Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-213100
This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JANUARY 26, 2017
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
(to the Prospectus dated December 23, 2016)
Shares of Common Stock
We are selling shares of our common stock. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “WKHS.” On January 25, 2017, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market was $3.42 per share.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully review and consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, including the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share |
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Total |
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Public Offering Price |
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$ |
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$ |
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Underwriting Discount(1) |
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$ |
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$ |
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Proceeds to Us (Before Expenses) |
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$ |
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$ |
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(1) See “Underwriting” for additional information regarding Underwriting compensation.
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock, on a pro-rata basis, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, and on the same terms and conditions as set forth above, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise the option in full, the total public offering price will be $ , the total underwriting discounts and commissions will be $ , the total proceeds, before expenses, to Workhorse Group Inc. will be $ .
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company on or about , 2017.
Joint Book-Running Managers |
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Oppenheimer & Co. |
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Cowen and Company |
The date of this prospectus supplement is January , 2017.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement |
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About this Prospectus Supplement |
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S-1 |
Prospectus Supplement Summary |
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S-2 |
Risk Factors |
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S-4 |
Forward-Looking Statements |
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S-16 |
Use of Proceeds |
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S-17 |
Dilution |
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S-18 |
Underwriting |
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S-19 |
Legal Matters |
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S-23 |
Experts |
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S-23 |
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference |
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S-23 |
Where you Can Find More Information |
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S-24 |
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Base Prospectus |
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Risk Factors |
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1 |
Forward Looking Statements |
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2 |
Our Company |
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3 |
Use of Proceeds |
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5 |
Selling Shareholders |
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5 |
Description of Capital Stock |
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11 |
Description of Warrants |
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Description of Debt Securities |
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15 |
Description of Units |
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17 |
Plan of Distribution |
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18 |
Legal Matters |
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20 |
Experts |
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20 |
Information Incorporated by Reference |
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20 |
Where You Can Find More Information |
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20 |
S-i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Each time we conduct an offering to sell securities under the accompanying base prospectus we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the price, the amount of securities being offered and the plan of distribution. The shelf registration statement was initially filed with the SEC on August 11, 2016, and was declared effective by the SEC on December 23, 2016. This prospectus supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering and may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying base prospectus. The accompanying base prospectus provides general information about us and our securities, some of which, such as the section entitled “Plan of Distribution,” may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. We are not making offers to sell or solicitations to buy our common stock in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.
If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying base prospectus or the information incorporated by reference with an earlier date, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement, together with the base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering include all material information relating to this offering. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information and you must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. You should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the information and documents incorporated herein by reference herein and therein, as well as any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, before making an investment decision. See “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying base prospectus.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus contain summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the actual documents, some of which have been filed or will be filed and incorporated by reference herein. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement. We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus contain and incorporate by reference certain market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on Company-sponsored studies, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, estimates as they relate to projections involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” the “Company” and “Workhorse Group” refer to Workhorse Group Inc. and unless otherwise differentiated, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Workhorse Technologies Inc. and Workhorse Motor Works Inc.
S-1
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This prospectus summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, before making an investment decision.
Our Company
We are a last mile delivery technology company headquartered in the United States. We have broad capabilities beginning with the development and production of American made battery-electric medium-duty truck chassis helping delivery fleets achieve efficiencies and strengthening their sustainability initiatives. To the best of our knowledge, we are the only medium-duty battery-electric original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the United States. We have also recently commenced the development of an electric pickup work truck with range extender for fleet usage. With a focus on last mile delivery and expanding on fleets’ operational efficiencies, Workhorse also develops and integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. Our drone delivery platform, HorseFly TM is FAA compliant and fully integrated with our medium duty truck chassis. Workhorse also develops and integrates cloud-based, real-time proof-of-performance telematics monitoring software, that provides fleet operators with advanced vehicle diagnostics, energy and route efficiency.
We are a Nevada corporation. Our executive offices are located at 100 Commerce Drive, Loveland, Ohio 45140, and our telephone number is 513-360-4704. Our website is www.workhorse.com. Information contained in, or accessible through, our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement and inclusions of our website address in this prospectus supplement are inactive textual references only.
Recent Developments
Below is a summary of certain preliminary estimates regarding our financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016. This preliminary financial information is based upon our estimates and is subject to completion of our financial closing procedures. Moreover, this preliminary financial information has been prepared solely on the basis of information that is currently available to, and that is the responsibility of, management. Our independent registered public accounting firm has not audited or reviewed, and does not express an opinion with respect to, this information. This preliminary financial information is not a comprehensive statement of our financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016 and remains subject to, among other things, the completion of our financial closing procedures, final adjustments, and completion of our internal review and the review by our independent registered public accounting firm of our financial statements for the quarter ended and year December 31, 2016, which may materially impact the results and expectations set forth below.
• Our estimated revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 is approximately $2.9-$3.1 million compared to no revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2015.
• Our estimated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 is approximately $6.3-$6.5 million compared to $139,980 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
• We shipped 57 units during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and 114 units during the year ended December 31, 2016.
• Our estimated cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016 are approximately $0.5 million compared to $3.1 million as of September 30, 2016.
On January 10, 2017, Workhorse entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Jospeh T. Lukens providing for the sale to Mr. Lukens of a 6% Convertible Debenture in the aggregate amount of $2,000,000 in consideration of $2,000,000. The financing closed on January 10, 2017. The Lukens Debenture matures two years from the date of issuance and bears interest of 6% per annum payable upon maturity. The Lukens Debenture will convert in connection with this offering at a conversion price equal to the public offering price in this offering.
S-2
The Offering
The following is a brief summary of some of the terms of the offering and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. For a more complete description of the terms of our common stock, see “Description of Our Capital Stock” in the accompanying base prospectus.
Common stock offered by us |
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shares of our common stock |
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Offering price |
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$ per share of common stock. |
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Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
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Option to purchase additional shares |
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We have granted the underwriters the option to purchase up to an additional shares of common stock, on a pro-rata basis, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions for 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement. |
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Use of proceeds |
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We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ , after deducting the underwriting discount and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-17. |
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Risk factors |
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Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-4 and the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common stock. |
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NASDAQ Capital Market symbol |
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“WKHS” |
The number of shares of our common stock expected to be outstanding after this offering is based on 27,744,864 shares of common stock outstanding as of January 25, 2017, and excludes the following:
• 3,300,829 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of January 25, 2017, which have a weighted average exercise price of $3.74 per share;
• 4,038,512 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding as of January 25, 2017, which have a weighted average exercise price of $4.50 per share; and
• shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 6% Convertible Debenture in the principal amount of $2,000,000 held by Joseph T. Lukens.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement reflects and assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments.
S-3
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before purchasing our common stock, you should read and consider carefully the following risk factors as well as all other information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Each of these risk factors, either alone or taken together, could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our common stock. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently believe are immaterial, which could also impair our business and financial position. If any of the events described below were to occur, our financial condition, our ability to access capital resources, our results of operations and/or our future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected and the market price of our common stock could decline. As a result, you could lose some or all of any investment you may make in our common stock.
Risks Relating to Our Business
We have incurred substantial net losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial net losses for the foreseeable future. We may never achieve or sustain profitability.
We have incurred net losses amounting to $56.6 million for the period from inception (February 20, 2007) through September 30, 2016. We have had net losses in each quarter since our inception. We expect that we will continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. We may incur significant losses in the future for several reasons, including the other risks described in this prospectus, and we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays and other unknown events. Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability. Our management is developing plans to alleviate the negative trends and conditions described above but there is no guarantee that such plans will be successfully implemented. There is no assurance that even if we successfully implement our business plan, that we will be able to curtail our losses. If we incur additional significant operating losses, our stock price may decline significantly.
We have yet to achieve positive cash flow and, given our projected funding needs, our ability to generate positive cash flow is uncertain.
We have had negative cash flow from operating activities of $13.3 million and $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. We anticipate that we will continue to have negative cash flow from operating and investing activities for the foreseeable future as we expect to incur increased research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses and make significant capital expenditures in our efforts to increase sales and commence operations at our Union City facility. Our business also will at times require significant amounts of working capital to support our growth, particularly as we acquire inventory to support our anticipated increase in production. An inability to generate positive cash flow for the foreseeable future may adversely affect our ability to raise needed capital for our business on reasonable terms, diminish supplier or customer willingness to enter into transactions with us, and have other adverse effects that would decrease our long-term viability. There can be no assurance we will achieve positive cash flow in the foreseeable future.
We need access to additional financing in 2017 and beyond, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we cannot access additional financing when we need it and on acceptable terms, our business may fail.
Our business plan to design, produce, sell and service commercial electric vehicles through our Union City facility will require substantial continued capital investment. Our research and development activities will also require substantial continued investment. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our independent registered public accounting firm issued a report on our 2015 financial statements that contained an explanatory paragraph stating that the lack of sales, negative working capital and stockholders’ deficit, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. For example, our existing capital resources, including the expected proceeds from this offering, will be insufficient to fund our operations beyond the end of the fourth quarter of 2017. Accordingly, we will need additional financing. We will also need additional financing beyond 2017. If we are not able to obtain additional financing and/or substantially increase revenue from sales, we will be unable to continue as a going concern. As a result, we may have to liquidate our assets and may receive less than the value at which those assets are carried on our consolidated financial statements, and investors will likely lose a substantial part or all of their investment. We cannot be certain that
S-4
additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all, particularly given that we do not now have a committed credit facility with any government or financial institution. Further, if there remains doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, investors or other financing sources may be unwilling to provide additional funding on acceptable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain additional financing when we need it and on terms acceptable to us, we will not be able to continue as a going concern.
The development of our business in the near future is contingent upon the implementation of orders from UPS and other key customers for the purchase of E-GENs and if we are unable to perform under these orders, our business may fail.
On June 4, 2014, the Company entered into a Vehicle Purchase Agreement with United Parcel Service Inc. (“UPS”) which outlined the relationship by which the Company would sell vehicles to UPS. To date, we have received orders to purchase 343 E-GENs from UPS. We have entered into various purchase orders with UPS relating to the delivery of the vehicles ordered. Currently, the schedule agreed to with UPS requires that we deliver specified numbers of vehicles per month. However, these deadlines are expected to evolve as the individual UPS operations personnel from the seven states are involved in the scheduling. There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to perform under these orders and if it does perform, that UPS will purchase additional vehicles from the Company. Also, there is no assurance that UPS will not terminate its agreement with the Company pursuant to the termination provisions therein. Further, if the Company is not able to raise the required capital to purchase required parts and pay certain vendors, the Company may not be able to comply with UPS’s deadlines. Accordingly, despite the receipt of the orders from UPS, there is no assurance, due to the Company’s financial constraints and status as a development stage company, that the Company will be able to deliver such vehicles or that it will receive additional orders whether from UPS or other potential customers.
If we are unable to perform under our orders with UPS, the Company business will be significantly negatively impacted.
Our limited operating history makes it difficult for us to evaluate our future business prospects and make decisions based on those estimates of our future performance.
We have primarily been a research and development company since beginning operations in February 2007. We have a limited operating history and have generated limited revenue. As we move more toward a manufacturing environment it is difficult, if not impossible, to forecast our future results based upon our historical data. Because of the uncertainties related to our lack of historical operations, we may be hindered in our ability to anticipate and timely adapt to increases or decreases in sales or expenses. If we make poor budgetary decisions as a result of unreliable historical data, we could be less profitable or incur losses, which may result in a decline in our stock price.
We offer no financing on our vehicles. As such, our business is dependent on cash sales, which may adversely affect our growth prospects.
While most of our current customers are well-established companies with significant purchasing power, many of our potential smaller and medium-sized customers may need to rely on credit or leasing arrangements to gain access to our vehicles. Unlike some of our competitors who provide credit or leasing services for the purchase of their vehicles, we do not provide, and currently do not have commercial arrangements with a third party that provides, such financial services. We believe the current limited availability of credit or leasing solutions for our vehicles could adversely affect our revenues and market share in the commercial electric vehicle market.
Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected if we cannot reduce and adequately control the costs and expenses associated with operating our business, including our material and production costs.
We incur significant costs and expenses related to procuring the materials, components and services required to develop and produce our electric vehicles. We have secured supply agreements for our critical components including our batteries. However, these are dependent on volume to ensure that they are available at a competitive price. Thus,
S-5
our current cost projections are considerably higher than the projected revenue stream that such vehicles will produce. As a result, we currently lose money on each vehicle we sell and are continually working on initiatives to reduce our cost structure so that we may effectively compete. If we do not reduce our costs and expenses, our net losses will continue which will negatively impact our business and stock price.
Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of lithium-ion cells could harm our business.
We may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of lithium-ion cells. Any such increase, supply interruption or shortage could materially and negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. The prices for these lithium-ion cells can fluctuate depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials and could adversely affect our business and operating results. We are exposed to multiple risks relating to lithium-ion cells including:
• the inability or unwillingness of current battery manufacturers to build or operate battery cell manufacturing plants to supply the numbers of lithium-ion cells we may require going forward;
• disruption in the supply of cells due to quality issues or recalls by battery cell manufacturers;
• an increase in the cost of raw materials used in the cells; and
• fluctuations in the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar in the event our purchasers of lithium-ion cells are denominated in Japanese yen.
Our business is dependent on the continued supply of battery cells for the battery packs used in our vehicles. While we believe several sources of the battery cells are available for such battery cells, we have fully qualified only Panasonic for the supply of the cells used in such battery packs and have very limited flexibility in changing cell suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of battery cells could disrupt production of our vehicles until such time as a different supplier is fully qualified. Furthermore, fluctuations or shortages in petroleum, tariff or trade issues and other economic or tax conditions may cause us to experience significant increases in freight charges. Substantial increases in the prices for the battery cells or prices charged to us, would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased vehicle prices. Any attempts to increase vehicle prices in response to increased costs in our battery cells could result in cancellations of vehicle orders and therefore materially and adversely affect our brand, image, business, prospects and operating results.
The demand for commercial electric vehicles depends, in part, on the continuation of current trends resulting from dependence on fossil fuels. Extended periods of low diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices could adversely affect demand for our vehicles, which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We believe that much of the present and projected demand for commercial electric vehicles results from concerns about volatility in the cost of petroleum-based fuel, the dependency of the United States on oil from unstable or hostile countries, government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy, as well as the belief that climate change results in part from the burning of fossil fuels. If the cost of petroleum-based fuel decreased significantly, the outlook for the long-term supply of oil to the United States improved, the government eliminated or modified its regulations or economic incentives related to fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy, or if there is a change in the perception that the burning of fossil fuels negatively impacts the environment, the demand for commercial electric vehicles could be reduced, and our business and revenue may be harmed.
Diesel and other petroleum-based fuel prices have been extremely volatile, and we believe this continuing volatility will persist. Lower diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices over extended periods of time may lower the perception in government and the private sector that cheaper, more readily available energy alternatives should be developed and produced. If diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices remain at deflated levels for extended periods of time, the demand for commercial electric vehicles may decrease, which would have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
S-6
Our future growth is dependent upon the willingness of operators of commercial vehicle fleets to adopt electric vehicles and on our ability to produce, sell and service vehicles that meet their needs. This often depends upon the cost for an operator adopting electric vehicle technology as compared to the cost of traditional internal combustion technology. When the price of oil is low, as it recently has been, it is difficult to convince commercial fleet operations to change to more expensive electric vehicles.
Our growth is dependent upon the adoption of electric vehicles by operators of commercial vehicle fleets and on our ability to produce, sell and service vehicles that meet their needs. The entry of commercial electric vehicles into the medium-duty commercial vehicle market is a relatively new development, particularly in the United States, and is characterized by rapidly changing technologies and evolving government regulation, industry standards and customer views of the merits of using electric vehicles in their businesses. This process has been slow as without including the impact of government or other subsidies and incentives, the purchase prices for our commercial electric vehicles currently is higher than the purchase prices for diesel-fueled vehicles. Our growth has also been negatively impacted by the relatively low price of oil over the last few years.
If the market for commercial electric vehicles does not develop as we expect or develops more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected.
As part of our sales efforts, we must educate fleet managers as to the economical savings we believe they will benefit from during the life of the vehicle. As such, we believe that operators of commercial vehicle fleets should consider a number of factors when deciding whether to purchase our commercial electric vehicles (or commercial electric vehicles generally) or vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, particularly diesel-fueled or natural gas-fueled vehicles. We believe these factors include:
• the difference in the initial purchase prices of commercial electric vehicles and vehicles with comparable GVWs powered by internal combustion engines, both including and excluding the impact of government and other subsidies and incentives designed to promote the purchase of electric vehicles;
• the total cost of ownership of the vehicle over its expected life, which includes the initial purchase price and ongoing operating and maintenance costs;
• the availability and terms of financing options for purchases of vehicles and, for commercial electric vehicles, financing options for battery systems;
• the availability of tax and other governmental incentives to purchase and operate electric vehicles and future regulations requiring increased use of nonpolluting vehicles;
• government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternate forms of energy;
• fuel prices, including volatility in the cost of diesel;
• the cost and availability of other alternatives to diesel fueled vehicles, such as vehicles powered by natural gas;
• corporate sustainability initiatives;
• commercial electric vehicle quality, performance and safety (particularly with respect to lithium-ion battery packs);
• the quality and availability of service for the vehicle, including the availability of replacement parts;
• the limited range over which commercial electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge;
• access to charging stations and related infrastructure costs, and standardization of electric vehicle charging systems;
• electric grid capacity and reliability; and
• macroeconomic factors.
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If, in weighing these factors, operators of commercial vehicle fleets determine that there is not a compelling business justification for purchasing commercial electric vehicles, particularly those that we produce and sell, then the market for commercial electric vehicles may not develop as we expect or may develop more slowly than we expect, which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
If our customers are unable to efficiently and effectively integrate our electric vehicles into their existing commercial fleets our sales may suffer and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected.
Our sales strategy involves a comprehensive plan for the pilot and roll-out of our electric vehicles, as well as the ongoing replacement of existing commercial vehicles with our electric vehicles, that is tailored to the individual needs of our customers. If we are unable to develop and execute fleet integration strategies or fleet management support services that meet our customers’ unique circumstances with minimal disruption to their businesses, our customers may not realize the economic benefits they expect from our electric vehicles. If this were to occur, our customers may not order additional vehicles from us, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We currently do not have long-term supply contracts with guaranteed pricing which exposes us to fluctuations in component, materials and equipment prices. Substantial increases in these prices would increase our operating costs and could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Because we currently do not have long-term supply contracts with guaranteed pricing, we are subject to fluctuations in the prices of the raw materials, parts and components and equipment we use in the production of our vehicles. Substantial increases in the prices for such raw materials, components and equipment would increase our operating costs and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased vehicle prices. Any attempts to increase the announced or expected prices of our vehicles in response to increased costs could be viewed negatively by our customers and could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
If we are unable to scale our operations at our Union City facility in an expedited manner from our limited low volume production to high volume production, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected.
We are currently assembling our orders at our Union City facility which has been acceptable for our historical orders. To satisfy increased demand, we will need to quickly scale operations in our Union City facility as well as scale our supply chain including access to batteries. Such a substantial and rapid increase in operations will be extremely difficult and will strain our management capabilities. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected if we experience disruptions in our supply chain, if we cannot obtain materials of sufficient quality at reasonable prices or if we are unable to scale our Union City facility.
Failure to successfully integrate the Workhorse® brand, logo, intellectual property, patents and assembly plant in Union City, Indiana into our operations could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
As part of our strategy to become an OEM, in March 2013, we acquired Workhorse and the Workhorse Assets including the Workhorse® brand, logo, intellectual property, patents and assembly plant in Union City, Indiana. The Workhorse acquisition may expose us to operational challenges and risks, including the diversion of management’s attention from our existing business, the failure to retain key Workhorse dealers and our ability to commence operations at the plant in Union City, Indiana. Our ability to sustain our growth and maintain our competitive position may be affected by our ability to successfully integrate the Workhorse Assets.
We depend upon key personnel and need additional personnel. The loss of key personnel or the inability to attract additional personnel may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our success depends on the continuing services of Stephen Burns, CEO, and top management. On December 8, 2010, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Burns for a term of two years which automatically renews for one year periods unless either of the parties elects to not renew for such period. The loss of any of these individuals
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could have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. Additionally, the success of our operations will largely depend upon our ability to successfully attract and maintain competent and qualified key management personnel. As with any company with limited resources, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to attract such individuals or that the presence of such individuals will necessarily translate into profitability for our company. Our inability to attract and retain key personnel may materially and adversely affect our business operations. Any failure by our management to effectively anticipate, implement, and manage the changes required to sustain our growth would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We face intense competition. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial or other resources, longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do and could use their greater resources and/or name recognition to gain market share at our expense or could make it very difficult for us to establish market share.
Companies currently competing in the fleet logistics market offering alternative fuel medium-duty trucks include Ford Motor Company and Freightliner. Ford and Freightliner are currently selling alternative fuel fleet vehicles including hybrids. In the electric medium duty truck market in the United States, we compete with a few other manufacturers, including Electric Vehicles International and Smith Electric Vehicles. Ford and Freightliner have substantially more financial resources, established market positions, long-standing relationships with customers and dealers, and who have more significant name recognition, technical, marketing, sales, financial and other resources than we do. Although we believe that HorseFly™, our unmanned aerial system (UAS), is unique in the marketplace in that it currently does not have any competitors when it comes to a UAS that works in combination with a truck, there are better financed competitors in this emerging industry, including Google and Amazon. While we are seeking to partner with existing delivery companies to improve their efficiencies in the last mile of delivery, our competitors are seeking to redefine the delivery model using drones from a central location requiring extended flight patterns. Our competitors’ new aerial delivery model would essentially eliminate traditional package delivery companies. Our model is focused on coupling our delivery drone with delivery trucks supplementing the existing model and providing shorter term flight patterns. Google and Amazon have more significant financial resources, established market positions, long-standing relationships with customers, more significant name recognition and a larger scope of resources including technical, marketing and sales than we do. The resources available to our competitors to develop new products and introduce them into the marketplace exceed the resources currently available to us. As a result, our competitors may be able to compete more aggressively and sustain that competition over a longer period that we can. This intense competitive environment may require us to make changes in our products, pricing, licensing, services, distribution, or marketing to develop a market position. Each of these competitors has the potential to capture significant market share in our target markets which could have an adverse effect on our position in our industry and on our business and operating results.
If we are unable to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology, we may suffer a decline in our competitive position.
There are companies in the electric vehicle industry that have developed or are developing vehicles and technologies that compete or will compete with our vehicles. We cannot assure that our competitors will not be able to duplicate our technology or provide products and services similar to ours more efficiently. If for any reason we are unable to keep pace with changes in electric vehicle technology, particularly battery technology, our competitive position may be adversely affected. We plan to upgrade or adapt our vehicles and introduce new models to continue to provide electric vehicles that incorporate the latest technology. However, there is no assurance that our research and development efforts will keep pace with those of our competitors.
Our electric vehicles compete for market share with vehicles powered by other vehicle technologies that may prove to be more attractive than ours.
Our target market currently is serviced by manufacturers with existing customers and suppliers using proven and widely accepted fuel technologies. Additionally, our competitors are working on developing technologies that may be introduced in our target market. If any of these alternative technology vehicles can provide lower fuel costs, greater efficiencies, greater reliability or otherwise benefit from other factors resulting in an overall lower total cost of ownership, this may negatively affect the commercial success of our vehicles or make our vehicles uncompetitive or obsolete.
S-9
We currently have a limited number of customers, with whom we do not have long-term agreements, and expect that a significant portion of our future sales will be from a limited number of customers. The loss of any of these customers could materially harm our business.
A significant portion of our projected future revenue, if any, is expected to be generated from a limited number of vehicle customers. Additionally, much of our business model is focused on building relationships with a few large customers. Currently we have no contracts with customers that include long-term commitments or minimum volumes that ensure future sales of vehicles. As such, a customer may take actions that negatively affect us for reasons that we cannot anticipate or control, such as reasons related to the customer’s financial condition, changes in the customer’s business strategy or operations or as the result of the perceived performance or cost-effectiveness of our vehicles. The loss of or a reduction in sales or anticipated sales to our most significant customers would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Changes in the market for electric vehicles could cause our products to become obsolete or lose popularity.
The modern electric vehicle industry is in its infancy and has experienced substantial change in the last few years. To date, demand for electric vehicles has been slower than forecasted by industry experts. As a result, growth in the electric vehicle industry depends on many factors outside our control, including, but not limited to:
• continued development of product technology, especially batteries;
• the environmental consciousness of customers;
• the ability of electric vehicles to successfully compete with vehicles powered by internal combustion; engines
• limitation of widespread electricity shortages; and
• whether future regulation and legislation requiring increased use of non-polluting vehicles is enacted.
We cannot assume that growth in the electric vehicle industry will continue. Our business will suffer if the electric vehicle industry does not grow or grows more slowly than it has in recent years or if we are unable to maintain the pace of industry demands.
The results of the 2016 United States presidential and congressional elections may create regulatory uncertainty for the alternative energy sector and may materially harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, as well as the Republican Party maintaining control of both the House of Representatives and Senate of the United States in the congressional election, may create regulatory uncertainty in the alternative energy sector. During the election campaign, President Trump made comments suggesting that he was not supportive of various clean energy programs and initiatives designed to curtail global warming. It remains unclear what specifically President Trump would or would not do with respect to these programs and initiatives, and what support he would have for any potential changes to such legislative programs and initiatives in the Unites States Congress, even if both the House of Representatives and Senate are controlled by the Republican Party. If President Trump and/or the United States Congress take action or publicly speak out about the need to eliminate or further reduce legislation, regulations and incentives supporting alternative energy, such actions may result in a decrease in demand for alternative energy in the United States and may materially harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
The unavailability, reduction, elimination or adverse application of government subsidies, incentives and regulations could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We believe that, currently, the availability of government subsidies and incentives including those available in New York, California and Chicago is an important factor considered by our customers when purchasing our vehicles, and that our growth depends in part on the availability and amounts of these subsidies and incentives. Any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and incentives because of budgetary challenges, policy changes, the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of electric vehicles or other reasons may result in the diminished price competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry.
S-10
Certain regulations and programs that encourage sales of electric vehicles could be eliminated or applied in a way that adversely impacts sales of our commercial electric vehicles, either currently or at any time in the future. For example, the U.S. federal government and many state governments are experiencing political change and facing fiscal crises, which could result in the elimination of programs, subsidies and incentives that encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. If government subsidies and incentives to produce and purchase electric vehicles were no longer available to us or to our customers, or the amounts of such subsidies and incentives were reduced, our business and results of operations would be adversely affected.
We may be unable to keep up with changes in electric vehicle technology and, as a result, may suffer a decline in our competitive position.
Our current products are designed for use with, and are dependent upon, existing electric vehicle technology. As technologies change, we plan to upgrade or adapt our products to continue to provide products with the latest technology. However, our products may become obsolete or our research and development efforts may not be sufficient to adapt to changes in or to create the necessary technology. Thus, our potential inability to adapt and develop the necessary technology may harm our competitive position.
The failure of certain key suppliers to provide us with components could have a severe and negative impact upon our business.
We have secured supply agreements for our critical components including our batteries. However, the agreements are dependent on volume to ensure that they are available at a competitive price. Further, we rely on a small group of suppliers to provide us with components for our products. If these suppliers become unwilling or unable to provide components or if we are unable to meet certain volume requirements in our existing supply agreements, there are a limited number of alternative suppliers who could provide them and the price for them could be substantially higher. Changes in business conditions, wars, governmental changes, and other factors beyond our control or which we do not presently anticipate could negatively affect our ability to receive components from our suppliers. Further, it could be difficult to find replacement components if our current suppliers fail to provide the parts needed for these products. A failure by our major suppliers to provide these components could severely restrict our ability to manufacture our products and prevent us from fulfilling customer orders in a timely fashion.
Product liability or other claims could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The risk of product liability claims, product recalls, and associated adverse publicity is inherent in the manufacturing, marketing, and sale of electrical vehicles. Although we have product liability insurance for our consumer and commercial products, that insurance may be inadequate to cover all potential product claims. We also carry liability insurance on our products. Any product recall or lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of our coverage, or outside of our coverage, may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. We may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product recall could generate substantial negative publicity about our products and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future product candidates. We cannot provide assurance that such claims and/or recalls will not be made in the future.
We may have to devote substantial resources to implementing a retail product distribution network.
Dealers are often hesitant to provide their own financing to contribute to our product distribution network. Thus, we anticipate that we may have to provide financing or other consignment sale arrangements for dealers. A capital investment such as this presents many risks, foremost among them being that we may not realize a significant return on our investment if the network is not profitable. Our inability to collect receivables from dealers could cause us to suffer losses. Additionally, the amount of time that our management will need to devote to this project may divert them from performing other functions necessary to assure the success of our business.
S-11
Regulatory requirements may have a negative impact upon our business.
While our vehicles are subject to substantial regulation under federal, state, and local laws, we believe that our vehicles are or will be materially in compliance with all applicable laws. However, to the extent the laws change, or if we introduce new vehicles in the future, some or all of our vehicles may not comply with applicable federal, state, or local laws. Further, certain federal, state, and local laws and industrial standards currently regulate electrical and electronics equipment. Although standards for electric vehicles are not yet generally available or accepted as industry standards, our products may become subject to federal, state, and local regulation in the future. Compliance with these regulations could be burdensome, time consuming, and expensive.
Our products are subject to environmental and safety compliance with various federal and state regulations, including regulations promulgated by the EPA, NHTSA, and various state boards, and compliance certification is required for each new model year. The cost of these compliance activities and the delays and risks associated with obtaining approval can be substantial. The risks, delays, and expenses incurred in connection with such compliance could be substantial.
Our success may be dependent on protecting our intellectual property rights.
We rely on trade secret protections to protect our proprietary technology as well as several registered patents and one patent application. Our patents relate to the vehicle chassis assembly, vehicle header and drive module and manifold for electric motor drive assembly. Our existing patent application relates to the onboard generator drive system for electric vehicles. Our success will, in part, depend on our ability to obtain additional trademarks and patents. We are working on obtaining patents and trademarks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office but have not finalized any as of this date. Although we have entered into confidentiality agreements with our employees and consultants, we cannot be certain that others will not gain access to these trade secrets. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or otherwise gain access to our trade secrets.
Our business may be adversely affected by union activities.
Although none of our employees are currently represented by a labor union, it is common throughout the automotive industry for many employees at automotive companies to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. Our employees may join or seek recognition to form a labor union, or we may be required to become a union signatory. Our production facility in Union City, Indiana was purchased from Navistar. Prior employees of Navistar were union members and our future work force at this facility may be inclined to vote in favor of forming a labor union. Furthermore, we are directly or indirectly dependent upon companies with unionized work forces, such as parts suppliers and trucking and freight companies, and work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or operating results. If a work stoppage occurs, it could delay the manufacture and sale of our trucks and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results or financial condition. The mere fact that our labor force could be unionized may harm our reputation in the eyes of some investors and thereby negatively affect our stock price. Consequently, the unionization of our labor force could negatively impact our company’s health.
We may be exposed to liability for infringing upon the intellectual property rights of other companies.
Our success will, in part, depend on our ability to operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others. Although we have conducted searches and are not aware of any patents and trademarks which our products or their use might infringe, we cannot be certain that infringement has not or will not occur. We could incur substantial costs, in addition to the great amount of time lost, in defending any patent or trademark infringement suits or in asserting any patent or trademark rights, in a suit with another party.
S-12
Our electric vehicles make use of lithium-ion battery cells, which, if not appropriately managed and controlled, have occasionally been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flames. If such events occur in our electric vehicles, we could face liability for damage or injury, adverse publicity and a potential safety recall, any of which would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The battery packs in our electric vehicles use lithium-ion cells, which have been used for years in laptop computers and cell phones. On occasion, if not appropriately managed and controlled, lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials. Highly publicized incidents of laptop computers and cell phones bursting into flames have focused consumer attention on the safety of these cells. These events also have raised questions about the suitability of these lithium-ion cells for automotive applications. There can be no assurance that a field failure of our battery packs will not occur, which would damage the vehicle or lead to personal injury or death and may subject us to lawsuits. Furthermore, there is some risk of electrocution if individuals who attempt to repair battery packs on our vehicles do not follow applicable maintenance and repair protocols. Any such damage or injury would likely lead to adverse publicity and potentially a safety recall. Any such adverse publicity could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our facilities could be damaged or adversely affected as a result of disasters or other unpredictable events. Any prolonged disruption in the operations of our facility would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We engineer and assemble our electric vehicles in a facility in Loveland, Ohio and we intend to locate the assembly function to our facility in Union City. Any prolonged disruption in the operations of our facility, whether due to technical, information systems, communication networks, accidents, weather conditions or other natural disaster, or otherwise, whether short or long-term, would adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We may be exposed to potential risks relating to our internal controls over financial reporting and our ability to have those controls attested to by our independent auditors.
As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX 404”), the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules requiring smaller reporting companies, such as our company, to include a report of management on the company’s internal controls over financial reporting in their annual reports for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2007. We were required to include the management report in annual reports starting with the year ending December 31, 2009. Previous SEC rules required a non-accelerated filer to include an attestation report in its annual report for years ending on or after June 15, 2010. Section 989G of the Dodd-Frank Act added SOX Section 404(c) to exempt from the attestation requirement smaller issuers that are neither accelerated filers nor large accelerated filers under Rule 12b-2. Under Rule 12b-2, subject to periodic and annual reporting criteria, an “accelerated filer” is an issuer with market value of $75 million, but less than $700 million; a “large accelerated filer” is an issuer with market value of $700 million or greater. As a result, the exemption effectively applies to companies with less than $75 million in market capitalization. We expect that this exemption will not apply to us during the year ended December 31, 2017 and we will have to come into compliance with such rules. Attaining compliance with such rules will take substantial management and financial resources, and there will be no assurance that we will be able to do so.
Risks Related to Owning Our Common Stock
The trading of our shares of common has been relatively thin and there is no assurance that a liquid market for our shares of common stock will develop.
Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol “WKHS”, since January 2016. Since that date, our common stock has been relatively thinly traded. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop a liquid market for our common shares. The stock market in general, and early stage public companies in particular, has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of such companies. If we are unable to develop a market for our common shares, you may not be able to sell your common shares at prices you consider to be fair or at times that are convenient for you, or at all.
S-13
Our stock price and trading volume may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses for our stockholders.
The equity trading markets may experience periods of volatility, which could result in highly variable and unpredictable pricing of equity securities. The market price of our common stock could change in ways that may or may not be related to our business, our industry or our operating performance and financial condition. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock has been low and may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. We have experienced significant volatility in the price of our stock. In addition, the stock markets in general can experience considerable price and volume fluctuations.
We have not paid dividends in the past and have no immediate plans to pay dividends.
We plan to reinvest all of our earnings, to the extent we have earnings, in order to develop our products, deliver on our orders and cover operating costs and to otherwise become and remain competitive. We do not plan to pay any cash dividends with respect to our securities in the foreseeable future. We cannot assure you that we would, at any time, generate sufficient surplus cash that would be available for distribution to the holders of our common stock as a dividend. Therefore, you should not expect to receive cash dividends on our common stock.
Shares eligible for future sale may adversely affect the market for our common stock.
Of the 27,744,864 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus supplement, approximately 15,402,284 shares are held by “non-affiliates” and are freely tradable without restriction pursuant to Rule 144. In addition, we have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-3 for purposes of registering the resale of 1,033,717 shares of common stock and 1,833,193 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock purchase warrants. Any substantial sale of our common stock pursuant to Rule 144 or pursuant to any resale prospectus may have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
You will experience immediate dilution in the book value per share of the common stock you purchase.
Because the price per share of our common stock being offered is substantially higher than the book value per share of our common stock, you will suffer substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, after giving effect to an assumed sale of 2,923,977 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $3.42 per share (the last reported price of our shares of common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on January 25, 2017), you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of $2.84 per share in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. See “Dilution” on page S-18 for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may sell shares or other securities in any future offering at a price per share that is lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, which would result in those newly issued shares being dilutive. In addition, investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders, which could impair the value of your shares. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share paid by investors in this offering.
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering, and we may not use these proceeds effectively or in a manner with which you agree.
We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds we receive from this offering, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used effectively or in a manner with which you agree. The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not increase our operating results or market value. Until the net proceeds are used, they may be placed in investments that do not produce income or that lose value.
S-14
Our charter documents and Nevada law may inhibit a takeover that stockholders consider favorable.
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable provisions of Nevada law may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. The provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws:
• limit who may call stockholder meetings;
• do not provide for cumulative voting rights; and
• provide that all vacancies may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum.
There are limitations on director/officer liability.
As permitted by Nevada law, our certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of a director’s fiduciary duty except for liability in certain instances. As a result of our charter provision and Nevada law, shareholders may have limited rights to recover against directors for breach of fiduciary duty. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that we shall indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.
S-15
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In addition, from time to time we or our representatives have made or will make forward-looking statements in various other filings that we make with the SEC or in other documents, including press releases or other similar announcements. Forward-looking statements concern our current plans, intentions, beliefs, expectations and statements of future economic performance. Statements containing terms such as “will,” “may,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and other phrases of similar meaning are considered to be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on our assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to differ include, among others, those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and those discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our future periodic reports filed with the SEC, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. The following are important factors, among others, that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, performance or achievements reflected in our forward-looking statements:
• our ability to delivery on our existing orders including the UPS order and further develop new orders;
• our ability, together with our partner, to deliver the six prototypes associated with the United States Postal Service Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Acquisition Program and, in turn, our ability, together with our partner, to ultimately be awarded such contract;
• our ability to continue as a going concern;
• our ability to enter long-term supply contracts including, but not limited to the supply of lithium-ion battery cells
• our ability to maintain listing of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market;
• our ability to effectively use the net proceeds from this offering;
• our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property, or the loss of some of our intellectual property rights through costly litigation or administrative proceedings; and
• general economic conditions and inflation and access to capital.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein, which reflect management’s views and opinions only as of their respective dates. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures we have made or will make in the filings we make with the SEC, including reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or any related issuer free writing prospectus.
S-16
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ , after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, including certain capital expenditures and research and development. This represents our best estimate of the manner in which we will use the net proceeds we receive from this offering based upon the current status of our business, but we have not reserved or allocated amounts for specific purposes and we cannot specify with certainty how or when we will use any of the net proceeds. Amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the level and size of additional purchaser orders if any, the potential development or activity with the United States Postal Service and the amount of cash we use in our operations. Our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds from this offering.
Pending the uses described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, investment-grade interest-bearing securities such as money market accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government.
S-17
DILUTION
If you invest in our common stock, you will experience immediate dilution to the extent of the difference between the price per share you pay in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock after this offering.
Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2016 was approximately $6.14 million, or approximately $0.25 per share. Net tangible book value is determined by subtracting our total liabilities from our total tangible assets, and net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value by the number of outstanding shares of our common stock. After giving effect to an assumed sale of 2,923,977 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $3.42 per share (the last reported price of our shares of common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on January 25, 2017), and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2016 would have been approximately $17.3 million, or approximately $0.58 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $0.33 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of approximately $2.84 per share to investors participating in this offering. The following table illustrates this calculation on a per share basis:
Assumed public offering price per share of common stock |
|
|
|
|
$ |
3.42 |
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
|
|
Adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering |
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.58 |
Dilution per share to investors participating in this offering |
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.84 |
The above discussion and table is based on 27,744,864 shares of common stock outstanding as of January 25, 2017, and excludes the following:
• 3,300,829 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of January 25, 2017, which have a weighted average exercise price of $3.74 per share;
• 4,038,512 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants outstanding as of January 25, 2017, which have a weighted average exercise price of $4.50 per share; and
• 584,795 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 6% Convertible Debenture in the principal amount of $2,000,000 held by Joseph T. Lukens.
The above illustration of dilution per share to investors participating in this offering assumes no exercise of outstanding options or warrants to purchase our common stock or the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares in this offering. The exercise of outstanding options or warrants having an exercise price less than the offering price would increase dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital depending on market conditions, our capital requirements and strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through our sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
S-18
UNDERWRITING
We entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters named below on , 2017. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and Cowen and Company, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters. The underwriting agreement provides for the purchase of a specific number of shares of common stock by each of the underwriters. The underwriters’ obligations are several, which means that each underwriter is required to purchase a specified number of shares, but is not responsible for the commitment of any other underwriter to purchase shares. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of shares set forth opposite its name below:
Underwriter |
|
Number of |
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. |
|
|
Cowen and Company, LLC |
|
|
Total |
|
|
The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the shares offered by this prospectus (other than those covered by the option described below) if any are purchased.
The shares of common stock offered hereby are expected to be ready for delivery on or about , 2017 against payment in immediately available funds.
The underwriters are offering the shares subject to various conditions and may reject all or part of any order. The representatives of the underwriters has advised us that the underwriters propose to offer the shares directly to the public at the public offering price that appears on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the shares are released for sale to the public, the representatives may change the offering price and other selling terms at various times.
We have granted the underwriters an option to purchase additional shares. This option, which is exercisable for up to 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, permits the underwriters to purchase a maximum of additional shares from us. If the underwriters exercise all or part of this option, they will purchase shares covered by the option at the public offering price that appears on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters have severally agreed that, to the extent the option is exercised, they will each purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to the underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the foregoing table.
The following table provides information regarding the amount of the discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us, before expenses:
|
|
Per Share |
|
Total
Without |
|
Total
With Full |
|||
Public offering price |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Underwriting discounts and commissions |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
We estimate that our total expenses of the offering, excluding the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ , which includes the fees and expenses for which we have agreed to reimburse the underwriters, provided that any such fees and expenses in excess of an aggregate of $150,000 will be subject to prior written approval by the Company.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
We and our officers and directors have agreed to a 90-day “lock-up” with respect to shares of our common stock and other of our securities that they beneficially own, including securities that are convertible into shares of common stock and securities that are exchangeable or exercisable for shares of common stock. This means that, subject to certain exceptions, for a period of 90 days following the date of this prospectus supplement, we and such persons may not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of these securities without the prior written consent of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
S-19
Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the underwriters to bid for or purchase shares before the distribution of the shares is completed. However, the underwriters may engage in the following activities in accordance with the rules:
• Stabilizing transactions — The representative may make bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the shares, so long as stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
• Over-allotments and syndicate covering transactions — The underwriters may sell more shares of our common stock in connection with this offering than the number of shares than they have committed to purchase. This over-allotment creates a short position for the underwriters. This short sales position may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales. Covered short sales are short sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in this offering described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising its over-allotment option or by purchasing shares in the open market. To determine how they will close the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market, as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are short sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that, in the open market after pricing, there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares that could adversely affect investors who purchase shares in this offering.
• Penalty bids — If the representative purchases shares in the open market in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction, it may reclaim a selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those shares as part of this offering.
• Passive market making — Market makers in the shares who are underwriters or prospective underwriters may make bids for or purchases of shares, subject to limitations, until the time, if ever, at which a stabilizing bid is made.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales or to stabilize the market price of our common stock may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or mitigating a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the shares of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the shares if it discourages resales of the shares.
Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. These transactions may occur on The NASDAQ Capital Market or otherwise. If such transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
Electronic Delivery of Preliminary Prospectus: A prospectus supplement in electronic format may be delivered to potential investors by one or more of the underwriters participating in this offering. The prospectus supplement in electronic format will be identical to the paper version of such preliminary prospectus supplement. Other than the prospectus supplement in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part.
Notice to Non-U.S. Investors
Canada. The common stock may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the common stock must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
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Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
United Kingdom. Each of the underwriters has represented and agreed that:
• it has not made or will not make an offer of the securities to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of section 102B of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (FSMA) except to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities or otherwise in circumstances which do not require the publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to the Prospectus Rules of the Financial Services Authority (FSA);
• it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) to persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 or in circumstances in which section 21 of FSMA does not apply to us; and
• it has complied with and will comply with all applicable provisions of FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
Switzerland. The securities will not be offered, directly or indirectly, to the public in Switzerland and this prospectus does not constitute a public offering prospectus as that term is understood pursuant to article 652a or 1156 of the Swiss Federal Code of Obligations.
European Economic Area. In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”) which has implemented the European Prospectus Directive (each, a “Relevant Member State”), an offer of our shares may not be made to the public in a Relevant Member State other than:
• to any legal entity which is a qualified investor, as defined in the European Prospectus Directive;
• to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the European Prospectus Directive), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the relevant dealer or dealers nominated by us for any such offer; or
• in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the European Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of our shares shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the European Prospectus Directive or supplement prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the European Prospectus Directive
For the purposes of this description, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to the securities in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the securities, as the expression may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the European Prospectus Directive in that member state, and the expression “European Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments hereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State. The expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.
Israel. In the State of Israel this prospectus shall not be regarded as an offer to the public to purchase shares of common stock under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, which requires a prospectus to be published and authorized
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by the Israel Securities Authority, if it complies with certain provisions of Section 15 of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728–1968, including, inter alia, if: (i) the offer is made, distributed or directed to not more than 35 investors, subject to certain conditions (the “Addressed Investors”); or (ii) the offer is made, distributed or directed to certain qualified investors defined in the First Addendum of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968, subject to certain conditions (the “Qualified Investors”). The Qualified Investors shall not be taken into account in the count of the Addressed Investors and may be offered to purchase securities in addition to the 35 Addressed Investors. The company has not and will not take any action that would require it to publish a prospectus in accordance with and subject to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. We have not and will not distribute this prospectus or make, distribute or direct an offer to subscribe for our common stock to any person within the State of Israel, other than to Qualified Investors and up to 35 Addressed Investors.
Qualified Investors may have to submit written evidence that they meet the definitions set out in of the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. In particular, we may request, as a condition to be offered common stock, that Qualified Investors will each represent, warrant and certify to us and/or to anyone acting on our behalf: (i) that it is an investor falling within one of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; (ii) which of the categories listed in the First Addendum to the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 regarding Qualified Investors is applicable to it; (iii) that it will abide by all provisions set forth in the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968 and the regulations promulgated thereunder in connection with the offer to be issued common stock; (iv) that the shares of common stock that it will be issued are, subject to exemptions available under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968: (a) for its own account; (b) for investment purposes only; and (c) not issued with a view to resale within the State of Israel, other than in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Securities Law, 5728 – 1968; and (v) that it is willing to provide further evidence of its Qualified Investor status. Addressed Investors may have to submit written evidence in respect of their identity and may have to sign and submit a declaration containing, inter alia, the Addressed Investor’s name, address and passport number or Israeli identification number.
We have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of securities through any financial intermediary on our behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters and their respective affiliates, with a view to the final placement of the securities as contemplated in this document. Accordingly, no purchaser of the shares, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of shares on our behalf or on behalf of the underwriters.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Fleming PLLC, Rockville Centre, New York. Proskauer Rose LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel for the underwriters in connection with this offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Workhorse Group Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, have been audited by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC permits us to “incorporate by reference” the information and reports we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to another document. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and later information that we file with the SEC automatically updates and supersedes this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, except to the extent information in those documents is different from the information contained in this prospectus supplement, and all future documents filed with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the portions thereof deemed to be furnished to the SEC pursuant to Item 9 or Item 12) until we terminate the offering of these securities:
• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed on March 25, 2016 (File No. 001-37673),
• our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 as filed on November 14, 2016, the quarter ended June 30, 2016 as filed on August 15, 2016 and the quarter ended March 31, 2016 as filed on May 16, 2016 (File No. 001-37673),
• current reports filed on July 1, 2016, September 12, 2016, September 16, 2016 and January 12, 2017 (File No. 001-37673),
• the description of our common stock in our Form 8-A12B, which was filed on January 1, 2016, and any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating this description, and
• any future filings with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including those made after the date of filing the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement, until the termination of the offerings under this prospectus; provided that this prospectus will not incorporate any information we may furnish to the SEC under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K.
To the extent that any statement in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any statement that is incorporated by reference and that was made on or before the date of this prospectus supplement, the statement in this prospectus supplement shall supersede such incorporated statement. The incorporated statement shall not be deemed, except as modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement or the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, we refer you to the copy of each contract or document filed as an exhibit to our various filings made with the SEC.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:
Workhorse Group Inc.
100 Commerce Drive
Loveland, Ohio 45140
Attn: Julio C. Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: 513-360-4704
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Workhorse. You may also access our reports and proxy statements free of charge at our website, http://www.workhorse.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus supplement. The prospectus included in this filing is part of a registration statement filed by us with the SEC. The full registration statement can be obtained from the SEC, as indicated above, or from us.
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PROSPECTUS
$150,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Debt Securities
Units
and up to 1,033,717 Shares of Common Stock and 1,833,193 Shares of Common Stock Underlying Stock Purchase Warrants held by Selling Shareholders
We may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, up to $150,000,000 in the aggregate of common stock, preferred stock, warrants to purchase our common stock, debt securities or units, at prices and on terms that we will determine at the time of the offering. Preferred stock, warrants and debt securities may also be convertible into preferred stock or common stock.
In addition, the selling shareholders may offer to sell up to up to 1,033,717 shares of common stock presently outstanding and up to 1,833,193 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of Stock Purchase Warrants. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the selling shareholders.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. Each time we or a selling shareholder sell securities, to the extent required by applicable law, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering and the terms of the securities being offered. The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.
You should carefully read this prospectus, all prospectus supplements and all other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you invest in our securities.
We and the selling shareholders will offer the securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of the offerings. The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination.
The securities may be offered and sold on a delayed or continuous basis directly by us and the selling shareholders or through underwriters, agents or dealers as designated from time to time, through a combination of these methods or any other method as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. The supplements to this prospectus will designate the terms of our plan of distribution. See the discussion under the heading “Plan of Distribution” for more information on the topic.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “WKHS.”
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully review the section captioned “Risk Factors” beginning on page 1 of this prospectus regarding information included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is December 23, 2016.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Risk Factors |
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1 |
Forward Looking Statements |
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2 |
Our Company |
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3 |
Use of Proceeds |
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5 |
Selling Shareholders |
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5 |
Description of Capital Stock |
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11 |
Description of Warrants |
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14 |
Description of Debt Securities |
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15 |
Description of Units |
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17 |
Plan of Distribution |
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18 |
Legal Matters |
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20 |
Experts |
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20 |
Information Incorporated by Reference |
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20 |
Where You Can Find More Information |
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20 |
i
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission using a “shelf” registration process. Using this process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $150,000,000 and the selling shareholders referred to in this prospectus and identified in supplements to the prospectus may also offer and sell our shares of common stock under this prospectus.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to or update other information contained in this prospectus.
In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement we may authorize to be delivered to you. This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. You may obtain a copy of this information, without charge, as described in the “Where You Can Find More Information” section. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any other information. If you receive any other information, you should not rely on it.
You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus. You should not assume that the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, reserves and prospects may have changed since that date.
We encourage you to read this entire prospectus together with the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus before making a decision whether to invest in our securities.
ABOUT WORKHORSE GROUP INC.
We are a last mile delivery technology company headquartered in the United States. We have broad capabilities beginning with the development and production of American made battery-electric medium-duty truck chassis helping delivery fleets achieve efficiencies and strengthening their sustainability initiatives. To the best of our knowledge, we are the only medium-duty battery-electric original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the United States. We have also recently commenced the development of an electric pickup work truck with range extender for fleet usage. With a focus on last mile delivery and expanding on fleets’ operational efficiencies, Workhorse also develops and integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. Our drone delivery platform, HorseFly TM is FAA compliant and fully integrated with our medium duty truck chassis. Workhorse also develops and integrates cloud-based, real-time proof-of-performance telematics monitoring software that provides fleet operators with advanced vehicle diagnostics, energy and route efficiency.
We are a Nevada corporation. Our executive offices are located at 100 Commerce Drive, Loveland, Ohio 45140, and our telephone number is 513-360-4704.
Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” the “Company” and “Workhorse Group” refer to Workhorse Group Inc. and unless otherwise differentiated, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Workhorse Technologies Inc. and Workhorse Motor Works Inc.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors and all other information contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K before investing in our securities. You should also consider similar information contained in any Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other document filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock or other securities could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in our “Prospectus Summary,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Risk Factors,” “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations,” and “Business” sections. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “depends,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of those terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain those words.
We have based these forward looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including risks described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus, regarding, among other things:
• management and employee operations and execution risks;
• a failure to develop sales and the loss of any key customer that we may develop;
• loss of key personnel;
• competition in the markets we serve;
• intellectual property risks;
• our ability to fund our working capital requirements;
• risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results;
• risks associated with this offering;
• risks associated with raising additional capital when needed and at reasonable terms; and
• risks associated with our reliance on third party suppliers of raw materials and other organizations that provide goods and services to us.
These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this prospectus may include additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in, or implied by, any forward looking statements.
You should not rely upon forward looking statements as predictions of future events. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward looking statements will be achieved or occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward looking statements for any reason after the date of this prospectus or to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward looking statements by these cautionary statements.
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OUR COMPANY
We are a last mile delivery technology company headquartered in the United States. We have broad capabilities beginning with the development and production of American made battery-electric medium-duty truck chassis helping delivery fleets achieve efficiencies and strengthening their sustainability initiatives. To the best of our knowledge, we are the only medium-duty battery-electric original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the United States. We have also recently commenced the development of an electric pickup work truck with range extender for fleet usage. With a focus on last mile delivery and expanding on fleets’ operational efficiencies, Workhorse also develops and integrates unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. Our drone delivery platform, HorseFlyTM is FAA compliant and fully integrated with our medium duty truck chassis. Workhorse also develops and integrates cloud-based, real-time proof-of-performance telematics monitoring software that provides fleet operators with advanced vehicle diagnostics, energy and route efficiency.
On June 4, 2014, we entered into a Vehicle Purchase Agreement with United Parcel Service Inc. (“UPS”), pursuant to which we outlined with UPS the relationship by which we would sell vehicles to UPS. On August 7, 2015, we entered into a Prime Order under the Vehicle Purchase Agreement with UPS, pursuant to which UPS agreed to purchase 125 E-GEN trucks. In connection with each purchase order, we develop a delivery schedule as well as locations for specific deliveries. However, these deadlines are expected to evolve as UPS operations personnel from eight states will be involved in the scheduling. On September 7, 2016, we entered into a purchase order with UPS pursuant to which UPS agreed to purchase from the Company 200 E-GEN electric extended range delivery trucks.
Workhorse had previously entered into a purchase agreement with UPS to supply 18 all-electric Workhorse E-100 Walk-In Vans to be deployed in the Houston-Galveston, Texas area. The U.S. Department of Energy selected this project to improve local air quality in the Houston-Galveston area, which is currently designated as a National Ambient Air Quality Non-Attainment Area. We fulfilled this order in July 2016.
We have developed and begun delivery of our second generation, full-electric truck, “E-100”, which is a significant improvement over our first generation E-100 vehicle. The second-generation vehicle includes a single powerful electric motor with no transmission and lighter, high-density Lithium-ion batteries, giving the vehicle a range of up to 100 miles. We have filed a patent application for the system that extends the range of electric vehicles while reducing the overall cost of the typical battery-electric power train. The system, E-GENTM, is designed specifically for the package delivery vehicle market, in which the diesel and/or gasoline-powered vehicles in use now are required to stop and restart hundreds of times a day. Our E-GEN system incorporates a small internal combustion engine that powers an integrated electric motor as a generator when the battery pack reaches a pre-determined depth-of-discharge (DOD). The DOD is calculated based on projected route distance, package loads and electricity efficiency curves. The gas engine never propels the vehicle. Its task is simple: to automatically turn on in the event the battery needs a small re-charge. We believe that the range-extended battery-electric technology is an ideal fit for urban and suburban delivery routes, despite the typical fleet owner’s concerns about range and cost. Our E-GEN Drive system will enable our customers to keep their batteries charged to a consistent state of charge throughout the day and, since we are able to use smaller battery packs, we can reduce the cost of the entire system. Our E-GEN trucks offer a three-year payback, making them price competitive with gasoline-powered trucks. We recently entered into an agreement with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) to supply the new quiet-running 2-cylinder gasoline generator replacing the current 4-cylinder engine to extend the range of our E-GEN product.
In March of 2013, we purchased the former Workhorse Custom Chassis assembly plant in Union City, Indiana from Navistar International. With this acquisition, we acquired the capability to be an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of Class 3-6 commercial-grade, medium-duty truck chassis, to be marketed under the Workhorse® brand. Ownership and operation of this plant enables us to build new chassis with gross vehicle weight capacities of between 10,000 and 26,000 pounds. These chassis are our new 88-track (W88) and include either of our two second-generation, battery-electric drive trains, both powered by Panasonic 18650 Li-ion cells. The W88 truck chassis is currently being offered to fleet purchasing managers at price points that are both attractive and cost competitive. At the same time, we intend to partner with engine suppliers and body fabricators to offer fleet-specific, custom, purpose-built chassis that provide total cost of ownership solutions that are superior to the competition.
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In addition to having the ability to build our own chassis, we design and produce battery-electric power trains that can be installed in new Workhorse chassis or installed as repower packages to convert used Class 3-6 medium-duty vehicles from diesel or gasoline power to electric power. Our approach is to provide battery-electric power trains utilizing proven, automotive-grade, mass-produced parts in their architectures, coupled with in-house control software that we have developed over the last five years.
The Workhorse Custom Chassis acquisition provides other important assets including the Workhorse brand and logo, intellectual property, schematics, logistical support from Up-Time Parts (a Navistar subsidiary) and a network of 400-plus sales and service outlets across North America. We believe the combination of our chassis assembly capability, coupled with its ability to offer an array of fuel choices, gives Workhorse a unique opportunity in the marketplace.
We are also seeking to re-design the future of parcel delivery aviation: HorseFly™, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that is designed for the package delivery market as well as other commercial applications. Our UAV works in tandem with our electric trucks to bring a practical low cost solution to making the last mile more efficient and cost effective for our parcel customers. HorseFly™ is designed to further improve package delivery efficiencies and has been developed in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati. In June 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (or the FAA) announced new rules permitting commercial use of drones weighing less than 55 pounds subject to certain restrictions including maintaining visual contact.
We recently developed Metron® which is a system that provides fleet operators advanced energy and route efficiency while enabling them to monitor, control and update software remotely. We are also currently in the initial stages of developing a self-driving software to further differentiate us as the technology company with the most cost effective last mile delivery system in the marketplace.
On March 6, 2015, we responded to a Request for Information and Prequalification (RFI) from the United States Postal Service (USPS) for its Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) Acquisition Program. The USPS operates a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles in all areas of the United States and its territories. Approximately 163,000 of these vehicles are right hand drive, light-duty carrier route vehicles purchased between 1987 and 2001. They are not current with advancements in vehicle technologies such as drivetrains, emissions, and safety related features. The postal service intends to retire this fleet in coming years, and to replace them with Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs). NGDVs must be capable of delivering both mail to curbside mailboxes and parcel packages in a safe and efficient manner. The postal service states that NGDVs are also expected to benefit from today’s availability of practical technological improvements for drivetrains, bodies, chassis, safety systems, security, and innovative designs to improve vehicle loading and delivery operations. The USPS anticipates making a single award in 2017 to a supplier for up to 180,000 NGDVs to replace its current fleet of mail delivery vehicles. Delivery of the NGDVs to the USPS is expected to begin in 2018. On April 14, 2015, the USPS notified Workhorse that it had advanced in the NGDV Acquisition Program as a prequalified supplier. Workhorse partnered with VT Hackney, Inc. (“VT Hackney”), another pre-qualified supplier, to design and build the body, and the joint response to the USPS NGDV RFP was delivered by the USPS deadline of February 5, 2016. On March 18, 2016, Workhorse and VT Hackney attended by invitation from the USPS a meeting to present our RFP response and respond to questions. On September 16, 2016, the USPS awarded the contract for the NGDV Prototype to six prime suppliers including VT Hackney. Workhorse and VT Hackney have entered into a Teaming Agreement pursuant to which Workhorse was appointed as the exclusive subcontractor to provide the chassis and powertrain for the prototypes.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we indicate otherwise in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities offered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include, but not be limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, refinancing of indebtedness and repurchases or redemptions of securities.
We will not receive any proceeds from the sales of shares of common stock by the selling stockholders. However, in the event a selling shareholder exercises a Stock Purchase Warrant for cash, we will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, but not be limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, refinancing of indebtedness and repurchases or redemptions of securities.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
We have agreed to register 1,033,717 shares of common stock presently outstanding and 1,833,193 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of Stock Purchase Warrants that are beneficially owned by the selling shareholders identified below.
In November and December 2016, we entered into Warrant Exercise Agreements with the selling shareholders identified below pursuant to which, each of the warrant holders agreed to exercise at least one-third of their Stock Purchase Warrants (the “Warrant Exercises”). In consideration of the warrant holders exercising the minimum required amount, we agreed to register for resale all shares of common stock issued in connection with the Warrant Exercise and the remaining shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the Stock Purchase Warrants in the future. As a result of the Warrant Exercises, we received gross proceeds of $3,889,329 and issued 915,217 shares of common stock to the warrant holders (the “November Shares”). In addition, in September 2016, a selling shareholder exercised 143,500 shares of common stock (the “September Shares” and collectively with the November Shares, the “Exercised Shares”) under a Stock Purchase Warrant for $5.28 per share for aggregate consideration of $757,680. We are required to register the Exercised Shares, less 25,000 Exercised Shares held by Gerald Budde, a director of our company, as well as 1,833,193 shares of common stock underlying the Stock Purchase Warrants. Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) acted as solicitation agent for the Warrant Exercises. The Company paid Maxim a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the Warrant Exercise proceeds, as well as fees and expenses of $10,000. In addition, we paid Maxim $140,000 as exclusive consideration of Maxim terminating its advisory agreement and the related right of first refusal for any future financing therein.
The description contained herein of the terms of the Warrant Exercise Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of Warrant Exercise Agreement, a copy of which was attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Registration Statement.
Other than as described herein, the selling shareholders do not have, and within the past three years have not had, any position, office or material relationship with us or any of our predecessors or affiliates.
The following table sets forth the names of the selling shareholders, the numbers of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by such shareholders as of December 12, 2016, and the numbers of shares that may be offered for resale by the selling shareholders from time to time as described in the “Plan of Distribution.” The shares of common stock may also be sold by donees, pledgees, and other transferees or successors in interest of the selling stockholders.
The selling shareholders may decide to sell all, some, or none of the shares of common stock. We currently have no agreements, arrangements or understandings with any of the selling shareholders regarding the sale of the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus. We cannot provide you with any estimate of the number of shares of our common stock that the selling shareholders will hold in the future.
For purposes of this table, beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) , and includes voting power and investment power with respect to such shares. In calculating the percentage ownership or percent of equity vote for a given individual or group, the number of shares of common stock outstanding for that individual or group includes unissued shares subject to options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges exercisable within sixty days held by such individual or group, but are not deemed outstanding by any other person or group.
5
The applicable percentage of ownership is based on an aggregate of 27,576,717 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding on December 12, 2016.
Name of Selling Shareholder |
|
Number of |
|
Percent of |
|
Shares |
|
Number of |
|
Percent of |
|||
Ernest Mario |
|
89,442 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(2) |
|
60,871 |
|
|
* |
Samuels 2012 Children’s Trust |
|
1,142,856 |
|
4.1 |
% |
|
571,428 |
(3) |
|
571,428 |
|
2.0 |
% |
David M. Fuerst |
|
3,571 |
|
|
* |
|
3,571 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
* |
J. Victor Samuels & Barbara |
|
667,259 |
|
2.4 |
% |
|
285,714 |
(5) |
|
381,545 |
|
1.4 |
% |
John Pappajohn |
|
129,286 |
|
|
* |
|
57,143 |
(6) |
|
72,143 |
|
|
* |
Elliot Sabbagh |
|
21,428 |
|
|
* |
|
10,714 |
(7) |
|
10,714 |
|
|
* |
Clayton S. Fong |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(8) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Vincent Iannelli |
|
50,357 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(9) |
|
36,071 |
|
|
* |
Thomas Iannelli |
|
45,857 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(10) |
|
17,286 |
|
|
* |
David L. Berkey |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(11) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Marcella Goldstein Revocable Trust UAD 12/20/07 |
|
6,392 |
|
|
* |
|
3,571 |
(12) |
|
2,821 |
|
|
* |
Herbert J. Baumann |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(13) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Jeff Gunther |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(14) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Keith Goodman |
|
31,786 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(15) |
|
24,643 |
|
|
* |
Kyle Buchakjian |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(16) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Joel Meyer |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(17) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Bilha Schapira |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(18) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Irving Lubman/Phyllis Lubman |
|
28,571 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(19) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
John Walsh |
|
24,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(20) |
|
10,000 |
|
|
* |
Nicholas J. Nastasi |
|
3,781 |
|
|
* |
|
2,381 |
(21) |
|
1,400 |
|
|
* |
Michael Spector |
|
57,142 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(22) |
|
28,571 |
|
|
* |
MGC Properties LLC |
|
28,392 |
|
|
* |
|
8,571 |
(23) |
|
19,821 |
|
|
* |
Marc Lehman |
|
40,571 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(24) |
|
12,000 |
|
|
* |
Patricia Avery |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(25) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Jay Alexander |
|
15,394 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(27) |
|
8,251 |
|
|
* |
John Robert Campo |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(28) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Robert W. Main Trust |
|
57,142 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(29) |
|
28,571 |
|
|
* |
Shashank & Shilpa Upadhye |
|
26,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(30) |
|
12,000 |
|
|
* |
David GP Allan |
|
19,283 |
|
|
* |
|
14,283 |
(31) |
|
5,000 |
|
|
* |
Joe B. Cogdell |
|
8,342 |
|
|
* |
|
3,571 |
(32) |
|
4,771 |
|
|
* |
Mickey W. Kowitz |
|
174,000 |
|
|
* |
|
22,500 |
(33) |
|
151,500 |
|
|
* |
B. Michael Pisani |
|
21,486 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(34) |
|
7,200 |
|
|
* |
John R. Raphael Revocable Trust UAD 07/06/07 |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(35) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Ricky Solomon |
|
85,716 |
|
|
* |
|
85,716 |
(36) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Douglas Solomon |
|
43,572 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(38) |
|
15,000 |
|
|
* |
Andrew L. Goodenough |
|
24,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(39) |
|
17,143 |
|
|
* |
Kenneth A. Alter |
|
7,144 |
|
|
* |
|
3,573 |
(40) |
|
3,571 |
|
|
* |
Kenneth T. Ashkin |
|
10,715 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(41) |
|
3,571 |
|
|
* |
Nancy Schachleiter |
|
37,500 |
|
|
* |
|
37,500 |
(42) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
6
Name of Selling Shareholder |
|
Number of |
|
Percent of |
|
Shares |
|
Number of |
|
Percent of |
|||
Michael & Jill Solomon |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(43) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Howard Solomon 2014 Trust |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(44) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
ATJ Electrical Co Inc. |
|
85,715 |
|
|
* |
|
42,858 |
(45) |
|
42,857 |
|
|
* |
Daniel Blackwell |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(46) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Eric & Dierdre K. Okamoto |
|
12,143 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(47) |
|
5,000 |
|
|
* |
Henry Steeneck |
|
15,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(48) |
|
1,000 |
|
|
* |
Ignacio Ponce de Leon |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(49) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Jesse Lipcon |
|
11,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(50) |
|
4,143 |
|
|
* |
Jon Leffew |
|
26,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(51) |
|
12,000 |
|
|
* |
Kenneth Beckerman |
|
44,513 |
|
|
* |
|
24,288 |
(52) |
|
22,225 |
|
|
* |
Larry Hauskins |
|
23,786 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(53) |
|
9,500 |
|
|
* |
Marmatt LLC |
|
16,443 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(54) |
|
9,300 |
|
|
* |
Marvin Maslow |
|
36,072 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(55) |
|
7,500 |
|
|
* |
Richland Management |
|
833,307 |
|
2.99 |
% |
|
428,574 |
(56) |
|
404,733 |
|
1.5 |
% |
Scherlis Family LLC |
|
308,884 |
|
1.11 |
% |
|
214,287 |
(57) |
|
94,597 |
|
|
* |
Scott Dols |
|
94,287 |
|
|
* |
|
64,287 |
(58) |
|
30,000 |
|
|
* |
William L. Davis |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(60) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Daniel J. Wampler |
|
125,000 |
|
|
* |
|
125,000 |
(61) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Marvin P. Loeb IT, Alan E. Loeb, |
|
30,310 |
|
|
* |
|
30,310 |
(62) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Angelus C. Chan |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(63) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Dustin & Carol Wilson |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(64) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Anthony V. Milone |
|
19,302 |
|
|
* |
|
10,002 |
(65) |
|
9,300 |
|
|
* |
Paul Stamatis |
|
28,571 |
|
|
* |
|
28,571 |
(66) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Larry P. Schaefer |
|
12,500 |
|
|
* |
|
12,500 |
(67) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Samuel Stagger |
|
39,678 |
|
|
* |
|
9,524 |
(68) |
|
30,154 |
|
|
* |
Robert H. Chicoine Jr. |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
7,143 |
(69) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Daniel D. Janka |
|
15,000 |
|
|
* |
|
15,000 |
(70) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
William & Elizabeth Schulz Davis |
|
13,393 |
|
|
* |
|
6,250 |
(71) |
|
7,143 |
|
|
* |
Stephen & Nancy Beckerman |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(72) |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
Idan Sahar |
|
50,422 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(73) |
|
21,850 |
|
|
* |
Anthony B. Cimino |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(74) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Harvey Abrams |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(75) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Han Group Solutions LLC |
|
18,000 |
|
|
* |
|
9,500 |
(76) |
|
8,500 |
|
|
* |
Eli Anker |
|
14,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(77) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Brian Frank |
|
19,286 |
|
|
* |
|
14,286 |
(78) |
|
5,000 |
|
|
* |
Gregory J. Pamela Vislocky |
|
28,572 |
|
|
* |
|
28,572 |
(79) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
____________
* less than 1.0%
(1) Because (a) the selling shareholders may offer all, some or none of the shares covered by this prospectus, (b) the offering of the selling shareholders’ shares is not being underwritten on a firm commitment basis, and (c) the selling shareholders could purchase additional shares of our common stock from time to time, No estimate can be given as to the number of shares or percent of our common stock that will be held by the selling shareholders upon termination of the offering. The fourth column assumes the sale of all of the shares offered by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to this prospectus. The fifth column lists the percentage of common stock owned by the Selling Shareholders after completion of the offering, assuming the sale of all of the shares offered by the Selling Shareholders pursuant to this prospectus.
7
(2) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(3) Represents 191,104 shares of common stock and 380,324 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share. H. Benjamin Samuels, a director of Workhorse, is the trustee of the Samuels 2012 Children’s Trust.
(4) Represents 1,191 shares of common stock and 2,380 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(5) Represents 23,802 shares of common stock and 261,912 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(6) Represents 19,048 shares of common stock and 38,095 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(7) Represents 3,572 shares of common stock and 7,142 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(8) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(9) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(10) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(11) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(12) Represents 1,191 shares of common stock and 2,380 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(13) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(14) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(15) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(16) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(17) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(18) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(19) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(20) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(21) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock.
(22) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(23) Represents 2,858 shares of common stock and 5,713 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(24) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(25) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(26) Intentionally left blank.
(27) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(28) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(29) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(30) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(31) Represents 4,761 shares of common stock and 9,522 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(32) Represents 1,191 shares of common stock and 2,380 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
8
(33) Represents 22,500 shares of common stock.
(34) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(35) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(36) Represents 28,572 shares of common stock and 57,144 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(37) Intentionally left blank.
(38) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(39) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(40) Represents 1,191 shares of common stock and 2,382 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(41) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(42) Represents 12,500 shares of common stock and 25,000 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $1.50 per share.
(43) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(44) Represents 3,476 shares of common stock and 10,810 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(45) Represents 14,286 shares of common stock and 28,572 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(46) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(47) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(48) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(49) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(50) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(51) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(52) Represents 8,096 shares of common stock and 16,192 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(53) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(54) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(55) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(56) Represents 142,858 shares of common stock and 285,716 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(57) Represents 71,429 shares of common stock and 142,858 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(58) Represents 21,429 shares of common stock and 42,858 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(59) Intentionally left blank.
(60) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(61) Represents 125,000 shares of common stock.
(62) Represents 30,310 shares of common stock.
(63) Represents 14,286 shares of common stock.
(64) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(65) Represents 3,334 shares of common stock and 6,668 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
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(66) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,047 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(67) Represents 4,167 shares of common stock and 8,333 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $1.50 per share.
(68) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock.
(69) Represents 2,381 shares of common stock and 4,762 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(70) Represents 15,000 shares of common stock.
(71) Represents 6,250 shares of common stock.
(72) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(73) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(74) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(75) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(76) Represents 3,167 shares of common stock and 6,333 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $1.50 per share.
(77) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(78) Represents 4,762 shares of common stock and 9,524 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
(79) Represents 9,524 shares of common stock and 19,048 shares of common stock exercisable under the Stock Purchase Warrant exercisable for $5.28 per share.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our articles of incorporation provide that we are authorized to issue 50 million shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 75 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
Common Stock
Voting Rights
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by our shareholders, including the election of directors. Cumulative voting is not permitted in the election of directors.
Dividend Rights
Subject to preferences that may apply to shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, the holders of outstanding shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available if our board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends and then only at the times and in the amounts that our board may determine.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of our liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, our common shareholders will receive ratably any net assets that remain after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the senior rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Other
Our shares of common stock are not convertible into any other security and do not have any preemptive rights, conversion rights, redemption rights or sinking fund provisions. The rights, preferences and privileges, including voting rights, of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of preferred stock that the board may designate and issue in the future. There are currently no preferred shares outstanding.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue up to 75 million shares of preferred stock, in one or more series with such designations, relative rights, preferences, voting rights, limitations, dividend rates, redemption prices, liquidation prices, conversion rights, sinking or purchase fund rights, and other provisions as the board may fix or determine. Any series of preferred stock may have rights and privileges superior to those of common stock.
No shares of preferred stock have been issued to date, nor do we have any currently designated shares of preferred stock. We currently have no plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
Stock Purchase Warrants
On November 9, 2015 and December 4, 2015, Workhorse entered into Securities Purchase Agreements with several accredited investors (the “Investors”) providing for the sale by Workhorse to the Investors of 6% Convertible Promissory Notes in the aggregate amount of $13,534,426 (the “Notes”). In addition to the Notes, the Investors also received stock purchase warrants (the “Warrants”) to acquire an aggregate of 1,366,979 shares of common stock of our company. The Warrants are exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $5.28.
In May 2014, we entered into subscription agreement with accredited investors (“May 2014 Investors”) pursuant to which the May 2014 Investors purchased 1,428,000 shares of common stock for a purchase price of $1,428,000, together with a common stock purchase warrants to acquire 714,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share for a period of three years.
In May 2014, we entered into conversion agreements with debt holders that were accredited investors (“May 2014 Conversion Investors”) pursuant to which the May 2014 Conversion Investors converted $1,169,300 into
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1,169,300 shares of common stock together with a common stock purchase warrants to acquire 584,650 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share for a period of three years.
We entered into Subscription Agreements with five accredited investors (the “December 2014 Investors”) between November 24, 2014 and December 29, 2014 providing for the sale to the December 2014 Investors of 14% Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes in the aggregate amount of $1,243,000 (the “December 2014 Notes”). In addition to the December 2014 Notes, the December 2014 Investors also received common stock purchase warrants (the “December 2014 Warrants”) to acquire 443,929 shares of common stock. The December 2014 Warrants are exercisable for five years at an exercise price of $1.40. The initial closing of $200,000 was on November 24, 2014, the second closing of $700,000 was on December 8, 2014 and the third closing of $343,000 was on December 30, 2014.
Anti-Takeover Provisions Under Nevada Law.
Combinations with Interested Stockholder. Sections 78.411-78.444, inclusive, of the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) contain provisions governing combinations with an interested stockholder. For purposes of the NRS, “combinations” include: (i) any merger or consolidation with any interested stockholder, (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition to any interested stockholder of corporate assets with an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market value of the corporation’s consolidated assets, 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the corporation or 10% or more of the earning power or net income of the corporation, (iii) the issuance to any interested stockholder of voting shares (except pursuant to a share dividend or similar proportionate distribution) with an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the aggregate market value of all the outstanding shares of the corporation, (iv) the dissolution of the corporation if proposed by or on behalf of any interested stockholder, (v) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization or corporate reorganization that will have the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the corporation’s outstanding voting shares held by any interested stockholder and (vi) any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit (except proportionately as a stockholder) of any loan, advance, guarantee, pledge or other financial assistance. For purposes of the NRS, an “interested stockholder” is defined to include any beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of the voting securities of a Nevada corporation and any person who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was at any time during the preceding three years the beneficial owner or more than 10% of any class of the voting securities of the Nevada corporation.
Subject to certain exceptions, the provisions of the NRS governing combinations with interested stockholders provide that a Nevada corporation may not engage in a combination with an interested stockholder for two years after the date that the person first became an interested stockholder unless the combination or the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder is approved by the board of directors before the person first became an interested stockholder.
Control Share Acquisitions. The NRS also contains a “control share acquisitions statute.” If applicable to a Nevada corporation this statute restricts the voting rights of certain stockholders referred to as “acquiring persons,” that acquire or offer to acquire ownership of a “controlling interest” in the outstanding voting stock of an “issuing corporation.” For purposes of these provisions a “controlling interest” means with certain exceptions the ownership of outstanding voting stock sufficient to enable the acquiring person to exercise one-fifth or more but less than one-third, one-third or more but less than a majority, or a majority or more of all voting power in the election of directors and “issuing corporation” means a Nevada corporation that has 200 or more stockholders of record, at least 100 of whom have addresses in Nevada appearing on the stock ledger of the corporation, and which does business in Nevada directly or through an affiliated corporation. The voting rights of an acquiring person in the affected shares will be restored only if such restoration is approved by the holders of a majority of the voting power of the corporation. The NRS allows a corporation to “opt-out” of the control share acquisitions statute by providing in such corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws that the control share acquisitions statute does not apply to the corporation or to an acquisition of a controlling interest specifically by types of existing or future stockholders, whether or not identified.
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
No Cumulative Voting. Where cumulative voting is permitted in the election of directors, each share is entitled to as many votes as there are directors to be elected and each shareholder may cast all of its votes for a single director nominee or distribute them among two or more director nominees. Thus, cumulative voting makes it easier for a minority shareholder to elect a director. Our articles of incorporation deny shareholders the right to vote cumulatively.
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Authorized But Unissued Shares. Our articles of incorporation permit the board to authorize the issuance of preferred stock, and to designate the rights and preferences of our preferred stock, without obtaining shareholder approval. One of the effects of undesignated preferred stock may be to enable the board to render more difficult or to discourage a third party’s attempt to obtain control of Workhorse Group by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger, or otherwise. The issuance of shares of preferred stock also may discourage a party from making a bid for the common stock because the issuance may adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock. For example, preferred stock that we issue may rank prior to the common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preference, or both, may have special voting rights and may be convertible into shares of common stock. Accordingly, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may discourage bids for our common stock or may otherwise adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Transfer Agent or Registrar
Empire Stock Transfer, Inc. is the transfer agent and registrar of our common stock.
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock or preferred stock offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from any such offered securities. Series of warrants may be issued under a separate warrant agreement entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants. The warrant agent would act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and would not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants.
The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all provisions of the warrant agreements.
Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants offered pursuant to such prospectus supplement for the terms of and information relating to such warrants, including, where applicable:
• the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock and the price at which such number of shares of common stock or preferred stock may be purchased upon such exercise;
• the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
• United States federal income tax consequences applicable to such warrants;
• the amount of warrants outstanding as of the most recent practicable date; and
• any other terms of such warrants.
Warrants will be issued in registered form only. The exercise price for warrants will be subject to adjustment in accordance with the applicable prospectus supplement.
Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such number of shares of common stock or preferred stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants, which exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by us, unexercised warrants will become void. The place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised shall be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, holders of such warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the common stock purchasable upon such exercise, or to exercise any applicable right to vote.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities together with other securities or separately, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement, under an indenture to be entered into between our company and the trustee that meets certain requirements identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC.
The prospectus supplement will set forth, to the extent required, the following terms of the debt securities in respect of which the prospectus supplement is delivered:
• the title of the series;
• the aggregate principal amount;
• the issue price or prices, expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;
• any limit on the aggregate principal amount;
• the date or dates on which principal is payable;
• the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates;
• the date or dates from which interest, if any, will be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable;
• the terms and conditions upon which we may, or the holders may require us to, redeem or repurchase the debt securities;
• the denominations in which such debt securities may be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000, or any integral multiple of that number;
• whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities;
• the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date if other than the principal amount of the debt securities;
• if applicable, covenants affording holders of debt protection with respect to our operations, financial condition or transactions involving us;
• the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest, will be made;
• if payments of principal and, if applicable, premium or interest, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denominations, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;
• if amounts of principal and, if applicable, premium and interest may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies, or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index, or financial index, then the manner in which such amounts will be determined;
• the provisions, if any, relating to any collateral provided for such debt securities;
• any events of default;
• the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion into or exchange for common shares;
• any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents, or other agents; and
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• whether such debt securities are senior securities or subordinated securities and the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to other indebtedness of our company.
One or more debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount debt securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other material special considerations which apply to these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do, we will describe the restrictions, elections, and general tax considerations relating to the debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. Global securities will be issued in registered form and in either temporary or definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual debt securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any debt securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes the general features of the units that we may offer under this prospectus. We may issue units consisting of two or more other constituent securities. These units may be issuable as, and for a specified period of time may be transferable only as a single security, rather than as the separate constituent securities comprising such units. While the features we have summarized below will generally apply to any units we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any units that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The specific terms of any units may differ from the description provided below as a result of negotiations with third parties in connection with the issuance of those units, as well as for other reasons. Because the terms of any units we offer under a prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below, you should rely solely on information in the applicable prospectus supplement if that summary is different from the summary in this prospectus.
We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the specific units being offered, as well as the complete instruments that contain the terms of the securities that comprise those units. Certain of those instruments, or forms of those instruments, have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplements to those instruments or forms may be incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part from reports we file with the Commission.
If we offer any units, certain terms of that series of units will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, the following, as applicable:
• the title of the series of units;
• identification and description of the separate constituent securities comprising the units;
• the price or prices at which the units will be issued;
• the date, if any, on and after which the constituent securities comprising the units will be separately transferable;
• a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the units; and
• any other terms of the units and their constituent securities.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We and the selling shareholders may sell securities in and outside the United States through underwriters or dealers, directly to purchasers or through agents or in ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers. To the extent required by applicable law, a prospectus supplement will include the following information:
• the terms of the offering;
• the names of any underwriters or agents;
• the names of the selling stockholders;
• the purchase price of the securities;
• the net proceeds to us from the sale of the securities;
• any delayed delivery arrangements;
• any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;
• the initial public offering price;
• any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
• any commissions paid to agents.
Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers
If we use underwriters in the sale of securities, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if they purchase any securities. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include over allotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the offered securities sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such offered securities are repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market. If commenced, these activities may be discontinued at any time.
If we or the selling shareholders use dealers in the sale of securities, we or the selling shareholders will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The dealers participating in any sale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of such securities. We will include in any prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transactions.
We will bear costs relating to all of the securities being registered under this registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Any broker-dealers or other persons acting on our behalf or on behalf of the selling shareholder that participate with us in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any commissions received or profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding between any broker or dealer and us with respect to the offer or sale of the securities pursuant to this prospectus.
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Pursuant to a requirement by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker/dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by us for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to SEC Rule 415 under the Securities Act. If more than 5% of the net proceeds of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will be received by a FINRA member participating in the offering or its affiliates or associated persons of such FINRA member, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Conduct Rule 5121.
Direct Sales and Sales Through Agents
We and the selling shareholders may sell the securities directly. In that event, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We and the selling shareholders may also sell the securities through agents we designate from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities, and we will describe any commissions payable by us to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of the securities. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.
Delayed Delivery Contracts
If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
Subscription Offerings
We may also make direct sales through subscription rights distributed to our existing stockholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to our stockholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.
General Information
We may have agreements with the agents, dealers and underwriters to indemnify them against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute with respect to payments that the agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make. Agents, dealers and underwriters may engage in transactions with us or perform services for us in the ordinary course of their businesses.
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LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the shares of our securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Fleming PLLC, Rockville Centre, New York. Any underwriters, dealers or agents will be advised about other issues relating to any transaction by their own legal counsel.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Workhorse Group Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, have been audited by Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 filed by us with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” certain documents that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below:
• our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed on March 25, 2016 (File No. 001-37673 ),
• our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 as filed on November 14, 2016 (File No. 001-37673),
• current reports filed on July 1, 2016, September 12, 2016 and September 16, 2016 (File No. 001-37673), and
• any future filings with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including those made after the date of filing the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement, until the termination of the offerings under this prospectus; provided that this prospectus will not incorporate any information we may furnish to the SEC under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K.
You may request copies of these filings, at no cost, by writing or calling us at:
Workhorse Group Inc.
100 Commerce Drive
Loveland, Ohio 45140
513-360-4704
Attn: Julio C. Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: 513-360-4704
Our SEC filings are also available on our website at www.workhorse.com. The other information on our website is not, and you must not consider the information to be, a part of this prospectus.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20549. You can request copies of these documents by contacting the SEC upon payment of fees prescribed by the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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Shares of Common Stock
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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Joint Book-Running Managers |
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Oppenheimer & Co. |
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Cowen and Company |
January , 2017