Abpro Holdings, Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2024

References in this report (the “Quarterly Report”) to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Atlantic Coastal Acquisition Corp. II. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsor” refer to Atlantic Coastal Acquisition Management II LLC. The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes thereto included 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.

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 and Section 21E of 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 Form 10-Q including, without limitation, statements in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” regarding the completion of the Merger, the Company’s financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “seek” and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect management’s current beliefs, based on information currently available. 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, including that the conditions of the Merger are not satisfied. 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 final prospectus for its Initial Public Offering filed with the SEC and the Risk Factors section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. 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

We are a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on May 20, 2021 for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. We may pursue a Business Combination target in any industry or sector, but given the experience of our management team, we expect to focus on acquiring a business combination target within the financial services industry and related sectors, including potentially the mobility sector. We intend to effectuate our Business Combination using cash from the proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants, our capital stock, debt or a combination of cash, stock and debt.

On November 12, 2024, ACAB and Abpro completed the closing of the Business Combination of ACAB with Abpro Corporation, pursuant to the previously announced Business Combination Agreement, dated December 11, 2023, amended by an amendment dated September 4, 2024, by and among ACAB, Abpro Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of ACAB, and Abpro Corporation, following the approval at the special meeting of the shareholders of ACAB held on November 7, 2024.

Results of Operations

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities from May 20, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2024 were organizational activities, those necessary to consummate the Initial Public Offering, described below, and identifying a target company for a Business Combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of our Business Combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account. We incur expenses as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we had a net loss of $335,100, which consisted of operating and formation costs of $391,686 and provision for income taxes of $27,654 partially offset by interest income from bank of $2,078 and interest earned on cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $82,162.

For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we had a net loss of $44,630 which consists operating and formation costs of $315,247, interest and penalties on tax obligations of $127,646 and provision for income taxes of $96,005, partially offset by interest income from bank of $25,961 and interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $468,307.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we had a net loss of $1,722,675 which consisted of operating and formation costs of $1,926,428 and provision for income taxes of $57,967, partially offset by interest income from bank of $2,964 and interest earned on cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $258,756.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had a net income of $2,828,701 which consists of interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $5,279,395 and interest income from bank of $43,744, partially offset by operating and formation costs of $1,273,146, provision for income taxes of $1,093,646 and interest and penalties on tax obligation of $127,646.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On January 19, 2022, we consummated our Initial Public Offering of 30,000,000 Units, which includes the partial exercise by the underwriters of its over-allotment option in the amount of 3,900,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $300,000,000. Simultaneously with the closing of our Initial Public Offering, we consummated the sale of 13,850,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant in a private placement to the Sponsor, generating gross proceeds of $13,850,000.

Transaction costs amounted to $17,204,107 consisting of $5,760,000 of underwriting discount (net of $240,000 reimbursed by the underwriters), $10,500,000 of deferred underwriting fees, and $944,107 of other offering costs. We have agreed to pay a deferred underwriting fee to the underwriters upon the consummation of a Business Combination in an amount equal to, in the aggregate, 3.5% of the gross proceeds of the Initial Public Offering or an aggregate of $10,500,000.

The Company and the underwriters have agreed the underwriters will be entitled to 600,000 shares of common stock in deferred underwriting fees contingent on completion of the Merger.

The promissory note issued in connection with unsecured loans from our Sponsor to finance our liquidity needs through the consummation of our Initial Public Offering was non-interest bearing and the aggregate amount of $149,539 outstanding under the promissory note as of January 19, 2022 was fully repaid on February 22, 2022.

Following the Initial Public Offering, the partial exercise of the over-allotment option, and the sale of Private Placement Warrants, a total of $306,000,000 was placed in the Trust Account. We incurred $17,204,107 in Initial Public Offering related costs, including $5,760,000 of underwriting fees and $944,107 of other costs. On April 18, 2023, the company held the Meeting and as a result 26,564,308 shares of the Company’s Series A common stock were redeemed at approximately $10.41 per share. On December 13, 2023, stockholders holding a total of 2,768,301 public shares of Series A common stock exercised and did not reverse, their right to redeem their public shares in connection with the vote upon the Charter Amendment Proposal. As a result of the foregoing, those holders will receive a payment of approximately $10.68 per share redeemed.

As of September 30, 2024, we had cash held in the Trust Account of $7,721,206 ($29,728,990 was redeemed and withdrawn in January 2024). Interest income on the balance in the Trust Account may be used by us to pay taxes. Through September 30, 2024, we have withdrawn an amount of $308,332,719 which consists of $306,200,450 attributable to redemptions and $2,132,269 attributable to withdrawals to pay tax obligations.

To mitigate the risk of us being deemed to have been operating as an unregistered investment company (including under the subjective test of Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act), the Company instructed the Trustee in December 29, 2023 to liquidate the U.S. government securities or money market funds held in the Trust Account and thereafter to hold all funds in the Trust Account in cash (which may include demand deposit accounts) until the earlier of consummation of a Business Combination or liquidation.

As of September 30, 2024, we had cash of $13,597. We intend to use the funds held outside the Trust Account primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a Business Combination.

In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, our Sponsor has committed to provide us $1,750,000 to fund our expenses relating to investigating and selecting a target business and other working capital requirements. In addition, our Sponsor, or certain of our officers and directors or their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan us additional funds as may be required. If we complete a Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts but no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used for such repayment. Up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into warrants of the post-Business Combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant. The warrants would be identical to the Private Placement Warrants.

On October 14, 2023 and November 14, 2023, the Company issued the Extension Promissory Notes to the Sponsor. The $80,000 of cash proceeds was deposited into the Company’s trust account in order to extend the amount of time that the Company has available to complete a Business Combination. Upon the closing of a Business Combination by the Company, the Sponsor may elect to either receive repayment under the Extension Promissory Notes or to convert all or a portion of the amount loaned under the Extension Promissory Notes into Series A common stock of the Company at a price equal to $10.20 per share. In the event that the Company does not complete a Business Combination, the amounts loaned under the Extension Promissory Notes will be repaid to the Sponsor only from funds held outside the Trust Account or will be forfeited, eliminated, or otherwise forgiven. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company owed $160,000 due under the Extension Promissory Notes with no further borrowings available.

On December 18, 2023, the Company amended the Extension Promissory Notes to remove the Sponsors right to convert the note into Series A common stock at a price equal to $10.20 per share.

As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Sponsor advanced the Company $2,270,051 and $1,655,000, respectively, and is reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash used in operating activities was $775,992. Net loss of $1,722,675 was affected by interest earned on cash and marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $258,756. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $1,205,439 of cash for operating activities.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash used in operating activities was $1,506,562. Net income of $2,828,701 was affected by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $5,279,395. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $944,132 of cash for operating activities.

Going Concern

In connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-40 “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern,” management has determined the future viability of the Company is largely dependent on its ability to raise additional capital to finance its operations. The Company expects to seek additional funding through equity and debt financings, collaboration agreements and research grants. Although the Company has been successful in raising capital in the past, there is no assurance that it will be successful in obtaining such additional financing on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all. If the Company is unable to obtain funding, the Company could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate its research and development programs, product portfolio expansion or commercialization efforts, which could adversely affect its business prospects.

Accordingly, based on the considerations discussed above, management has concluded there is substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued. If adequate funds are not available, the Company may require initiating steps to slow cash burn, extending the cash runway until financing can be secured. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments with respect to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their classification that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2024. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.

Contractual Obligations

We do not have any long-term debt, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations or long-term liabilities, other than the following:

The underwriters were entitled to a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per Unit, or $6,000,000 in the aggregate, paid on the closing of the Initial Public Offering. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of $0.35 per Unit, or $10,500,000 in the aggregate. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriter from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that we complete a Business Combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement. The Company and the underwriters have agreed the underwriters will be entitled to 600,000 shares of common stock in deferred underwriting fees contingent on completion of the Merger.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of 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. We have identified the following critical accounting policies:

Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption

We account for our common stock subject to possible conversion in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Common stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as a liability instrument and measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable common stock (including common stock that features redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within our control) is classified as temporary equity. At all other times, common stock is classified as a component of stockholders’ equity. Our common stock features certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of our control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, common stock subject to possible redemption is presented at redemption value as temporary equity outside of the stockholders’ equity section of our balance sheets.

Warrants

We account for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480 and ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to our own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent reporting period date while the warrants are outstanding. Based on our assessment of the guidance, our warrants meet the criteria for equity classification and are recorded within stockholders’ deficit.

Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share

Net (loss) income per common stock is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common stock outstanding for the period. Accretion associated with the redeemable shares of Series A common stock is excluded from earnings per share as the redemption value approximates fair value.

Recent Accounting Standards

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”), which will require the Company to disclose specified additional information in its income tax rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. ASU 2023-09 will also require the Company to disaggregate its income taxes paid disclosure by federal, state and foreign taxes, with further disaggregation required for significant individual jurisdictions. ASU 2023-09 will become effective for Annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is still reviewing the impact of ASU 2023-09.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on our financial statements.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2024 due to the Company not filing timely tax returns and utilizing cash withdrawn from the trust account for tax obligations for operating purposes.

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter of 2024 covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We have identified ineffective disclosure controls and procedures that, if unsuccessfully remediated, could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis and to consummate an initial business combination.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2024 due to the Company not filing timely tax returns and utilizing cash withdrawn from the Trust Account for tax obligations for operating purposes. Failure to achieve and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis and to consummate an initial business combination. We may also identify material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures in the future. Any material weaknesses or other deficiencies in our control systems may affect our ability to comply with SEC reporting requirements and listing standards or cause our financial statements to contain material misstatements which could negatively affect market price and trading liquidity of our common stock.