Biggest changeSee “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Risk Factors Summary The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results. • our limited operating and revenue history as an independent entity and our nascent and rapidly-evolving industry; • our history of net losses, we anticipate increasing expenses in the future, and our ability to achieve or maintain profitability; • our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; • risks relating to delays, disruptions, or quality control problems in our manufacturing operations in part due to our third-party manufacturer concentration; • risks associated with construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our products, inflationary cost overruns from increased shipping and logistics prices as well as increased prices on raw materials necessary for the production of lithium-ion batteries, and delays, including those related to obtaining government authorizations and permits and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations; • the interruption of the flow and/or availability of components and materials from international vendors could disrupt our supply chain; • significant changes in the cost of raw materials and product components; • risks relating to supply chain competition and, in some instances, have entered into long-term supply agreements that could result in insufficient inventory; • risks relating to competition for our offerings from established and new competitors; • a loss of one or more of our significant customers, their inability to perform under their contracts, or their default in payment; • ability to manage our recent and future growth effectively, ability to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of customer service, or adequately address competitive challenges; • ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition; • our growth depends in part on the success of our relationships with third parties; • ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, including senior management; • risks related to defects, errors or bugs in our products and technology; • risks related to our current and planned foreign operations; • risks relating to lengthy sales and installation cycle for our products and services and ability to timely close sales; • amounts included in our pipeline and contracted backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits; • potential difficulties in establishing mass manufacturing capacity and estimating potential cost savings and efficiencies from anticipated improvements to our manufacturing capabilities; • risks related to estimates of useful life for our products and related services or failure by our component OEM suppliers to meet service and performance warranties and guarantees; • risks related to acquisitions we have made or that we may pursue; • events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our products; • actual or threatened health epidemics, pandemics or similar public health threats; • risks relating to whether renewable energy technologies are suitable for widespread adoption or if sufficient demand for our hardware and software-enabled services does not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate; • estimates on size of our total addressable market; • barriers arising from current electric utility industry policies and regulations and any subsequent changes; 16 • risk relating to interest rates or a reduction in the availability of tax equity or project debt capital in the global financial markets and corresponding effects on customers’ ability to finance energy storage systems and demand for our products; • potential changes in tax laws or regulations; • reduction, elimination, or expiration of government incentives or regulations regarding renewable energy; • decline in public acceptance of renewable energy, or delay, prevent, or increase in the cost of customer projects; • restrictions set forth in our revolving credit facility; • risks relating to uncertain future capital needs and potential need to raise additional funds in the future; • ability to obtain, maintain and enforce proper intellectual property protection for our technology rights throughout the world; • ability to effectively invest in, implement improvements to and properly maintain the uninterrupted operation and data integrity of our information technology and other business systems; • failure to comply with third party license or technology agreements; • inability to license rights to use technologies on reasonable terms; • failure to comply with data privacy and data security laws, regulations and industry standards; • the impact of our multiple class structure on the market price of our Class A common stock; • our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the doctrine of “corporate opportunity” does not apply with respect to any director or stockholder who is not employed by us or our subsidiaries; • potential dilution of stockholder interests through future issuances of additional Class A common stock or common units in connection with our incentive plans, acquisitions or otherwise; • our amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits our Continuing Equity Owners’ and their directors’ and officers’ liability to us or you for breach of fiduciary duty and could also prevent us from benefiting from corporate opportunities that might otherwise have been available to us; • we are controlled by the Continuing Equity Owners, whose interests may differ from those of our public stockholders; • certain of our officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their positions with our Continuing Equity Owners; • reliance on our access to our Founders’ brands and reputation, some of our Founders’ relationships, and the brands and reputations of unaffiliated third parties; • third parties may seek to hold us responsible for liabilities of our Founders; • we depend on distributions from Fluence Energy, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses and Fluence Energy, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be limited or restricted in certain scenarios; • risks arising out of the Tax Receivable Agreement; • unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns; • risks relating to proper and effective internal control over financial reporting to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and • risks relating to potential future legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries.
Biggest changeSee “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Risk Factors Summary The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations, financial results and future prospects, plans and objectives of the Company and the trading price of our Class A common stock: • our limited operating and revenue history as an independent entity and the nascent clean energy industry; • our history of net losses, we anticipate increasing expenses in the future, and our ability to achieve or maintain prolonged profitability; • risks relating to delays, disruptions, and quality control problems in our manufacturing operations; • potential difficulties in establishing mass manufacturing capacity and estimating potential cost savings and efficiencies from anticipated improvements to our manufacturing capabilities; • risks relating to dependence on our existing suppliers and supply chain competition and, in some instances, have entered into long-term supply agreements that could result in insufficient inventory; • supplier concentration and limited supplier capacity; • interruption of flow and/or availability of components and materials from international vendors; • significant changes in the cost of raw materials and product components; • failure by vendors and suppliers to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations; • loss of one or more of our significant customers or their inability to perform under their contracts; • risks relating to competition for our offerings from established and new competitors and our ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; • ability to effectively manage our recent and future growth and expansion of our business and operations; • ability to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand recognition; • our growth depends in part on the success of our relationships with third parties; • ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, including senior management; • risks associated with construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our energy storage products, cost overruns, and delays, including those related to obtaining government authorizations and permits and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations; • risks related to defects, errors, vulnerabilities and/or bugs in our products and technology; • risks relating to estimation uncertainty related to our product warranties; • risks relating to compromises, interruptions, or shutdowns of our systems, including those managed by third parties, whether intentional or inadvertent; • fluctuations in currency exchange rates; • risks related to our current and planned foreign operations; • risks relating to lengthy sales and installation cycle for our products and services and ability to timely close sales; • amounts included in our pipeline and contracted backlog may not result in actual revenue or translate into profits; • risks related to estimates of useful life for our products and related services or failure by our component OEM suppliers to meet service and performance warranties and guarantees; • risks related to acquisitions we have made or that we may pursue; • events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our products; • actual or threatened health epidemics, pandemics or similar public health threats; • risks relating to whether renewable energy technologies are suitable for widespread adoption or if sufficient demand for our hardware and software-enabled services does not develop or takes longer to develop than we anticipate; • estimates on size of our total addressable market; • barriers arising from current electric utility industry policies and regulations and any subsequent changes; • risks relating to the cost of electricity available from alternative sources; • risk relating to interest rates or a reduction in the availability of tax equity or project debt capital in the global financial markets and corresponding effects on customers’ ability to finance energy storage systems and demand for our products; • potential changes in tax laws or regulations; • risks relating to environmental, health, and safety laws and potential obligations, liabilities and costs thereunder; 14 • reduction, elimination, or expiration o f government incentives or regulations regarding renewable energy; • decline in public acceptance of renewable energy, or delay, prevent, or increase in the cost of customer projects; • severe weather events; • restrictions set forth in our ABL Credit Agreement (as defined below); • risks relating to uncertain future capital needs and potential need to raise additional funds in the future; • ability to obtain, maintain and enforce proper protection for our intellectual property, including our technology; • threat of lawsuits by third parties alleging intellectual property violations; • ability to effectively protect data integrity of our information technology infrastructure and other business systems; • use of open-source software; • failure to comply with third party license or technology agreements; • inability to license rights to use technologies on reasonable terms; • failure to comply with data privacy and data security laws, regulations and industry standards; • risks relating to increased attention to, and evolving expectations regarding, ESG matters; • risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock; • risks related to us being a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ rules; • risks relating to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation; • risks relating to our relationship with our Founders; • we depend on distributions from Fluence Energy, LLC to pay our taxes and expenses and Fluence Energy, LLC’s ability to make such distributions may be limited or restricted in certain scenarios; • risks arising out of the Tax Receivable Agreement; • unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of tax returns; • risks relating to improper and ineffective internal control over reporting to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act; • risks relating to potential future legal proceedings, regulatory disputes, and governmental inquiries; • risks relating to changes in accounting principles or their applicable to us; and • risks relating to estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies.
We expect our aggregate costs will increase substantially in the foreseeable future and our losses will continue as we expect to invest heavily in increasing our customer base, expanding our operations, and operating as a public company.
We expect our aggregate costs will increase substantially in the foreseeable future and our losses will continue as we expect to continue to invest heavily in increasing our customer base, expanding our operations, and operating as a public company.
Our business is highly dependent on maintaining effective information systems as well as the integrity and of the data we use to serve our customers and operate our business.
Our business is highly dependent on maintaining effective information systems as well as the integrity of the data we use to serve our customers and operate our business.
To the extent we are unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting in the acceleration of payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
To the extent we are unable to make timely payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement for any reason, such payments generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid; provided, however, that nonpayment for a specified period may constitute a material breach of a material obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement resulting in the acceleration of payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Many factors may influence the widespread adoption of renewable energy generation and demand for our hardware and software-enabled services, including, but not limited to, the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy technologies as compared with conventional and competitive technologies, the performance and reliability of renewable energy products as compared with conventional and non- 28 renewable products, fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the viability of conventional and competitive alternative energy sources, increases or decreases in the prices of oil, coal and natural gas, continued deregulation of the electric power industry and broader energy industry, governmental regulations regarding renewable energy generation, and the availability or effectiveness of government subsidies and incentives.
Many factors may influence the widespread adoption of renewable energy generation and demand for our hardware and software-enabled services, including, but not limited to, the cost-effectiveness of renewable energy technologies as compared with conventional and competitive technologies, the performance and reliability of renewable energy products as compared with conventional and non-renewable products, fluctuations in economic and market conditions that impact the viability of conventional and competitive alternative energy sources, increases or decreases in the prices of oil, coal and natural gas, continued deregulation of the electric power industry and broader energy industry, governmental regulations regarding renewable energy generation, and the availability or effectiveness of government subsidies and incentives.
We have experienced and may continue to be exposed to risks associated with construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our products, inflationary cost overruns from increased shipping and logistics prices as well as increased prices on raw materials necessary for the production of lithium-ion batteries, and delays, including those related to obtaining government authorizations and permits and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations.
We have experienced and may continue to be exposed to risks associated with construction, utility interconnection, commissioning and installation of our products, cost overruns from increased shipping and logistics prices as well as increased prices on raw materials necessary for the production of lithium-ion batteries, and delays, including those related to obtaining government authorizations and permits and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations.
If our data were found to be inaccurate or unreliable due to fraud or other error, or if we, or any of the third-party service providers we engage, were to fail to maintain information systems and data integrity effectively, we could experience operational disruptions that may impact our operations and hinder our ability to provide services, establish appropriate pricing for services, establish reserves, report financial results timely and accurately and maintain regulatory compliance, among other things.
If our data were found to be inaccurate or unreliable due to fraud or other error, or if we, or any of the third-party service providers we engage, were to fail to maintain information systems and data integrity effectively, we could experience operational disruptions that may impact our operations and hinder our ability to provide services, establish appropriate pricing, establish reserves, report financial results timely and accurately and maintain regulatory compliance, among other things.
In addition, our effective tax rate in any particular quarter may also be impacted by acquisitions. Following the closing of an acquisition, we may also have disputes with the seller regarding contractual requirements and covenants, purchase price adjustments, contingent payments, or for indemnifiable losses. Any such disputes may be time consuming and distract management from other aspects of our business.
In addition, our effective tax rate in any particular quarter may also be impacted by acquisitions. Following the closing of an acquisition, we may also have disputes with the seller regarding contractual requirements and covenants, purchase price adjustments, contingent payments, or indemnifiable losses. Any such disputes may be time consuming and distract management from other aspects of our business.
Under these rules (which generally are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017), subject to certain exceptions, audit adjustments to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of an entity (and any holder’s share thereof) are determined, and taxes, interest, and penalties attributable thereto, are assessed and collected, at the partnership level.
Under these rules (which generally are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 44 2017), subject to certain exceptions, audit adjustments to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of an entity (and any holder’s share thereof) are determined, and taxes, interest, and penalties attributable thereto, are assessed and collected, at the partnership level.
These provisions provide for, among other things: • the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock; • advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at our annual meetings; • certain limitations on convening special stockholder meetings; • prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors; • that certain provisions of amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended only by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power represented by our then-outstanding common stock; • the right of each of the AES Related Parties, Siemens Related Parties, and the QIA Related Parties (each as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) to nominate certain of our directors; • the shares of our Class B-1 common stock held by our Founders entitle them to five votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally; and • the consent rights of the Continuing Equity Owners in the Stockholders Agreement.
These provisions provide for, among other things: • the ability of our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock; 40 • advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at our annual meetings; • certain limitations on convening special stockholder meetings; • prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors; • that certain provisions of amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended only by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power represented by our then-outstanding common stock; • the right of each of the AES Related Parties, Siemens Related Parties, and the QIA Related Parties (each as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) to nominate certain of our directors; • the shares of our Class B-1 common stock held by AES entitle them to five votes per share on all matters presented to our stockholders generally; and • the consent rights of the Continuing Equity Owners in the Stockholders Agreement.
The loss of any one of the Company’s significant customers, their inability to perform under their contracts, their default in payment, a significant dispute with one of these customers, a significant downturn or deterioration in the business or financial condition of any of these customers, or any other event significantly negatively impacting the contractual relationship with one of these customers could have a materially adverse effect on the revenues and cash flows of the Company.
The loss of any one of the Company’s significant customers, their inability to perform under their contracts, including their default in payment, a significant dispute with one of these customers, a significant downturn or deterioration in the business or financial condition of any of these customers, or any other event significantly negatively impacting the contractual relationship with one of these customers could have a materially adverse effect on the revenues and cash flows of the Company.
As part of undertaking an acquisition, we may also significantly revise our capital structure or operational budget, including through issuing common stock that would dilute the ownership percentage of our stockholders, assuming liabilities or debt, utilizing a substantial portion of our cash resources to pay for the acquisition, or significantly increasing operating expenses.
As part of undertaking an acquisition, we may also significantly revise our capital structure or operational budget, including through issuing common stock that would dilute the ownership percentage of our stockholders, assuming liabilities or debt, utilizing a 27 substantial portion of our cash resources to pay for the acquisition, or significantly increasing operating expenses.
In general, FERC’s PURPA reforms have the potential to reduce prices for the output from certain new renewable generation projects while also narrowing the scope of PURPA eligibility for new projects. These effects could reduce demand for PURPA-eligible battery energy storage products and could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
In general, FERC’s PURPA reforms have the potential to reduce prices for the output from certain new renewable generation projects while also 29 narrowing the scope of PURPA eligibility for new projects. These effects could reduce demand for PURPA-eligible battery energy storage products and could harm our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our business would suffer if any current or future licenses terminate, if the licensors fail to abide by the terms of the license, if the licensors fail to enforce licensed patents against infringing third parties, if the licensed intellectual property is found to be invalid or unenforceable, if the licensed intellectual property expires or if we are unable to enter into necessary licenses on acceptable terms.
Our business would suffer if any current or future licenses terminate, if the licensors fail to abide by the terms of the license, if the licensors fail to enforce licensed patents against infringing third parties, if the 38 licensed intellectual property is found to be invalid or unenforceable, if the licensed intellectual property expires or if we are unable to enter into necessary licenses on acceptable terms.
The timeliness, thoroughness, and quality of the installation-related services performed by our general contractors and their subcontractors in the past have not always met our expectations or standards and in the future may not meet our expectations and standards, and it may be difficult to find and train third-party general contractors that meet our standards at a competitive cost.
The timeliness, thoroughness, and quality of the installation-related services performed by our general contractors and their subcontractors in the past have not always met our or our customers’ expectations or standards and in the future may not meet our or our customers’ expectations and standards, and it may be difficult to find and train third-party general contractors that meet our standards at a competitive cost.
For example, if a taxing authority in one country where we operate were to reallocate income from another country where we operate, and if the taxing authority in the second country did not agree with the reallocation asserted by the first country, then we could be subject to tax on the same income in both countries, resulting in double taxation.
For example, if a taxing authority in one country where we operate were to reallocate income from another country where we operate, and 30 if the taxing authority in the second country did not agree with the reallocation asserted by the first country, then we could be subject to tax on the same income in both countries, resulting in double taxation.
Our executive officers are not subject to any restrictions that would require them to continue to work for us for any specified period and, therefore, they could terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of one or more of the members of our senior management team, could harm our business.
Our officers are not subject to any restrictions that would require them to continue to work for us for any specified period and, therefore, they could terminate their employment with us at any time. The loss of one or more of the members of our senior management team, could harm our business.
The failure of our information technology systems and the third-party systems we rely on to perform as designed, or our failure to implement and operate them effectively, could disrupt our business or subject us to liability and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
The failure of our information technology systems and the third-party systems we rely on to perform as designed, or our failure to implement and operate them effectively, could disrupt our business or subject us to liability and thereby may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.
We may be required to pay additional taxes as a result of partnership audit rules under U.S. federal and other applicable income tax law. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships, including 43 entities such as Fluence Energy, LLC.
We may be required to pay additional taxes as a result of partnership audit rules under U.S. federal and other applicable income tax law. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships, including entities such as Fluence Energy, LLC.
In addition, our customers could be subjected to claims as a result of such incidents and may bring legal claims against us to attempt to hold us liable. Any of these events could adversely affect our brand, relationships with customers, operating results, or financial condition.
In addition, our customers could be subjected to claims as a result of such incidents and may bring legal claims against us to attempt to hold us liable. Any of these events could adversely affect our brand and reputation, relationships with customers, operating results, or financial condition.
Such capital may not be available on favorable terms, or at all. Furthermore, if we issue equity or debt securities to raise additional capital, our existing stockholders may experience dilution, and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders.
Such capital may not be available on favorable terms to us, if at all. Furthermore, if we issue equity or debt securities to raise additional capital, our existing stockholders may experience dilution, and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders.
Also, some of our services rely on technologies and software developed by or licensed from third parties, and we may not be able to maintain our relationships with such third parties or enter into similar relationships in the future on reasonable terms or at all.
Some of our services rely on technologies and software developed by or licensed from third parties, and we may not be able to maintain our relationships with such third parties or enter into similar relationships in the future on reasonable terms or at all.
Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: • market acceptance of our offerings; • the revenue generated by sales of our offerings; 32 • the costs associated with expanding our sales and marketing efforts; • the expenses we incur in manufacturing and selling our products; • the costs of developing and commercializing new products or technologies; • the cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patents and other intellectual property rights; • the cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights; • the cost of enforcing or defending against non-competition claims; • the number and timing of acquisitions and other strategic transactions; • the costs associated with our planned international expansion; and • unanticipated general and administrative expenses.
Our capital requirements will depend on many factors, including: • market acceptance of our offerings; • the revenue generated by sales of our offerings; • the costs associated with expanding our sales and marketing efforts; • the expenses we incur in manufacturing and selling our products; 33 • the costs of developing and commercializing new products or technologies; • the cost of filing and prosecuting patent applications and defending and enforcing our patents and other intellectual property rights; • the cost of defending, in litigation or otherwise, any claims that we infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights; • the cost of enforcing or defending against non-competition claims; • the number and timing of acquisitions and other strategic transactions; • the costs associated with our planned international expansion; and • unanticipated general and administrative expenses.
If we fail to manage our recent and future growth effectively and expansion of our business and operations, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of customer service, or adequately address competitive challenges. We have experienced significant growth in recent periods.
If we fail to effectively manage our recent and future growth and expansion of our business and operations, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of customer service, and/or adequately address competitive challenges. We have experienced significant and rapid growth in recent periods.
We are continuing to evolve the features and functionality of our products and technology platform through updates and enhancements, and as we do, we may introduce additional defects or errors that may not be detected until after deployment to customers through our hardware.
We are continuing to evolve the features and functionality of our products and technology platform through updates and enhancements, and as we do, we may introduce inadvertent additional defects or errors that may not be detected until after deployment to customers through our hardware.
In Europe, we are subject to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and applicable national supplementing laws (“EU GDPR”) and to the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018 (“UK GDPR”), (the EU GDPR and UK GDPR together referred to as the “GDPR”).
In Europe, we are subject to data protection laws such as the European Union General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and applicable national supplementing laws (“EU GDPR”) and the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018 (“UK GDPR”), (the EU GDPR and UK GDPR together referred to as the “GDPR”).
See “—Risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock”. 44 As a result of (1) potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to us and to Fluence Energy, LLC’s other equity holders, (2) the lower tax rate applicable to corporations as opposed to individuals, and (3) certain tax benefits that we anticipate from (a) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests from the Founders, (b) payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and (c) certain other transactions, tax distributions to us may be in amounts that exceed our tax liabilities.
See “—Risks related to ownership of our Class A common stock”. 45 As a result of (1) potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to us and to Fluence Energy, LLC’s other equity holders, (2) the lower tax rate applicable to corporations as opposed to individuals, and (3) certain tax benefits that we anticipate from (a) future redemptions or exchanges of LLC Interests from the Founders, (b) payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement and (c) certain other transactions, tax distributions to us may be in amounts that exceed our tax liabilities.
The assignment of intellectual property rights may not be self-executing, or the assignment agreements may be breached, and we may be forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property.
The assignment of intellectual property rights may not be self-executing, or the assignment agreements may be breached, and we may be 36 forced to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims that they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of what we regard as our intellectual property.
Any perceived loss of our Founders’ scale, capital base and financial strength, or any actual loss or reduction in the Founders’ ownership in the future, may prompt business partners to reprice, modify or terminate their relationships with us.
Any perceived loss of our Founders’ scale, capital base and financial strength, or any actual loss or reduction in the Founders’ ownership of the Company in the future, may prompt business partners to reprice, modify or terminate their relationships with us.
Furthermore, unforeseen delays in the review and permitting process could delay the timing of the installation of our energy storage products and could therefore adversely affect the amount of the recognition of revenue related to the sale of our energy storage products, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Furthermore, unforeseen delays in the review and permitting process could delay the timing of the installation of our energy storage products and could therefore adversely affect the amount revenue recognition related to the sale of our energy storage products, which could in turn adversely affect our operating results.
Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including: • allocation of expenses to and among different jurisdictions; • changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; • expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances; • tax effects of stock-based compensation; 46 • costs related to intercompany restructurings; • changes in tax laws, tax treaties, regulations or interpretations thereof; or • lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates.
Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including: • allocation of expenses to and among different jurisdictions; • changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; • expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances; • tax effects of stock-based compensation; 47 • costs related to intercompany restructurings; • changes in tax laws, tax treaties, regulations or interpretations thereof; or • lower than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated future earnings in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates.
Potential issues associated with implementation of 24 these technology initiatives could reduce the efficiency of our operations in the short term. The efficient operation and successful growth of our business depends upon our information technology systems.
Potential issues associated with implementation of these technology initiatives could reduce the efficiency of our operations in the short term. The efficient operation and successful growth of our business depends upon our information technology systems.
Generally, neither our Continuing Equity Owners nor our directors or officers who are also dual persons will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such person 42 pursues or acquires any corporate opportunity for the account of our Continuing Equity Owners or their affiliates, directs, recommends, sells, assigns or otherwise transfers such corporate opportunity to Our Continuing Equity Owners or its affiliates, or does not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to us.
Generally, neither our Continuing Equity Owners nor our directors or officers who are also dual persons will be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such person pursues or acquires any corporate opportunity for the account of our Continuing Equity Owners or their affiliates, directs, 43 recommends, sells, assigns or otherwise transfers such corporate opportunity to Our Continuing Equity Owners or its affiliates, or does not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to us.
In 34 addition, third parties may file for registration of trademarks similar or identical to our trademarks, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion.
In addition, third parties may file for registration of trademarks similar or identical to our trademarks, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion.
Companies that incorporate open-source software into their products have, in the past, faced claims seeking enforcement of open-source license provisions and claims asserting ownership of open-source software 36 incorporated into their product.
Companies that incorporate open-source software into their products have, in the past, faced claims seeking enforcement of open-source license provisions and claims asserting ownership of open-source software incorporated into their product.
Any claim that we have violated intellectual property or other proprietary rights of third parties, with or without merit, and whether or not it results in litigation, is settled out of court or is determined in our favor, could be time-consuming and costly to address and resolve, and could divert the time and attention of management and technical personnel from our business.
Any claim that we have violated intellectual property or other proprietary rights of third parties, with or without merit, and whether or not it results in litigation, is settled out of court or is determined in our favor, could be time-consuming and costly to address and resolve, and could divert the time and attention of management and technical personnel from our business and the day-to-day operations.
Although we will retain 15% of the amount of such tax benefits, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for the Class A common stock. 45 In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated or significantly exceed any actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Although we will retain 15% of the amount of such tax benefits, this and other aspects of our organizational structure may adversely impact the future trading market for the Class A common stock. 46 In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement may be accelerated or significantly exceed any actual benefits we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
Any defects or errors in product or services offerings, or the perception of such defects or errors, or other performance problems could result in any of the following, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations: • expenditure of significant financial and product development resources, including recalls, in efforts to analyze, correct, eliminate, or work around errors or defects; • significant re-engineering costs; • loss of existing or potential customers or partners; • interruptions or delays in sales; • delayed or lost revenue; • delay or failure to attain market acceptance; • delay in the development or release of new functionality or improvements; • negative publicity and reputational harm; • sales credits or refunds; • security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and exposure of confidential or proprietary information; • diversion of development and customer service resources; • breach of warranty claims; • legal claims and regulatory actions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and • the expense and risk of litigation.
Any defects or errors in our product, service, or digital applications offerings, or the perception of such defects or errors, or other performance problems could result in any of the following, each of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations: 23 • expenditure of significant financial and product development resources, including recalls, in efforts to analyze, correct, eliminate, or work around errors or defects; • significant re-engineering costs; • loss of existing or potential customers or partners; • interruptions or delays in sales; • delayed or lost revenue; • delay or failure to attain market acceptance; • delay in the development or release of new functionality or improvements; • negative publicity and reputational harm; • sales credits or refunds; • security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and exposure of confidential or proprietary information; • diversion of development and customer service resources; • breach of warranty claims; • legal claims and regulatory actions under applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and • the expense and risk of litigation.
These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. To date, we have financed our operations with equity contributions from AES Grid Stability, Siemens Industry, and QFH, cash and cash equivalents, negative working capital, and short-term borrowings.
These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate, and we may not succeed in increasing our revenue sufficiently to offset these higher expenses. To date, we have financed our operations with equity contributions from AES Grid Stability, Siemens Industry, and QHL, cash and cash equivalents, negative working capital, and short-term borrowings.
Although we generally are not regulated as a utility, federal, state, and local government statutes and regulations concerning electricity heavily influence the market for our products and services. These statutes and regulations often relate to electricity pricing, net metering, incentives, taxation, and the rules surrounding the interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation for specific technologies.
Although we generally are not regulated as a utility, federal, state, and local government laws and regulations concerning electricity heavily influence the market for our products and services. These laws and regulations often relate to electricity pricing, net metering, incentives, taxation, and the rules surrounding the interconnection of customer-owned electricity generation for specific technologies.
Many of our employees, consultants, and advisors are currently or were previously employed at other companies in our field, including our competitors or potential competitors.
Many of our employees, consultants, and advisors are currently or were previously employed at other companies in our field, including our competitors or potential future competitors.
Their positions at AES, Siemens, or QIA, their compensation from AES, Siemens or QIA and the ownership of any equity or equity awards in AES, Siemens, or QIA, as applicable, may create the appearance of conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Continuing Equity Owners than the decisions have for us.
Their positions at AES, Siemens, or QIA or their respective affiliates, their compensation from AES, Siemens or QIA or their respective affiliates and the ownership of any equity or equity awards in AES, Siemens, or QIA or their respective affiliates, as applicable, may create the appearance of conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for our Continuing Equity Owners than the decisions have for us.
The corporate governance requirements and, specifically, the independence standards are intended to ensure directors who are considered independent are free of any conflicting interest that could influence their actions as directors. 40 Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq rules.
The corporate governance requirements and, specifically, the independence standards are intended to ensure directors who are considered independent are free of any conflicting interest that could influence their actions as directors. 41 Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the Nasdaq rules.
Prospective customers often undertake a significant evaluation process, which may further extend the sales cycle. This lengthy sales cycle is subject to a number of significant risks over which we have little or no control. Because of both the long sales cycle, we may expend significant resources without having certainty of generating a sale.
Prospective customers often undertake a significant internal evaluation process, which may further extend the sales cycle. Because of the long sales cycle, we may expend significant resources without having certainty of generating a sale. This lengthy sales cycle is subject to a number of significant risks over which we have little or no control.
We are required to comply with national, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations regarding the protection of the environment, health, and safety. We may incur expenses, or be subject to liability, related to the transportation, storage, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries, or other materials used in our products.
We are required to comply with federal, state, local, and foreign laws and regulations regarding the protection of the environment, health, and safety. We may incur expenses, or be subject to liability, related to the transportation, storage, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries, or other materials used in our products.
As such, we do not know the degree of future protection that we will have on our technologies, products, and services. In addition, the legal systems of some countries, particularly developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of intellectual property rights to the same degree at the United States.
As such, we do not know the degree of future protection that we will have on our technologies, products, services, and digital applications. In addition, the legal systems of some countries, particularly developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of intellectual property rights to the same degree at the United States.
Although past incidents have not had a material effect on our business operations or financial performance, to the extent that any disruption or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data, or an inappropriate disclosure of confidential, proprietary or customer information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our relationships with our customers and strategic partners, lead to claims against us from governments and private plaintiffs, and adversely affect our business.
Although past incidents have not had a material effect on our business operations or financial performance, to the extent that any disruption or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data, or an inadvertent disclosure of confidential, proprietary personal or customer information, it could cause significant damage to our reputation, affect our relationships with our customers and strategic partners, lead to claims against us from governments and private plaintiffs, and adversely affect our business.
If an actual or perceived cybersecurity breach of security measures, unauthorized access to our system or the systems of the third-party vendors that we rely upon, or any other cybersecurity threat occurs, we may incur liability, costs, or damages, contract termination, our reputation may be compromised, our ability to attract new customers could be negatively affected, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Regardless of our contractual protections, if an actual or perceived cybersecurity breach of security measures, unauthorized access to our system or the systems of the third-party vendors that we rely upon, or any other cybersecurity threat occurs, we may incur liability, costs, or damages, contract termination, our reputation may be compromised, our ability to attract new customers could be negatively affected, and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We sell hardware products and software-enabled services to our customers. Our software-enabled services are essential to the operation of these hardware products. Our pricing of services contracts is based upon the value we expect to deliver to our customers, including considerations such as the useful life of the energy storage product and prevailing electricity prices.
Our software-enabled services are essential to the operation of our hardware products. Our pricing of services contracts is based upon the value we expect to deliver to our customers, including considerations such as the useful life of the energy storage product and prevailing electricity prices.
Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained protection to develop their own products and services and, further, may export otherwise violating products and services to territories where we have protection but enforcement is not as strong as that in the United States.
Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained protection to develop their own products, services, digital applications, and technologies and, further, may export otherwise violating products and services to territories where we have protection but enforcement is not as strong as that in the United States.
This could make it difficult for us to stop the misappropriation or other violation of certain of our other intellectual property rights. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of protection in such countries.
This could make it difficult for us to stop the misappropriation, dilution, infringement, or other violation of certain of our intellectual property rights. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of intellectual property protection in such countries.
Filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights on our products, services, and technologies in all countries throughout the world could be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States.
Filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending, and enforcing intellectual property rights on our products, services, digital applications, and technologies in all countries throughout the world could be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States.
The Tax Receivable Agreement provides that if (1) we materially breach any of our material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement and the Continuing Equity Owners elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, (2) certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control were to occur after the consummation of the IPO and the Continuing Equity Owners elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, or (3) we elect, at any time, an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then our obligations, or our successor’s obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments would be based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
The Tax Receivable Agreement provides that if (1) we materially breach any of our material obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement and the Founders elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, (2) certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control were to occur after the consummation of the IPO and the Founders elect an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, or (3) we elect, at any time, an early termination of the Tax Receivable Agreement, then our obligations, or our successor’s obligations, under the Tax Receivable Agreement to make payments would be based on certain assumptions, including an assumption that we would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize all potential future tax benefits that are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement.
If our ground operations at project sites, our manufacturing facilities and our suppliers or vendors are so affected in the future, our supply chain, manufacturing and product shipments will be delayed, which could adversely affect our business, operations, and customer relationships.
If our ground operations at project sites, our manufacturing facilities and our suppliers or vendors are so affected in the future, our supply chain, manufacturing and product shipments may be delayed, which could adversely affect our business, operations, and customer relationships.
We sell our products and have operations in a number of different countries, including, but not limited to, the United States, the United Kingdom, multiple European Union countries, Chile, Australia, Taiwan, India and the Philippines.
We sell our products and solutions and have operations in a number of different countries, including, but not limited to, the United States, the United Kingdom, multiple European Union countries, Chile, Australia, Taiwan, India, Canada, and the Philippines.
If audits result in additional payments or assessments different from our reserves, our future results may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities, and our financial statements could be adversely affected. We may incur obligations, liabilities, or costs under environmental, health, and safety laws, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If audits result in additional payments or assessments, our future results may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities, and our financial statements could be adversely affected. We may incur obligations, liabilities, or costs under environmental, health, and safety laws, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate.
Proceedings to enforce our intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business. In addition, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate.
Cancellation rates may be impacted by factors outside of our control including an inability to install an energy storage product at the customer’s chosen location because of permitting or other regulatory issues, unanticipated changes in the cost or availability of alternative sources of electricity available to the customer, or other reasons unique to each customer.
Cancellation rates may be impacted by factors outside of our control including an inability to timely install an energy storage product at the customer’s chosen location, if at all, because of permitting or other regulatory issues, unanticipated changes in the cost or availability of alternative sources of electricity available to the customer, or other reasons unique to each customer.
Our customer relationships, business, financial results and reputation may be adversely impacted due to events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation, maintenance and shutdowns of our energy storage products. 27 Our customer relationships, business, financial results, and reputation may be adversely impacted due to events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation and shutdowns of our energy storage products, including events and incidents outside of our control.
Our customer relationships, business, financial results, and reputation may be adversely impacted due to events and incidents relating to storage, delivery, installation, operation and shutdowns of our energy storage products, including events and incidents outside of our control.
In addition, we, Fluence Energy, LLC and the Continuing Equity Owners are party to the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement under which the Continuing Equity Owners (or certain permitted transferees thereof) have the right (subject to the terms of the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement) to have their common units redeemed from time to time at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Nasdaq) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment from the sale of newly issued shares of Class A common stock equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each common unit so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Nasdaq) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by us of such Class A common stock or such cash, as applicable, for such common units.
In addition, we, Fluence Energy, LLC and the Founders are party to the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement under which Founders (or certain permitted transferees thereof) were granted the right (subject to the terms of the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement) to have their common units redeemed from time to time at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Nasdaq) who are disinterested), newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis or a cash payment from the sale of newly issued shares of Class A common stock equal to a volume weighted average market price of one share of Class A common stock for each common unit so redeemed, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Fluence Energy, LLC Agreement; provided that, at our election (determined solely by our independent directors (within the meaning of the rules of the Nasdaq) who are disinterested), we may effect a direct exchange by us of such Class A common stock or such cash, as applicable, for such common units.
Consolidation by industry participants could further increase their resources and result in competitors with expanded market share, larger customer bases, greater diversified product and service offerings and greater technological and marketing expertise, which may allow them to compete more effectively against us.
Consolidation by other industry participants could further increase their resources and result in competitors with expanded market share, larger customer bases, greater diversified product and service offerings and greater technological and marketing expertise, which may allow them to compete more effectively against us in the future.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property and Technology If we are unable to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property protection for our technology or if the scope of our intellectual property protection is not sufficiently broad, others may be able to develop and commercialize technology substantially similar to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our technology may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property, Data Privacy and Technology If we are unable to obtain, maintain and enforce adequate protection for our intellectual property or if the scope of our intellectual property protection is not sufficiently broad, others may be able to develop and commercialize technology and intellectual property substantially similar to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our technology or intellectual property may be adversely affected.
The degree of our exposure is dependent on (among other things) the type of materials and components that may be impacted, the proposed rates or rates imposed, and timing of the imposition of such tariffs.
The degree of our exposure is dependent on (among other things) the type of materials and components that may be impacted, the proposed rates imposed, and timing of such tariffs.
Siemens will be entitled to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement equaling 85% of such amount, or $93.1 million; assuming, among other factors, (i) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits; (ii) Fluence Energy, LLC is able to fully depreciate or amortize its assets; and (iii) no material changes in applicable tax law.
Siemens will be entitled to receive payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement equaling 85% of such amount, or $82.0 million; assuming, among other factors, (i) we will have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits; (ii) Fluence Energy, LLC is able to fully depreciate or amortize its assets; and (iii) no material changes in applicable tax law.
We have benefited and continue to benefit from the industry experience and substantial support AES and Siemens provide, but we have a limited history operating our combined business and generating revenue as an independent entity, and therefore a limited history upon which you can base an investment decision.
We have benefited and continue to benefit from the industry experience and support AES and Siemens have provided and continue to provide, but we have a limited history operating our business and generating revenue as an independent entity, and therefore a limited history upon which you can base an investment decision.
Because of the large amount of data that we collect and manage, it is possible that hardware failures or errors in our systems could result in data loss or corruption or cause the information that we collect to be incomplete or contain inaccuracies that our partners regard as significant.
Because of the large amount of data that we collect and manage, it is possible that hardware failures or errors in our systems could result in data loss or corruption or cause the information that we collect to be incomplete or contain inaccuracies that our customers or other partners may regard as significant.
We license certain intellectual property, including patents, technologies, and software from third parties, including AES and Siemens, that is important to our business, and in the future, we may enter into additional agreements that provide us with licenses to valuable intellectual property or technology.
We license certain intellectual property, including patents, technologies, and software from third parties and related parties, including AES and Siemens, that are important to our business, and in the future, we may enter into additional agreements that provide us with licenses to valuable intellectual property or technology.
Operating results for future periods are subject to a number of uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain profitability.
Operating results for future periods are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks and we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain prolonged profitability.
Such an event may impair our ability to meet scheduled deliveries of our products to customers, which may cause our customers to cancel orders and subject us to liability, and may materially adversely affect our customer relationships, business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Such an event may impair our ability to meet scheduled deliveries of our products to customers, which may cause our customers to cancel orders and subject us to liability and potential litigation and may materially adversely affect our customer relationships, reputation, business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations.
We provide installation, construction and commissioning services for our customers that purchase our products. In the past, we have from time to time discovered latent defects in energy storage products and the components thereof and have experienced defects in workmanship and in the future we may face such defects in our products or in workmanship.
We provide installation, construction and commissioning services for our customers that purchase our products. In the past, we have from time to time discovered latent defects in energy storage products and solutions and the components thereof and have experienced defects in workmanship and in the future we may face similar such defects.
The Continuing Equity Owners may exercise such redemption right, subject to certain exceptions, for as long as their common units remain outstanding. For example, in July 2022, Siemens Industry exercised its redemption right with respect to its entire holding of 58,586,695 common units, which we elected to settle through the issuance of 58,586,695 shares of Class A common stock.
The Founders may exercise such redemption right, subject to certain exceptions, for as long as their common units remain outstanding. For example, in July 2022, Siemens Industry exercised its redemption right with respect to its entire holding of 58,586,695 common units, which we elected to settle through the issuance of 58,586,695 shares of Class A common stock.
The assumptions relating to our market opportunity include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) according to BloombergNEF, global energy storage capacity grew 63% per annum between 2015 and 2020 and is expected to grow at a further 21% compound annual growth rate through 2030 based on the Energy Storage Market Outlook dated October 2022 ; (ii) declines in lithium-ion battery costs and in the cost of renewable generation; (iii) growing demand for renewable energy; and (iv) increased complexity of the electrical grid.
The assumptions relating to our market opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) according to BloombergNEF, global energy storage capacity grew 63% per annum between 2015 and 2020 based on the Energy Storage Market Outlook dated October 2022 and is expected to grow at a further 27% compound annual growth rate through 2030 based on the Energy Storage Market Outlook dated October 2023; (ii) declines in overall lithium-ion battery costs and in the cost of renewable generation; (iii) growing demand for renewable energy; and (iv) increased complexity of the electrical grid.
Any delays in our customers’ ability to connect with utilities, delays in the performance of installation-related services, or poor performance of installation-related services will have an adverse effect on our results and could cause operating results to vary materially from period to period.
Any delays in our customers’ ability to connect with utilities, delays in the performance of installation-related services, or poor performance of installation-related services will have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and could cause our results to vary materially from period to period.
In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect certain proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and many companies have encountered significant challenges in establishing and enforcing certain of their proprietary rights outside of the United States.
In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect certain proprietary and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States, and many other companies have encountered significant challenges in establishing and enforcing certain of their proprietary and intellectual property rights outside of the United States.
Further, the local electric utility may impose “departing load,” “standby” or other charges on our customers in connection with their acquisition of our energy storage products, the amounts of which are outside of our control and which may have a material impact on the economic benefit of our energy storage products to our customers.
Further, the local electric utility may impose “departing load,” “standby” or other charges on our customers in connection with their acquisition of our energy storage products, the amounts of which are outside of our control and which may have a material impact on the overall economic benefit of our energy storage products to and cost analysis for our customers of our energy storage products.
We have in the past, and may in the future, evaluate and take advantage of opportunities to expand into new geographic markets and introduce new product offerings and services that are a natural extension of our existing business internationally.
We have in the past, and may in the future, evaluate and take advantage of opportunities to expand into new geographic markets and introduce new offerings that are a natural extension of our existing business.
In addition, our lenders, to whom we granted a security interest in substantially all of our assets, would have the right to proceed against such assets we provided as collateral pursuant to the Revolver and related security agreement.
In addition, our lenders, to whom we granted a security interest in substantially all of our assets, would have the right to proceed against such assets we provided as collateral pursuant to the ABL Credit Agreement and related security agreement.
There also can be no assurance that we would be able to develop or license suitable alternative technology, content, or other intellectual property to permit us to continue offering the affected technology, content, or services to our partners or clients.
There also can be no assurance that we would be able to develop or license suitable alternative technology, content, or other intellectual property to permit us to continue offering the affected technology, content, or services to our customers.
Due to the significant resources of our Continuing Equity Owners, including their intellectual property (all of which our Continuing Equity Owners retain and certain of which they license to us under the IP License Agreements), financial resources, name recognition and know-how resulting from the previous management of our business, our Continuing Equity Owners could have a significant competitive advantage over us should it decide to utilize these resources to engage in the type of business we conduct, which may cause our operating results and financial condition to be materially adversely affected.
Due to the significant resources of our Continuing Equity Owners, including their intellectual property (all of which our Continuing Equity Owners retain and certain of which they license to us under applicable intellectual property license agreements), financial resources, name recognition and know-how resulting from the previous management of our business, our Continuing Equity Owners could have a significant competitive advantage over us should any of them decide to utilize these resources to engage in the type of business we conduct, which may in turn cause our operating results and financial condition to be materially adversely affected.
However, in fiscal year 2022, we saw battery prices increase for the first time and as a result, we had to adopt a different contracting strategy to ensure preservation of margin.
However, in fiscal year 2022, we saw battery prices increase for the first time and as a result, we had to evolve and adopt a different contracting strategy to ensure preservation of margin in such instance.