ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in ChargePoint’s securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. ChargePoint’s business, prospects, financial condition, or operating results could be harmed by any of these risks, as well as other risks not known to ChargePoint or that it considers immaterial as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”). The trading price of ChargePoint’s securities could decline due to any of these risks, and, as a result, you may lose all or part of your investment.
Summary of Principal Risks Associated with ChargePoint’s Business
•ChargePoint operates in the early-stage market of electric vehicle (“EV”) adoption and has a history of losses and expects to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the near term.
•ChargePoint has experienced rapid growth and expects to invest in growth for the foreseeable future. If it fails to manage growth effectively, its business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
•ChargePoint currently faces competition from a number of companies, particularly in Europe, and expects to face significant competition in the future as the market for EV charging develops.
•ChargePoint relies on a third-party channel partner network of distributors and resellers to generate a substantial amount of its revenue, and failure on the part of ChargePoint to continue to develop and expand this network may have an adverse impact on its business and prospects for growth.
•Failure to effectively expand ChargePoint’s sales and marketing capabilities could harm its ability to increase its customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of its solutions.
•Supply chain disruptions, component shortages, manufacturing interruptions or delays, or the failure to accurately forecast customer demand, could adversely affect ChargePoint’s ability to meet customer demand, lead to higher costs, and adversely affect ChargePoint’s business and results of operations. For example, supply chain challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global chip shortages have impacted companies worldwide and may have adverse effects on ChargePoint’s suppliers and customers and, as a result, ChargePoint.
•ChargePoint relies on a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers for its charging stations. A loss of any of these partners could negatively affect its business.
•ChargePoint’s business is subject to risks associated with construction, cost overruns and delays, and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations, and such risks may increase in the future as ChargePoint expands the scope of such services with other parties.
•Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate, divert the attention of key management personnel, disrupt ChargePoint’s business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
•If ChargePoint is unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical engineering and sales personnel, its ability to compete and successfully grow its business would be harmed.
•ChargePoint is expanding operations internationally, particularly in Europe, which will expose it to additional tax, compliance, market and other risks.
•Some members of ChargePoint’s management have limited experience in operating a public company.
•ChargePoint’s future revenue growth will depend in significant part on its ability to increase sales of its products and services to fleet operators.
•ChargePoint faces risks related to global epidemics and health pandemics which could have a material and adverse effect on its business and results of operations.
•Future sales of ChargePoint’s common stock (“Common Stock”) in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce ChargePoint’s stock price, and any conversions of its unsecured Convertible Senior PIK Toggle Notes (the “2027 Convertible Notes”) will, and any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or any future convertible securities ChargePoint may issue could, dilute existing stockholders’ ownership.
•ChargePoint may need to raise additional funds and these funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on terms that are favorable to ChargePoint.
•ChargePoint has incurred substantial indebtedness that may decrease its business flexibility, access to capital, and/or increase its borrowing costs, and ChargePoint may still incur substantially more debt, which may adversely affect its operations and financial results.
•ChargePoint is highly reliant on its networked charging solution and information technology systems and data, and those of its service providers and component suppliers, any of which systems and data may be subject to cyber-attacks, service disruptions or other security incidents, which could result in data breaches, loss or interruption of services, intellectual property theft, claims, litigation, regulatory investigations, significant liability, reputational damage and other adverse consequences.
•Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking, phishing attacks and similar disruptions could result in security and privacy breaches and interruption in service, which could harm ChargePoint’s business.
•ChargePoint’s business is subject to risks associated with natural disasters and the adverse effects associated with climate change, including earthquakes, wildfires or other types of natural disasters or resource shortages, including public safety power shut-offs that have occurred and may continue to occur in California, the effects of which could disrupt and harm its operations and those of ChargePoint’s customers.
•ChargePoint has never paid cash dividends on its capital stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
•The price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock may be subject to wide fluctuations.
•ChargePoint’s future growth and success is highly correlated with and thus dependent upon the continuing rapid adoption of EVs for passenger and fleet applications.
•The EV market currently benefits from the availability of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives from governments, utilities and others to offset the purchase or operating costs of EVs and EV charging stations. The reduction, modification, or elimination of such benefits could cause reduced demand for EVs and EV charging stations, which would adversely affect ChargePoint’s financial results.
•ChargePoint’s business may be adversely affected if it is unable to protect its technology and intellectual property from unauthorized use by third parties.
•ChargePoint has identified, and has previously identified, material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If ChargePoint is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if ChargePoint identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, this may result in material misstatements contained within ChargePoint’s consolidated financial statements or cause ChargePoint to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations.
Risks Related to ChargePoint’s Business
ChargePoint operates in the early-stage market of EV adoption and has a history of losses, and expects to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the near term.
ChargePoint incurred a net loss of $345.1 million for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 and had net loss of $79.4 million for the three months ended April 30, 2023. As of April 30, 2023, ChargePoint had an accumulated deficit of $1,236.2 million. ChargePoint believes it will continue to incur significant operating expenses and net losses in future quarters for the near term. There can be no assurance that it will be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future. ChargePoint’s potential profitability is particularly dependent upon the continued adoption of EVs by consumers and fleet operators and the widespread adoption of electric trucks, other vehicles and other electric transportation modalities, each of which are still in the very early stages of adoption and may not occur.
ChargePoint has experienced rapid growth and expects to invest in growth for the foreseeable future. If it fails to manage growth effectively, its business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected.
ChargePoint has experienced rapid growth in recent periods. The growth and expansion of its business has placed and continues to place a significant strain on management, operations, financial infrastructure and corporate culture. In the event of further growth, ChargePoint’s information technology systems and ChargePoint’s internal control over financial reporting and procedures may not be adequate to support its operations and may introduce opportunities for data security incidents that may interrupt business operations and permit bad actors to obtain unauthorized access to business information or misappropriate funds. ChargePoint may also face risks to the extent such bad actors infiltrate the information technology infrastructure of its contractors.
To manage growth in operations and personnel, ChargePoint will need to continue to improve its operational, financial and management controls and reporting systems and procedures. Failure to manage growth effectively could result in difficulty or delays in attracting new customers, declines in quality or customer satisfaction, increases in costs, difficulties in introducing new products and services or enhancing existing products and services, loss of customers, inability to retain or hire new employees effectively, information security vulnerabilities or other operational difficulties, any of which could adversely affect its business performance and operating results.
ChargePoint currently faces competition from a number of companies, particularly in Europe, and expects to face significant competition in the future as the market for EV charging develops.
The EV charging market is relatively new and competition is still developing. ChargePoint primarily competes with smaller providers of EV charging station networks for installations, particularly in Europe. Large early-stage markets, such as Europe, require early engagement across verticals and customers to gain market share, and ongoing effort to scale channels, installers, teams and processes. Some European customers require solutions not yet available and ChargePoint’s recent entrance into Europe requires establishing itself against existing competitors. In addition, there are multiple competitors in Europe with limited funding, which could cause poor user experiences, hampering overall EV adoption or trust in any particular provider.
In addition, there are other means for charging EVs, which could affect the level of demand for onsite charging capabilities at businesses. For example, Tesla Inc. continues to build out its supercharger network across the United States for its vehicles and has opened its supercharger network up to non-Tesla EVs, which could reduce overall demand for EV charging at other sites, including ChargePoint’s. Also, third-party contractors can provide basic electric charging capabilities to potential customers seeking to have on premise EV charging capability or individual customers seeking home charging. In addition, many EV charging manufacturers, including ChargePoint, are offering home charging equipment, which could reduce demand for on premise charging capabilities of potential customers and reduce the demand for onsite charging capabilities if EV owners find charging at home to be sufficient.
Further, ChargePoint’s current or potential competitors may be acquired by third-parties with greater available resources. In addition, certain of ChargePoint’s competitors have completed transactions to become publicly traded companies and may have ready access to the capital markets for additional funding. As a result, competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than ChargePoint to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or customer requirements and may have the ability to initiate or withstand substantial price competition. In addition, competitors may in the future establish cooperative relationships with vendors of complementary products, technologies or services to increase the availability of their solutions in the marketplace. This competition may also materialize in the form of costly intellectual property disputes or litigation involving ChargePoint.
New competitors or alliances may emerge in the future that have greater market share, more widely adopted proprietary technologies, greater marketing expertise and greater financial resources, which could put ChargePoint at a competitive disadvantage. Future competitors could also be better positioned to serve certain segments of ChargePoint’s current or future target markets, which could create price pressure. In light of these factors, even if ChargePoint’s offerings are more effective and higher quality than those of its competitors, current or potential customers may accept competitive solutions. If ChargePoint fails to adapt to changing market conditions or continue to compete successfully with current charging providers or new competitors, its growth will be limited which would adversely affect its business and results of operations.
ChargePoint relies on a third-party channel partner network of distributors and resellers to generate a substantial amount of its revenue and failure on the part of ChargePoint to continue to develop and expand this network may have an adverse impact on its business and prospects for growth.
ChargePoint’s success is dependent in part upon establishing and maintaining relationships with a variety of channel partners that it utilizes to extend its geographic reach and market penetration. ChargePoint uses a two-tiered, indirect fulfillment model whereby ChargePoint sells its products and services to its distributors, which in turn sell to resellers, which then sell to end users. ChargePoint refers to these end users as customers. ChargePoint anticipates that it will continue to rely on this two-tiered sales model in order to help facilitate sales of ChargePoint’s products and to grow its business internationally. In the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, ChargePoint derived a majority of its billings from products and subscriptions sold through channel partners. ChargePoint’s agreements with its channel partners are non-exclusive and do not prohibit them from working with ChargePoint’s competitors or offering competing solutions, and some of ChargePoint’s channel partners may have more established relationships with ChargePoint’s competitors. Similarly, ChargePoint’s channel partners have no obligations to renew their agreements with ChargePoint on commercially reasonable terms or at all, and certain of the agreements governing these relationships may be terminated by either party at any time, with no or limited notice. If ChargePoint’s channel partners choose to place greater emphasis on products of their own or those offered by ChargePoint’s competitors or a result of an acquisition, competitive factors or for other reasons do not continue to market and sell ChargePoint’s solutions in an effective manner or at all, ChargePoint’s ability to grow its business and sell its products may be adversely affected. In addition, ChargePoint’s failure to recruit additional channel partners, or any reduction or delay in their sales of ChargePoint solutions and subscriptions, including because of economic uncertainty, or due to conflicts between channel sales and ChargePoint’s direct sales force may harm ChargePoint’s results of operations. Finally, even if ChargePoint is successful in establishing and maintaining relationships with channel partners, these relationships may not result in greater customer usage of ChargePoint’s solutions and professional services or increased revenue.
Failure to effectively expand ChargePoint’s sales and marketing capabilities could harm its ability to increase its customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of its solutions.
ChargePoint’s ability to grow its customer base, achieve broader market acceptance, grow revenue, and achieve and sustain profitability will depend, to a significant extent, on its ability to effectively expand its sales and marketing operations and activities. Sales and marketing expenses represent a significant percentage of ChargePoint’s total revenue, and its operating results will suffer if sales and marketing expenditures do not contribute significantly to increasing revenue.
ChargePoint is substantially dependent on its channel partners and direct sales force to obtain new customers. ChargePoint plans to continue to expand its direct sales force both domestically and internationally but it may not be able to recruit and hire a sufficient number of sales personnel, which may adversely affect its ability to expand its sales capabilities. New hires require significant training and time before they achieve full productivity, particularly in new sales territories. Recent hires and planned hires may not become as productive as quickly as anticipated and ChargePoint may be unable to hire or retain sufficient numbers of qualified individuals. Furthermore, hiring sales personnel in new countries can be costly, complex and time-consuming, and requires additional set up and upfront costs that may be disproportionate to the initial revenue expected from those countries. There is significant competition for direct sales personnel with strong sales skills and technical knowledge. ChargePoint’s ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the future will depend, in large part, on its success in recruiting, training, incentivizing and retaining a sufficient number of qualified direct sales personnel and on such personnel attaining desired productivity levels within a reasonable amount of time. ChargePoint’s business will be harmed if continuing investment in its sales and marketing capabilities does not generate a significant increase in revenue.
Supply chain disruptions, component shortages, manufacturing interruptions or delays, or the failure to accurately forecast customer demand, could adversely affect ChargePoint’s ability to meet customer demand, lead to higher costs, and adversely affect ChargePoint’s business and results of operations. For example, supply chain challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global chip shortages have impacted companies worldwide and may have adverse effects on ChargePoint’s suppliers and customers and, as a result, ChargePoint.
ChargePoint depends on the timely supply of materials, services and related products to meet the demands of its customers, which depends in part on the timely delivery of materials and services from suppliers and contract manufacturers. Significant or sudden increases in demand for EV charging stations, as well as worldwide demand for the raw materials and services that ChargePoint requires to manufacture and sell EV charging stations, including component parts, may result in a shortage of such materials or may cause shipment delays due to transportation interruptions or capacity constraints. Such shortages or delays could adversely impact ChargePoint’s suppliers’ ability to meet ChargePoint’s demand requirements.
Disruptions in the manufacturing, delivery and overall supply chain of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers have resulted in additional costs and, to a lesser extent, component shortages, and have led to fluctuations in EV sales in markets around the world. Increased demand for personal electronics and trade restrictions that affect raw materials have contributed to a shortfall of semiconductor chips, which has caused additional supply challenges both within and outside of ChargePoint’s industry. Ongoing supply chain challenges, component shortages and heightened logistics costs have adversely affected ChargePoint’s gross margins in recent quarters and ChargePoint expects that gross margins may continue to be adversely affected by increased material costs and freight and logistic expenses in the future. Costs incurred to expedite delivery of components and replacement parts used in charging stations or in providing installation or maintenance services or to proactively increase inventory could cause ChargePoint to raise its prices, impose surcharges or other fees or refuse to negotiate discounts. Further, any sustained downturn in demand for EVs would also harm ChargePoint’s business.
ChargePoint may also experience significant interruptions of its manufacturing operations, delays in its ability to deliver products, or increased costs as a result of:
•the failure or inability to accurately forecast demand and obtain sufficient quantities of quality raw materials or replacement parts on a cost-effective basis;
•volatility in the availability and cost of materials or services, including rising prices due to inflation;
•shipment delays due to transportation interruptions or capacity constraints, such as reduced availability of air or ground transport or port closures;
•information technology or infrastructure failures, including those of a third party supplier or service provider;
•difficulties or delays in obtaining required import or export approvals;
•natural disasters or other events beyond ChargePoint’s control (such as earthquakes, utility interruptions, tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, storms or extreme weather conditions, fires, regional economic downturns, regional or global health epidemics); and
•geopolitical turmoil, including the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia or increased trade restrictions between the United States, Russia, China and other countries, social unrest, political instability, terrorism, or other acts of war which may further adversely impact supply chains, shipping, transportation and logistics disruptions.
Further, the United States has imposed extraordinary tariffs and extensive export controls targeted primarily at the semiconductor industry in China. If China retaliates to such measures or there is a conflict between China and Taiwan, which is a leading producer of semiconductors, there could be further disruption to the semiconductor industry and global supply chains. ChargePoint or the suppliers it procures components from may be unable to manufacture products at prices ChargePoint’s customers would accept, or at all. Any inability to pass on future increased costs to customers would put downward pressure on ChargePoint’s gross margins and adversely affect ChargePoint’s business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, while ChargePoint has not yet experienced a direct impact to its supply chain due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, ChargePoint may experience an impact in the future due to increased fuel and shipping costs, limited supply of components or replacement parts used by ChargePoint in its manufacturing process or the automotive industry in general, and delays caused by changes to global shipping routes and logistics. Such adverse impacts on ChargePoint’s supply chain could limit its ability to manufacture and sell its products on a timely and cost-effective basis and adversely affect its gross margins, which could materially adversely affect ChargePoint’s business and results of operations.
ChargePoint relies on a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers for its charging stations. A loss of any of these partners could negatively affect its business.
ChargePoint relies on a limited number of suppliers to manufacture its charging stations, including in some cases only a single supplier for some products and components. This reliance on a limited number of manufacturers increases ChargePoint’s risks, since it does not currently have proven reliable alternatives or replacement manufacturers beyond these key parties. In the event of interruption, including or resulting in a sudden failure by a supplier to meet its obligation, ChargePoint may not be able to increase capacity from other sources or develop alternate or secondary sources without incurring material additional costs and substantial delays. Thus, ChargePoint’s business could be adversely affected if one or more of its suppliers is impacted by any interruption at a particular location.
As the demand for EV charging increases, ChargePoint’s suppliers and contract manufacturers may not be able to dedicate sufficient supply chain, production or sales channel capacity to keep up with the required pace of charging infrastructure expansion. By relying on contract manufacturing, ChargePoint is dependent upon the manufacturer, whose interests may be different from ChargePoint’s. For example, ChargePoint’s suppliers and contract manufacturers may have other customers with demand for the same components or manufacturing services and may allocate their resources based on the supplier’s or manufacturer’s interests or needs to maximize their revenue or relationships with other customers rather than ChargePoint’s interest. As a result, ChargePoint may not be able to assure itself that it will have sufficient control over the supply of key components, inventory or finished goods in a timely manner or with acceptable cost and expense, which may adversely affect ChargePoint’s revenue, cost of goods and gross margins.
If ChargePoint experiences a significant increase in demand for its charging stations in future periods, or if it needs to replace an existing supplier, it may not be possible to supplement or replace them on acceptable terms, which may undermine its ability to deliver products to customers in a timely manner. For example, it may take a significant amount of time to identify a manufacturer that has the capability and resources to build charging stations in sufficient volume. Identifying suitable suppliers and manufacturers could be an extensive process that requires ChargePoint to become satisfied with such party’s quality control, technical capabilities, responsiveness and service, financial stability, regulatory compliance, and labor and other ethical practices. Accordingly, a loss of any significant suppliers or manufacturers could have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, ChargePoint’s suppliers may face supply chain risks and constraints of their own, which may impact the availability and pricing of its products. For example, supply chain challenges related to global chip shortages that have impacted companies worldwide both within and outside of ChargePoint’s industry may continue to have adverse effects on ChargePoint’s suppliers and, as a result, ChargePoint.
In addition, ChargePoint is subject to requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) to diligence, disclose and report whether or not its products contain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining countries, or conflict minerals. ChargePoint will incur additional costs to comply with these disclosure requirements, including costs related to determining the source of any of the relevant minerals and metals used in ChargePoint’s products. These requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, availability and pricing of minerals used in the components used in ChargePoint’s products. It is also possible that ChargePoint’s reputation may be adversely affected if it determines that certain of its products contain minerals not determined to be conflict-free or if it is unable to alter its products, processes or sources of supply to avoid use of such materials. ChargePoint may also encounter end-customers who require that all of the components of the products be certified as conflict-free. If ChargePoint is not able to meet this requirement, such end-customers may choose to purchase products from a different company.
ChargePoint’s business is subject to risks associated with construction, cost overruns and delays, and other contingencies that may arise in the course of completing installations, and such risks may increase in the future as ChargePoint expands the scope of such services with other parties.
ChargePoint does not typically install charging stations at customer sites. These installations are typically performed by ChargePoint partners or electrical contractors with an existing relationship with the customer and/or knowledge of the site. The installation of charging stations at a particular site is generally subject to oversight and regulation in accordance with state and local laws and ordinances relating to building codes, safety, environmental protection and related matters, and typically requires various local and other governmental approvals and permits that may vary by jurisdiction. In addition, building codes, accessibility requirements or regulations may hinder EV charger installation because they end up costing the developer or installer more in order to meet the code requirements. Meaningful delays or cost overruns may impact ChargePoint’s recognition of revenue in certain cases and/or impact customer relationships, either of which could impact ChargePoint’s business and profitability. In addition, the proper preparation, configuration and installation of charging stations requires specialized electrical certifications and skills. If ChargePoint is unable to identify sufficient partners and contractors to satisfy its customers’ installation needs, specifically electricians and construction partners with sufficient skill and expertise installing
charging stations, it may delay deployment projects or cause its customers to delay making an investment or commitment to purchase charging stations, which may adversely affect ChargePoint’s business.
Furthermore, ChargePoint may in the future elect to install charging stations at customer sites or manage contractors, likely as part of offering customers a turnkey solution. Working with contractors may require ChargePoint to obtain licenses or require it or its customers to comply with additional rules, working conditions and other union requirements, which can add costs and complexity to an installation project. In addition, if these contractors are unable to provide timely, thorough and quality installation-related services, customers could fall behind their construction schedules leading to liability of ChargePoint, or cause customers to become dissatisfied with the solutions ChargePoint offers and ChargePoint’s overall reputation would be harmed.
Acquisitions or strategic investments could be difficult to identify and integrate, divert the attention of key management personnel, disrupt ChargePoint’s business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
As part of ChargePoint’s business strategy, ChargePoint has made and continues to consider making acquisitions of, or investments in, businesses, services or technologies that are complementary to its existing business. For example, on August 11, 2021, ChargePoint acquired ViriCiti B.V. (“ViriCiti”), a provider of electrification solutions for eBus and commercial fleets, and on October 6, 2021, ChargePoint acquired has•to•be gmbh (“HTB”), an e-mobility and charging software platform. The process of identifying and consummating acquisitions and investments and the subsequent integration of new assets and businesses into ChargePoint’s own business, requires attention from management and could result in a diversion of resources from its existing business, which in turn could have an adverse effect on its operations. Acquired assets or businesses may not generate the expected financial results. Acquisitions or investments could also result in the use of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the occurrence of goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired business or investment. ChargePoint may also incur costs and management time on transactions that are ultimately not completed. In addition, ChargePoint’s due diligence may fail to identify all of the problems, liabilities or other shortcomings or challenges of an acquired business, product, technology or investment, including issues related to intellectual property, product quality or product architecture, regulatory compliance practices, revenue recognition or other accounting practices or issues with employees or customers.
ChargePoint’s acquisitions or investments may not ultimately strengthen its competitive position or achieve its goals and business strategy; ChargePoint may be subject to claims or liabilities assumed from an acquired company, product or technology; acquisitions or investments ChargePoint completes could be viewed negatively by its customers, investors and securities analysts; and ChargePoint may incur costs and expenses necessary to address an acquired company’s failure to comply with laws and governmental rules and regulations. Additionally, ChargePoint may be subject to litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, former stockholders or other third parties, which may differ from or be more significant than the risks ChargePoint’s business faces for similar litigation or other claims. An acquired company may also need to implement or improve its controls, procedures and policies, and ChargePoint may face risks associated if any of those controls, procedures or policies are insufficiently effective. ChargePoint may also face retention or cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into its organization. If ChargePoint is unsuccessful at integrating acquisitions or investments in a timely manner, the revenue and operating results of the combined company could be adversely affected. Any integration process may require significant time and resources, which may disrupt ChargePoint’s ongoing business and divert management’s attention, and ChargePoint may not be able to manage the integration process successfully or in a timely manner. ChargePoint may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired technology or personnel, realize anticipated synergies from the acquisition or investment, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition or investment transaction or the related integration of such acquisition or investment, including accounting charges and any potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets recognized in connection with such transaction. ChargePoint may have to pay cash, incur debt, or issue equity or equity-linked securities to pay for any acquisitions or investments, each of which could adversely affect its financial condition or the market price of its Common Stock. Furthermore, the sale of equity or issuance of equity-linked debt to finance any such transaction could result in dilution to ChargePoint’s stockholders. The occurrence of any of these risks could harm ChargePoint’s business, operating results and financial condition.
If ChargePoint is unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical, engineering and sales personnel, its ability to compete and successfully grow its business would be harmed.
ChargePoint’s success depends, in part, on its continuing ability to identify, hire, attract, train and develop and retain highly qualified personnel. The inability to do so effectively would adversely affect its business. For example, in fiscal year 2023, ChargePoint’s Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Technology Officer resigned and ChargePoint hired a new Chief Operating Officer. ChargePoint’s future performance depends on the continued services and continuing contributions of its senior management to execute on its business plan and to identify and pursue new opportunities and product innovations. The
loss of services of senior management, or the ineffective management of any leadership transitions, especially within ChargePoint’s sales organization, could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of its development and strategic objectives, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition and operating results.
Competition for employees can be intense, particularly in Silicon Valley where ChargePoint is headquartered, and the ability to attract, hire and retain them depends on ChargePoint’s ability to provide competitive compensation. In addition, future challenges related to ChargePoint’s “return-to-office” plans, hybrid work model or workplace practices could lead to attrition and difficulty attracting high-quality employees. ChargePoint may not be able to attract, assimilate, develop or retain qualified personnel in the future, and failure to do so could adversely affect its business, including the execution of its global business strategy.
ChargePoint is expanding operations internationally, particularly in Europe, which will expose it to additional tax, compliance, market and other risks.
ChargePoint’s primary operations are in the United States and it maintains contractual relationships with parts and manufacturing suppliers in the Asia-Pacific region, Mexico and other locations. Also, ChargePoint is continuing to invest to increase its presence in Europe, including by its acquisitions of ViriCiti and HTB, and to expand primarily research and development teams in Gurgaon, India, Reading, England and Radstadt, Austria. Managing these expansions requires additional resources and controls, and could subject ChargePoint to risks associated with international operations, including:
•cost of alternative power sources, which could vary meaningfully outside the United States;
•conformity with applicable business customs, including translation into foreign languages and associated expenses;
•lack of availability of government incentives and subsidies;
•challenges in arranging, and availability of, financing for customers;
•potential changes to its established business model;
•difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations in an environment of diverse culture, laws, and customers, and the increased travel, infrastructure, and legal and compliance costs associated with international operations;
•installation challenges;
•differing driving habits and transportation modalities in other markets;
•different levels of demand among commercial, fleet and residential customers;
•compliance with multiple, potentially conflicting and changing governmental laws, regulations, certifications, and permitting processes including environmental, banking, employment, tax, information security, privacy, and data protection laws and regulations such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and newer state privacy laws in the United States, the European Union (the “EU”) General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), national legislation implementing the same, the United Kingdom Data Protection Act 2018 (“UK GDPR”), and certain other changing requirements for legally transferring data out of the European Economic Area;
•compliance with U.S. and foreign anti-bribery laws including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act of 2020 (the “Anti-Bribery Act”);
•conforming products to various international regulatory and safety requirements as well as charging and other electric infrastructures;
•difficulty in establishing, staffing and managing foreign operations;
•difficulties in collecting payments in foreign currencies and associated foreign currency exposure;
•restrictions on repatriation of earnings;
•compliance with potentially conflicting and changing laws of taxing jurisdictions and compliance with applicable U.S. tax laws as they relate to international operations, the complexity and adverse consequences of such tax laws, and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in such tax laws; and
•regional economic and political conditions, including the outbreak of war or other hostilities.
As a result of these risks, ChargePoint’s current expansion efforts and any potential future international expansion efforts may not be successful.
Some members of ChargePoint’s management have limited experience in operating a public company.
Some of ChargePoint’s executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly-traded company. The management team may not successfully or effectively continue the management of a public company that is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws, particularly in light of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) increasing focus on former shell companies.
Their limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities, which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of ChargePoint. ChargePoint may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal control over financial reporting required of public companies. The development and implementation of the standards and controls and the hiring of experienced personnel necessary to achieve the level of accounting standards required of a public company may require greater costs than expected.
ChargePoint’s future revenue growth will depend in significant part on its ability to increase sales of its products and services to fleet operators.
ChargePoint’s future revenue growth will depend in significant part on its ability to increase sales of its products and services to fleet operators. The electrification of fleets is an emerging market, and fleet operators may not adopt EVs on a widespread basis and on the timelines ChargePoint anticipates. In addition to the factors affecting the growth of the EV market generally, transitioning to an EV fleet can be costly and capital intensive, which could result in slower than anticipated adoption. The sales cycle could also be longer for sales to fleet operators, as they are often larger organizations, with more formal procurement processes than smaller commercial site hosts. Fleet operators may also require significant additional services and support, and if ChargePoint is unable to provide such services and support, it may adversely affect its ability to attract additional fleet operators as customers. Any failure to attract and retain fleet operators as customers in the future would adversely affect ChargePoint’s business and results of operations.
ChargePoint faces risks related to global epidemics and health pandemics which could have a material and adverse effect on its business and results of operations.
ChargePoint faces risks related to global epidemics and health pandemics, like the COVID-19 pandemic, which may create significant volatility in the global economy and may have a long-lasting adverse impact on ChargePoint and its industry. For instance, such epidemics may cause local, regional or national governments to implement measures to contain pandemic risks, such as travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place order or business shutdowns. Any of these measures may adversely affect ChargePoint’s employees and operations and the operations of its customers, suppliers, vendors and business partners, and may negatively impact demand for EV charging stations, particularly at workplaces, or the supply of components necessary for the manufacture of charging stations.
For example, during calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ChargePoint modified its business practices by recommending that all non-essential personnel work from home and cancelling or reducing physical participation in sales activities, meetings, events and conferences. As a result, many non-essential ChargePoint personnel have been working from home for almost three years in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2022, ChargePoint commenced a “return-to-office” plan, which included shifting to a hybrid model where employees have the flexibility to work from home or from the office. In the spring of 2023, ChargePoint further refined its hybrid model to require most employees to return to office at least three days a week. A hybrid work model may create challenges, including challenges maintaining ChargePoint’s corporate culture, increasing attrition or limiting ChargePoint’s ability to attract employees if individuals prefer to continue working full time at home, or if there are instances of COVID-19 infections at the office. Future challenges related to ChargePoint’s “return-to-office” plans, hybrid work model or workplace practices could lead to attrition and difficulty attracting high-quality employees.
The effect of future health pandemics on ChargePoint’s business, prospects and results of operations will depend on their duration and sustained impact. Difficult macroeconomic conditions, such as supply shortages, increased inflation, increased and prolonged unemployment or a decline in consumer confidence as a result of pandemics, as well as reduced spending by businesses, could have a material adverse effect on the demand for ChargePoint’s products and services. The effect of, or even
the threats of, a new global pandemic can also vary over time and across the geographies in which ChargePoint operates. For example, variations in “work-from-home” or “return-to-office” policies can cause fluctuations in ChargePoint’s revenues because conditions caused by global pandemics, such as more permanent work-from-home policies, are likely to continue affecting the rate of global infrastructure spending, and thus to continue to adversely impact ChargePoint’s gross margins as ChargePoint’s commercial business tends to contribute higher gross margins than its residential and fleet businesses. Even after the acute impact from any pandemic has subsided, ChargePoint may continue to experience an adverse impact to its business as a result of the pandemic’s global economic impact, including any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future.
Adverse economic conditions or reduced spending by ChargePoint’s customers may adversely impact its business.
ChargePoint’s business depends on the economic health of its current and prospective customers and overall demand for EV charging infrastructure. In addition, the purchase of ChargePoint products and services is often discretionary and typically involves a significant commitment of capital and other resources. Over the past year, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have experienced historically high levels of inflation. In response to high levels of inflation and recession fears, the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England have raised, and may continue to raise, interest rates and implement fiscal policy interventions. Even if these interventions lower inflation, they may also reduce economic growth rates, create a recession, and have other similar effects. A further downturn in macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation and interest rates; supply chain disruptions; global political and economic uncertainty; geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the possibility of conflict or sanctions between the United States and China; a lack of availability of credit; financial services sector instability; a reduction in business confidence and activity; and other factors have in the past, and may in the future, negatively affect the industries to which ChargePoint sell its products and services. ChargePoint’s customers may suffer from reduced operating budgets, which could cause them to defer, reduce, or forego purchases of ChargePoint’s products or services. Moreover, competitors may respond to market conditions by lowering prices, which may make the prices for ChargePoint’s products and services less competitive or cause ChargePoint to reduce its prices, which in turn may reduce ChargePoint’s gross margins and adversely affect ChargePoint’s growth. Uncertainty about global and regional economic conditions, a downturn in the sale or delivery of EVs, or a reduction in EV infrastructure spending even if economic conditions are stable, could adversely impact ChargePoint’s business, financial condition, and results of operations.
ChargePoint is highly reliant on its networked charging solution and information technology systems and data, and those of its service providers and component suppliers, any of which systems and data may be subject to cyber-attacks, service disruptions or other security incidents, which could result in data breaches, loss or interruption of services, intellectual property theft, claims, litigation, regulatory investigations, significant liability, reputational damage and other adverse consequences.
ChargePoint continues to expand its information technology systems in the form of its networked charging solution, and as its operations grow its internal information technology systems, such as product data management, procurement, inventory management, production planning and execution, sales, service and logistics, financial, tax and regulatory compliance systems. This includes the implementation of new internally developed systems and the deployment of such systems in the United States and abroad. The implementation, maintenance, segregation and improvement of these systems require significant management time, support and cost, and there are inherent risks associated with developing, improving and expanding ChargePoint’s core systems as well as implementing new systems and updating current systems, including disruptions to the related areas of business operations. These risks may affect ChargePoint’s ability to manage its data and inventory, procure parts or supplies or manufacture, sell, deliver and service products, adequately protect its intellectual property or achieve and maintain compliance with, or realize available benefits under, tax laws and other applicable regulations.
While ChargePoint maintains information technology measures designed to protect it against intellectual property theft, data breaches, sabotage and other external or internal cyber-attacks or misappropriation, its systems and those of its service providers are potentially vulnerable to malware, ransomware, viruses, denial-of-service attacks, phishing attacks, social engineering, computer hacking, unauthorized access, exploitation of bugs, defects and vulnerabilities, breakdowns, damage, interruptions, system malfunctions, power outages, terrorism, acts of vandalism, security breaches, security incidents, inadvertent or intentional actions by employees or other third parties, and other cyber-attacks. To the extent any security incident results in unauthorized access or damage to or acquisition, use, corruption, loss, destruction, alteration or dissemination of ChargePoint data, including intellectual property and personal information, or ChargePoint products, or for it to be believed or reported that any of these occurred, it could disrupt ChargePoint’s business, harm its reputation, compel it to comply with applicable data breach notification laws, subject it to time consuming, distracting and expensive litigation, regulatory investigation and oversight, mandatory corrective action, require it to verify the correctness of database contents, or otherwise subject it to liability under laws, regulations and contractual obligations, including those that protect the privacy and security of personal information. This could result in increased costs to ChargePoint and result in significant legal and financial exposure and/or reputational harm.
Because ChargePoint also relies on third-party service providers, it cannot guarantee that its service providers’ and component suppliers’ systems have not been breached or that they do not contain exploitable defects, bugs, or vulnerabilities that could result in a security incident, or other disruption to, ChargePoint’s or ChargePoint’s service providers’ or component suppliers’ systems. ChargePoint’s ability to monitor its service providers’ and component suppliers’ security measures is limited, and, in any event, malicious third parties may be able to circumvent those security measures.
If ChargePoint does not successfully implement, maintain or expand its information technology systems as planned, its operations may be disrupted, its ability to accurately and/or timely report its financial results could be impaired and deficiencies may arise in its internal control over financial reporting, which may impact its ability to certify its financial results (see also “Risks Related to Legal Matters and Regulations--ChargePoint may face litigation and other risks as a result of the material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and the restatement of its financial statements,” and “Financial, Tax and Accounting-Related Risks--ChargePoint has identified, and has previously identified, material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If ChargePoint is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if ChargePoint identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, this may result in material misstatements contained within ChargePoint’s consolidated financial statements or cause ChargePoint to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations,” for more detail). Moreover, ChargePoint’s proprietary information, including intellectual property and personal information, could be compromised or misappropriated, its reputation may be adversely affected if these systems or their functionality do not operate as expected and ChargePoint may be required to expend significant resources to make corrections or find alternative sources for performing these functions.
Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking, phishing attacks and similar disruptions could result in security and privacy breaches and interruption in service, which could harm ChargePoint’s business.
Computer malware, viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions could lead to interruption and delays in ChargePoint’s services and operations and loss, misuse or theft of data. Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking and phishing attacks against online networks have become more prevalent and may occur on ChargePoint’s systems in the future. Cyber security organizations in many countries have published warnings of increased cybersecurity threats to U.S. businesses, and external events, like the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, may increase the likelihood of cybersecurity attacks, particularly directed at energy, fueling or infrastructure service providers. Any attempts by cyber attackers to disrupt ChargePoint’s services or systems, if successful, could harm its business, introduce liability to data subjects, result in the misappropriation of funds, be expensive to remedy, subject ChargePoint to substantial fines, penalties, damages and other liabilities under applicable laws and regulations, lead to a loss of protection of its intellectual property or trade secrets and damage its reputation or brand. Insurance may not be sufficient to cover significant expenses and losses related to cyber-attacks. Efforts to prevent cyber attackers from entering computer systems are expensive to implement, and ChargePoint may not be able to cause the implementation or enforcement of such preventions with respect to its third-party vendors. Though it is difficult to determine what, if any, harm may directly result from any specific interruption or attack, any failure to maintain performance, reliability, security and availability of systems and technical infrastructure may, in addition to other losses, harm ChargePoint’s reputation, brand and ability to attract customers.
ChargePoint has previously experienced, and may in the future experience, service disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, third-party service providers, component supplier and manufacturer disruptions, human or software errors and capacity constraints. If ChargePoint’s services are unavailable when users attempt to access them, they may seek other services, which could reduce demand for ChargePoint’s solutions from target customers.
ChargePoint has processes and procedures in place designed to enable it to quickly recover from a disaster or catastrophe and continue business operations and has tested this capability under controlled circumstances. However, there are several factors ranging from human error to data corruption that could materially impact the efficacy of such processes and procedures, including by lengthening the time services are partially or fully unavailable to customers and users. It may be difficult or impossible to perform some or all recovery steps and continue normal business operations due to the nature of a particular disaster or catastrophe, especially during peak periods, which could cause additional reputational damages, or loss of revenue, any of which could adversely affect its business and financial results.
ChargePoint’s business is subject to risks associated with natural disasters and the adverse effects associated with climate change, including earthquakes, wildfires, or other types of natural disasters or resource shortages, including public safety power shut-offs that have occurred and may continue to occur in California, the effects of which could disrupt and harm its operations and those of ChargePoint’s customers.
ChargePoint conducts a majority of its operations in the San Francisco Bay Area in an area projected to be vulnerable to future water scarcity and sea level rise due to climate change as well as in an active earthquake zone. The occurrence of a
natural disaster such as an earthquake, drought, flood, fire (such as the increasingly frequent wildfires in California), localized extended outages of critical utilities (such as California’s public safety power shut-offs) or transportation systems, or any critical resource shortages could cause a significant interruption in its business, damage or destroy ChargePoint’s facilities or inventories, and cause it to incur significant costs, any of which could harm its business, financial condition and results of operations. The insurance ChargePoint maintains against fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters may not be adequate to cover losses in any particular case.
In addition, rolling public safety power shut-offs in California or other states can affect user acceptance of EVs, as charging may be unavailable at the desired times, or at all during these events. These shut-offs could also affect the ability of fleet operators to charge their EVs, which, for example, could adversely affect transportation schedules or any service level agreements to which either ChargePoint or the fleet operator may be a party. If these events persist, the demand for EVs could decline, which would result in reduced demand for charging solutions.
Seasonality may cause fluctuations in ChargePoint’s revenue.
ChargePoint believes there are seasonal factors that may cause ChargePoint to record higher revenue in some quarters compared with others. A significant share of ChargePoint’s annual revenues are typically generated in the fourth fiscal quarter, which coincides with customers with a December 31 year-end choosing to spend remaining unused portions of their budgets. ChargePoint’s revenues have historically been lower in its first fiscal quarter than its preceding fourth quarter, due to, in part, unfavorable weather conditions which result in a decrease in construction activity during the winter months, periods of wet weather and times when other weather and climate conditions would impair construction activity. While ChargePoint believes it has visibility into the seasonality of its business, various factors, including difficult weather conditions (such as flooding, hurricanes, prolonged rain or periods of unseasonably cold temperatures or snowstorms) in any quarter, may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.
ChargePoint is susceptible to risks associated with an increased focus by stakeholders and regulators on climate change, which may adversely affect its business and results of operations.
Climate-related events, including the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their impact on critical infrastructure in the United States and elsewhere, have the potential to disrupt ChargePoint’s business and those of its third-party suppliers, and customers, and may cause ChargePoint to experience higher attrition, losses and additional costs to maintain or resume operations. In addition, ChargePoint’s customers may begin to establish sourcing requirements related to sustainability. As a result, ChargePoint may receive requests for sustainability related information about its products, business operations, use of sustainable materials and packaging. ChargePoint’s inability to comply with these and other sustainability requirements in the future could adversely affect sales of and demand for its products.
Further, there is an increased focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, investors, customers, and other stakeholders, on climate change matters, including increased pressure to expand disclosures related to the physical and transition risks related to climate change or to establish sustainability goals, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which could expose ChargePoint to market, operational and execution costs or risks. ChargePoint’s failure to establish such sustainability targets or targets that are perceived to be appropriate, as well as to achieve progress on those targets on a timely basis, or at all, could adversely affect the reputation of its brand and sales of and demand for its products. To the extent legislation is passed, such as proposed rules by the SEC with respect to enhanced and standardized climate-related disclosures, ChargePoint would incur significant additional costs of compliance due to the need for expanded data collection, analysis, and certification with respect to greenhouse gas emissions and other climate change related risks. ChargePoint may also incur additional costs or require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with such stakeholder expectations and standards and legislation, and to meet climate change targets and commitments if established.
Risks Related to the EV Market
ChargePoint’s future growth and success is highly correlated with and thus dependent upon the continuing rapid adoption of EVs for passenger and fleet applications.
ChargePoint’s future growth is highly dependent upon the adoption of EVs by businesses and consumers. The market for EVs is still rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, competitive pricing and competitive factors, evolving government regulation and industry standards and changing consumer demands and behaviors, changing levels of concern related to environmental issues and governmental initiatives related to energy independence, climate change and the environment generally. Although demand for EVs has grown in recent years, there is no guarantee of continuing future demand. If the market for EVs develops more slowly than expected, or if demand for EVs decreases, ChargePoint’s business, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be harmed. The market for EVs could be affected by numerous factors, such as:
•perceptions about EV features, quality, safety, performance and cost;
•perceptions about the limited range over which EVs may be driven on a single battery charge;
•competition, including from other types of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and high fuel-economy internal combustion engine vehicles;
•volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline, including as a result of trade restrictions;
•concerns regarding the reliability and stability of the electrical grid;
•the change in an EV battery’s ability to hold a charge over time;
•the availability and reliability of a national electric vehicle charging network or infrastructure;
•availability of maintenance and repair services for EVs;
•consumers’ perception about the convenience and cost of charging EVs;
•increases in fuel efficiency of non-electric vehicles;
•government regulations and economic incentives, including adverse changes in, or expiration of, favorable tax incentives related to EVs, EV charging stations or decarbonization generally;
•relaxation of government mandates or quotas regarding the sale of EVs; and
•concerns about the future viability of EV manufacturers.
In addition, sales of vehicles in the automotive industry can be cyclical, which may affect growth in acceptance of EVs. It is uncertain how macroeconomic factors will impact demand for EVs, particularly since EVs can be more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Furthermore, because fleet operators often make large purchases of EVs, this cyclicality and volatility in the automotive industry may be more pronounced with commercial purchasers, and any significant decline in demand from these customers could reduce demand for EV charging and ChargePoint’s products and services in particular.
Demand for EVs may also be affected by factors directly impacting automobile prices or the cost of purchasing and operating automobiles, such as sales and financing incentives, prices of raw materials and parts and components, cost of fuel and governmental regulations, including tariffs, import regulation and other taxes. Further, the automotive industry in general and EV manufacturing have experienced recent substantial supply chain interruptions due in part to COVID-19 and a worldwide semiconductor shortage adversely impacting the automotive industry, resulting in reduced EV production schedules and sales. Volatility in demand or delays in EV production due to global supply chain constraints may lead to lower vehicle unit sales, which may result in reduced demand for EV charging solutions and therefore adversely affect ChargePoint’s business, financial condition and operating results.
The EV market currently benefits from the availability of rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives from governments, utilities and others to offset the purchase or operating costs of EVs and EV charging stations. The reduction, modification, or elimination of such benefits could cause reduced demand for EVs and EV charging stations, which would adversely affect ChargePoint’s financial results.
The U.S. federal government, foreign governments and some state and local governments provide incentives to end users and purchasers of EVs and EV charging stations in the form of rebates, tax credits and regulations like clean fuel programs, which can provide other financial incentives. The EV market benefits from these governmental rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives to significantly lower the effective price of EVs and EV charging stations to customers. For example, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law on November 15, 2021 provided additional funding for EVs and EV charging infrastructure through the creation of new programs and grants and the expansion of existing programs, including $7.5 billion for EV charging along highway corridors. In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 signed into law on August 16, 2022 includes numerous incentives and tax credits aimed at reducing the effects of climate change, such as the extension of EV charging infrastructure tax credits under Section 30C and tax credits for EVs under Section 30D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) through 2032. However, these incentives may expire on a particular date, end when the allocated funding is exhausted, or be reduced or terminated as a matter of regulatory or legislative policy. Any other reduction in rebates, tax credits or other financial incentives for EVs or EV charging stations could materially reduce the demand for EVs and ChargePoint’s solutions and, as a result, may adversely impact ChargePoint’s business and expansion potential.
ChargePoint also derives other revenue as set forth on its condensed consolidated statements of operations from regulatory credits. If government support of these credits declines, ChargePoint’s ability to generate this other revenue in the future would be adversely affected. In years prior to fiscal year 2021, ChargePoint has derived a slight majority of its other revenue from regulatory credits. However, revenue from this source as a percentage of other and total revenue has declined in recent quarters and it may continue to decline over time. Further, the availability of such credits may decline even with general governmental support of the transition to EV infrastructure.
Changes to fuel economy standards or the success of alternative fuels may negatively impact the EV market and thus the demand for ChargePoint’s products and services.
As regulations have required an increase in the mileage capabilities of cars, consumption of renewable transportation fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, and the prevalence of other alternative vehicles has been increasing. If fuel efficiency of non-electric vehicles continues to rise, whether as the result of regulations or otherwise, and affordability of vehicles using renewable transportation fuels improves, the demand for EVs could diminish. In addition, the EV fueling model is different than gas or other fuel models, requiring behavior change and education of influencers, consumers and others such as regulatory bodies. Developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol, fuel cells or compressed natural gas, or improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine, may materially and adversely affect demand for EVs and EV charging stations. For example, fuel which is abundant and relatively inexpensive in the United States, such as compressed natural gas, may emerge as a preferred alternative to petroleum-based propulsion. Regulatory bodies may also adopt rules that substantially favor certain alternatives to petroleum-based propulsion over others, which may not necessarily be EVs, or may adopt rules to eliminate, modify or reduce penalties or incentives to maintain minimum fuel economy standards. Any of these changes may impose additional obstacles to the purchase of EVs or the development of a more ubiquitous EV market. If any of the above influence consumers or businesses to no longer purchase EVs or purchase them at a lower rate, it would materially and adversely affect ChargePoint’s business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
The EV charging market is characterized by rapid technological changes often due to technical improvements, regulatory requirements and customer requirements, which requires ChargePoint to continue to develop new products and product innovations. Any delays in such development could adversely affect market adoption of its products and ChargePoint’s financial results.
Continuing technological changes in battery and other EV technologies could adversely affect adoption of current EV charging technology and/or ChargePoint’s products. ChargePoint’s future success will depend upon its ability to develop and introduce a variety of new capabilities and innovations to its existing product offerings, as well as introduce a variety of new product offerings, to address the changing needs of the EV charging market. As new products are introduced, gross margins tend to decline in the near term and improve as the product becomes more mature with a more efficient manufacturing process.
As EV technologies change or governmental regulations impose new requirements on EV charging technology, ChargePoint may need to upgrade or adapt its charging station technology and introduce new products and services in order to serve vehicles that have the latest technology, in particular battery cell technology, or comply with new governmental regulations, which could involve substantial costs. Even if ChargePoint is able to keep pace with changes in technology and
develop new products and services, its research and development expenses could increase, its gross margins could be adversely affected in some periods and its prior products could become obsolete or non-compliant with governmental regulations more quickly than expected. ChargePoint may also incur additional costs and expenses related to new product transitions such as adverse impacts due to supply chain failures to procure sufficient new product components, purchase price variances, or inventory obsolescence costs related to new product transitions, including as the result of any failure on the part of ChargePoint to meet its own estimates and projections. ChargePoint cannot guarantee that any new products will be released in a timely manner, or at all, or achieve market acceptance. Delays in delivering new products that meet customer requirements could damage ChargePoint’s relationships with customers and lead them to seek alternative providers. Delays in introducing products and innovations or the failure to offer innovative products or services at competitive prices may cause existing and potential customers to purchase ChargePoint’s competitors’ products or services. Finally, new or changing state or federal regulations may result in delays related to the development of new products or modifications to existing products in order to come into compliance and any such delays may result in customer’s selecting alternative providers or result in delays related to ChargePoint’s ability to install, sell or distribute its charging station technology.
If ChargePoint is unable to devote adequate resources to develop products or cannot otherwise successfully develop products or services that meet customer and regulatory requirements on a timely basis or that remain competitive with technological alternatives, its products and services could lose market share, its revenue may decline, it may experience higher operating losses and its business and prospects may be adversely affected.
Certain statements ChargePoint makes about estimates of market opportunity and forecasts of market growth may prove to be inaccurate.
From time to time, ChargePoint makes statements with estimates of the addressable market for ChargePoint’s solutions and the EV market in general. Market opportunity estimates and growth forecasts, whether obtained from third-party sources or developed internally, are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove to be inaccurate. This is especially so at the present time due to the uncertainties associated with worldwide supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic effects of inflation, rising interest rates, adverse conditions in the financial services industry and market and geopolitical volatility. The estimates and forecasts relating to the size and expected growth of the target EV market, market demand and adoption, capacity to address this demand and pricing may also prove to be inaccurate. In particular, estimates regarding the current and projected EV market opportunity are difficult to predict. The estimated addressable EV market may not materialize for many years, if ever, and even if the markets meet the size estimates and growth forecasts, ChargePoint’s business could fail to grow at similar rates.
Risks Related to ChargePoint’s Technology, Intellectual Property and Infrastructure
ChargePoint’s business may be adversely affected if it is unable to protect its technology and intellectual property from unauthorized use by third parties.
ChargePoint’s success depends, at least in part, on ChargePoint’s ability to obtain, maintain, enforce and protect its core technology and intellectual property. To accomplish this, ChargePoint relies on, and plans to continue relying on, a combination of patents, trade secrets (including know-how), employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, copyright, trademarks, intellectual property licenses and other contractual rights to retain ownership of, and protect, its technology. Despite ChargePoint’s efforts to obtain, maintain, enforce and protect intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that these steps will be available in all cases or will be adequate to prevent ChargePoint’s competitors or other third-parties from copying, reverse engineering, or otherwise obtaining and using its technology or products or seeking court declarations that they do not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate its intellectual property. Failure to adequately protect its technology and intellectual property could result in competitors offering similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of ChargePoint’s competitive advantage and a decrease in revenue which would adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The measures ChargePoint takes to protect its technology intellectual property from unauthorized use by others may not be effective for various reasons, including the following:
•any patent applications ChargePoint submits may not result in the issuance of patents;
•the scope of issued patents may not be broad enough to protect its inventions and proprietary rights;
•any issued patents may be challenged by competitors and/or invalidated by courts or governmental authorities;
•ChargePoint may not be the first inventor of the subject matter to which it has filed a particular patent application, and it may not be the first party to file such a patent application;
•Patents have a finite term, and competitors and other third-parties may offer identical or similar products after the expiration of ChargePoint’s patents that cover such products;
•the costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and invention agreements or other intellectual property rights may make aggressive enforcement impracticable;
•current and future competitors may circumvent patents or independently develop similar trade secrets or works of authorship, such as software;
•know-how and other proprietary information ChargePoint purports to hold as a trade secret may not qualify as a trade secret under applicable laws;
•ChargePoint’s employees, contractors or business partners may breach their confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-use obligations; and
•proprietary designs and technology embodied in ChargePoint’s products may be discoverable by third-parties through means that do not constitute violations of applicable laws.
Patent, trademark, and trade secret laws vary significantly throughout the world. Some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Further, policing the unauthorized use of ChargePoint’s intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions may be difficult or impossible. Therefore, ChargePoint’s intellectual property rights may not be as strong or as easily enforced outside of the United States.
Certain patents in the EV space may come to be considered “standards essential.” If this is the case with respect to any of ChargePoint’s patents, it may be required to license certain technology on “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory” terms, decreasing revenue. Further, competitors, vendors, or customers may, in certain instances, be free to create variations or derivative works of ChargePoint technology and intellectual property, and those derivative works may become directly competitive with ChargePoint’s offerings. Finally, ChargePoint may not be able to leverage, or obtain ownership of, all technology and intellectual property developed by ChargePoint’s vendors in connection with design and manufacture of ChargePoint’s products, thereby jeopardizing ChargePoint’s ability to obtain a competitive advantage over its competitors.
It is ChargePoint’s policy to enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with its employees and contractors that have developed material intellectual property for ChargePoint, but these agreements may not be self-executing and may not otherwise adequately protect ChargePoint’s intellectual property, particularly with respect to conflicts of ownership relating to work product generated by employees and contractors. Furthermore, ChargePoint cannot be certain that these agreements will not be breached, and that third-parties will not gain access to its trade secrets, know-how and other proprietary technology. Third-parties may also independently develop the same or substantially similar proprietary technology. Monitoring unauthorized use of ChargePoint’s intellectual property is difficult and costly, as are the steps ChargePoint has taken or will take to prevent misappropriation.
To prevent unauthorized use of ChargePoint’s intellectual property, it may be necessary to prosecute actions for infringement, misappropriation or other violation of ChargePoint’s intellectual property against third-parties. Any such action could result in significant costs and diversion of ChargePoint’s resources and management’s attention, and there can be no assurance that ChargePoint will be successful in any such action. Furthermore, ChargePoint’s current and potential competitors may have the ability to dedicate substantially greater resources to enforce their intellectual property rights than ChargePoint does. Accordingly, ChargePoint may not be able to prevent third-parties from infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating its intellectual property. Any of the foregoing may adversely affect ChargePoint’s revenues or results of operations.
ChargePoint may need to defend against intellectual property infringement or misappropriation claims, which may be time-consuming and expensive.
From time to time, the holders of intellectual property rights may assert their rights and urge ChargePoint to enter into licenses, and/or may bring suits alleging infringement, misappropriation or other violation of such rights. There can be no assurance that ChargePoint will be able to mitigate the risk of potential suits or other legal demands by competitors or other third-parties. Accordingly, ChargePoint may consider entering into licensing agreements with respect to such rights, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur, and such licenses and associated litigation could significantly increase ChargePoint’s operating expenses. In addition, if ChargePoint is
determined to have or believes there is a high likelihood that it has infringed upon, misappropriated or otherwise violated a third-party’s intellectual property rights, it may be required to cease making, selling or incorporating certain key components or intellectual property into the products and services it offers, to pay substantial damages and/or royalties, to redesign its products and services, and/or to establish and maintain alternative branding. In addition, to the extent that ChargePoint’s customers and business partners become the subject of any allegation or claim regarding the infringement, misappropriation or other violation of intellectual property rights related to ChargePoint’s products and services, ChargePoint may be required to indemnify such customers and business partners. If ChargePoint were required to take one or more such actions, its business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs, negative publicity and diversion of resources and management attention.
ChargePoint expects to incur research and development costs and devote significant resources to developing new products, which could significantly reduce its profitability and may never result in revenue to ChargePoint.
ChargePoint’s future growth depends on penetrating new markets, adapting existing products to new applications and customer requirements, and introducing new products that achieve market acceptance. ChargePoint plans to incur significant research and development costs in the future as part of its efforts to design, develop, manufacture and introduce new products and enhance existing products. ChargePoint’s research and development expenses were $49.4 million, $195.0 million, $145.0 million, and $75.0 million during the three months ended April 30, 2023, and during the fiscal years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are likely to grow in the future. Further, ChargePoint’s research and development program may not produce successful results, and its new products may not achieve market acceptance, create additional revenue or become profitable.
The current lack of international standards may lead to uncertainty, additional competition and further unexpected costs.
Lack of industry standards for EV station management, coupled with utilities and other large organizations mandating their own adoption of specifications that have not become widely adopted in the industry, may hinder innovation or slow new product or new feature introduction.
In addition, automobile manufacturers may choose to utilize their own proprietary systems, which could lock out competition for EV charging stations, or to use their size and market position to influence the market, which could limit ChargePoint’s market and reach to customers, negatively impacting its business.
Further, should regulatory bodies later impose a standard that is not compatible with ChargePoint’s infrastructure, it may incur significant costs to adapt its business model to the new regulatory standard, which may require significant time and, as a result, may have a material and adverse effect on its revenue or results of operations.
ChargePoint’s technology could have undetected defects, errors or bugs in hardware or software which could reduce market adoption, damage its reputation with current or prospective customers, and/or expose it to product liability and other claims that could materially and adversely affect its business.
ChargePoint may be subject to claims that charging stations have malfunctioned and persons were injured or purported to be injured. Any insurance that ChargePoint carries may not be sufficient or it may not apply to all situations. Similarly, to the extent that such malfunctions are related to components obtained from third-party vendors, such vendors may not assume responsibility for such malfunctions. In addition, ChargePoint’s customers could be subjected to claims as a result of such incidents and may bring legal claims against ChargePoint to attempt to hold it liable. Any of these events could adversely affect ChargePoint’s brand, relationships with customers, operating results or financial condition.
Furthermore, ChargePoint’s software platform is complex, developed for over a decade by many developers, and includes a number of licensed third-party commercial and open-source software libraries. ChargePoint’s software has contained defects and errors and may in the future contain undetected defects or errors. ChargePoint is continuing to evolve the features and functionality of its platform through updates and enhancements, and as it does, it may introduce additional defects or errors that may not be detected until after deployment to customers. In addition, if ChargePoint’s products and services, including any updates or patches, are not implemented or used correctly or as intended, inadequate performance and disruptions in service may result.
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 ChargePoint’s business and results of its operations:
•expenditure of significant financial and product development resources, including recalls, in efforts to analyze, correct, eliminate or work around errors or defects;
•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;
•exposure of confidential or proprietary information;
•diversion of development and customer service resources;
•breach of warranty claims;
•legal claims under applicable laws, rules and regulations; and
•an increase in collection cycles for accounts receivable or the expense and risk of litigation.
Although ChargePoint has contractual protections, such as warranty disclaimers and limitation of liability provisions, in many of its agreements with customers, resellers and other business partners, such protections may not be uniformly implemented in all contracts and, where implemented, may not fully or effectively protect it from claims by customers, resellers, business partners or other third-parties. Any insurance coverage or indemnification obligations of suppliers may not adequately cover all such claims or cover only a portion of such claims. A successful product liability, warranty, or other similar claim could have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, even claims that ultimately are unsuccessful could result in expenditure of funds in litigation, divert management’s time and other resources and cause reputational harm.
Some of ChargePoint’s products contain open-source software, which may pose particular risks to its proprietary software, products and services in a manner that could harm its business.
ChargePoint uses open-source software in its products and anticipates using open-source software in the future. Some open-source software licenses require those who distribute open-source software as part of their own software product to publicly disclose all or part of the source code to such software product or to make available any derivative works of the open-source code on unfavorable terms or at no cost, and ChargePoint may be subject to such terms. The terms of many open-source licenses have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts, and there is a risk that open source software licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on ChargePoint’s ability to provide or distribute ChargePoint’s products or services.
In addition, ChargePoint relies on some open-source software and libraries issued under the General Public License (or similar “copyleft” licenses) for development of its products and may continue to rely on similar copyleft licenses. Third-parties may assert a copyright claim against ChargePoint regarding its use of such software or libraries, which could lead to a limitation of ChargePoint’s use of such software or libraries. Use of such software or libraries may also force ChargePoint to provide third-parties, at no cost, the source code to its proprietary software, which may decrease revenue and lessen any competitive advantage ChargePoint has due to the secrecy of its source code.
ChargePoint could face claims from third-parties claiming ownership of, or demanding release of, the open-source software or derivative works that ChargePoint developed using such software, which could include ChargePoint’s proprietary source code, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open-source license. These claims could result in litigation and could require ChargePoint to make its software source code freely available, purchase a costly license or cease offering the implicated products or services unless and until ChargePoint can re-engineer them to avoid infringement, which may be a costly and time-consuming process, and ChargePoint may not be able to complete the re-engineering process successfully.
Additionally, the use of certain open-source software can lead to greater risks than use of third-party commercial software, as open-source licensors generally do not provide warranties or controls on the origin of software. There is typically no support available for open-source software, and ChargePoint cannot ensure that the authors of such open-source software will implement or push updates to address security risks or will not abandon further development and maintenance. Many of the risks associated with the use of open-source software, such as the lack of warranties or assurances of title or performance, cannot be eliminated, and could, if not properly addressed, have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s business and results.
Interruptions, delays in service or inability to increase capacity, including internationally, at third-party data center facilities could impair the use or functionality of ChargePoint’s subscription services, harm its business and subject it to liability.
ChargePoint currently serves customers from third-party data center facilities operated by Amazon Web Services (“AWS”) located in the United States, Europe and Canada. Any outage or failure of such data centers could negatively affect ChargePoint’s product connectivity and performance. ChargePoint’s primary environments are behind the Content Delivery Network operated by Cloudflare, Inc. (“Cloudflare”), and any interruptions of Cloudflare’s services could negatively affect ChargePoint’s product connectivity and performance. Furthermore, ChargePoint depends on connectivity from its charging stations to its data centers through cellular service providers, such as Verizon. Any incident affecting a data center facility’s or a cellular service provider’s infrastructure or operations, whether caused by fire, flood, severe storm, earthquake, or other natural disasters, power loss, telecommunications failures, breach of security protocols, computer viruses and disabling devices, failure of access control mechanisms, war, criminal act, military actions, terrorist attacks and other similar events could negatively affect the use, functionality or availability of ChargePoint’s services.
Any damage to, or failure of, ChargePoint’s systems, or those of its third-party providers, could interrupt or hinder the use or functionality of its services. Impairment of or interruptions in ChargePoint’s services may reduce revenue, subject it to claims and litigation, cause customers to terminate their subscriptions, and adversely affect renewal rates and its ability to attract new customers. ChargePoint’s business will also be harmed if customers and potential customers believe its products and services are unreliable.
Customer-Related Risks
ChargePoint may be unable to leverage customer data in all geographic locations, and this limitation may impact research and development operations.
ChargePoint relies on data collected through charging stations or its mobile application, including usage data and geolocation data. ChargePoint uses this data in connection with the research, development and analysis of its technologies. ChargePoint’s inability to obtain necessary rights to use this data or freely transfer this data out of, for example, the European Economic Area, could result in delays or otherwise negatively impact ChargePoint’s research and development efforts.
ChargePoint’s ability to maintain customer satisfaction depends in part on the quality of ChargePoint’s customer support. Failure to maintain high-quality customer support could adversely affect ChargePoint’s reputation, business, results of operation, and financial condition.
ChargePoint believes that the successful use of its EV charging stations and Cloud Services requires a high level of support and engagement for many of its customers, particularly its fleet and commercial customers. In order to deliver appropriate customer support and engagement, ChargePoint must successfully assist its customers in deploying and continuing to use ChargePoint’s Cloud Services tools and EV charging stations, resolving performance issues, addressing interoperability challenges with a customers’ existing information technology or fuel management platforms and responding to EV charging station component failures or replacement parts, as well as charging station performance and reliability issues that may arise from time to time.
ChargePoint provides support to its commercial, fleet and residential EV charging station owners and operators. Such support services are generally provided under its Assure warranty program, including proactive charging station monitoring, guaranteed service response times and labor and parts warranties. ChargePoint further provides support for EV drivers connecting to and utilizing ChargePoint’s Cloud Services and its network of EV charging stations, including customer support services and mobile services. ChargePoint’s support organization faces additional challenges associated with its international operations, including those associated with delivering support, training, and documentation in languages other than English. Failure to maintain high-quality customer support could adversely affect ChargePoint’s reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In addition to providing direct customer support, ChargePoint also relies on channel partners in order to provide frontline support to some of its customers, including with respect to commissioning, maintenance, component part replacements and
repairs of charging stations. If ChargePoint’s channel partners do not provide support to the satisfaction of ChargePoint’s customers, ChargePoint may be required to hire additional personnel and to invest in additional resources in order to provide an adequate level of support, generally at a higher cost than that associated with its channel partners, which may increase ChargePoint’s costs and expenses and adversely affect ChargePoint’s gross margins. There can be no assurance that ChargePoint will be able to hire sufficient support personnel as and when needed. To the extent that ChargePoint is unsuccessful in hiring, training, and retaining adequate support personnel, its ability to provide high-quality and timely support to its customers will be negatively impacted and its customers’ satisfaction with its Cloud Services and EV charging stations could be adversely affected. Any failure to maintain high-quality customer support, or a market perception that ChargePoint does not maintain high-quality customer support, could adversely affect ChargePoint’s reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition, particularly with respect to its fleet customers (see also “Risks Related to ChargePoint’s Business--Supply chain disruptions, component shortages, manufacturing interruptions or delays, or the failure to accurately forecast customer demand, could adversely affect ChargePoint’s ability to meet customer demand, lead to higher costs, and adversely affect ChargePoint’s business and results of operations. For example, supply chain challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global chip shortages have impacted companies worldwide and may have adverse effects on ChargePoint’s suppliers and customers and, as a result, ChargePoint”).
ChargePoint’s business will depend on customers renewing their services subscriptions. If customers do not continue to use its subscription offerings or if they fail to add more stations, its business and operating results will be adversely affected.
In addition to selling charging station hardware, ChargePoint also depends on customers continuing to subscribe to its Cloud Services and extended warranty coverages. Therefore, it is important that customers renew their subscriptions when the contract term expires and add additional charging stations and services to their subscriptions. Customers may decide not to renew their subscriptions with a similar contract period, at the same prices or terms or with the same or a greater number of users, stations or level of functionality. Customer retention may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including satisfaction with software and features, functionality of the charging stations, prices, features and pricing of competing products, reductions in spending levels, mergers and acquisitions involving customers and deteriorating general economic conditions.
If customers do not renew their subscriptions, if they renew on terms less favorable to ChargePoint or if they fail to add products or services, ChargePoint’s business and operating results will be adversely affected.
Changes in subscriptions or pricing models may not be reflected in near-term operating results.
ChargePoint generally recognizes subscriptions revenue from customers ratably over the terms of their contracts. As a result, most of the subscriptions revenue reported in each quarter is derived from the recognition of deferred revenue relating to subscriptions entered into during previous quarters. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any single quarter will likely have only a small impact on revenue for that quarter. However, such a decline will negatively affect revenue in future quarters. In addition, the severity and duration of events may not be predictable, and their effects could extend beyond a single quarter. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in sales and market acceptance of subscription services, and potential changes in pricing policies or rate of renewals, may not be fully apparent until future periods.
Financial, Tax and Accounting-Related Risks
ChargePoint has identified, and has previously identified, material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If ChargePoint is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if ChargePoint identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, this may result in material misstatements contained within ChargePoint’s consolidated financial statements or cause ChargePoint to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations.
As a public company, ChargePoint is required to provide management’s attestation on internal controls pursuant to Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. The standards required for a public company under Section 404(a) and Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley are significantly more stringent than those previously required of ChargePoint as a privately-held company. Management may not be able to effectively and timely implement controls and procedures that adequately respond to the increased regulatory compliance and reporting requirements of Section 404(a) and/or Section 404(b) of Sarbanes-Oxley. If ChargePoint is not able to implement these additional requirements in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, it may not be able to assess whether its internal control over financial reporting is effective, which may subject it to adverse regulatory consequences and could harm investor confidence.
In connection with the preparation and audit of ChargePoint’s consolidated financial statements, material weaknesses were identified in its internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2023. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a
combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of ChargePoint’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
ChargePoint did not design and maintain effective controls over certain information technology (“IT”) general controls for information systems that are relevant to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Specifically, ChargePoint did not design and maintain (a) program change management controls to ensure that IT program and data changes affecting financial IT applications and underlying accounting records are identified, tested, authorized and implemented appropriately, (b) user access controls to ensure appropriate segregation of duties and that adequately restrict user and privileged access to its financial applications and data to appropriate company personnel and (c) testing and approval controls for program development to ensure that new software development is aligned with business and IT requirements. The IT deficiencies did not result in any misstatements to the consolidated financial statements, however, the deficiencies, when aggregated, could impact maintaining effective segregation of duties, as well as the effectiveness of IT-dependent controls (such as automated controls that address the risk of material misstatement to one or more assertions, along with the IT controls and underlying data that support the effectiveness of system-generated data and reports) that could result in misstatements potentially impacting all financial statement accounts and disclosures that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, ChargePoint management has determined these deficiencies in the aggregate constitute a material weakness. In addition, ChargePoint separately did not design and maintain effective controls over segregation of duties.
ChargePoint has continued implementation of a plan to remediate these material weaknesses and remediation efforts could continue beyond the fiscal year ending January 31, 2024. These remediation measures are ongoing and include engaging an external advisor to assist with evaluating and documenting the design and operating effectiveness of IT general controls and assisting with the remediation of deficiencies, as necessary, designing and implementing controls over segregation of duties, and designing and implementing IT general controls, including controls over program change management, the provisioning and monitoring of user access rights and privileges and program development processes and procedures. At this time, ChargePoint cannot provide an estimate of costs expected to be incurred in connection with implementing this remediation plan, however, these remediation measures will be time consuming, will result in ChargePoint incurring significant costs, and will place significant demands on its financial and operational resources. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, ChargePoint has expended, and will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related costs and significant management oversight.
The process of designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires ChargePoint to anticipate and react to changes in its business, to economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that satisfies its reporting obligations. ChargePoint may be unable to meet the reporting demands as a public company, including the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), and may be unable to accurately report its financial results, or report them within the timeframes required by law or stock exchange regulations. Failure to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley, when and as applicable, could also potentially subject ChargePoint to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Any failure to maintain or implement required new or improved controls, or any difficulties ChargePoint encounters in their implementation, could result in additional material weaknesses, cause ChargePoint to fail to meet its reporting obligations or result in material misstatements in its financial statements. Furthermore, if ChargePoint cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent material misstatements due to fraud or error, its business and results of operations could be harmed, and investors could lose confidence in its reported financial information. ChargePoint can give no assurance that any additional material weaknesses or restatements of financial results will not arise in the future due to a failure to implement and maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting or any circumvention of these controls. In addition, even if ChargePoint is successful in strengthening its internal controls and procedures, in the future those internal controls and procedures may not be adequate to prevent or sufficiently identify irregularities or errors or to facilitate the fair presentation of ChargePoint’s financial statements.
ChargePoint’s financial condition and results of operations are likely to fluctuate on a quarterly basis in future periods, which could cause its results for a particular period to fall below expectations, resulting in a decline in the price of its Common Stock.
ChargePoint’s financial condition and results of operations have fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate in the future due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond its control.
In addition to the other risks described herein, the following factors could also cause ChargePoint’s financial condition and results of operations to fluctuate on a quarterly basis:
•the timing and volume of new sales;
•fluctuations in service costs, particularly due to unexpected costs of servicing and maintaining charging stations;
•the timing of new product introductions, which can initially have lower gross margins, and inventory obsolescence costs related to new product transitions;
•the introduction of new products by competitors, changes in pricing or other factors impacting competition;
•weaker than anticipated demand for charging stations, whether due to changes in government incentives and policies or due to other conditions such as decrease in demand or overall economic conditions;
•fluctuations in sales and marketing or research and development expenses;
•supply chain interruptions, volatility in raw material prices and manufacturing or delivery delays;
•the timing and availability of new products relative to customers’ and investors’ expectations;
•the length of the sales and installation cycle for a particular customer;
•disruptions in sales, production, service or other business activities or ChargePoint’s inability to attract and retain qualified personnel; and
•unanticipated changes in federal, state, local or foreign government incentive programs, which can affect demand for EVs.
Fluctuations in operating results and cash flow could, among other things, give rise to short-term liquidity issues. In addition, revenue, and other operating results in future quarters may fall short of the expectations of investors and financial analysts, which could have an adverse effect on the price of the Common Stock.
Changes to applicable U.S. tax laws and regulations or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect ChargePoint’s business and future profitability.
ChargePoint is a U.S. corporation and thus subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its worldwide operations. Moreover, the majority of ChargePoint’s operations and customers are located in the United States, and as a result, ChargePoint is subject to various U.S. federal, state and local taxes. New U.S. laws and policy relating to taxes may have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s business and future profitability. Further, existing U.S. tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to ChargePoint.
For example, on December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”), was signed into law making significant changes to the Code, and certain provisions of the Tax Act may adversely affect ChargePoint. In particular, sweeping changes were made to the U.S. taxation of foreign operations. Changes include, but are not limited to, a permanent reduction to the corporate income tax rate, limiting interest deductions, a reduction to the maximum deduction allowed for net operating losses generated in tax years after December 31, 2017, the elimination of carrybacks of net operating losses, adopting elements of a territorial tax system, assessing a repatriation tax or “toll-charge” on undistributed earnings and profits of U.S.-owned foreign corporations, and introducing certain anti-base erosion provisions, including a new minimum tax on global intangible low-taxed income and base erosion and anti-abuse tax. The Tax Act could be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections, and is subject to interpretations and implementing regulations by the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), any of which could mitigate or increase certain adverse effects of the legislation. For example, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) modified certain provisions of the Tax Act.
In addition, the Tax Act may impact taxation in non-federal jurisdictions, including with respect to state income taxes as state legislatures respond to the Tax Act, the CARES Act or any newly enacted federal tax legislation. Additionally, other foreign governing bodies have and may enact changes to their tax laws in reaction to the Tax Act, the CARES Act or any newly enacted federal tax legislation that could result in changes to ChargePoint’s global tax position and adversely affect its business and future profitability.
As a result of ChargePoint’s plans to expand operations, including to jurisdictions in which the tax laws may not be favorable, ChargePoint’s tax rate may fluctuate, ChargePoint’s tax obligations may become significantly more complex and subject to greater risk of examination by taxing authorities or ChargePoint may be subject to future changes in tax law, the impacts of which could adversely affect ChargePoint’s after-tax profitability and financial results.
Because ChargePoint does not have a long history of operating at its present scale and it has significant expansion plans, ChargePoint’s effective tax rate may fluctuate in the future. Future effective tax rates could be affected by operating losses in jurisdictions where no tax benefit can be recorded under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”),
changes in the composition of earnings in countries with differing tax rates, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws. Factors that could materially affect ChargePoint’s future effective tax rates include, but are not limited to: (a) changes in tax laws or the regulatory environment, (b) changes in accounting and tax standards or practices, (c) changes in the composition of operating income by tax jurisdiction and (d) ChargePoint’s operating results before taxes.
Additionally, ChargePoint’s operations are subject to significant income, withholding and other tax obligations in the United States and may become subject to taxes in numerous additional state, local and non-U.S. jurisdictions with respect to its income, operations and subsidiaries related to those jurisdictions. ChargePoint’s after-tax profitability and financial results could be subject to volatility or be affected by numerous factors, including (a) the availability of tax deductions, credits, exemptions, refunds (including refunds of value added taxes) and other benefits to reduce ChargePoint’s tax liabilities, (b) changes in the valuation of ChargePoint’s deferred tax assets and liabilities, (c) expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances, (d) tax treatment of stock-based compensation, (e) changes in the relative amount of ChargePoint’s earnings subject to tax in the various jurisdictions in which ChargePoint operates or has subsidiaries, (f) the potential expansion of ChargePoint’s business into or otherwise becoming subject to tax in additional jurisdictions, (g) changes to ChargePoint’s existing intercompany structure (and any costs related thereto) and business operations, (h) the extent of ChargePoint’s intercompany transactions and the extent to which taxing authorities in the relevant jurisdictions respect those intercompany transactions and (i) ChargePoint’s ability to structure ChargePoint’s operations in an efficient and competitive manner. Due to the complexity of multinational tax obligations and filings, ChargePoint may have a heightened risk related to audits or examinations by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxing authorities. Outcomes from these audits or examinations could have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s after-tax profitability and financial condition. Additionally, the IRS and several foreign tax authorities have increasingly focused attention on intercompany transfer pricing with respect to sales of products and services and the use of intangibles. Tax authorities could disagree with ChargePoint’s intercompany charges, cross-jurisdictional transfer pricing or other matters and assess additional taxes. If ChargePoint does not prevail in any such disagreements, its profitability may be affected.
ChargePoint’s after-tax profitability and financial results may also be adversely impacted by changes in the relevant tax laws and tax rates, treaties, regulations, administrative practices and principles, judicial decisions and interpretations thereof, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect. For example, the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting recently entered into force among the jurisdictions that have ratified it, although the United States has not yet entered into this convention. These recent changes could negatively impact ChargePoint’s taxation, especially as ChargePoint expands its relationships and operations internationally.
The ability of ChargePoint to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards is conditioned upon ChargePoint attaining profitability and generating taxable income. ChargePoint has incurred significant net losses since inception and it is anticipated that ChargePoint will continue to incur significant losses. Additionally, ChargePoint’s ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be limited.
As of January 31, 2023, ChargePoint had $793.1 million of U.S. federal and $371.1 million of California net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income, of which $604.3 million of the U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining $188.8 million of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2028 and the California state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2029. In addition, ChargePoint had net operating loss carryforwards for other states of $313.8 million, which begin to expire in 2023. The Tax Act included a reduction to the maximum deduction allowed for net operating losses generated in tax years after December 31, 2017 and the elimination of carrybacks of net operating losses. It is possible that ChargePoint will not generate taxable income in time to utilize these net operating loss carryforwards.
In addition, net operating loss carryforwards and certain tax credits may be subject to significant limitations under Section 382 and Section 383 of the Code, respectively, and similar provisions of state law. Under those sections of the Code, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change attributes, such as research tax credits, to offset its post-change income or tax may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” will occur if there is a cumulative change in ownership by “5% stockholders” that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. ChargePoint has experienced ownership changes since its incorporation and is already subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its existing net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset taxable income or tax liability. In addition, changes in the ownership of its Common Stock during its fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 and future changes in ChargePoint’s stock ownership, which are outside of ChargePoint’s control, may trigger further ownership changes. Similar provisions of state tax law may also apply to limit ChargePoint’s use of accumulated state tax attributes. As a result, even if ChargePoint earns net taxable income in the future, its ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes accrued prior to these changes in ownership to offset such taxable income or tax liability may be subject to limitations, which could potentially result in increased future income tax liability to ChargePoint.
ChargePoint performed an analysis to assess whether an “ownership change,” as defined by Section 382 of the Code, has occurred from its inception through January 31, 2022. Based on this analysis, ChargePoint has experienced “ownership changes,” limiting the utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards or research and development tax credit carryforwards under Section 382 of the Code by first multiplying the value of the ChargePoint’s stock at the time of the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate, and then applying additional adjustments, as required. As a result of the ownership changes, approximately $17.1 million of Federal net operating loss carryforwards, $17.9 million of California net operating loss carryforwards, and $4.7 million of federal tax credits were determined to have expired unutilized for income tax purposes. ChargePoint’s net operating losses or credits may also be impaired under state law. Accordingly, ChargePoint may not be able to utilize a material portion of the net operating losses or credits. The ability of ChargePoint to utilize its net operating losses or credits is conditioned upon ChargePoint attaining profitability and generating U.S. federal and state taxable income. ChargePoint has incurred significant net losses since inception and will continue to incur significant losses; and therefore, ChargePoint does not know whether or when the combined carryforwards may be or may become subject to limitation by Sections 382 and 383 of the Code.
ChargePoint’s reported financial results may be negatively impacted by changes in U.S. GAAP.
U.S. GAAP is subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification, the SEC and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on reported financial results, and may even affect the reporting of transactions completed before the announcement or effectiveness of a change.
ChargePoint incurs significant increased expenses and administrative burdens as a public company, which could have an adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
ChargePoint faces increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses as a public company that it did not incur as a private company. Sarbanes-Oxley, including the requirements of Section 404, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated thereunder, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the securities exchanges, impose additional reporting and other obligations on public companies. Compliance with public company requirements increases costs and make certain activities more time-consuming. A number of those requirements require ChargePoint to carry out activities it has not done previously and additional expenses associated with SEC reporting requirements will continue to be incurred. Furthermore, if any issues in complying with those requirements are identified, such as the material weaknesses as described in this Quarterly Report and the restatement of ChargePoint’s previously issued consolidated financial statements and related material weakness as described in this Risk Factors section, ChargePoint may be subject to additional costs and expenses to come into compliance (see also “Financial, Tax and Accounting-Related Risks—ChargePoint has identified, and has previously identified, material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If ChargePoint is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if ChargePoint identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, this may result in material misstatements contained within ChargePoint’s consolidated financial statements or cause ChargePoint to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations,” and “Risks Related to Legal Matters and Regulations—ChargePoint may face litigation and other risks as a result of the material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and the restatement of its financial statements,” for more detail). ChargePoint has incurred and could incur additional costs to rectify those or new issues, and the existence of these issues could adversely affect its reputation or investor perceptions. In addition, as a public company, ChargePoint maintains director and officer liability insurance, for which it must pay substantial premiums. The additional reporting and other obligations imposed by rules and regulations applicable to public companies increase legal and financial compliance costs and the costs of related legal, accounting and administrative activities. Advocacy efforts by stockholders and third-parties may also prompt additional changes in governance and reporting requirements, which could further increase costs.
Risks Related to Legal Matters and Regulations
Privacy concerns and laws, or other domestic or foreign regulations, may adversely affect ChargePoint’s business.
ChargePoint relies on data collected through charging stations or its mobile application, including usage data and geolocation data. ChargePoint uses this data in connection with providing its services and the research, development and analysis of its technologies. Accordingly, ChargePoint may be subject to or affected by a number of federal, state, local and international laws and regulations, as well as contractual obligations and industry standards, that impose certain obligations and restrictions with respect to data privacy and security and govern its collection, storage, retention, protection, use, processing, transmission, sharing and disclosure of personal information including that of ChargePoint’s employees, customers, drivers and other third-parties with whom ChargePoint conducts business. National and local governments and agencies in the countries in which ChargePoint operates and in which its customers operate have adopted, are considering adopting, or may adopt laws and
regulations regarding the collection, use, storage, processing and disclosure of information regarding consumers and other individuals, which could impact ChargePoint’s ability to offer services in certain jurisdictions. Laws and regulations relating to the collection, use, storage, disclosure, security and other processing of individuals’ information can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are particularly stringent in Europe. The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, laws, regulations, standards and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection and information security are significant. In addition, some companies, particularly larger enterprises, often will not contract with vendors that do not meet these rigorous standards. Accordingly, the failure, or perceived inability, to comply with these laws, regulations, standards and other obligations may limit the use and adoption of ChargePoint’s solutions, reduce overall demand, lead to regulatory investigations, litigation and significant fines, penalties, injunctions or liabilities for actual or alleged noncompliance, or slow the pace at which it closes sales or other transactions, any of which could harm its business. Moreover, if ChargePoint or any of its employees, contractors or vendors fail or are believed to fail to adhere to appropriate practices regarding customers’ or employees’ data, it may damage its reputation and brand.
Additionally, existing laws, regulations, standards and other obligations may be interpreted in new and differing manners in the future, and may be inconsistent among jurisdictions. Future laws, regulations, standards and other obligations, and changes in the interpretation of existing laws, regulations, standards and other obligations could result in increased regulation, increased costs of compliance and penalties for non-compliance, and limitations on data collection, use, disclosure and transfer for ChargePoint and its customers.
Additionally, the EU adopted the GDPR in 2016, and it became effective in May 2018. The GDPR governs the countries of the European Economic Area and other countries such as Switzerland. The United Kingdom has adopted the UK GDPR which is regulation similar to the GDPR. The GDPR establishes requirements applicable to the handling of personal data and imposes penalties for non-compliance of up to the greater of €20 million or 4% of worldwide revenue. The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, the GDPR and UK GDPR may limit the use and adoption of ChargePoint’s products and services and could have an adverse impact on its business. In addition, California adopted the CCPA and the California State Attorney General has begun enforcement actions. Although ChargePoint initiated a compliance program designed to ensure CCPA compliance after consulting with outside privacy counsel, ChargePoint may remain exposed to ongoing legal risks and compliance costs related to CCPA and the new California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which became effective in most material respects on January 1, 2023. Similar state privacy laws create further compliance obligations and risks of fines and penalties in the event of non-compliance. Furthermore, state attorneys general may also join together to file lawsuits based on violations of applicable state privacy acts. In the event ChargePoint is subject to litigation, penalties, or enforcement actions pursuant to the GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA, CPRA or applicable state laws, ChargePoint may be subject to fines and penalties, remediation measures which will divert management’s time and attention, as well as harm to its reputation.
The costs of compliance with, and other burdens imposed by, laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and information security that are applicable to the businesses of customers may adversely affect the ability and willingness to process, handle, store, use, transmit or process certain types of information, such as demographic and other personal information. The EU and the United States agreed in 2016 to the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework, which provided one mechanism for lawful cross-border transfers of personal data from the EU to the United States. However, the Court of Justice of the EU issued a decision on July 16, 2020 invalidating the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework, thereby creating additional legal risk for ChargePoint. In addition, the other bases ChargePoint and some of its customers rely on for the lawful export of personal data outside of the EU are standard contractual clauses. Notably, on June 4, 2021, the European Commission published revised standard contractual clauses, which imposed additional requirements on companies that use this mechanism to legitimize transfers of personal data out of the EU to the U.S. and other third countries. There are a number of legal uncertainties regarding the application of the revised standard contractual clauses and ChargePoint will continue to face uncertainty as regulatory guidance is developed in this area as to whether ChargePoint’s efforts to comply with its obligations under European privacy laws will be sufficient. If ChargePoint or its customers are unable to transfer data between and among countries and regions in which it operates, it could decrease demand for its products and services or require it to modify or restrict some of its products or services. Further, the new standard contractual clauses impose obligations regarding previously executed agreements containing the prior version of the standard contractual clauses. Updating agreements to comply with the revised standard contractual clauses is an increased burden and expense on ChargePoint, and not doing so may create the risk of damage to customer relationships or lead to regulatory scrutiny.
Marketing and digital advertising laws such as the EU’s “e-Privacy Directive” and the United States CAN-SPAM Act create further risks for ChargePoint should it not comply with those law’s requirements concerning marketing, cookies and trackers, and email promotions. The CAN-SPAM Act authorizes class actions with statutory damages and the e-Privacy Directive creates a risk of enforcement actions and fines. In the event such a class action or enforcement action is brought against ChargePoint, it may need to expend costs and resources defending such litigation or enforcement action and any potential damages or fines awarded as the result of such actions, which could have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s business
and reputation. In addition to government activity, privacy advocacy groups, the technology industry and other industries have established or may establish various new, additional or different self-regulatory standards that may place additional burdens on technology companies. Customers may expect that ChargePoint will meet voluntary certifications or adhere to other standards established by them or third-parties. If ChargePoint is unable to maintain these certifications or meet these standards, it could reduce demand for its solutions and adversely affect its business.
Failure to comply with anticorruption and anti-money laundering laws, including the FCPA and similar laws associated with activities outside of the United States, could subject ChargePoint to penalties and other adverse consequences.
ChargePoint is subject to the FCPA, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the Anti-Bribery Act and possibly other anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries in which it conducts activities. It faces significant risks if it fails to comply with the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws that prohibit companies and their employees and third-party intermediaries from promising, authorizing, offering or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to foreign government officials, political parties and private-sector recipients for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, directing business to any person or securing any advantage. Any violation of the FCPA, other applicable anti-corruption laws, or anti-money laundering laws could result in whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, loss of export privileges, or severe criminal or civil sanctions, which could have an adverse effect on ChargePoint’s reputation, business, operating results and prospects. In addition, ensuring compliance may be costly and time-consuming and responding to any enforcement action may result in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources, significant defense costs and other professional fees.
ChargePoint is subject to governmental export controls and economic sanctions laws that could impair its ability to compete in international markets and subject ChargePoint to liability if it is not in full compliance with applicable laws.
ChargePoint’s business activities are subject to various restrictions under U.S. export controls and trade and economic sanctions laws, including the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations and economic and trade sanctions regulations maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The U.S. export control laws and U.S. economic sanctions laws include prohibitions on the sale or supply of certain products and services to U.S. embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments, persons and entities and also require authorization for the export of encryption items. In addition, various countries regulate the import of certain encryption technology, including through import and licensing requirements, and have enacted laws that could limit ChargePoint’s ability to distribute its products and services or could limit ChargePoint’s customers’ ability to implement ChargePoint’s products in those countries. If ChargePoint fails to comply with these laws and regulations, ChargePoint and certain of its employees could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including the possible loss of export privileges and monetary penalties. Obtaining the necessary authorizations, including any required license, for a particular transaction may be time-consuming, is not guaranteed, and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities. ChargePoint’s products may have been in the past, and could in the future be, provided inadvertently in violation of such laws, despite the precautions ChargePoint takes to prevent its products from being provided in violation of such laws. Any violation could result in adverse consequences to ChargePoint, including government investigations and penalties which may adversely affect ChargePoint’s operations and harm its reputation.
Existing and future environmental health and safety laws and regulations could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating costs or construction costs and restrictions. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations may result in substantial fines or other limitations that may adversely impact ChargePoint’s financial results or results of operations.
ChargePoint and its operations, as well as those of ChargePoint’s contractors, suppliers and customers, are subject to certain environmental laws and regulations, including laws related to the use, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes as well as electronic wastes and hardware, whether hazardous or not. These laws may require ChargePoint or others in ChargePoint’s supply and operations chains to obtain permits and comply with procedures that impose various restrictions and obligations that may have material effects on ChargePoint’s operations. If key permits and approvals cannot be obtained on acceptable terms, or if other operational requirements cannot be met in a manner satisfactory for ChargePoint’s operations or on a timeline that meets ChargePoint’s commercial obligations, it may adversely impact ChargePoint’s business.
Environmental and health and safety laws and regulations can be complex and may be subject to change, such as through new requirements enacted at the supranational, national, sub-national and/or local level or new or modified regulations that may be implemented under existing law. The nature and extent of any changes in these laws, rules, regulations and permits may be unpredictable and may have material effects on ChargePoint’s business. Future legislation and regulations or changes in existing legislation and regulations, or interpretations thereof, including those relating to hardware manufacturing, electronic
waste or batteries, could cause additional expenditures, restrictions and delays in connection with ChargePoint’s operations as well as other future projects, the extent of which cannot be predicted.
Further, ChargePoint currently relies on third-parties to ensure compliance with certain environmental laws, including those related to the disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Any failure to properly handle or dispose of such wastes, regardless of whether such failure is ChargePoint’s or its contractors, may result in liability under environmental laws, including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, under which liability may be imposed without regard to fault or degree of contribution for the investigation and clean-up of contaminated sites, as well as impacts to human health and damages to natural resources. Additionally, ChargePoint may not be able to secure contracts with third-parties to continue their key supply chain and disposal services for ChargePoint’s business, which may result in increased costs for compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
ChargePoint may face litigation and other risks as a result of the material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and the restatement of its financial statements.
Following the issuance of the SEC’s Staff Statement on Accounting and Reporting Considerations for Warrants Issued by Special Purpose Acquisition Companies on April 12, 2021, the audit committee of ChargePoint’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), after considering the recommendations of management, determined that it was appropriate to restate ChargePoint’s previously filed financial statements for certain periods of non-reliance. As part of this restatement, ChargePoint identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting.
As a result of this material weakness, the restatement, the change in accounting for ChargePoint’s previously outstanding publicly-traded warrants (the “Public Warrants”) and private placement warrants issued to NGP Switchback, LLC, the sponsor of Switchback (the “Private Placement Warrants”), and other matters raised or that may in the future be raised by the SEC, ChargePoint faces potential for litigation or other disputes which may include, among others, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from the restatement and material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting and the preparation of its financial statements. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, ChargePoint has no knowledge of any such litigation or dispute. However, ChargePoint can provide no assurance that such litigation or dispute will not arise in the future. Any such litigation or dispute, whether successful or not, could have an adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial condition. No Public Warrants have been outstanding since January 31, 2022, and no Private Placement Warrants have been outstanding since April 30, 2022.
Risks Related to Ownership of ChargePoint’s Securities
Future sales of ChargePoint’s Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce ChargePoint’s stock price, and any conversions of the 2027 Convertible Notes will, and any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or any future convertible securities ChargePoint may issue could, dilute existing stockholders’ ownership.
ChargePoint may raise additional capital through the issuance of equity or debt securities in the future. In that event, the ownership of existing ChargePoint stockholders would be diluted and the value of the stockholders' equity in Common Stock could be reduced. If ChargePoint raised more equity capital from the sale of Common Stock, institutional or other investors may negotiate terms more favorable than the current prices of ChargePoint’s Common Stock. If ChargePoint issues debt securities, the holders of the debt would have a claim to ChargePoint assets that would be prior to the rights of stockholders until the debt is repaid. Interest on these debt securities would increase costs and could negatively impact operating results. On April 12, 2022, ChargePoint completed a private placement of $300.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Convertible Notes which will mature on April 1, 2027. The 2027 Convertible Notes may decrease ChargePoint’s business flexibility and access to capital, require a significant amount of cash to service, dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders and otherwise depress the price of its Common Stock, and delay or hinder an otherwise beneficial takeover of the Company. On July 1, 2022, ChargePoint filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-265986), which permits ChargePoint to offer up to $1.0 billion shares of ChargePoint Common Stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and rights in one or more offerings and in any combination, including in units from time to time (the “Shelf Registration Statement”). Further, as part of the Shelf Registration Statement, ChargePoint may also sell shares of its Common Stock in “at-the-market” offerings pursuant to that certain common stock sales agreement dated July 1, 2022, by and among ChargePoint and the underwriters thereto (the “ATM Facility”). As of April 30, 2023, $432.3 million of shares of Common Stock remained available for sale pursuant to the ATM Facility. The sale of a substantial number of shares of ChargePoint Common Stock pursuant to the ATM Facility, the Shelf Registration Statement or otherwise, or anticipation of any such sales, could cause the trading price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock to decline or make it more difficult for ChargePoint to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and at a price that ChargePoint might otherwise desire. In addition, issuances of any
shares of ChargePoint Common Stock sold pursuant to the ATM Facility or any securities sold pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement will have a dilutive effect on our existing stockholders.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of ChargePoint’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”), ChargePoint may issue preferred stock that ranks senior in right of dividends, liquidation or voting to its Common Stock. The issuance by ChargePoint of such preferred stock may (a) reduce or eliminate the amount of cash available for payment of dividends to other holders of ChargePoint Common Stock, (b) diminish the relative voting strength of the total shares of Common Stock outstanding as a class, or (c) subordinate the claims of ChargePoint holders of Common Stock to ChargePoint assets in the event of a liquidation. ChargePoint cannot predict the size of future issuances of its Common Stock or any additional issuances of securities convertible into Common Stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of its Common Stock will have on the market price of its Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of ChargePoint Common Stock (including any shares issued upon the conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes or pursuant to the ATM Facility, the Shelf Registration Statement, or in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of ChargePoint Common Stock.
ChargePoint may need to raise additional funds and these funds may not be available when needed or may not be available on terms that are favorable to ChargePoint.
ChargePoint may need to raise additional capital in the future to further scale its business and expand to additional markets. ChargePoint may raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-related or debt securities, or through obtaining credit from government or financial institutions. ChargePoint cannot be certain that additional funds will be available on favorable terms when required, or at all. In addition, if ChargePoint cannot raise additional funds when needed, its financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. If ChargePoint raises funds through the issuance of debt securities or through loan arrangements, the terms of such arrangements could require significant interest payments or contain covenants that restrict ChargePoint’s business, or other unfavorable terms, any of which could materially adversely affect ChargePoint’s business.
ChargePoint has incurred substantial indebtedness that may decrease its business flexibility, access to capital, and/or increase its borrowing costs, and ChargePoint may still incur substantially more debt, which may adversely affect its operations and financial results.
In April 2022, ChargePoint issued the 2027 Convertible Notes. The indenture for the 2027 Convertible Notes includes a restrictive covenant that, subject to specified exceptions, limits the ability of ChargePoint and its subsidiaries to incur secured debt in excess of $750.0 million. In addition, the indenture includes customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the holders may accelerate the maturity of the 2027 Convertible Notes and declare 100% of the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, the 2027 Convertible Notes to become due and payable immediately. As a result of these and other terms in the indenture, ChargePoint’s indebtedness may:
•limit ChargePoint’s ability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general business purposes;
•limit ChargePoint’s ability to use its cash flow or obtain additional financing for future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general business purposes;
•require ChargePoint to use a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to make debt service payments;
•limit ChargePoint’s flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in its business and industry;
•place ChargePoint at a competitive disadvantage compared to its less leveraged competitors; and
•increase ChargePoint’s vulnerability to the impact of adverse economic and industry conditions.
Further, the indenture governing the 2027 Convertible Notes does not restrict ChargePoint’s ability to incur additional indebtedness other than secured debt, and as a result it and its subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Additionally, ChargePoint expects to opportunistically seek access to additional funds through public or private equity offerings or debt financings, including through potential sales of Common Stock under its ATM Facility, and ChargePoint is actively pursuing complementary sources of credit to provide additional liquidity to support ChargePoint’s continued growth. The terms of debt securities or borrowings could impose significant restrictions or secured interests on ChargePoint’s operations and expose ChargePoint to enhanced risks.
ChargePoint has never paid cash dividends on its capital stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
ChargePoint has never paid cash dividends on its capital stock and currently intends to retain any future earnings to fund the growth of its business. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that the Board may deem relevant. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of Common Stock will be the sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
The price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock may be subject to wide fluctuations.
The trading price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock will be volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond ChargePoint’s control. These factors include:
•actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results;
•failure to meet or exceed financial estimates and projections of the investment community or that ChargePoint provides to the public;
•issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts or changed recommendations for the industry in general;
•announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or capital commitments;
•changes in competitive factors;
•operating and share price performance of other companies in ChargePoint’s industry or related markets;
•sales of shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock into the market pursuant to the exercise of registration rights;
•the timing and magnitude of investments in the growth of the business;
•actual or anticipated changes in laws and regulations, including U.S. monetary policy;
•additions or departures of key management or other personnel;
•increased labor costs;
•disputes or other developments related to intellectual property or other proprietary rights, including litigation;
•the ability to market new and enhanced solutions on a timely basis;
•sales of substantial amounts of the Common Stock by the members of the Board, executive officers or significant stockholders or the perception that such sales could occur;
•changes in capital structure, including future issuances of securities or the incurrence of debt; and
•general economic, political and market conditions, including those resulting from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and increased trade restrictions by governmental and private entities.
In addition, the stock market in general, and the stock prices of technology companies in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Broad market and industry factors likely have seriously affected and may continue to seriously affect the market price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock, regardless of actual operating performance. In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against such a company. This litigation, if instituted against ChargePoint as a result of actual and potential volatility described above, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of management’s attention and resources.
Servicing the 2027 Convertible Note obligations will require a significant amount of cash. ChargePoint may not have sufficient cash flow from its business to pay its outstanding debt, and ChargePoint may not have the ability to raise the funds
necessary to settle conversions of the 2027 Convertible Notes in cash or to repurchase the 2027 Convertible Notes upon a fundamental change, which could adversely affect its business and results of operations.
ChargePoint’s ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on, or to refinance its indebtedness, including the amounts payable under the 2027 Convertible Notes, depends on its future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond its control. ChargePoint’s business may not generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service its indebtedness and make necessary capital expenditures. Interest on the 2027 Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing on October 1, 2022, and the 2027 Convertible Notes will mature on April 1, 2027, unless redeemed, repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. While ChargePoint can elect to make any interest payment in cash, paid in kind through an increase in the principal amount of the 2027 Convertible Notes, referred to as PIK Interest, or any combination thereof, to the extent ChargePoint elects PIK Interest, the 2027 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per annum, compared to 3.50% per annum to the extent paid in cash. If ChargePoint is unable to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the principal and/or interest on its indebtedness, ChargePoint’s flexibility in how it pays interest on the 2027 Convertible Notes may be limited and it may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive, to pay its outstanding indebtedness. ChargePoint’s ability to refinance its indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and its financial condition at such time. For example, interest rate increases and/or other monetary policy changes, could ultimately result in higher short-term and/or long-term interest rates and could otherwise impact the general availability of credit. Higher prevailing interest rates and/or a tightening supply of credit would adversely affect the terms upon which ChargePoint would be able to refinance its indebtedness, if at all. As a result, ChargePoint may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on its debt obligations.
In the event of a fundamental change or a change in control transaction (each such term as defined in the indenture governing the 2027 Convertible Notes), holders of the 2027 Convertible Notes will have the right to require ChargePoint to repurchase all or a portion of their 2027 Convertible Notes at a price equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of 2027 Convertible Notes, in the case of a fundamental change, or 125% of the capitalized principal amount of 2027 Convertible Notes, in the case of a change in control transaction, in each case plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the repurchase date. This feature of the 2027 Convertible Notes could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of ChargePoint, whether or not it is desired by, or beneficial to, ChargePoint’s stockholders, and may result in the acquisition of ChargePoint on terms less favorable to its stockholders than it would otherwise be, or could require ChargePoint to pay a portion of the consideration available in such a transaction to holders of the 2027 Convertible Notes. In addition, upon conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes, unless ChargePoint elects to deliver solely shares of its Common Stock to settle such conversion (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), ChargePoint will be required to make cash payments in respect of the 2027 Convertible Notes being converted. However, ChargePoint may not have enough available cash, or be able to obtain sufficient financing, at the time it is required to pay cash with respect to the 2027 Convertible Notes being converted.
The conditional conversion feature of the 2027 Convertible Notes, when triggered, may adversely affect ChargePoint’s financial condition and operating results. In addition, any such conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their 2027 Convertible Notes, or may otherwise depress ChargePoint’s stock price.
Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 1, 2027, the 2027 Convertible Notes will be convertible subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the indenture for such 2027 Convertible Notes. On or after January 1, 2027, holders of the 2027 Convertible Notes will have the right to convert all or a portion of their 2027 Convertible Notes at any time prior to close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Once any such conditional conversion feature of the 2027 Convertible Notes is triggered, holders of the 2027 Convertible Notes will be entitled to convert their 2027 Convertible Notes at any time during the specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their 2027 Convertible Notes, unless ChargePoint elects to satisfy its conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of its Common Stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), ChargePoint would be required to settle a portion or all of its conversion obligation in cash, which could adversely affect its liquidity.
In addition, the conversion of some or all of the 2027 Convertible Notes will dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders to the extent ChargePoint delivers shares of Common Stock upon such conversion. Any sales in the public market of ChargePoint Common Stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of ChargePoint Common Stock. In addition, the existence of the 2027 Convertible Notes may encourage short selling by market participants
because the conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes could be used to satisfy short positions, or anticipated conversion of the 2027 Convertible Notes into shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock could depress ChargePoint’s stock price.
The accounting method for convertible debt securities that may be settled in cash, such as the 2027 Convertible Notes, could have a material effect on ChargePoint’s reported financial results.
The accounting method for reflecting the 2027 Convertible Notes on ChargePoint’s balance sheet, accruing interest expense for the 2027 Convertible Notes, and reflecting the underlying shares of its Common Stock in ChargePoint’s reported diluted earnings per share may adversely affect its reported earnings and financial condition.
ChargePoint expects that, under applicable accounting principles, the initial liability carrying amount of the 2027 Convertible Notes will be the fair value of a similar debt instrument that does not have a conversion feature, valued using its cost of capital for straight, unconvertible debt. ChargePoint has reflected the difference between the net proceeds from the sale of the 2027 Convertible Notes and the initial carrying amount as a debt discount for accounting purposes, which is amortized into interest expense over the term of the 2027 Convertible Notes. As a result of this amortization, the interest expense to be recognized for the 2027 Convertible Notes for accounting purposes will be greater than the cash interest payments ChargePoint may pay on the 2027 Convertible Notes, were it to elect to pay interest in cash, which results in lower reported net income. The lower reported income (or higher net loss) resulting from this accounting treatment could depress the trading price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock and the 2027 Convertible Notes. In addition, under Accounting Standards Update 2020-06, Debt--Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging--Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), diluted earnings per share is generally calculated assuming that all the 2027 Convertible Notes were converted solely into shares of Common Stock at the beginning of the reporting period, unless the result would be anti-dilutive. The application of this “if-converted” method may reduce ChargePoint’s reported diluted earnings per share.
Furthermore, if any of the conditions to the convertibility of the 2027 Convertible Notes is satisfied, then ChargePoint may be required under applicable accounting standards to reclassify the liability carrying value of the 2027 Convertible Notes as a current, rather than a long-term, liability. This reclassification could be required even if no noteholders convert their 2027 Convertible Notes and could materially reduce ChargePoint’s reported working capital.
The coverage of ChargePoint’s business or its securities by securities or industry analysts or the absence thereof could adversely affect the trading price and volume of ChargePoint’s Common Stock and other securities.
The trading market for ChargePoint’s securities is influenced in part by the research and other reports that industry or securities analysts publish about ChargePoint or its business or industry from time to time. ChargePoint does not control these analysts or the content and opinions included in their reports. If no or few analysts continue equity research coverage of ChargePoint, the trading price and volume of ChargePoint’s securities would likely be negatively impacted. If analysts do cover ChargePoint and one or more of them downgrade its securities, or if they issue other unfavorable commentary about ChargePoint or its industry or inaccurate research, the trading price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock and other securities would likely decline. Furthermore, if one or more of these analysts cease coverage or fail to regularly publish reports on ChargePoint, it could lose visibility in the financial markets. Any of the foregoing would likely cause the trading price and volume of ChargePoint’s Common Stock and other securities to decline.
Anti-takeover provisions contained in ChargePoint’s governing documents and applicable laws could impair a takeover attempt.
ChargePoint’s Charter and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “A&R Bylaws”) afford certain rights and powers to the Board that could contribute to the delay or prevention of an acquisition that it deems undesirable. ChargePoint is also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and other provisions of Delaware law that limit the ability of stockholders in certain situations to effect certain mergers. Any of the foregoing provisions and terms that have the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of their Common Stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for the Common Stock. ChargePoint’s Charter provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit stockholders’ ability to obtain a more favorable judicial forum for disputes with ChargePoint or its directors, officers, employees or stockholders.
The Charter requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought on behalf of ChargePoint, actions against current or former directors, officers, stockholders or, subject to certain exceptions, employees for breach of fiduciary duty and certain other actions may be brought in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of ChargePoint shall be deemed to have notice of and
consented to the forum provisions in the certificate of incorporation. In addition, the Charter and A&R Bylaws provide that, unless ChargePoint consents in writing to another forum, the federal district courts of the United States shall, to the fullest extent of the law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
The choice of forum provision in ChargePoint’s Charter may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with ChargePoint or any of its directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, ChargePoint may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm its business, operating results and financial condition.
Sales, or the perception of future sales, of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock by ChargePoint’s existing stockholders could cause the price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock to decline.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock. For instance, in connection with the closing of the Merger, ChargePoint and the holders of registration rights in Switchback and Legacy ChargePoint entered into an amended and restated Registration Rights Agreement (the “A&R Registration Rights Agreement” and such holders the “Registration Rights Holders”). In certain circumstances, the Registration Rights Holders can demand certain underwritten offerings and will be entitled to customary piggyback registration rights. Also, in connection with the consummation of the acquisition of HTB, ChargePoint entered into a registration rights agreement with the former shareholders of HTB providing for the filing of a resale registration statement as more completely described below.
ChargePoint has in the past, and may in the future, file registration statements as a result of such registration rights. For example, on July 12, 2021, ChargePoint filed a resale registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-257855) that relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the selling security holders named in that prospectus of up to 12 million shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock (the “Secondary Offering”). ChargePoint’s directors, executive officers and certain stockholders entered into lock-up agreements with the representatives of the several underwriters, in connection with the Secondary Offering, which expired on September 28, 2021. Further, on October 14, 2021, ChargePoint filed a resale registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-260247) that was declared effective by the SEC that relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the selling security holders named in that prospectus of up to 5,695,176 shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock in connection with the consummation of ChargePoint’s acquisition of HTB.
As of October 31, 2021, no shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock were prohibited or otherwise restricted from being sold in the public market under lock-up agreements. Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under ChargePoint’s equity incentive plans or pursuant to future awards granted under those plans will become available for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of applicable vesting schedules, any applicable market standoff, a registration statement on Form S-8 and Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act.
Warrants are exercisable for ChargePoint’s Common Stock, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to ChargePoint’s stockholders.
As of April 30, 2023, the warrants to purchase Legacy ChargePoint common stock (the “Legacy Warrants”) were exercisable for 34,499,436 shares of Common Stock. Any shares of ChargePoint’s Common Stock issued upon exercise of Legacy Warrants will result in dilution to the then existing holders of Common Stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of ChargePoint’s Common Stock.
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