SES AI (SES)

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SES AI (SES) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-05-09 01:15
SES AI Corporation (NYSE:SES) Q1 2023 Earnings Conference Call May 8, 2023 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Eric Goldstein - VP, IR Qichao Hu - Founder, Chairman & CEO Jing Nealis - CFO Conference Call Participants Shawn Severson - Water Tower Research Winnie Dong - Deutsche Bank Operator Good afternoon. Thank you for attending today's SES AI Corporation First Quarter Earnings Call. My name is Cole, and I will be your moderator for today's call. [Operator Instructions]. I would now like to pass the conferenc ...
SES AI (SES) - 2023 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2023-05-08 23:21
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-39845 SES AI Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) (State or other jurisdiction ...
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report
2023-03-16 21:30
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-39845 SES AI Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter) Delaware 88-0641865 (State or othe ...
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-03-14 15:33
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2022, operating expenses were $20.7 million, an increase of $10.6 million from the same period last year [27] - R&D expenses were $8.3 million, up $3.1 million year-over-year, reflecting higher personnel costs and increased development costs [27] - Cash used in operations for full-year 2022 was $46.5 million, lower than the guidance of $55 million to $60 million [32] - The company ended 2022 with cash and short-term investments of $390 million, which is deemed sufficient for commercialization [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company built and completed three A-sample lines in 2022, achieving ready-to-use status ahead of schedule [7][8] - The A-sample lines allowed the company to test and deliver approximately 1,000 large lithium-metal cells in 2022 [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Significant investments were made in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, enhancing the region's battery production capacity [14] - The company received cash grants from the South Korean government to expand capabilities [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to transition from A-samples to B-samples in 2023, focusing on improving manufacturing feasibility and quality [26][23] - A key strategy involves doubling the material R&D team and tripling the quality team to enhance battery performance and safety prediction [21][43] - The company aims to leverage experiences from global lithium-ion players and new material innovations to establish a robust EV battery supply chain in North America [25][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in entering B-sample agreements with OEM partners, indicating a natural progression rather than a reaction to economic volatility [76] - The company anticipates that 2023 will be a year of growth and investment, with significant spending planned to support the transition to B-samples [35][42] Other Important Information - The company is preparing to expand its U.S. lab space to strengthen electrolyte and anode material development capabilities [44] - The company is also working on developing new anode processes and coating cathodes in-house to improve quality control [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback from JDA partners on A-sample cells and timeline for B-sample delivery - Management indicated that feedback from JDA partners has been positive, with confidence in both performance and manufacturing feasibility, and B-sample preparations are expected around mid-2023 [48] Question: Key milestones for 2023 - Key milestones include improving organizational capabilities for higher quality and manufacturing management, increasing production speed, and scaling up new materials [49] Question: Confidence in achieving B-samples this year and impact of economic environment - Management noted that quality improvements and organizational upgrades provide confidence in achieving B-samples, and the economic environment has not significantly impacted their plans [61][76] Question: Cash usage and spending conservatism in 2023 - Management acknowledged that lower spending in 2022 was due to conservatism and a focus on solving issues rather than just building cells, with a more aggressive spending plan for 2023 [40][62] Question: Supply chain readiness for large-scale production - Management confirmed that they are implementing capabilities for lithium-salt and electrolytes in North America, targeting readiness for commercial production by 2025 [77]
SES AI (SES) Investor Presentation - Slideshow
2022-11-21 14:53
1 10 YEARS OF LI-METAL BATTERIES Technology, Supply Chain, and New Business Model 2 DISCLAIMER INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA Although all information and opinions expressed in this Presentation, including market data and other statistical information, were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and are included in good faith, SES has not independently verified the information and makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. Some data is also based on the goo ...
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2022-11-14 21:24
[Part I. Financial Information](index=5&type=section&id=Part%20I.%20Financial%20Information) [Item 1. Financial Statements](index=5&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements) Financial statements reflect pre-commercialization, balance sheet growth, and widening operating losses from the 2022 Business Combination [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=5&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) The balance sheet reflects significant asset growth and positive stockholders' equity following the February 2022 Business Combination Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | Sep 30, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assets** | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | $394,664 | $160,497 | | Total current assets | $402,239 | $169,970 | | Total assets | $442,246 | $193,353 | | **Liabilities & Equity** | | | | Total current liabilities | $16,935 | $10,985 | | Total liabilities | $48,533 | $11,734 | | Total stockholders' equity | $393,713 | $(88,322) | | Total liabilities and equity | $442,246 | $193,353 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss](index=6&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations%20and%20Comprehensive%20Loss) The company reported no revenue, with net losses significantly widening due to increased R&D and G&A expenses Operating Results (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Q3 2022 | Q3 2021 | Nine Months 2022 | Nine Months 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Research and development | $8,421 | $3,684 | $19,680 | $10,332 | | General and administrative | $13,308 | $7,004 | $40,305 | $11,509 | | Loss from operations | $(21,729) | $(10,688) | $(59,985) | $(21,841) | | Net loss | $(24,328) | $(10,625) | $(42,346) | $(21,006) | | Net loss per share (basic & diluted) | $(0.08) | $(0.17) | $(0.15) | $(0.35) | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=8&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) Net cash used in operations increased, while financing activities provided significant inflow from the Business Combination, leading to a substantial cash increase Cash Flow Summary for Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands) | Activity | 2022 | 2021 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash used in operating activities | $(37,807) | $(17,804) | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(10,645) | $(141,673) | | Net cash provided by financing activities | $283,200 | $187,341 | | **Net increase in cash** | **$234,109** | **$27,912** | - The company received **$282.9 million** in net proceeds from the Business Combination and PIPE Financing during the nine months ended September 30, 2022[19](index=19&type=chunk)[166](index=166&type=chunk) [Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=9&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Notes detail the company's pre-commercial Li-Metal battery business, accounting impacts of the 2022 Business Combination, key policies, and JDA commitments - The company is engaged in the research and development of Lithium-Metal (Li-Metal) rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and has not yet derived revenue from its principal business activities[23](index=23&type=chunk) - The Business Combination on February 3, 2022, was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, resulting in net proceeds of **$282.9 million** after transaction costs[61](index=61&type=chunk)[31](index=31&type=chunk) - The company has Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) with automotive OEM Partners, committing to R&D activities with an agreed-upon value of up to **$50 million**[78](index=78&type=chunk) - Stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was **$15.9 million**, a significant increase from **$3.1 million** in the prior-year period; total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost was **$45.8 million**[93](index=93&type=chunk)[94](index=94&type=chunk) - A JDA with related-party General Motors resulted in a credit to research and development expense of **$5.0 million** for the nine months ended September 30, 2022[113](index=113&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=35&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management discusses pre-commercial Li-Metal battery development, strategic OEM partnerships, increased R&D and G&A expenses, and strong liquidity - The company is a pre-commercialization stage entity with no revenue to date and an accumulated deficit of **$136.6 million** as of September 30, 2022[117](index=117&type=chunk)[119](index=119&type=chunk) - Strategic partnerships with GM, Hyundai, and Honda are central to the company's strategy, with JDAs in place to develop A-Sample battery cells[121](index=121&type=chunk)[122](index=122&type=chunk)[123](index=123&type=chunk) - The company's commercialization timeline targets B-Sample batteries in 2023, C-Sample batteries in 2024, and commencement of commercial production in 2025[129](index=129&type=chunk) - The company believes its cash on hand of **$395.2 million** is sufficient to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months, including facility expansions in Shanghai and South Korea[154](index=154&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=41&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Operating expenses significantly increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, driven by higher R&D and G&A costs Operating Expense Comparison (Nine Months Ended Sep 30) | Expense Category | 2022 (in thousands) | 2021 (in thousands) | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Research and development | $19,680 | $10,332 | 90% | | General and administrative | $40,305 | $11,509 | 250% | | **Total operating expenses** | **$59,985** | **$21,841** | **175%** | - The increase in R&D expenses was primarily due to a **$6.2 million** increase in personnel costs (including **$4.4 million** in stock-based compensation) and a **$3.2 million** increase in software development costs[145](index=145&type=chunk) - The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to a **$13.1 million** increase in personnel costs (including **$8.4 million** in stock-based compensation), a **$5.5 million** increase in insurance expense, and a **$4.6 million** increase in deferred offering costs[147](index=147&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=45&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital%20Resources) The company's liquidity is strong, primarily from the 2022 Business Combination, deemed sufficient for the next 12 months despite increased cash used in operations - As of September 30, 2022, the company had cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of **$395.2 million** and an accumulated deficit of **$136.6 million**[154](index=154&type=chunk) - Net cash used in operating activities increased to **$37.8 million** for the nine months ended Sep 30, 2022, from **$17.8 million** in the same period of 2021, mainly due to higher net loss adjusted for non-cash items[161](index=161&type=chunk)[162](index=162&type=chunk) - The company has material contractual purchase obligations of **$17.3 million**, primarily for lab supplies and equipment[168](index=168&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=52&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company faces minimal interest rate risk but is exposed to foreign currency risk from its China and South Korea operations, resulting in translation losses - Interest rate risk is not considered material due to the short-term nature of the company's **$395.2 million** in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash[183](index=183&type=chunk) - The company is exposed to foreign currency risk from its subsidiaries in China (RMB) and South Korea (KRW), resulting in a **$2.5 million** foreign currency translation loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022[184](index=184&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=53&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded disclosure controls were ineffective due to two material weaknesses, with remediation efforts targeting December 31, 2022 - The principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30, 2022[185](index=185&type=chunk) - The ineffectiveness is due to two material weaknesses: one inherited from the SPAC merger concerning complex financial instruments, and a second, unremediated one related to stock-based compensation calculation and disclosure[187](index=187&type=chunk)[188](index=188&type=chunk) - Remediation initiatives include hiring additional finance and accounting staff, engaging a global accounting advisory firm, and redesigning controls; the company expects to remediate the material weaknesses by December 31, 2022[191](index=191&type=chunk)[195](index=195&type=chunk) [Part II. Other Information](index=55&type=section&id=Part%20II.%20Other%20Information) [Legal Proceedings](index=55&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is not currently involved in any legal proceedings expected to materially affect its business - As of the report date, the company is not involved in any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the business[192](index=192&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=55&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) The company highlights updated risk factors including global economic uncertainty, COVID-19 impacts, public company costs, and internal control weaknesses - Global economic conditions and health epidemics like COVID-19 pose a risk, as demonstrated by the government-mandated temporary shutdown of the Shanghai facility in April 2022, which caused a delay of over a month[194](index=194&type=chunk)[197](index=197&type=chunk) - The company has identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, which could result in material misstatements and adversely affect investor confidence[199](index=199&type=chunk)[201](index=201&type=chunk) - The company will cease to be an 'emerging growth company' as of December 31, 2022; this will increase compliance costs and require its independent auditor to issue a report on internal control over financial reporting for the 2022 Annual Report[205](index=205&type=chunk)[207](index=207&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=61&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) There were no unregistered sales of equity securities or use of proceeds during the period - None[210](index=210&type=chunk) [Defaults Upon Senior Securities](index=61&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Defaults%20Upon%20Senior%20Securities) There were no defaults upon senior securities during the reporting period - None[211](index=211&type=chunk) [Mine Safety Disclosures](index=61&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Mine%20Safety%20Disclosures) This item is not applicable to the company's operations - Not applicable[212](index=212&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=61&type=section&id=Item%205.%20Other%20Information) There is no other material information to report for this period - None[213](index=213&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=61&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) The report lists various exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including corporate governance documents and required CEO/CFO certifications - Exhibits filed include corporate governance documents, a lease amendment, and required CEO/CFO certifications[213](index=213&type=chunk)
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-11-13 01:56
SES AI Corporation (NYSE:SES) Q3 2022 Earnings Conference Call November 9, 2022 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Eric Goldstein - VP, IR Qichao Hu - Founder, Chairman & CEO Jing Nealis - CFO Conference Call Participants Gabriel Daoud - Cowen Winnie Dong - Deutsche Bank Shawn Severson - Water Tower Research Operator Good afternoon. Thank you for attending today's SES AI Corp. Third Quarter '22 Earnings Conference Call. My name is Daniel, and I will be your moderator for today's call. [Operator Instructions]. ...
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q3 - Earnings Call Presentation
2022-11-13 01:27
OSES etter to Our Shareholders Q3 2022 Earnings Dear Shareholders, As a leader in Li-Metal battery cell development, our organization continues to evolve and innovate in order to meet the challenges that come with manufacturing large format cells. During the third-quarter, we achieved several important milestones. First, our SES Korea pilot facility was completed, and its cell assembly line was ready-to-use in September -- only 8 months after breaking ground on this greenfield facility in January. Since ope ...
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-08-14 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended Q2 2022 with over $400 million in cash, indicating strong liquidity to support commercialization efforts [5][15] - Operating expenses for Q2 2022 were $19.1 million, an increase of $12.5 million from the same period last year [12] - R&D expenses rose to $7.2 million, reflecting higher personnel costs due to increased headcount [12] - G&A expenses increased to $11.9 million, primarily driven by higher personnel costs and external consulting [13] - A noncash gain of $29 million was recorded due to changes in fair value of the sponsor RNO liability [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on developing large format 50 and 100 ampere power cells, with production and testing ongoing at facilities in Shanghai and Korea [8][9] - The Shanghai facility has the capacity to produce a few thousand cells per month, currently producing about 30 cells per day [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer interest in electric vehicles is growing, with OEMs introducing new models rapidly, driving demand for energy-dense batteries [6] - The company has joint development agreements (JDAs) with General Motors, Hyundai, and Honda, positioning it as a leader in next-gen lithium metal battery technology [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize A-samples for its JDA partners by mid-2023 and transition to B-samples thereafter [10] - There is a focus on expanding into other verticals such as drones and eVitals, indicating diversification beyond automotive [9] - The company is building an ecosystem around lithium metal batteries, including partnerships for recycling and supply chain development [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the commercialization timeline, expecting to meet key milestones and maintain strong liquidity [5][15] - The company is optimistic about the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, which may encourage partnerships and operations in North America [22] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for Q2 2022 were $7.5 million, primarily for facility build-out in Asia, with total expected CapEx for 2022 remaining between $25 million and $35 million [14][15] - The Shanghai Giga facility has resumed operations after COVID-related shutdowns, enhancing production capabilities [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current status of the Shanghai facility and production capacity - The Shanghai facility can produce a few thousand cells per month but is currently producing about 30 cells per day to address issues at a smaller scale [17] Question: Development of Avatar and hiring in this area - Avatar development includes manufacturing data collection and model building for monitoring battery health, with significant hiring in this area [19] Question: Capital spending and facility readiness - The Korean facility will be ready by the end of October, with plans for further expansion to support JDA partners [20] Question: Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act - The act is seen as a positive development, encouraging partnerships and operations in North America [22] Question: Commercialization timeline for non-EV applications - Non-EV applications like drones are expected to have a faster commercialization cycle compared to automotive [23] Question: Transition from A-sample to B-sample - The transition is expected by mid-next year, with specific criteria related to energy density and safety [28] Question: Supply chain scaling for lithium metal anode - The company is collaborating with partners to scale up lithium metal production, with potential joint ventures in the pipeline [30]
SES AI (SES) - 2022 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2022-08-11 22:51
Table of Contents UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2022 or ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 001-39845 SES AI Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 98-1567584 (State or ...