Financial Performance and Capital Needs - The company has incurred net losses since inception and has not generated any revenue from the design, development, manufacturing, engineering, and sale or distribution of electric aircraft[117] - The company expects net cash outflows from operating activities to be approximately £100 million over the next 12 months, after accounting for expected R&D tax receipts and grants of approximately £20 million[118] - The company completed a public offering for aggregate gross proceeds of 90 million, indicating a need for additional capital to continue operations and execute its business plan[121] - The company anticipates significant capital expenditures as it expands its business, with future capital needs likely requiring additional equity or debt securities[108] - A failure to raise additional capital in a timely manner could impair the company's ability to retain key staff and execute its business strategy[169] - The company issued 130 million in principal amount of the Convertible Senior Secured Notes was converted into 47,343,585 ordinary shares[198] Cash and Liquidity - As of December 31, 2024, the company had £22.5 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand[117] - The company faces material uncertainty regarding its ability to continue as a going concern due to limited cash, recurring losses, and dependency on raising additional capital[117] - There is significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern, which may adversely affect the price per share and limit financing opportunities[122] Business Operations and Regulatory Challenges - The company has a limited operating history and has not yet manufactured any non-prototype aircraft or sold any eVTOL aircraft to customers[99] - The company faces challenges in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals for aircraft certification, which could delay sales and impact customer relationships[129] - The company must overcome significant barriers to mass production of aircraft, including capital requirements and regulatory challenges[126] - The company anticipates that regulatory approvals for its aircraft may be delayed, which could adversely affect customer relationships and reputation[245] - The company may face challenges in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals for customers to operate its aircraft, affecting demand[246] Market and Competitive Landscape - The market for eVTOL aircraft is still in early stages, and the company's success depends on public perception and adoption of advanced air mobility[143] - The company anticipates that demand for its aircraft may be impacted by public perception and safety issues related to eVTOL aircraft[151] - The company may face stronger market resistance during international expansion due to established competitors and regulatory conditions[191] Supply Chain and Production Risks - The company relies on suppliers for parts and components, and any disruptions or delays could adversely affect its business and operations[144] - Any disruptions in the supply chain could lead to significant delays in aircraft production, adversely affecting the company's financial condition and operating results[147] - The company is in advanced negotiations with potential replacement suppliers following Rolls-Royce's decision to exit the advanced air mobility market, but there is no guarantee of favorable terms[148] Human Resources and Talent Acquisition - The company plans to expand operations significantly, including hiring new staff and expanding the management team, to support commercial production[163] - Competition for skilled personnel in the eVTOL industry is intense, which may hinder the company's ability to attract and retain qualified staff[168] - The company plans to continue hiring additional staff with technical expertise, including battery and electrical engineers, to support the development of eVTOL aircraft[165] - There is a shortage of qualified pilots and mechanics, which could reduce the company's ability to sell aircraft at scale[181] Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - The company is exposed to risks associated with climate change, which could incur significant costs to improve climate resiliency of aircraft[189] - Increased public focus on environmental sustainability may lead to higher costs and pressure to meet sustainability goals, potentially impacting financial results[237] - The company is subject to stringent export and import control laws, which could materially affect operations if compliance is not maintained[252] Cybersecurity and Data Protection - The company may face significant costs related to cybersecurity threats, which could adversely affect its operations and financial results[215] - The company does not maintain insurance policies covering losses related to cybersecurity incidents, increasing potential risks from such events[217] - The company relies on standard contractual clauses for transferring personal data outside the EEA and U.K., amid ongoing legal complexities regarding international data transfers[262] - The company anticipates increased scrutiny from regulators regarding international data transfers, which may lead to additional costs and operational changes[262] Financial Reporting and Compliance Risks - The Company has identified material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting, which may affect the accuracy of financial results[288] - The Company anticipates significant costs associated with compliance as a public company, which are expected to increase after it is no longer classified as an "emerging growth company"[287] - The Company may not be able to remediate identified material weaknesses in internal controls, which could lead to future reporting issues[290] - Any failure in accurate and timely reporting could lead to material misstatements in financial statements[291] Legal and Regulatory Risks - The company received a warning letter from the U.S. Commerce Department's Office of Export Enforcement regarding a violation of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, but no criminal or administrative prosecution was pursued[253] - Fines for breaches of the GDPR or U.K. GDPR can reach up to €20 million or 4% of total global annual turnover, whichever is greater[263] - The company is subject to various anti-corruption and trade sanctions laws, which could result in significant penalties and reputational harm if violated[256] - Legal proceedings and claims could increase costs and divert management's attention, potentially harming the company's reputation and financial condition[233] Shareholder and Market Considerations - The trading price of the company's ordinary shares and warrants may be volatile, influenced by various factors including financial performance and market conditions[266] - The company is at risk of not sustaining an active trading market for its ordinary shares and warrants, which could adversely affect liquidity[270] - The Company does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, relying on share price appreciation for returns on investment[275] - The Company expects to issue additional share capital in the future, which will result in dilution for existing shareholders[273]
Vertical Aerospace .(EVTL) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report