Group 1: Kodiak Robotics - Kodiak Robotics is planning to go public through a merger with SPAC Ares Acquisition Corporation II, expected to close in the second half of the year [1] - The deal values Kodiak at $2.5 billion pre-money, with Kodiak having raised $243 million to date and over $110 million committed by institutional investors for the transaction [2] - In January, Kodiak delivered two self-driving trucks to Atlas Energy Solutions as part of a 100-truck contract for hauling fracking sand in West Texas [3] Group 2: Nuro - Nuro has raised $106 million in an ongoing Series E funding round, bringing its total funding to $2.2 billion and valuing the firm at $6 billion [3][4] - The funds will be used by Nuro to scale its technology platform and advance commercial partnerships, offering vehicle-agnostic technology to automotive manufacturers and mobility companies [4] Group 3: Automotive Industry Tariffs - The automotive industry is facing challenges due to ongoing 25% tariffs on imported vehicles, which may affect half of the cars in the U.S. market [6] - Car manufacturers are adopting various strategies in response to the tariffs, including cost absorption by BMW, production pauses by Stellantis, and employee discount initiatives by Ford [6] - Analyst Daniel Roeska indicated that prolonged tariffs could have a chilling effect on the automotive sector, impacting automakers' bottom lines [7]

Executive Dependence and Conflicts - The company is dependent on a small group of executive officers, and their loss could adversely affect operations[234]. - The company does not carry "key person" insurance for its executive officers, which could impact its ability to complete business combinations[236]. - The company anticipates needing to add key personnel to complete its initial business combination, but the market for qualified professionals is highly competitive[237]. - The company faces potential conflicts of interest due to its executive officers and directors having obligations to other entities, which may affect business combination opportunities[238]. Financial Metrics and Listing Requirements - The company must maintain a minimum market capitalization of $50 million and other financial metrics to remain listed on the NYSE[249]. - For shares to be listed post-business combination, the share price must be at least $4.00, with a total market capitalization of at least $200 million[251]. - If the NYSE delists the company's securities, they may be quoted on an over-the-counter market, leading to significant adverse consequences[252]. Shareholder and Warrant Information - The Sponsor invested an aggregate of $14,325,000, including $25,000 for Class B ordinary shares and $14,300,000 for Private Placement Warrants[254]. - Assuming a trading price of $10.00 per share, the 12,500,000 Class B ordinary shares would have an aggregate implied value of $125,000,000[254]. - The Company issued 25,000,000 warrants as part of the Units offered in the Initial Public Offering and 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants, each exercisable at $11.50 per share[263]. - If the Company issues additional Class A ordinary shares at a Newly Issued Price of less than $9.20, the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price[267]. - The Sponsor controls 20% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares as of December 31, 2024, potentially influencing shareholder votes[268]. - The Company may redeem outstanding warrants at a price of $0.01 per warrant if the closing price of Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $18.00 for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period[261]. - The Company may issue Class A ordinary shares in connection with the redemption of warrants, potentially increasing the number of outstanding shares[264]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The Company is classified as an "emerging growth company," which may limit the information available to shareholders and affect the attractiveness of its securities[269]. - The Company may amend the terms of the warrants with the approval of at least 50% of the then-outstanding public warrants, potentially adversely affecting holders[256]. - The Company may face reduced liquidity for its securities and limited market quotations, impacting trading activity[254]. - The company has elected not to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act, allowing it to adopt new or revised financial standards at the same time as private companies[270]. - The company qualifies as a "smaller reporting company," allowing it to provide only two years of audited financial statements, as long as its Class A ordinary shares held by non-affiliates do not exceed a market value of $250 million or annual revenues do not exceed $100 million[271]. - The company is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, which may limit shareholders' ability to protect their interests and enforce judgments obtained in U.S. courts[273]. - Provisions in the company's amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may inhibit takeovers, potentially limiting the price investors are willing to pay for Class A ordinary shares[278]. - The company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association require that derivative actions and certain claims must be brought in the courts of the Cayman Islands, which may discourage lawsuits against directors and officers[280]. Business Combination and Redemption Risks - If the company does not consummate an initial business combination by the end of the Combination Period, public shareholders may have to wait for redemption from the Trust Account[287]. - The company may face uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the allocation of purchase price between Class A ordinary shares and warrants included in Units[284]. - Any distributions received by shareholders prior to addressing creditor claims in the event of bankruptcy may be viewed as "preferential transfers" or "fraudulent conveyances"[285]. - The company’s board of directors may be viewed as having breached fiduciary duties if it pays public shareholders from the Trust Account before addressing creditor claims[286]. - The company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association provide that damages alone would not be an adequate remedy for breaches of the exclusive forum selection provision[282]. - The company may face liability for claims by third parties against distributions received by shareholders upon redemption of their shares[288]. - If the company enters into an insolvent liquidation, distributions to shareholders could be deemed unlawful if it is proven that the company was unable to pay its debts at the time of distribution[288]. - The company has registered the issuance of Class A ordinary shares that are issuable upon exercise of the warrants, which will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination[291]. - The warrants may become exercisable for a security other than Class A ordinary shares if the company is not the surviving entity in its initial business combination[295]. Trust Account and Investment Risks - The proceeds in the Trust Account are invested in U.S. government treasury obligations, which could yield negative interest rates, potentially reducing the per-share redemption amount for public shareholders[301]. - The company is classified as an early-stage company with no revenues, making it difficult for investors to evaluate its ability to achieve business objectives[302]. - Past performance of Ares or its affiliates does not guarantee future performance or returns for the company[303]. - The company may reincorporate in another jurisdiction, which could result in adverse tax consequences for shareholders or warrant holders[297]. - A majority of the company's directors and officers may reside outside the United States after the initial business combination, complicating legal enforcement for U.S. investors[299]. - The company may not hold an annual shareholder meeting until after the consummation of its initial business combination, limiting shareholder engagement[290]. Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks - The company has not experienced any material security incidents or cyber-attacks that have affected its operations or financial condition, but there is an increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats faced[305]. - The SEC has adopted new rules requiring public companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents and risk management strategies, effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2023[307]. - The company expects increased costs to comply with new SEC rules, including costs for cybersecurity training and management[307]. - Significant financial penalties for breach of privacy laws can include up to €20 million or 4% of annual worldwide turnover under GDPR, and $2,500 to $7,500 per violation under the California Consumer Privacy Act[310]. - The company is subject to numerous privacy laws, including CCPA, GDPR, and others, which may impact its business and financial performance due to evolving compliance requirements[308]. - Cybersecurity risks are exacerbated by the increasing volume of sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personal information of employees and investors[306]. - The company relies on third-party service providers for critical information systems, which may increase vulnerability to cyber-attacks[305]. - Compliance with privacy laws may require significant resources and could lead to increased operational costs[308]. - The company has implemented processes and internal controls to mitigate cybersecurity risks, but these measures do not guarantee protection against incidents[306]. - The potential for significant reputational harm exists due to theft, loss, or misuse of sensitive information, which could adversely affect business operations[309].

Financial Position - As of September 30, 2024, the company had $1,189,876 in its operating bank account and working capital of $863,999[109]. - As of September 30, 2024, the company had no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements[113]. Income and Expenses - For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported a net income of $6,964,802, driven by investment income of $7,407,809, with general and administrative costs of $443,007[107]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company achieved a net income of $19,943,559, with investment income of $21,215,500 and general and administrative costs of $1,271,941[107]. - The company expects to incur increased expenses due to being a public company, including legal and compliance costs[106]. - The company has entered into a monthly administrative service fee agreement of $16,667 with its Sponsor for general and administrative services[114]. - The company incurred offering costs of $28,550,129 related to the Initial Public Offering, including $17,500,000 for deferred underwriting commissions[101]. Initial Public Offering - The company completed its Initial Public Offering on April 25, 2023, raising gross proceeds of $500,000,000 from the sale of 50,000,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit[101]. - The company has until April 25, 2025, to complete a Business Combination, or it will redeem public shares at a price equal to the amount in the Trust Account[104]. - The company has contingent fees of $732,045 with a service provider, payable only if a Business Combination is consummated[117].

Financial Position - As of June 30, 2024, the company had $1,396,782 in its operating bank account and working capital of $1,307,006[109]. - The company has no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements[112]. Income and Expenses - For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the company reported a net income of $6,585,367, driven by investment income of $6,958,789[108]. - The company incurred general and administrative costs of $373,422 for the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $307,287 for the same period in 2023[108]. - The company expects to incur increased expenses due to being a public company, including legal and compliance costs[107]. Initial Public Offering - The company generated gross proceeds of $500,000,000 from its Initial Public Offering, with offering costs amounting to $28,550,129[103]. Business Combination - The company has until April 25, 2025, to complete a Business Combination, or it will redeem public shares at a per-share price based on the Trust Account balance[105]. - As of June 30, 2024, the company had contingent fees of $732,045 with a service provider, payable only if a Business Combination is consummated[115]. Administrative Agreements and Services - The company has entered into a monthly administrative service fee agreement of $16,667 with its Sponsor for general services[113]. Risk Factors - Management has identified risks related to inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical events that could negatively impact its financial position and ability to complete a Business Combination[111].

Financial Position - As of March 31, 2024, the company had $1,643,343 in its operating bank account and working capital of $1,680,429[108]. - The company has no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2024[111]. Income and Expenses - For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the company reported a net income of $6,393,390, primarily from investment income of $6,848,902, offset by general and administrative costs of $455,512[106]. - The company generated non-operating income from interest on investments, with expectations of increased expenses due to public company compliance[106]. - The company has entered into a monthly administrative service fee agreement of $16,667 with its Sponsor for general and administrative services[112]. Initial Public Offering - The company completed its Initial Public Offering on April 25, 2023, raising gross proceeds of $500,000,000 from the sale of 50,000,000 Units, incurring offering costs of $28,550,129[102]. Business Combination - The company has until April 25, 2025, to complete a Business Combination, after which it will redeem public shares if unsuccessful[104]. - As of March 31, 2024, the company had contingent fees of $732,045 with a service provider, payable only if a Business Combination is consummated[115]. - The company incurred a deferred underwriting fee of $17,500,000, which will be waived if the initial business combination is not completed[114]. Risks - Management has identified risks from inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical events that could negatively impact the company's financial position and ability to complete a Business Combination[110].

Financial Reporting and Compliance - As of December 31, 2023, there are 50,000,000 Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, classified as temporary equity [401]. - The net income (loss) per ordinary share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period [402]. - The company does not believe that any recently issued accounting pronouncement will have a material effect on its financial statements [403]. - The management's discussion and analysis is based on estimates and judgments affecting reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses [400]. - The company is in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act [406]. - The company is committed to ensuring compliance with SEC regulations regarding ownership reporting [466]. - The late filings do not indicate any issues with the company's overall compliance practices [466]. - The company continues to monitor and review Section 16(a) filings to maintain regulatory adherence [466]. - The company emphasizes the importance of timely reporting to uphold transparency and regulatory standards [466]. Corporate Governance - The company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all directors, officers, and employees [442]. - The board has determined that a majority of its members are independent as per NYSE listing standards [428]. - The audit committee includes independent directors Brad Coleman, David G. Hirz, and Felicia Thornton, with Thornton serving as chairperson [433]. - Felicia Thornton is recognized as an "audit committee financial expert" under applicable SEC rules [433]. - The compensation committee, also composed of independent directors, is responsible for reviewing and approving executive compensation and corporate goals [438]. - The nominating committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of board nominees, ensuring a diverse mix of skills and backgrounds [434]. - The company has established procedures for handling complaints regarding accounting and internal controls [433]. - Directors owe fiduciary duties under Cayman Islands law, including acting in good faith and exercising independent judgment [443]. - The company intends to disclose any amendments to its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics in a Current Report on Form 8-K [442]. Conflicts of Interest - The company has a duty to avoid conflicts of interest, including self-dealing, which can be forgiven with full disclosure to shareholders [445]. - Directors and executive officers may have fiduciary duties to other entities, potentially affecting the allocation of investment opportunities [446]. - The company does not expect conflicts of interest to materially impact its ability to complete its initial business combination [447]. - The company may pursue acquisition opportunities jointly with Ares or its affiliates, with terms determined at the time of acquisition [448]. - Executive officers and directors are not required to commit specific time to the company's affairs, leading to potential conflicts in time allocation [449]. - The company is not prohibited from pursuing business combinations with entities affiliated with its Sponsor or directors [460]. Insurance and Liability - The company has obtained directors' and officers' liability insurance to cover costs related to defense and indemnification obligations [462]. - Indemnification provisions for officers and directors may discourage lawsuits for breach of fiduciary duty, potentially affecting shareholder interests [465]. Shareholder Reporting - All filing requirements for executive officers, directors, and beneficial owners over 10% were met in a timely manner, except for Forms 3 filed one day late on April 21, 2023 [466]. - Forms 3 reporting initial ownership were filed late for David B. Kaplan, Jarrod Phillips, Peter Ogilvie, Felicia Thornton, Michael Arougheti, Allyson Satin, and Ares Acquisition Holdings II LP [466]. - The late filing of Forms 3 was an inadvertent error [466]. - The company believes that all other Section 16(a) forms were filed correctly and on time [466]. - Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act mandates timely reporting of ownership changes for certain executives and directors [466]. - The affected individuals are responsible for furnishing copies of their Section 16(a) forms to the company [466].

Financial Performance - For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the company reported a net income of $6,400,142, primarily from investment income of $6,784,071, after deducting general and administrative costs of $383,929[101]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the company achieved a net income of $9,965,778, with investment income totaling $10,657,294 and general and administrative costs of $691,516[101]. Financial Position - As of September 30, 2023, the company had $2,254,493 in its operating bank account and approximately $2.6 million in working capital[102]. - The company has no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2023[105]. - As of September 30, 2023, the company has 50,000,000 Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, classified as temporary equity[112]. Administrative Costs - The company has entered into a monthly administrative service fee agreement of $16,667 with its Sponsor for general and administrative services[106]. Contingent Liabilities - A deferred fee of $17,500,000 is payable to underwriters, which will be waived if the company does not complete an initial business combination[107]. - The company has contingent fees of approximately $0.7 million with a service provider, payable only if a Business Combination is consummated[108]. Risk Factors - The company has evaluated the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical events, concluding that these factors could negatively affect its financial position and ability to complete an initial business combination[104]. Regulatory Classification - The company is classified as an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act, allowing it to delay the adoption of new accounting standards[115].

Financial Performance - For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the company reported a net income of $3,565,936, primarily from investment income of $3,873,223, with general and administrative costs of $307,287[103]. - The company has not generated any operating revenues and relies on non-operating income from interest on investments[102]. Financial Position - As of June 30, 2023, the company had approximately $2,520,846 in its operating bank account and working capital of approximately $3.0 million[104]. - The company has incurred a total of $366,781 in loans from its Sponsor, which was fully repaid on April 25, 2023[104]. - The company has no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2023[107]. - As of June 30, 2023, the company has 50,000,000 Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, classified as temporary equity[114]. Agreements and Fees - The company has entered into a monthly administrative service fee agreement of $16,667 with its Sponsor for general and administrative services[108]. - A deferred fee of $17,500,000 is payable to underwriters, which will be waived if the company does not complete an initial business combination[109]. - The company has contingent fees of approximately $0.7 million with a service provider, payable only if a Business Combination is consummated[110]. Economic Factors - The company has evaluated the impact of inflation and rising interest rates, concluding that these factors could negatively affect its financial position and ability to complete an initial business combination[106].

Financial Position - As of March 31, 2023, total assets amounted to $842,780, a significant increase from $512,595 as of December 31, 2022, reflecting a growth of approximately 64.3%[8] - Total liabilities increased to $834,119 as of March 31, 2023, up from $503,634 as of December 31, 2022, representing a rise of about 65.5%[8] - The total shareholder's equity decreased to $8,661 as of March 31, 2023, down from $8,961 as of December 31, 2022, reflecting a decline of about 3.3%[8] - As of March 31, 2023, the Company had no cash equivalents and did not hold cash in any financial institution accounts[46][54] - The Company has no long-term debt obligations or off-balance sheet arrangements as of the reporting date[95] Operating Performance - The company reported a net loss of $300 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $1,751 for the same period in 2022, indicating a reduction in losses by approximately 82.9%[12] - The Company incurred formation costs of $300 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $1,751 for the same period in 2022, showing a decrease of approximately 82.9%[12] - The company reported no cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023, consistent with the previous year[21] - The company had a net loss of $300 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $1,751 for the same period in 2022, primarily due to formation costs[91] Initial Public Offering (IPO) - The Initial Public Offering (IPO) was completed on April 25, 2023, raising gross proceeds of $500,000,000 from the sale of 50,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit, with offering costs amounting to $28,452,534[26] - The Company completed its Initial Public Offering on April 25, 2023, raising gross proceeds of $500,000,000 from the sale of 50,000,000 Units at $10.00 per Unit, incurring offering costs of $28,452,534[58] - The Company sold an additional 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants for $14,300,000 simultaneously with the IPO[27] - The Company issued 14,300,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $11.50 per share, generating $14,300,000 in proceeds, which were added to the Trust Account[71] Trust Account and Business Combination - A total of $505,000,000 was placed in a Trust Account, invested solely in U.S. government securities, with a per unit value of $10.10[28] - The Company must complete a Business Combination with target businesses having a fair market value of at least 80% of the Trust Account assets[29] - Public shareholders can redeem their shares for a pro rata portion of the Trust Account, initially valued at $10.10 per share[31] - The Company has until April 25, 2025, to complete a Business Combination, after which it will redeem Public Shares at the amount in the Trust Account[34] - The Sponsor has agreed to waive its liquidation rights regarding Founder Shares if the Company fails to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period[35] Management and Operations - The Company has approximately $3,400,000 in its operating bank account immediately after the IPO to cover liquidity needs[38] - Management believes that the Company will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity to meet its needs through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from the filing date[39] - The Company expects to incur significant costs related to being a public company and pursuing initial business combinations, with no operating revenues anticipated until after such combinations are completed[90] Shareholder Information - The company had 50,000,000 Class A ordinary shares and 12,937,500 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of May 30, 2023[3] - The weighted average shares outstanding remained constant at 11,250,000 for both the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022[12] - The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding was adjusted for 1,687,500 Class B ordinary shares subject to forfeiture, resulting in a net loss per ordinary share calculation[53] - The Sponsor holds 12,937,500 Founder Shares, representing 20% of the outstanding shares upon completion of the offering[67] - The Company increased its authorized share capital to 9,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares and 900,000,000 Class B ordinary shares as of April 20, 2023[86] Legal and Compliance - The company is classified as an "emerging growth company" under the JOBS Act, allowing it to delay the adoption of new accounting standards[102] - There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that materially affected the company's financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter[107] - The company is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor are any material legal proceedings threatened against it[108] - The company has not experienced any material changes in risk factors since its Initial Public Offering on April 25, 2023[109] Costs and Fees - The Company incurred $17,500,000 in deferred underwriting commissions as part of the offering costs related to the Initial Public Offering[58] - The underwriters received a cash underwriting discount of $0.20 per Unit, totaling $10,000,000, and will receive deferred underwriting commissions of $17,500,000, payable only if the Company completes a Business Combination[79] - The Company has agreed to pay a monthly Administrative Service Fee of $16,667 to the Sponsor for office space and administrative services, effective April 20, 2023[74] - Ares Management Capital Markets LLC received an advisory fee of $2,000,000 upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering and will receive a deferred fee of $3,500,000 contingent on completing the initial Business Combination[75] Accounting and Estimates - The company has identified critical accounting estimates that may affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, emphasizing the potential for actual results to differ from estimates[98] - The company has no unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties related to tax positions as of March 31, 2023[51] - The funds in the Trust Account will be comprised entirely of U.S. government securities with maturities of 185 days or less or money market funds meeting certain conditions[110]