide could fail to meet the expectations and demands of FF's customers, who may lose confidence in FF and its vehicles. This may also deter potential customers from purchasing FF's vehicles. In addition, even if FF has the ability and plan to build its own charging infrastructure, it may not be cost-effective and FF may face difficulties in finding proper locations and obtaining relevant government permits and approvals. To the extent FF is unable to meet its customers' expectations or demand, or faces difficulties in developing efficient, economical and comprehensive charging solutions, FF's reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Sales & Marketing - Risk 3
FF may engage in direct-to-consumer leasing or financing arrangements in the future which will expose FF to credit, compliance and residual value risks, the failure of which to manage may materially harm FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.
FF expects the availability of financing or leasing programs to be important for its potential customers and may offer financing or leasing arrangements for its vehicles or collaborate with third parties to provide such arrangements in the future. However, FF may not be able to obtain adequate funding for its future financing or leasing programs or offer terms acceptable to potential customers. If FF is unable to provide compelling financing or leasing arrangements for its vehicles, it may be unable to grow the vehicle orders and deliveries, which could materially and adversely harm FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, if FF does not successfully monitor and comply with applicable national, state, and/or local consumer protection laws and regulations governing these transactions, FF may become subject to enforcement actions or penalties, either of which may harm its business and reputation.
Moreover, offering leasing or financing arrangements will expose FF to risks commonly associated with the extension of credit. Credit risk is the potential loss that may arise from any failure in the ability or willingness of the customer to fulfill its contractual obligations when they fall due. In the event of a widespread economic downturn or other catastrophic event, FF's customers may be unable or unwilling to satisfy their payment obligations on a timely basis or at all. Moreover, competitive pressure and challenging markets may increase credit risk through loans and leases to financially weak customers and extended payment terms. If a significant number of FF's customers default, FF may incur credit losses and/or have to recognize impairment charges with respect to the underlying assets, which may be substantial. Any such credit losses and/or impairment charges could adversely affect FF's business, prospects, operating results or financial condition.
Further, in lease arrangements, the profitability of any vehicles returned to FF at the end of their leases depends on FF's ability to accurately project such vehicles' residual values at the outset of the leases, and such values may fluctuate prior to the end of their terms depending on various factors such as supply and demand of FF's used vehicles, economic cycles, and the pricing of new vehicles. FF may incur substantial losses if its vehicles' fair market value deteriorates faster than projected.
Brand / Reputation1 | 1.0%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
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Yueting Jia, FF's founder and Chief Product and User Ecosystem Officer, is closely associated with FF's image and brand, and his public image may color public and market perceptions of FF. Negative information about Mr. Jia may adversely impact FF. Disassociating from Mr. Jia could also adversely impact FF.
Because of his position as the founder of FF and his continuing role with FF as Chief Product and User Ecosystem Officer, as Founder Advisor to the Board (effective as of October 4, 2022), and, as of February 26, 2023, a Section 16 officer and an "executive officer" of FF under Rule 3b-7 of the Exchange Act, Mr. Jia is closely associated with the image and brand of FF. As a result, his activities, media coverage about his activities and those of his affiliates and public and market perception of him and his role within FF all contribute to public and market perception of FF, which in turn impacts, among other things, FF's ability to conduct business, FF's relationships with its management and employees, FF's ability to raise financing and FF's relationships with government and regulatory officials.
In the past, Mr. Jia's activities have resulted in him being subject to discipline by FF. He has also been the subject of regulatory and legal scrutiny for his conduct at FF and in connection with his other business ventures. The following events and activities, among others, and any future similar events and activities could generate negative perceptions about Mr. Jia and, by extension, FF:
- Mr. Jia was disciplined as part of the Special Committee investigation. See "Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the findings and remedial actions relating to the Special Committee investigation.
- Mr. Jia personally declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019; the U.S. bankruptcy court approved a restructuring plan in this proceeding in 2020.
- The Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SSE") determined in 2019 that Mr. Jia was unsuitable for a position as director, supervisor or executive officer of public listed companies in China. This action came as a result of the violation by Leshi Information Technology Co., Ltd. ("LeTV"), an SSE-listed public company founded and controlled by Mr. Jia, of several listing rules, including those related to related party transactions, discrepancies in LeTV's forecast and financials, and the use of proceeds from a public offering.
- The China Securities Regulatory Commission notified Mr. Jia in 2021 of its decision to impose fines and a permanent ban from entry into the securities market as a result of misrepresentations in LeTV's disclosure and financial statements, fraud in connection with a private placement, and other violations of securities laws and listing requirements.
- Mr. Jia is a named defendant in securities litigation before the Beijing Financial Court brought in 2021 relating to alleged misrepresentations made by LeTV in connection with the matters referred to above. This matter is pending.
- The Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("HKSE") notified Mr. Jia in 2021 that he and another former executive director of Coolpad Group Limited ("Coolpad"), an HKSE-listed public company of which Mr. Jia was executive director and chairman, had breached their undertakings to the HKSE as a result of Coolpad's failure to comply with listing rules relating to timely disclosure and the publishing of financial results. The HKSE determined that Mr. Jia should be removed from the board of Coolpad as his continued service would be prejudicial to the interests of investors.
Although FF is subject to risks from its ongoing association with Mr. Jia, if Mr. Jia ceased to be associated with FF, this also could adversely impact FF's business, operations, brand, management and employee relations, and customer relationships, as well as FF's ability to develop business in China. Customers, employees and investors could conclude that because of Mr. Jia's long relationship with and involvement in FF's business, and the substantial contributions he has made to FF's strategy, products and competitive positioning, a loss of Mr. Jia's involvement could significantly harm FF's business and prospects.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 6/98 (6%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment2 | 2.0%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government may materially and adversely affect FF's business, financial condition and results of operations and may result in FF's inability to sustain its growth and expansion strategies.
As part of FF's dual-market strategy, substantial aspects of its business and operations may be based in China in the future, which will increase FF's sensitivity to the economic, operational and legal risks specific to China. For example, China's economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many aspects, including, but not limited to, the degree of government involvement, control of capital investment, reinvestment control of foreign exchange, control of intellectual property, allocation of resources, growth rate and development level. Although the PRC government has implemented measures since the late 1970s emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, including the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, which are generally viewed as a positive development for foreign business investment, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. In addition, the PRC government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The PRC government also exercises significant control over the PRC economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payments of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While China's economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing down. Some of the governmental measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. Higher inflation could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, certain operating costs and expenses, such as employee compensation and office operating expenses, may increase as a result of higher inflation. In addition, the PRC government has implemented in the past certain measures to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our products and services, and consequently have a material adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition and results of operations.
It is unclear whether and how FF's current or future business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations may be affected by changes in China's economic, political and social conditions and in its laws, regulations and policies. In addition, many of the economic reforms carried out by the Chinese government are unprecedented or experimental and are expected to be refined and improved over time. The ultimate effect of such refining and improving process may on FF's operations and business development is uncertain.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Difficult economic conditions, financial or economic crises, or the perceived threat of such a crisis, including a significant decrease in consumer confidence, may affect consumer purchases of premium items, such as FF's electric vehicles.
Sales of premium consumer products, such as the FF 91 Futurist and other electric vehicles, depend in part on discretionary consumer spending and therefore may decline based on adverse changes in general economic conditions. The global economy and financial markets experience significant disruptions from time to time, constantly facing new challenges, including ongoing trade disputes and tariffs, as well as the related economic policies taken by various governments around the world. It is unclear whether these challenges will be successfully addressed and what effects they may have. Any prolonged slowdown in economic development might lead to tighter credit markets, increased market volatility, sudden drops in business and consumer confidence and dramatic changes in business and consumer behaviors.
Difficult macroeconomic conditions, such as decreases in per capita income and disposable income, increased and prolonged unemployment, a decline in consumer confidence, and/or reduced spending by businesses could have a material adverse effect on future investor interest or customer demand for FF's vehicles. In response to the perceived uncertainty in economic conditions, consumers might delay, reduce or cancel purchases of such electric vehicles. Potential customers may seek to reduce spending by foregoing luxurious new energy vehicles. Decreased demand for FF vehicles, particularly in the United States and China, could negatively affect the business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations of FF.
International Operations1 | 1.0%
International Operations - Risk 1
FF will face risks associated with international operations, including possible unfavorable regulatory, political, currency, tax and labor conditions, which could harm its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
FF has a global footprint with domestic and international operations and subsidiaries. Accordingly, FF is subject to a variety of legal, political and regulatory requirements and social, environmental and economic conditions over which FF has little control. For example, FF may be impacted by trade policies, environmental conditions, political uncertainty and economic cycles involving the U.S. and China, which are inherently unpredictable. FF is subject to a number of risks particularly associated with international business activities that may increase FF's costs, impact its ability to sell vehicles and require significant management attention. These risks include conforming FF's vehicles to various international regulatory and safety requirements as well as charging and other electric infrastructures, organizing local operating entities, difficulty in establishing, staffing and managing foreign operations, challenges in attracting customers, hedging against foreign exchange risk, compliance with foreign labor laws and restrictions, and foreign government taxes, regulations and permit requirements, FF's ability to enforce its contractual rights, trade restrictions, customs regulations, tariffs and price or exchange controls, and preferences of foreign nations for domestically manufactured products. If FF does not sufficiently address any of these challenges, its business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Natural and Human Disruptions1 | 1.0%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
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FF faces risks related to natural disasters, climate change, health epidemics and pandemics, terrorist attacks, civil unrest and other circumstances outside its control, which could significantly disrupt FF's operations.
The occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events, including the emergence of an epidemic, pandemic (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) or other widespread health emergency, civil unrest, war (such as the conflict in Ukraine), terrorist attacks, climate change or natural disasters could create economic and financial disruptions. These types of events could lead to operational difficulties, impair FF's ability to manage its business and expose FF's business activities to significant losses. FF's management and operational teams are based in the United States and China. FF has a manufacturing facility in Hanford, California, and has executed an agreement with a contract manufacturer in South Korea. FF is also exploring other potential contract manufacturing options in addition to the contract manufacturer in South Korea. Additionally, FF may establish manufacturing through a joint venture in China and/or other regions for certain future vehicle models. An unforeseen or catastrophic event in any of these regions could adversely impact FF's operations.
Capital Markets2 | 2.0%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
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Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign currency exchange losses to FF and may reduce the value of, and amount in U.S. Dollars of dividends payable on, its Common Stock in foreign currency terms.
The value of the CNY against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions and the foreign exchange policy adopted by the PRC government. In August 2015, the People's Bank of China (the "PBOC"), changed the way it calculates the mid-point price of the CNY against the U.S. Dollar, requiring the market-makers who submit for reference rates to consider the previous day's closing spot rate, foreign-exchange demand and supply as well as changes in major currency rates. In 2018, the value of CNY appreciated by approximately 5.5% against the U.S. Dollar; in 2019, the CNY appreciated by approximately 1.9% against the U.S. Dollar; in 2020, the CNY appreciated 7.0% against the U.S. Dollar; in 2021, the CNY appreciated 2.7% against the U.S. Dollar; in 2022, the CNY appreciated 8.5% against the U.S. Dollar; and in 2023, the CNY appreciated 2.6% against the U.S. Dollar. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy, including any interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve, may impact the exchange rate between the CNY and the U.S. Dollar in the future. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a more flexible currency policy, including from the U.S. government, which has threatened to label China as a "currency manipulator," which could result in greater fluctuation of the CNY against the U.S. Dollar. However, the PRC government may still at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for capital account or current account transactions in the future. Therefore, it is difficult to predict how market forces or government policies may impact the exchange rate between the CNY and the U.S. Dollar or other currencies in the future. In addition, the PBOC regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to limit fluctuations in CNY exchange rates and achieve policy goals. If the exchange rate between the CNY and U.S. Dollar fluctuates in an unanticipated manner, our results of operations and financial condition, and the value of, and dividends payable on, our shares in foreign currency terms may be adversely affected.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
Changes in U.S. and international trade policies, including the export and import controls and laws, particularly with regard to China, may adversely impact FF's business and operating results.
FF operates with a United States and China dual-home market strategy, partnering with leading international suppliers from North America, Europe and Asia. While FF believes this is the best strategic business model, it also is more subject to risks associated with international trade conflicts including between the United States and China, particularly with respect to export and import controls and laws. Former President Donald J. Trump advocated for greater restrictions on international trade in general, which significantly increased tariffs on certain goods imported into the United States - particularly from China. Former President Trump also took steps toward restricting trade in certain goods. In response, China and other countries imposed similar retaliatory tariffs and other measures and such international trade conflicts have continued under the Biden administration.
On December 23, 2021, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which effectively prohibits imports of any goods made either wholly or in part in Xinjiang, was signed into law. The law went into effect on June 21, 2022. The law prohibits "the importation of goods made with forced labor" unless U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines, based on "clear and convincing evidence", that the goods in question were not produced "wholly or in part by forced labor", and submits a report to the U.S. Congress setting out its findings. While we do not currently expect that this law will directly affect our supplies, since we do not believe that our suppliers source materials from Xinjiang for the products they sell to us, other renewable energy companies' attempts to shift suppliers in response to this law, withhold release orders, or other policy developments could result in shortages, delays, and/or price increases that could disrupt our own supply chain or cause our suppliers to renegotiate existing arrangements with us or fail to perform on such obligations. Broader policy uncertainty could also reduce Chinese panel production, affecting supplies and/or prices for panels, regardless of supplier. While we have developed multiple supply sources in a variety of countries, we could still be adversely affected by increases in our costs, negative publicity related to the industry, or other adverse consequences to our business.
Rising political tensions could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. Additionally, increasing tariffs could impact raw material prices, the cost of component parts and transportation. Any of the foregoing could have an adverse effect on FF's business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. The Biden administration may also enact policy changes that could have an impact on FF's business, such as the recent Executive Order on Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.