New Horizon Aircraft Ltd.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Feb 29, 2024

References in this report (the “Quarterly Report”) to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

All figures noted are in thousands of Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) that are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report including, without limitation, statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this Quarterly Report, words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “seek” and variations and similar words and expressions, as they relate to us or the Company’s management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to the Company’s management. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors section of the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 29, 2024. The Company’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov). Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (the “Company”, “Horizon”, “we,” “us” or “our”), a British Columbia corporation, with our headquarters located in Lindsay, Ontario, is an aerospace company. Horizon is a former blank check company incorporated on March 11, 2022 under the name Pono Capital Three, Inc., (“Pono”) as a Delaware corporation, subsequently redomiciled in the Cayman Islands on October 14, 2022, and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

Business Combination

On February 14, 2023, we consummated an initial public offering (“IPO”). On January 12, 2024 (the “Closing date”), we consummated a merger (the “Merger”) with Pono Three Merger Acquisitions Corp., a British Columbia company (“Merger Sub”) and wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono, with and into Robinson Aircraft Ltd. (“Robinson”) pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of August 15, 2023, (as amended by a Business Combination Agreement Waiver, dated as of December 27, 2023) by and among Pono, Merger Sub, New Horizon Aircraft Ltd., Robinson, and Mehana Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor” or “Purchaser Representative”) in its capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Pono, and seller representative of the stockholders of New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (“Seller Representative”).

The Merger and other transactions contemplated thereby (collectively, the “Business Combination”) closed on January 12, 2024, when, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement Waiver, Merger Sub merged with and into Robinson, surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Pono. Pono changed its name to “New Horizon Aircraft Ltd” and the business of Robinson became the business of New Horizon Aircraft Ltd.

The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Pono was treated as the acquired company and Robinson was treated as the acquirer for financial statement reporting purposes.

The financial statements included in this report reflect (i) the historical operating results of Robinson prior to the Business Combination (“Legacy Horizon”); (ii) the combined results of Pono and Legacy Horizon following the closing of the Business Combination; (iii) the assets and liabilities of Legacy Horizon at their historical cost; and (iv) the Company’s equity structure for all periods presented.

Organization and Nature of Business

The Company’s objective is to significantly advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. In connection with this objective, we have designed and developed a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) prototype aircraft for use in future regional air mobility (“RAM”) networks.

Robinson was incorporated in 2013. Initially, the company was focused on development of a hybrid electric amphibious aircraft, and in 2018 the Company pivoted to developing an innovative hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (“eVTOL”) concept that is identified as the Cavorite X7. The Company has built several small-scale prototypes and now has a 50%-scale aircraft that is undergoing active flight testing.

Horizon intends to sell these aircraft to third parties, air operators, individual consumers, and NATO military customers. The Company plans to manufacture its aircraft and license its patented fan-in-wing technology and other core innovations to other Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM’s”). Manufacturing will be accomplished with a heavy reliance on experienced aircraft manufacturing partners and supply chain vendors. Horizon believes this highly focused business model will provide the most efficient use of capital to produce an aircraft that has a variety of uses.

The Company has been primarily engaged in research and development of aircraft. Net operating losses and negative cash flows from operations have been realized in every year since inception. As of February 29, 2024, it had an accumulated deficit of $13.0 million. Until now, the Company has funded its operations primarily with proceeds from the issuance of common stock and convertible notes.

Key Factors Affecting Operating Results

See the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2024 for a further discussion of these considerations.

Development of the Regional Air Mobility Market

The Company’s revenue will be directly tied to the continued development of long-distance aerial transportation and related technologies. While the Company believes the market for Regional Air Mobility (“RAM”) will be large, it remains undeveloped and there is no guarantee of future demand. Horizon anticipates commercialization of its aircraft beginning in 2027, and its business will require significant investment leading up to launching services, including, but not limited to, final engineering designs, prototyping and testing, manufacturing, software development, certification, pilot training and commercialization.

Horizon believes one of the primary drivers for adoption of its aircraft is the value proposition enabled by its aircraft that can take-off and land similar to a helicopter, fly almost twice as fast, and operate with much lower direct operating costs. Additional factors impacting adoption of eVTOL technology include but are not limited to: perceptions about eVTOL quality, safety, performance and cost; perceptions about the environmental impact of hybrid-electric; volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline; availability of competing forms of transportation, such as ground or unmanned drone services; consumers perception about the convenience and cost of transportation using eVTOL relative to ground-based alternatives; and increases in fuel efficiency, autonomy, or electrification of vehicles. In addition, macroeconomic factors could impact demand for RAM services, particularly if end-user pricing is at a premium to ground-based transportation. Horizon anticipates initial aircraft sales to be used for medevac services, firefighting services, disaster relief services, remote medical services, military operations, followed by sales to air operators for air cargo, business travel and air-taxi services. If the market for RAM does not develop as expected, this would impact the Company’s ability to generate revenue or grow its business.

Competition

The Company believes that the primary sources of competition for its aircraft sales are traditional helicopters, ground-based mobility solutions, and other eVTOL developers. While it expects to produce a versatile aircraft that can be useful in a variety of air mobility missions, the Company expects this industry to be dynamic and increasingly competitive. It is possible that its competitors could gain significant market share. Horizon may not fully realize the sales it anticipates, and it may not receive any competitive advantage from its design or may be overcome by other competitors. If new companies or existing aerospace companies produce competing aircraft in the markets in which Horizon intends to service and obtain large-scale capital investment, it may face increased competition. Horizon may receive an advantage from well-funded competitors that are paying to create certification programs, raise awareness of eVTOL advantages and advocating to kickstart government funding programs. In the event it does not capture the level of sales and consumer adoption it anticipates, Horizon’s business, financial condition, operating results and prospects may be harmed.

Government Certification

In order to be used in for-profit commercial operations, Horizon’s Cavorite X7 aircraft will require Type Certification. Horizon has had initial conversations with both the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) and the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). As a Canadian company, TCCA will initially lead certification efforts. Horizon expects the FAA to participate during this process which will likely reduce the amount of time required to achieve FAA certification.

The Company maintains a partnership with Cert Centre Canada (“3C”) for the purpose of collaborating on aspects of the continued development and path to certification of Horizon’s eVTOL program. 3C is leveraging their deep experience with TCCA and FAA certification programs to develop a certification basis for the certification of Horizon’s hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft.

Typically, the certification of a new aircraft design by TCCA or the FAA is a long and complex process, often spanning more than five years and costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The Company has never undergone such a process, and there is no guarantee that its Cavorite X7 design will eventually achieve certification despite its best efforts. The Company will need to obtain authorizations and certifications related to the production of its aircraft. While it anticipates being able to meet the requirements of such authorizations and certifications, the Company may be unable to obtain such authorizations and certifications, or to do so on the timeline it projects. Should the Company fail to obtain any of the required authorizations or certifications, or do so in a timely manner, or any of these authorizations or certifications are modified, suspended or revoked after it obtains them, the Company may be unable to fulfill sales of its commercial aircraft or do so on the timelines it projects, which would have adverse effects on its business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.

Dual Use Business Model

Horizon’s business model to serve as a dual use aircraft both civilian and military applications. Present projections indicate that sales volume of this dual use aircraft will result in a viable business model over the long-term as production volumes scale and unit economics improve to support sufficient market adoption. The advantage of military application of Horizon’s aircraft in addition to sales volumes leads to a reduction in the risk of certification as aircraft used for military purposes do not need to achieve Transport Canada, FAA or similar certification approval. As with any new industry and aerospace product, numerous risks and uncertainties exist. The Company’s financial results are dependent on delivering aircraft on-time and at a cost that supports returns at prices that support sufficient sales to customers who are willing to purchase based on value arising from time and versatility from utilizing regional eVTOL aircraft. Horizon’s civilian sector financial results are dependent on achieving certification on its expected timeline. Horizon’s aircrafts include numerous parts and manufacturing processes unique to eVTOL aircraft, in general, and its product design, in particular. Best efforts have been made to estimate costs in the Company’s planning projections; however, the variable cost associated with assembling its aircraft at scale remains uncertain at this stage of development.

Going Concern and Liquidity

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern and the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of the Company’s development plans. We have devoted many resources to the design and development of our planned eVTOL prototype. Funding of these activities has primarily been through the net proceeds received from the issuance of related and third-party debt and the sale common stock to related and third parties.

Through February 29, 2024, we have incurred cumulative losses from operations, negative cash flows from operating activities, and have an accumulated deficit of $13.0 million. Horizon is a pre-revenue organization in a research and development and flight-testing phase of operations. While management expects that the net impact of the Business Combination along with our cash balances held prior to the Closing Date will be sufficient to fund our current operating plan for at least the next 12 months from the date these condensed interim consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, there is significant uncertainty around the Company’s ability to meet the going concern assumption beyond that period without raising additional capital.

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in achieving our business plans, that our current capital will be sufficient to support our ongoing operations, or that any additional financing will be available in a timely manner or on acceptable terms, if at all. If events or circumstances occur such that we do not meet our business plans, we may be required to raise additional capital, alter, or scale back our aircraft design, development, and certification programs, or be unable to fund capital expenditures. Any such events would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to achieve our intended business plans.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenue

The Company is working to design, develop, certify, and manufacture our eVTOL aircraft and have not generated any revenues in any of the periods presented. We do not expect to begin generating significant revenues until we are able to complete the design, development, certification, and manufacture of our eVTOL aircraft.

Operating Expenses

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, costs of consulting, equipment, engineering, data analysis, and materials.

We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we increase staffing to support aircraft engineering and software development, build aircraft, and continue to explore and develop our eVTOL aircraft and technologies.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of personnel expenses, including salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation, related to executive management, finance, legal, and human resource functions. Other costs include business development, contractor and professional services fees, audit and compliance expenses, insurance costs and general corporate expenses, including depreciation, rent, information technology costs and utilities.

We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase as we hire additional personnel and consultants to support our operations and comply with applicable regulations, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“SOX”) and other SEC rules and regulations.

Other Income

Other income consists of grants and subsidies received for developmental work and foreign exchange gains and losses.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense consists primarily of the interest on the Company’s Convertible Notes, Promissory Notes, and Convertible Debentures that have converted into common shares of the Company on or prior to the closing of the Business Combination. Additional interest expense includes the cost of equipment financing. Interest income consists primarily of interest earned on the Company’s cash.

Change in fair value of Forward Purchase Agreement

Change in fair value of Forward Purchase Agreement consists of fluctuations in the deemed value of an agreement between the Company and the Sponsor facilitating future purchases of the Company’s stock by the Sponsor based on a simulation model.

Results of Operations

The following information includes, in Horizon’s opinion, all adjustments necessary to state fairly its results of operations for these periods. This data should be read in conjunction with Horizon’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. These results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the future results of operations that may be expected for any future period.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended February 29, 2024 to the Three Months Ended February 28, 2023

Meaningful variances in the Company’s components of operations are explained below. The following table sets forth Horizon’s statements of operations data for the quarters ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 (000’s).

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased by $966, from $293 for the quarter ended February 29, 2023 to $1,259 for the quarter ended February 29, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by professional fees, additional staff hired to support development activities, and other administrative costs connected with the Company’s growth activities.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by $133, or 97%, from $138 during the quarter ended February 28, 2023 to $270 during the quarter ended February 29, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to additional labour related to flight testing, engineering work, flight software, prototype manufacturing, and data analysis.

General and Administrative

General and Administrative costs increased by $834, from $155 during the quarter ended February 28, 2023 to $989 during the quarter ended February 29, 2024. The increase was related to legal, accounting, increased travel, marketing, and branding expenses related to the Company’s growth efforts.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended February 29, 2024 to the Nine Months Ended February 28, 2023

Meaningful variances in the Company’s components of operations are explained below. The following table sets forth Horizon’s statements of operations data for the nine months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 (000’s).

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses increased by $1,432, from $1,031 for the nine months ended February 29, 2023 to $2,464 for the nine months ended February 29, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by professional fees, additional staff hired to support development activities, and other administrative costs connected with the Company’s growth activities.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses increased by $138, or 28%, from $497 during the nine months ended February 28, 2023 to $635 during the nine months ended February 29, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to additional labour related to flight testing, engineering work, flight software, prototype manufacturing, and data analysis.

General and Administrative

General and Administrative costs increased by $1,295, from $534 during the nine months ended February 28, 2023 to $1,829 during the nine months ended February 29, 2024. The increase was related to legal, accounting, increased travel, marketing, and branding expenses related to the Company’s growth efforts.

Other income

Other income decreased by $49, or 18%, from $271 during the nine months ended February 28, 2023 to $222 during the nine months ended February 29, 2024. The decrease primarily reflected the change in grants and subsidies received in the comparative periods.

Interest expense, net

Interest expenses increased by $152, from $43 during the nine months ended February 28, 2023 to $195 during the nine months ended February 29, 2024. The increase primarily related to interest expenses on the Company’s Convertible Debentures and Convertible Promissory Notes.

Cash Flows

The following tables set forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated (000’s):

24

Net Cash used in Operating Activities

The Company’s cash flows used in operating activities have been primarily comprised of payroll, software expenses, technology costs, professional services related to research and development and general and administrative activities, and direct research and development costs for aircraft design, simulation, and prototype manufacturing, partially offset by periodic grants received from various government agencies. The Company expects to increase hiring to accelerate its engineering efforts in the coming years.

For the nine months ended February 29, 2024, the $13 decrease in cash used from operations as compared to the nine months ended February 28, 2023 was primarily attributed to increased non-cash operating costs and changes in working capital.

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

The Company’s cash flows used in investing activities to date have been primarily comprised property and equipment.

For the nine months ended February 29, 2024, the $141 increase in cash used by investing activities as compared to the nine months ended February 28, 2023 was primarily attributed to website development and computers.

Net Cash used in Financing Activities

The Company’s cash flows used in financing activities to date have primarily composed of funding raised with convertible instruments.

For the nine months ended February 29, 2024, the $4,189 increase in cash provided by financing activities as compared to the nine months ended February 28, 2023 was primarily attributed to the issuance of Convertible Debentures in October 2023 which converted into common shares of the Company in January 2024. These were accompanied by the conversion of Convertible Notes, partially offset by the impact of costs in connection with the Business Combination.

Sources of Liquidity

Liquidity describes the ability of a company to generate sufficient cash flows to meet the cash requirements of its business operations, including working capital needs, debt service, contractual obligations, and other commitments. The Company assesses liquidity in terms of its cash flows from financing activities and their sufficiency to fund its operating and development activities. As of February 29, 2024, the Company’s principal source of liquidity was cash and cash equivalents of $4,415.

To date, the Company has funded its operations primarily with the issuances of common shares and issuances of convertible debt instruments. Additional funding has been provided through government backed grants.

The Company believes it has sufficient cash to fulfill its business plan for at least the next 12 months from the date of this filing. To the extent the Company is able to raise additional financing, either by way of the Forward Purchase Agreement, or by other means, the Company will be in a position to expedite its business plan including hiring employees at a more rapid pace. To achieve the Company’s long-term objectives, additional financing will be required and efforts to raise such working capital will be ongoing through the next three years.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of February 29, 2024 and May 31, 2023.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. We have identified the following critical accounting policies:

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, *Derivatives and Hedging (“*ASC 815”). For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. For derivative instruments that are classified as equity, the derivative instruments are initially measured at fair value (or allocated value), and subsequent changes in fair value are not recognized as long as the contracts continue to be classified in equity.

Forward Purchase Agreement

The Forward Purchase Agreement is recognized as a derivative liability in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, we recognize the instrument as an asset or liability at fair value and with changes in fair value recognized in our consolidated statements of operations. The estimated fair value of the Forward Purchase Agreement is measured at fair value using a simulation model, which was determined using Level 3 inputs. Inherent in the simulation are assumptions related to expected stock-price volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. Any changes in these assumptions can change the valuation significantly.

Recent Accounting Standards

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity. The ASU simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by removing certain separation models in ASC 470-20, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options, for convertible instruments. The ASU updates the guidance on certain embedded conversion features that are not required to be accounted for as derivatives under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or that do not result in substantial premiums accounted for as paid-in capital, such that those features are no longer required to be separated from the host contract. The convertible debt instruments will be accounted for as a single liability measured at amortized cost. Further, the ASU made amendments to the EPS guidance in Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, for convertible instruments, the most significant impact of which is requiring the use of the if-converted method for diluted EPS calculation, and no longer allowing the net share settlement method. The ASU also made revisions to Topic 815-40, which provides guidance on how an entity must determine whether a contract qualifies for a scope exception from derivative accounting. The amendments to Topic 815-40 change the scope of contracts that are recognized as assets or liabilities. The ASU is effective for public business entities, excluding smaller reporting companies, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. Adoption of the ASU can either be on a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

No other recently issued accounting pronouncements had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based upon this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

Notwithstanding the identified material weakness, management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, believe that the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal period presented in conformity with GAAP.

Remediation of Material Weakness

While significant progress has been made to improve our internal control over financial reporting, not all aspects of have been sufficiently remediated. The material weakness, as of February 29, 2024, relates to the lack of sufficient accounting resources with deep technical accounting knowledge to identify and resolve complex accounting issues in a timely manner and adequately separate financial responsibilities. Our management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, continue to design and implement measures to remediate the material weakness. Remediation of the material weakness will require further validation and testing of the operating effectiveness of the applicable remedial controls over a sustained period of financial reporting cycles.

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this Quarterly Report are any of the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024 (the “Annual Report”). Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report filed with the SEC.