Item 2.
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
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References in this report (the “Quarterly Report’) to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Blue Ocean Acquisition Corp. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our
officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsor” refer to Blue Ocean Sponsor LLC. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results may differ significantly from the results, expectations and plans discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report, including, without limitation, statements under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” includes
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934. Our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our or our management
team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying
assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions
may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report are based on our current expectations and beliefs
concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those that we have anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties
(some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but
are not limited to, those factors described under the heading “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2022 and under the heading “Item 1A. Risk
Factors” of this Quarterly Report. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking
statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Overview
We are a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business
combination with one or more businesses or entities. We intend to effectuate our initial Business Combination using cash from the proceeds of the Public Offering, the sale of the Private Placement Warrants and the Additional Private Placement
Warrants, our capital shares, debt or a combination of cash, shares and debt. The Company is an “emerging growth company”, and as such, the Company is subject to all risks associated with emerging growth companies.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had cash of approximately $730,383 and $1,050,670 respectively, and working capital of approximately $856,756 and $1,184,733, respectively. We expect to continue
to incur significant costs in the pursuit of our acquisition plans. We cannot assure you that our plans to raise capital or to complete a business combination will be successful.
Chief Executive Officer Resignation and Appointment
As previously disclosed, on June 28, 2022, Paul Bascobert informed the Company that he intends to resign from his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 18, 2022. Mr. Bascobert will remain a
member of the Board of the Company following his resignation as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Bascobert’s resignation was not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Company or the Board on any matter relating to the Company’s
operations, policies or practices.
On September 19, 2022, the Board appointed Marcus Brauchli to the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately, to serve in such capacity on an interim basis until a successor
is identified and appointed by the Board. On October 11, 2022, the Board appointed Richard Leggett as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of October 11, 2022. Both Paul Bascobert and Marcus Brauchli remain members of the Board of
the Company.
Results of Operations
We did not commence operations until after the closing of our Public Offering in December 2021, and as of September 30, 2022, we have not engaged in any significant operations nor generated any operating revenues
to date. We will not generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial Business Combination. We will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents. There has been no significant
change in our financial or trading position and no material adverse change has occurred since the date of our audited financial statements. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur increased expenses as a result of being a public company
(for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses.
For the three months ended September 30, 2022, we had net income of $944,819, which was impacted by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $157,164, change in fair value of warrant
liability of $272,734, unrealized gain on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $782,831.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had net income of $10,654,671 which was impacted by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $326,089, change in fair value of warrant
liability of $10,571,250, unrealized gain on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $717,288, and changes in operating assets and liabilities, which used $309,182 of cash from operating activities.
For the period from March 26, 2021 (Inception) through September 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $13,429.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On December 7, 2021, we consummated our Public Offering of 16,500,000 Units and the Private Placement of an aggregate of 8,235,000 private placement warrants, generating gross proceeds of $173,235,000. On December
9, 2021, the Underwriter exercised in full the option granted to them by the Company to purchase up to 2,475,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, and we issued an additional 990,000 Private Placement Warrants in the Additional Private
Placement, generating total gross proceeds of $25,245,000.
Following our Public Offering, the exercise of the over-allotment option and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants, a total of $193,545,000 was placed in the Trust Account. We incurred $12,517,335 in
transaction costs, including $3,795,000 in cash underwriting fees, $6,641,250 of deferred underwriting fees, $1,248,100 of offering costs related to the fair value of the Founder Shares sold to Anchor Investor, and $832,985 of other offering
costs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, cash used in operating activities was $309,182. Net income of $10,654,671 was impacted by interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of
$326,089, change in fair value of warrant liability of $10,571,250, unrealized gain on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $717,288, and changes in operating assets and liabilities, which used $309,182 of cash from operating
activities.
As of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021, we had investments of $194,593,310 and $193,549,933 held in the Trust Account, respectively. We intend to use substantially all of the funds held in the Trust
Account, including any amounts representing interest earned on the Trust Account (less taxes paid and deferred underwriting commissions) to complete our initial Business Combination. We may withdraw interest to pay taxes. During the nine months
ended September 30, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not withdraw any interest earned on the Trust Account. To the extent that our capital stock or debt is used, in whole or in part, as consideration to complete our initial
Business Combination, the remaining proceeds held in the Trust Account will be used as working capital to finance the operations of the target business or businesses, make other acquisitions and pursue our growth strategies.
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had cash of $730,383 and $1,050,670 outside of the Trust Account, respectively. We intend to use the funds held outside the Trust Account primarily to identify and
evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate
documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete our initial Business Combination.
In addition, in order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial Business Combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our
officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial Business Combination, we would repay such loaned amounts out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to us. Otherwise, such
loans may be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that our initial Business Combination does not close, we may use a portion of the working capital held outside the Trust Account to repay such loaned amounts but
no proceeds from our Trust Account would be used to repay such loaned amounts. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants of the post-business combination company, at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender.
Based on the foregoing, management believes that the Company will have sufficient working capital and borrowing capacity from the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or certain of the Company's officers and directors to meet its needs
through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this filing. Over this time period, the Company will be using these funds for paying existing accounts payable, identifying and evaluating prospective initial
Business Combination candidates, performing due diligence on prospective target businesses, paying for travel expenditures, selecting the target business to merge with or acquire, and structuring, negotiating and consummating the Business
Combination.
In connection with the Company's assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with the authoritative guidance in FASB ASU 2014-15, “Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern.” The
Company has until June 6, 2023, 18 months from the closing of the IPO, to consummate a Business Combination. It is uncertain that the Company will be able to consummate a Business Combination by the specified period. If a Business Combination
is not consummated by June 6, 2023 and the Company decides not to extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination, there will be a mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution.
The Company's evaluation of its liquidity condition and the date for mandatory liquidation and subsequent dissolution raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern one year from the date that these
condensed financial statements are issued. These condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company
be unable to continue as a going concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements
On September 30, 2022, we did not have any obligations, assets or liabilities that would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K and did not have any
commitments or contractual obligations.
Contractual Obligations
Administrative Support Agreement
On December 2, 2021, the Company entered into an Administrative Support Agreement pursuant to which the Company may reimburse an affiliate of the Sponsor up to an amount of $10,000 per month for office space and
secretarial and administrative support.
Registration Rights
The holders of the Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants and any warrants that may be issued upon conversion of the Working Capital Loans (and in each case holders of their component securities, as applicable)
are entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement effective December 2, 2021, which requires the Company to register such securities for resale (in the case of the Founder Shares, only after conversion to our Class A
ordinary shares). The holders of the majority of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short form demands, that the Company register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration
rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the consummation of a business combination and rights to require the Company to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. The Company will
bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.
Underwriter’s Agreement
The Company paid a cash underwriting discount of 2.00% of the gross proceeds of the Public Offering, or $3,795,000 due to the exercise of the over-allotment option in full. In addition, the underwriter will be
entitled to a deferred fee of three and a half percent (3.50%) of the gross proceeds of the Public Offering, or $6,641,250. The deferred fee will become payable to the underwriter from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event
that the Company completes a business combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement. The underwriter has reimbursed the Company for $550,000 for offering expenses. The reimbursement of these costs has been accounted for as a
reduction to offering costs of the Public Offering.
Critical Accounting Policies
This management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our unaudited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of
our unaudited financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our unaudited financial
statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to fair value of financial instruments and accrued expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various
other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results
may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Warrant Liabilities
The Company accounts for the Warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the specific terms of the Warrants and the applicable authoritative guidance in ASC
480 and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether they are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815,
including whether the Warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common shares and whether the holders of the Warrants could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for
equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of issuance of the Warrants and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the Warrants are outstanding. For issued or
modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, such warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the
criteria for equity classification, such warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of liability-classified warrants are
recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statement of operations.
Class A Ordinary Shares Subject to Possible Redemption
Class A ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary
shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other
times, Class A ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. Our Class A ordinary shares feature certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of our control and subject to the occurrence of uncertain future events.
Accordingly, at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 18,975,000 shares of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption are presented as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’ deficit section of the Company’s condensed
balance sheets.
Net Income Per Ordinary Share
Basic income per ordinary share is computed by dividing net income applicable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Consistent with ASC 480,
ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, as well as their pro rata share of undistributed trust earnings consistent with the two-class method, have been excluded from the calculation of income per ordinary share for the nine month period
ended September 30, 2022 and the period from March 26, 2021 (inception) to December 31, 2021. Such shares, if redeemed, only participate in their pro rata share of trust earnings. Diluted income per share includes the incremental number of
ordinary shares to be issued to settle warrants, as calculated using the treasury method. For the period from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022, the Company did not have any dilutive warrants, securities or other contracts that could
potentially, be exercised or converted into ordinary shares. As a result, diluted income per ordinary share is the same as basic income per ordinary share for all periods presented.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 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) (“ASU 2020-06”) to
simplify accounting for certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope
exception guidance pertaining to equity classification of contracts in an entity’s own equity. The new standard also introduces additional disclosures for convertible debt and freestanding instruments that are indexed to and settled in an
entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 amends the diluted earnings per share guidance, including the requirement to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments. As a smaller reporting company, ASU 2020-06 is effective January 1, 2024
and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted beginning on January 1, 2021. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, that ASU 2020-06 would have on its financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
JOBS Act
On April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act was signed into law. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act
exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have
a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with
the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such an election to opt out is irrevocable. We have elected to irrevocably opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and
it has different application dates for public or private companies, we will adopt the new or revised standard at the time public companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another
emerging growth company that has not opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.
Additionally, we are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on the other reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, if, as an
“emerging growth company”, we choose to rely on such exemptions we may not be required to, among other things, (i) provide an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404, (ii)
provide all of the compensation disclosure that may be required of non-emerging growth public companies under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (iii) comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (auditor discussion and analysis), and (iv) disclose
certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a
period of five years following the completion of our Public Offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.