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Nikola Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
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Record 88 wholesale deliveries of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in Q3, up 22% quarter over quarterFCEV Fleet adoption up 78% year-to-date, with 16 end fleets deploying Nikola FCEVs, 32 distinct end fleets across both powertrainsExpanded dealer network for the first time since launch of the FCEVReiterating our year-end volume guidance of 300-350 FCEVs
PHOENIX, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy supply and infrastructure solutions, via the HYLA brand, today reported financial results and business updates for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
“Year-to-date, we had record sales of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, a 78% increase in FCEV fleet adoption, and a nearly 350% increase in hydrogen fuel dispensed at our commercial stations,” said Steve Girsky, President and CEO of Nikola. “We also returned 78 BEV “2.0s” back to end fleets and dealers. With every truck delivered and fueled at our HYLA stations, we continue to deliver proof points to the market that zero-emission trucks are driving the future of Class 8 mobility.”
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Truck
We delivered record sales of 88 FCEVs to our dealer network, up 22% from last quarter. On the retail front, we continued to see strong organic growth from existing end fleets. National fleet partners such as Kenan Advantage Group and DHL Supply Chain recently announced deployment of Nikola FCEVs and noted the important role we play in not only helping them meet their sustainability goals, but those of their end customers, which includes Nestlé and Diageo.
We expanded our dealer network for the first time since the launch of our FCEV with the addition of GTS Group, in Southern California. GTS, a successful traditional truck dealership, recently introduced a new division, created for the sales and service of Nikola trucks called “Next Generation Truck” or NGT. This additional dealer brings the number of Nikola sales and service locations up to nineteen across the U.S.
We reiterate FCEV volume guidance of 300-350 trucks by year-end.
HYLA Energy
We expect to deliver 10 HYLA fueling solutions by year-end. We are focusing our strategy on providing more support at existing stations to better serve our customers as we scale. Operationally, over the lifetime of the entire HYLA network, we have recorded more than 5900 fueling events, dispensing more than 210 metric tons of hydrogen, for an average of 36kg per fill. The year-to-date ramp-up in mobile hydrogen refueling stations has been very strong. Since we began measuring commercial fueling operations in Q1, total hydrogen dispensing has grown nearly 350% year-to-date.
Battery-Electric Truck
We are excited that the BEV “2.0” is back on the road, hauling freight, and validating its use case. Since putting the BEV 2.0 back into service, 19 end fleets have accumulated more than 715K in-service road miles. The BEV 2.0 has been the truck of choice for our end fleets not only for its performance but also to meet the sustainability goals of end fleet partners. Program-to-date, we’ve returned 78 BEVs back to the market to overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Third Quarter Operational and Financial Highlights
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Trucks produced
83
N/A
203
96
Trucks shipped
90
3
203
79
Total revenues
$ 25,181
$ (1,732)
$ 63,997
$ 24,307
Gross profit (loss)
$ (61,943)
$ (125,503)
$ (174,244)
$ (175,831)
Gross margin
(246) %
7246 %
(272) %
(723) %
Loss from operations
$ (178,791)
$ (226,167)
$ (455,278)
$ (521,993)
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (199,781)
$ (425,764)
$ (481,177)
$ (711,025)
Net loss on discontinued operations
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ (101,661)
Net loss
$ (199,781)
$ (425,764)
$ (481,177)
$ (812,686)
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$ (123,610)
$ (188,563)
$ (337,037)
$ (417,318)
Net loss from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted
$ (3.89)
$ (14.90)
$ (10.12)
$ (30.20)
Net loss from discontinued operations
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ (4.32)
Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted(1)
$ (2.75)
$ (9.04)
$ (8.05)
$ (21.97)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted
51,388,962
28,573,800
47,553,460
23,544,174
(1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP versus GAAP information is provided below in the financial statement tables in this press release.
Webcast and Conference Call Information
Nikola will host a webcast to discuss its third quarter results and business progress at 7:30 a.m. Pacific Time (10:30 a.m. Eastern Time) on October 31, 2024. To access the webcast, parties in the United States should follow this link.
The live audio webcast, along with supplemental information, will be accessible on the Company’s Investor Relations website here. A recording of the webcast will also be available following the earnings call.
About Nikola Corporation
Nikola Corporation’s mission is clear: pioneering solutions for a zero-emissions world. As an integrated truck and energy company, Nikola is transforming commercial transportation, with our Class 8 vehicles, including battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, and our energy brand, HYLA, driving the advancement of the complete hydrogen refueling ecosystem, covering supply, distribution and dispensing.
Nikola headquarters is based in Phoenix, Ariz. with a manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Ariz.
Experience our journey to achieve your sustainability goals at nikolamotor.com or engage with us on social media via Facebook @nikolamotorcompany, Instagram @nikolamotorcompany, YouTube @nikolamotorcompany, LinkedIn @nikolamotorcompany or X / Twitter @nikolamotor
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Nikola Corporation (the “Company”), including statements relating to: the Company’s belief that the third quarter is an example of how it is executing its strategic and operational objectives by strengthening its resolve to push forward, meet the demands of end fleets, and lay a path for a sustainable future; the Company’s belief that zero-emission trucks are driving the future of Class 8 mobility; the Company’s beliefs regarding its role in helping to meet sustainability goals; the Company’s future financial and business performance, truck sale guidance, business plan, strategy, focus, opportunities and milestones; the benefits and momentum in the Company’s profitability flywheel; customer demand for trucks; the Company’s beliefs regarding its competition and competitive position; the Company’s business outlook; the Company’s expectations regarding hydrogen refueling solutions and timelines; expectations related to the battery-electric truck recall; and the Company’s beliefs regarding the benefits and attributes of its trucks, and customer experience. These forward-looking statements other than statements of historical fact, and generally are identified by words such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s cash needs and obligations, and changes in its cash needs and obligations; the Company’s its ability to raise sufficient capital to continue to operate its business; the Company’s ability to achieve cost reductions and decrease its cash usage; the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plan; design and manufacturing changes and delays, including shortages of parts and materials and other supply challenges; the continued availability of hydrogen refueling solutions; general economic, financial, legal, regulatory, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; demand for and customer acceptance of the Company’s trucks and hydrogen refueling solutions; the results of customer pilot testing; the execution and terms of definitive agreements with strategic partners and customers; the failure to convert LOIs or MOUs into binding orders; the cancellation of orders; risks associated with development and testing of fuel cell power modules and hydrogen storage systems; risks related to the recall, including higher than expected costs, the discovery of additional problems, delays retrofitting the trucks and delivering such trucks to customers, supply chain and other issues that may create additional delays, order cancellations as a result of the recall, litigation, complaints and/or product liability claims, and reputational harm; risks related to the rollout of the Company’s business and milestones and the timing of expected business milestones; the effects of competition on the Company’s business; the Company’s capital needs ability to raise capital; the Company’s ability to achieve cost reductions and decrease its cash usage; the grant, receipt and continued availability of federal and state incentives; and the factors, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company’s business described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC, in addition to the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release references Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures and are presented as supplemental measures of the Company’s performance. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other items determined by the Company. Non-GAAP net loss is defined as net loss adjusted for stock-based compensation expense and certain other items determined by the Company. Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted is defined as non-GAAP net loss divided by weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding. These non-GAAP measures are not substitutes for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP) and should not be considered as an alternative to any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP.
The Company believes that presenting these non-GAAP measures provides useful supplemental information to investors about the Company in understanding and evaluating its operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by its management in financial and operational-decision making. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents. For example, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore any non-GAAP measures the Company uses may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues:
Truck sales
$ 24,847
$ (2,368)
$ 61,008
$ 19,693
Service and other
334
636
2,989
4,614
Total revenues
25,181
(1,732)
63,997
24,307
Cost of revenues:
Truck sales
82,205
122,679
222,946
195,902
Service and other
4,919
1,092
15,295
4,236
Total cost of revenues
87,124
123,771
238,241
200,138
Gross loss
(61,943)
(125,503)
(174,244)
(175,831)
Operating expenses:
Research and development (1)
41,800
41,966
121,458
168,286
Selling, general, and administrative (1)
41,629
57,982
126,157
159,443
Impairment expense
33,419
—
33,419
—
Loss on supplier deposits
—
716
—
18,433
Total operating expenses
116,848
100,664
281,034
346,162
Loss from operations
(178,791)
(226,167)
(455,278)
(521,993)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net
(10,875)
(52,680)
(17,094)
(71,262)
Gain on divestiture of affiliate
—
—
—
70,849
Loss on debt extinguishment
(871)
—
(3,184)
(20,362)
Other income (expense), net
(9,417)
(146,654)
(4,664)
(151,969)
Loss before income taxes and equity in net profit (loss) of affiliates
(199,954)
(425,501)
(480,220)
(694,737)
Income tax expense
—
1
92
1
Loss before equity in net profit (loss) of affiliates
(199,954)
(425,502)
(480,312)
(694,738)
Equity in net profit (loss) of affiliates
173
(262)
(865)
(16,287)
Net loss from continuing operations
(199,781)
(425,764)
(481,177)
(711,025)
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations
—
—
—
(76,726)
Loss from deconsolidation of discontinued operations
—
—
—
(24,935)
Net loss from discontinued operations
—
—
—
(101,661)
Net loss
$ (199,781)
$ (425,764)
$ (481,177)
$ (812,686)
Basic and diluted net loss per share (2):
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (3.89)
$ (14.90)
$ (10.12)
$ (30.20)
Net loss from discontinued operations
$ —
$ —
$ —
$ (4.32)
Net loss
$ (3.89)
$ (14.90)
$ (10.12)
$ (34.52)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (2)
51,388,962
28,573,800
47,553,460
23,544,174
(1) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cost of revenues
$ 434
$ 414
$ 1,114
$ 1,813
Research and development
2,473
3,383
7,825
19,043
Selling, general, and administrative
5,694
14,862
16,398
48,060
Total stock-based compensation expense
$ 8,601
$ 18,659
$ 25,337
$ 68,916
(2) Shares issued and outstanding have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-thirty (1-for-30) reverse stock split that became effective on June 24, 2024.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 198,301
$ 464,715
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
3,374
1,224
Accounts receivable, net
51,773
17,974
Inventory
76,076
62,588
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
61,996
25,911
Total current assets
391,520
572,412
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
16,086
28,026
Long-term deposits
17,256
14,954
Property, plant and equipment, net
490,244
503,416
Intangible assets, net
52,130
85,860
Investment in affiliate
56,197
57,062
Goodwill
—
5,238
Other assets
12,610
7,889
Total assets
$ 1,036,043
$ 1,274,857
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 57,161
$ 44,133
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
205,508
207,022
Debt and finance lease liabilities, current
73,111
8,950
Total current liabilities
335,780
260,105
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, net of current portion
270,018
269,279
Operating lease liabilities
6,806
4,765
Other long-term liabilities
44,193
21,534
Total liabilities
656,797
555,683
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock
—
—
Common stock
6
4
Additional paid-in capital
3,931,702
3,790,401
Accumulated deficit
(3,552,246)
(3,071,069)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(216)
(162)
Total stockholders’ equity
379,246
719,174
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$ 1,036,043
$ 1,274,857
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$ (481,177)
$ (812,686)
Less: Loss from discontinued operations
—
(101,661)
Loss from continuing operations
(481,177)
(711,025)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
33,408
28,758
Stock-based compensation
25,337
68,916
Equity in net loss of affiliates
865
16,287
Revaluation of financial instruments
6,284
195,132
Revaluation of contingent stock consideration
—
(43,981)
Inventory write-downs
56,587
64,500
Non-cash interest expense
11,906
72,846
Loss on supplier deposits
—
18,433
Gain on divestiture of affiliate
—
(70,849)
Loss on debt extinguishment
3,184
20,362
Loss on disposal of assets
2,921
—
Impairment expense
33,419
—
Other non-cash activity
5,674
3,888
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(33,799)
20,932
Inventory
(71,085)
(9,983)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(14,017)
(48,332)
Other assets
(1,595)
(2,384)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
(3,478)
(1,672)
Long-term deposits
(262)
(1,377)
Operating lease liabilities
(2,769)
(1,191)
Other long-term liabilities
29,064
2,316
Net cash used in operating activities
(399,533)
(378,424)
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases and deposits of property, plant and equipment
(43,740)
(108,409)
Proceeds from the sale of assets
21,398
20,742
Divestiture of affiliate
—
35,000
Payments to Assignee
—
(2,725)
Investments in affiliate
—
(250)
Net cash used in investing activities
(22,342)
(55,642)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
—
7,393
Proceeds from issuance of shares under the Tumim Purchase Agreements
—
67,587
Proceeds from registered direct offering, net of underwriter’s discount
—
63,456
Proceeds from public offering, net of underwriter’s discount
—
32,244
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under Equity Distribution Agreement, net of commissions and other fees paid
73,464
115,027
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes
80,000
217,075
Proceeds from issuance of financing obligation, net of issuance costs
—
53,548
Proceeds from insurance premium financing
4,598
5,223
Repayment of debt and promissory notes
(522)
(45,287)
Payment for Coupon Make-Whole Premium
(4,579)
—
Payments on insurance premium financing
(3,661)
(3,550)
Payments on finance lease liabilities and financing obligation
(3,549)
(459)
Payments for issuance costs
(80)
—
Net cash provided by financing activities
145,671
512,257
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash and cash equivalents
(276,204)
78,191
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
493,965
313,909
Cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 217,761
$ 392,100
Cash flows from discontinued operations:
Operating activities
$ —
$ (4,964)
Investing activities
—
(1,804)
Financing activities
—
(572)
Net cash used in discontinued operations
$ —
$ (7,340)
Reconciliation of GAAP Financial Metrics to Non-GAAP
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Net Loss from continuing operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (199,781)
$ (425,764)
$ (481,177)
$ (711,025)
Interest expense, net
10,875
52,680
17,094
71,262
Income tax expense
—
1
92
1
Depreciation and amortization
11,720
16,996
33,408
28,758
EBITDA
(177,186)
(356,087)
(430,583)
(611,004)
Impairment expense
33,419
—
33,419
—
Stock-based compensation
8,601
18,659
25,337
68,916
Loss on supplier deposits
—
716
—
18,433
Gain on divestiture of affiliate
—
—
—
(70,849)
Loss on debt extinguishment
871
—
3,184
20,362
Loss / (gain) on disposal of assets
(237)
—
2,921
—
Equipment purchase cancellation
—
—
15,613
—
Revaluation of financial instruments
8,431
145,717
6,284
151,151
Regulatory and legal matters (1)
2,491
2,432
6,788
5,673
Adjusted EBITDA
$ (123,610)
$ (188,563)
$ (337,037)
$ (417,318)
(1) Regulatory and legal matters include legal, advisory, and other professional service fees incurred in connection with a short-seller article from September 2020, and investigations and litigation related thereto.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss, and GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Loss per Share, basic and diluted
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Net loss from continuing operations
$ (199,781)
$ (425,764)
$ (481,177)
$ (711,025)
Impairment expense
33,419
—
33,419
—
Stock-based compensation
8,601
18,659
25,337
68,916
Debt issuance costs for Senior Convertible Notes
4,890
—
4,890
—
Loss on supplier deposits
—
716
—
18,433
Gain on divestiture of affiliate
—
—
—
(70,849)
Loss on debt extinguishment
871
—
3,184
20,362
Revaluation of financial instruments
8,431
145,717
6,284
151,151
Loss / (gain) on disposal of assets
(237)
—
2,921
—
Equipment purchase cancellation
—
—
15,613
—
Regulatory and legal matters (1)
2,491
2,432
6,788
5,673
Non-GAAP net loss
$ (141,315)
$ (258,240)
$ (382,741)
$ (517,339)
Net loss from continuing operations per share, basic and diluted (2)
$ (3.89)
$ (14.90)
$ (10.12)
$ (30.20)
Non-GAAP net loss per share, basic and diluted
$ (2.75)
$ (9.04)
$ (8.05)
$ (21.97)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (2)
51,388,962
28,573,800
47,553,460
23,544,174
(1) Regulatory and legal matters include legal, advisory, and other professional service fees incurred in connection with a short-seller article from September 2020, and investigations and litigation related thereto.
(2) Shares issued and outstanding have been adjusted to reflect the one-for-thirty (1-for-30) reverse stock split that became effective on June 24, 2024.
Reconciliation of Cash flows to Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(in thousands)
Most comparable GAAP measure:
Net cash used in operating activities
$ (149,377)
$ (91,259)
$ (399,533)
$ (378,424)
Net cash used in investing activities
(13,558)
(115)
(22,342)
(55,642)
Net cash provided by financing activities
98,080
188,119
145,671
512,257
Non-GAAP measure:
Net cash used in operating activities
(149,377)
(91,259)
(399,533)
(378,424)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(13,558)
(20,690)
(43,740)
(108,409)
Adjusted free cash flow
$ (162,935)
$ (111,949)
$ (443,273)
$ (486,833)
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SOURCE Nikola Corporation
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0% petrochemicals, 0% forever chemicals, 0% microplastics, and 100% biodegradable
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O° shoes embody the versatility of PHAs by incorporating precise designs informed by the kinetics of human motion. Whether they take final form as a walking or running shoe, or ballet slipper, each shoe has a base layer of a knitted upper and outer layers that are printed on the textile to provide specific functionality including reinforcement, cushioning, strength, and pliability. The versatility and automation built into the O° platform enable rapid iterations and an accelerated development process from design to production.
A near zero-waste production process
A compact robotic system is central to the O° platform: the O° robotic system 3D prints custom PHA blends onto a textile that is 3D knitted on an industrial flatbed machine from a 100% PHA yarn produced through a process of extrusion and melt spinning. By using this knitting and printing technology to create shape and movement, OXMAN has eliminated the cut-and-sew and adhesion processes associated with traditional shoe assembly. The O° technology offers a near zero-waste production process and requires minimal human involvement and intervention, enabling local, low-cost production, minimizing the transport cost and environmental impact of the distant supply chains typical of the shoe industry.
Bio-engineered colorways, free of petrochemicals
Many industrial pigments and dyes are sourced from raw materials derived from petro-chemicals which release environmentally damaging chemicals during their production and usage. These dyes and pigments are dependent on a resource-intensive and complex global supply chain for synthesis, processing, and transport. In contrast, bacteria can produce pigments from simple and abundant natural resources. O° uses bacteria not just as a source of material, but also to encode other functional properties such as pigment production to simplify and centralize the manufacturing process.
OXMAN’s O° platform builds on the promise of PHAs by tuning the fabrication process and offering an alternative design and production process that holistically considers a product’s entire lifecycle, from conception to decomposition.
OXMAN is now initiating discussions with potential partners, investors, and brand collaborators to bring the production of O° shoes and textiles to scale and to market. We look forward to hearing from you. You can reach us here.
About OXMAN
OXMAN is a design lab whose mission is to create and deliver nature-centric products and environments to its clients and the natural world. Bringing together computational design, robotics, materials science, green chemistry, biology, and eco-system engineering, OXMAN’s work reinvents the industrial systems that dictate how we design and produce everyday things—from the foods we eat and the clothes we wear to the buildings we inhabit. https://oxman.com
O° CONTACT
https://oxman.com/contact
MEDIA CONTACT
Alex Klimoski
oxman@resnicow.com
+1 (212) 671-5184
BACKGROUND
The Problem: Endless Assemblies, Forever Chemicals
The footwear design and manufacturing industry faces significant environmental challenges that include hazardous chemical formulations polluting our air, water and soil, greenhouse gas emissions, human exploitation, lack of supply chain traceability, as well as lack of sustainable end-of-life scenarios for materials that cannot be recycled or biodegraded.
Facts & Figures:
24+ billion shoes are manufactured worldwide each year1,2,3300+ million pairs of shoes are discarded annually, 95% of which wind up in landfill2,3Shoes do not break down easily or quickly: shock-absorbent soles can remain in a landfill for 1,000 years4On average, 40 distinct materials are used to create a traditional shoe (e.g., foams, fabrics, rubbers, coatings, adhesives)5″Forever chemicals” are found in almost all mass-produced shoes today (33-4200 parts per billion can be found in a traditional shoe)6Shoes made from petroleum-derived plastics account for 1.4% of global greenhouse emissions7,8
The Solution: One Material, One System
O° is a design platform that starts and ends with biology. It embodies an automated, vertically integrated, bio-digital fabrication system for lifecycle design of multi-functional mono-material products.
Made entirely of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a bacterially-produced thermo-plastic polymer, the mono-material O° enables the design and digital fabrication of apparel items, such as shoes and textiles, that exhibit a range of physical properties, functions, and end-of-life trajectories. By cultivating our materials from bacteria—as opposed to extracting them from resources like oil or sourcing them from farmed materials such as wool and cellulose—we unlock the potential for a radically new production paradigm—one that bears more resemblance to growing than to the conventional manufacturing processes. This approach envisions centralizing all components of production into a single material, a single site, and a single process. O° aims to remove the complexity involved in the fabrication of objects by staying within one material class for all technical requirements. Streamlining manufacturing allows us to remove externalities that would incur environmental damage; if we only need one material to make a shoe, we have no need to import specialized components from around the globe. Reducing microplastics, reducing atmospheric greenhouse gasses, and promoting biological growth through targeted biodegra-dation follow as further vectors of possible positive environmental impact.
Unmatched Versatility: Efficiency in Design, in Tune with Nature
The versatility and automation built into the O° platform enable rapid iterations and an accelerated development process from design to production, enabling a wide array of mechanical, thermal, chemical, and manufacturing properties that meet a broad range of processing needs and applications. Such high levels of versatility, achieved through design tunability across design stages and media—production, processability, and programmable decomposition— are at the core of O°’s designs and platform technology.
Key Features:
Origins: PHAs are derived from naturally-occurring “feedstocks” which include carbon dioxide, methane, sugars, and waste streams. There is a broadening scientific consensus that PHAs can be produced in bulk from atmospheric carbon and other sources that provide it with a very small or even negative carbon footprint.Processability: Considered the most versatile bacterially-derived thermo-polymer class, PHAs are easily integrated into most industrial manufacturing processes, including melt extrusion, injection molding, melt blowing, fiber spinning, and casting.Functionality: With over 13 formulations designed to provide a range of mechan-ical properties for specific uses, our PHA yarn is 6x as flexible as polyester and as soft as lyocell. In place of assembling independently produced parts, each with its homogeneous material properties, we harvest biological mono-materials with highly tunable properties to create gradients of functionality.Product features (pigmentation, scents, branding): The bacterial production of PHAs enable genetically and chemically-encoded pigmentation, scents, and labeling. The genetic label of O° is synthesized in DNA. Once embedded, this label can be used to detect and read the genetic code following polymer biodegradation. This can enable a future where precise identification of disposal and biodegradation products is an everyday reality.
1 https://www.worldfootwear.com/news/10-countries-were-responsible-for-88-of-total-footwear-production-/9148.html
2 https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2024/04/01/plant-based-sole-sneaker/
3 Bodoga, A., Nistorac, A., Loghin, M.C. and Isopescu, D.N., 2024. Environmental Impact of Footwear Using Life Cycle Assessment—Case Study of Professional Footwear. Sustainability, 16(14), p.6094.
4 Lippa, N.M., Krzeminski, D.E., Piland, S.G., Rawlins, J.W. and Gould, T.E., 2017. Biofidelic mechanical ageing of ethylene vinyl acetate running footwear midsole foam. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 231(4), pp.287-297.
5 Cheah, L., Ciceri, N.D., Olivetti, E., Matsumura, S., Forterre, D., Roth, R. and Kirchain, R., 2013. Manufacturing-focused emissions reductions in footwear production. Journal of cleaner production, 44, pp.18-29.
6 https://www.ecocenter.org/our-work/healthy-stuff-lab/reports/wolverine-worldwide-shoes-pfas-results/toxic-pfas-chemicals
7 https://ourworldindata.org/ghg-emissions-by-sector
8 Bodoga, A., Nistorac, A., Loghin, M.C. and Isopescu, D.N., 2024. Environmental Impact of Footwear Using Life Cycle Assessment—Case Study of Professional Footwear. Sustainability, 16(14), p.6094.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oxman-unveils-the-o-shoe–a-100-biodegradable-shoe-made-without-petrochemicals-producing-zero-microplastics-302293106.html
SOURCE OXMAN
Technology
ChangeUp Survey Reveals What Shoppers Demand of the Grocery Store Experience
Published
1 min agoon
October 31, 2024By
Report finds almost 70% of grocery shoppers feel the in-store experience has stagnated or worsened over the past two years.
DAYTON, Ohio, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, experience agency ChangeUp published results from a nationwide survey that highlights how grocery stores can better meet and exceed customer expectations.
ChangeUp’s team of retail experts and strategists surveyed 800 grocery shoppers to explore the growing disconnect between today’s sophisticated shoppers and grocery stores.
The report, How Shoppers are Outpacing Store Evolution, was conducted to provide retailers with critical insight into how to approach store design and the customer experience.
“While grocery stores have traditionally aimed to serve everyone, this broad approach is no longer sufficient in today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape,” says Bill Chidley, Executive Director of Strategy at ChangeUp. “Consumers who seamlessly switch between online and in-store shopping, demand dynamic, value-adding experiences that complement their digital habits and provide compelling reasons to visit physical locations. The possibilities for the grocery industry, and all sectors for that matter, are limitless when it comes to transforming and innovating the in-store experience.”
Key findings from the report highlight that physical stores still hold distinct benefits, with 66% of shoppers feeling more in control of their purchases in-store and 51% believing they get better quality items. In addition, 43% report finding in-store shopping enjoyable, highlighting the irreplaceable tactile and visual aspects of the experience.
The survey also explores the evolution of omnichannel shoppers to what ChangeUp has defined as ‘Power Users’ – modern grocery shoppers who have mastered both online and in-store environments. The report reveals that 47% of grocery shoppers now fall under this Power User category.
Key findings about Power Users include:
77% of Power Users are in the physical store weekly.The grocers that are winning among Power Users are HEB (82%), Trader Joe’s (80%), and Albertsons (80%), as they were rated significantly higher for their in-store experience compared to other top grocery brands.61% of younger shoppers (aged 25-44) are Power Users, relying on the blend of in-store and digital channels.
How Shoppers are Outpacing Store Evolution highlights how grocery stores can better connect with this dominant shopper type and evolve beyond mere functional spaces.
For the full report, visit: changeupinc.com/the-rise-of-the-power-user
Methodology:
ChangeUp conducted the survey of 800 people across the United States. All respondents were primary grocery decision-makers who had shopped at a physical grocery store within the past month. The study was designed to represent a diverse cross-section of shoppers, balanced by age, gender, region, and income.
About ChangeUp:
ChangeUp is an award-winning experience agency designing for the moments where brands and customers meet. We develop brand-led experiences that create change for businesses through customer insights and strategy, design, and architecture. We’ve partnered with clients including Stop & Shop, The Vitamin Shoppe, Best Buy, Bath & Body Works, Panda Express, BP, and KIA. Learn more at www.changeupinc.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/changeup-survey-reveals-what-shoppers-demand-of-the-grocery-store-experience-302293110.html
SOURCE ChangeUp
Technology
Octane Closes $200 Million Whole Loan Sale with AB CarVal
Published
1 min agoon
October 31, 2024By
New Transaction Fuels Octane’s Continued Momentum and Growth
NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Octane® (Octane Lending, Inc.®), the fintech revolutionizing the buying experience for major recreational purchases, announced today that it has sold a portfolio of $200 million of fixed-rate installment powersports loans to funds managed by AB CarVal, an established global alternative investment manager. The portfolio of whole loans was newly originated by Octane’s in-house lender, Roadrunner Financial®, Inc., and will be serviced by Octane’s in-house loan servicer, Roadrunner Account Services, LLC.
This is the second transaction between Octane and AB CarVal. Last month, the companies announced the close of a $500 million forward-flow deal.
Octane will leverage the proceeds from this sale to capitalize on the significant momentum it has been seeing in its business. In September, the company surpassed $5 billion in aggregate originations, and it announced its entrance into the marine market in October.
“We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with AB CarVal, one of the world’s preeminent global asset managers, through this second transaction,” said Steve Fernald, President and CFO of Octane. “By continuing to successfully execute on our capital markets strategy, we are better able to support our customers as well as our OEM and dealer partners through our fast, user-friendly, full-spectrum financing experience.”
“We continue to be excited about Octane’s differentiated underwriting capabilities and believe that specialized consumer whole loan portfolios offer compelling opportunities for those with deep expertise and experience in asset-based finance,” said P.J. Collins, director with AB CarVal.
About Octane:
Octane® is revolutionizing recreational purchases by delivering a seamless, end-to-end digital buying experience. We connect people with their passions by combining cutting-edge technology and innovative risk strategies to make lifestyle purchases–like powersports vehicles, RVs, boats and personal watercraft, and outdoor power equipment–fast, easy, and accessible.
Octane adds value throughout the customer journey: inspiring enthusiasts with the Octane Media™ editorial brands, including Cycle World® and UTV Driver®, instantly prequalifying consumers for financing online, routing customers to dealerships for an easy closing, and supporting customers throughout their loan with superior loan servicing.
Founded in 2014, we have more than 30 OEM and 4,000 dealer partners, and a team of over 500 in remote and hybrid roles. Visit www.octane.co.
Octane® and Roadrunner Financial® are registered service marks of Octane Lending, Inc.
About AB CarVal
AB CarVal is an established global alternative investment manager and part of AllianceBernstein’s Private Alternatives business. Since 1987, AB CarVal’s team has navigated through ever-changing credit market cycles, opportunistically investing $151 billion in 5,800 transactions across 82 countries. Today, AB CarVal has approximately $19 billion* in assets under management in corporate securities, loan portfolios, structured credit and hard assets. Additional information about AB CarVal may be found at www.abcarval.com.
*AUM is comprised of fee-earning AUM and fee-eligible AUM. Fee-earning AUM includes those assets currently qualified to generate management fees. Fee-eligible AUM includes capital that is committed to an AB CarVal Fund but is currently uncalled or recallable. The number represented here excludes assets under AB CarVal’s management that are not generating management fees due to the maturity of the Fund but includes amounts that do not generate management fees solely due to AB CarVal’s decision not to charge management fees.
Media Relations: Shannon O’Hara
Press@octane.co
Investor Relations:
IR@octane.co
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/octane-closes-200-million-whole-loan-sale-with-ab-carval-302293101.html
SOURCE Octane
OXMAN Unveils the O° Shoe – a 100% Biodegradable Shoe made without Petrochemicals, producing Zero Microplastics
ChangeUp Survey Reveals What Shoppers Demand of the Grocery Store Experience
Octane Closes $200 Million Whole Loan Sale with AB CarVal
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