The following discussion and analysis of Embark's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Embark's financial statements and related notes and other information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Embark's actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, Embark's historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected in any future period. Overview Embark develops technologically advanced autonomous driving software for the truck freight industry and offers a carefully constructed business model that is expected to provide the industry with the most attractive path to adopting autonomous driving. Specifically, Embark has developed a Software as a Service ("SaaS") platform designed to interoperate with a broad range of truck OEM platforms, forgoing complicated and logistically challenging truck building or hardware manufacturing operations in favor of focusing on a superior driving technology. At scale, domestic shippers and carriers will be able to access Embark technology via a subscription software license selected as an option at the time they specify the build of new semi-trucks. Headquartered inSan Francisco, California , Embark's history as the industry's longest running autonomous truck driving program is replete with technological firsts that include, but are not limited to:
? the first coast-to-coast autonomous truck drive,
? the first to reach 100,000 autonomous miles on public roads, and
? the first to successfully open autonomous transfer points for human- autonomous
vehicle ("AV") handoff.
Embark's founding team includes roboticists and its broader team includes numerous computer scientists, many with advanced degrees and experience at other leading robotics and autonomous vehicle companies and academic programs. Through this business combination, Embark intends to rapidly scale its engineering team to build on its industry-leading technology position. Embark has also spent considerable time and effort refining its business model. Embark is initially deploying its technology in a very focused manner, targeting freight highway miles between transfer points located next to metropolitan areas in the lower "Sunbelt" region of theU.S. , leaving the "last mile" of driving to and from the transfer points to the industry's highly skilled human drivers. Embark's strategy is distinct from other industry players which seek to provide more complicated "end to end" autonomous driving that would entirely displace human drivers and potentially place these companies in competition with the industry's carriers. Unlike those competitors, Embark anticipates working with the industry's existing players to help them bring autonomous driving technology to market on their own terms. In addition, Embark believes its solution will be the safest and most reliable in the industry because of its disciplined geographic focus and emphasis on software development, which stands in contrast to Embark's competitors that focus on multiple domestic markets simultaneously, manufacturing autonomous trucks and/or competing directly with semi-truck OEMs or legacy carriers. 45 Table of Contents Embark's business model focus does not come at any significant commercial expense for Embark's stockholders because the serviceable market Embark is targeting is significant. Embark currently targets the rapidly growing$730 billion U.S. truck freight market, and its initial commercial phase targets 236 billion serviceable miles within this market. The industry has had to face significant pressures from the growth of e-commerce and the well-documented shortage of skilled drivers, and therefore has powerful incentives to adopt autonomous driving solutions to both improve capacity and reduce costs. In addition, Embark's cooperative model has already had traction with many of the industry's leading shippers and carriers.
The Business Combination
We entered into the Merger Agreement with NGA, a special purpose acquisition company, onJune 22, 2021 . OnNovember 10, 2021 , pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub, a newly formed subsidiary of NGA, merged with and into Embark Trucks (the "Business Combination"). In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased; Embark Trucks survived and became a wholly owned subsidiary of NGA, which was renamedEmbark Technology, Inc. ("Embark") The Business Combination was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, in accordance with GAAP. Under the guidance in ASC 805, Embark was treated as the "acquired" company for financial reporting purposes. Embark Trucks was deemed the accounting predecessor of the combined business, andEmbark Technology, Inc. , as the parent company of the combined business, was the successorSEC registrant, meaning that our financial statements for previous periods will be disclosed in the registrant's periodic reports filed with theSEC . The Business Combination had a significant impact on our reported financial position and results as a consequence of the reverse recapitalization. The most significant changes in Embark's reported financial position and results are a net increase in cash of$243.9 million , net of transaction costs for the Business Combination of$70.2 million , and an increase in warrant liabilities of$49.4 million . As a result of the Business Combination, we became anSEC -registered and Nasdaq-listed company, which will require us to hire additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. We expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources.
Recent Developments Affecting Comparability
COVID-19 Impact
InMarch 2020 , theWorld Health Organization declared the 2019 novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") a global pandemic. Inthe United States , as part of government-imposed restrictions, Embark was forced to temporarily pause fleet testing and operations in 2020. Embark also implemented a work-from-home policy for most of its non-operations team. However, a select group of workers remained on-site to continue advancing testing work for its test fleet. Since then, Embark has resumed its fleet testing and operations and has increased headcount to match its research and development requirements. The future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Embark's operational and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including the duration and end of the pandemic, the occurrence of future outbreaks from new variants, including the ongoing outbreak of the Omicron variant, impact on Embark's research and development efforts, and effect on Embark's suppliers, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. Public and private sector policies and initiatives to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and disruptions to Embark's operations and the operations of Embark's third-party suppliers, along with the related global slowdown in economic activity, may result in increased costs. It is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic, the measures that have been taken or that may be taken by the federal, state, local authorities and businesses affected by government-mandated business closures, vaccination mandates and the resulting economic impact may materially and adversely affect Embark's business, results of operations, cash flows and financial positions. See "Risk Factors - Pandemics and epidemics, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, terrorist activities, political unrest, and other outbreaks could have a material adverse impact on Embark's business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or liquidity, and the extent to which Embark will be impacted will depend on future developments, which cannot be predicted." for further discussion of the possible impact of COVID-19 on
Embark's business. 46 Table of Contents
Key Factors Affecting Embark's Operating Performance
Embark's financial condition, results of operations, and future success depend on several factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors"in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the following:
Embark's Ability to Achieve Key Technical Milestones and Deliver a Commercial Product
Embark's growth will depend on the introduction of Embark Driver and Embark Guardian, products which will drive demand from potential customers. Embark has developed a platform agnostic interface, Embark Universal Interface, which will serve as the foundation to utilize Embark Driver and Guardian products in trucks manufactured by a broad range of OEMs. Embark's ability to introduce its products will be driven by a variety of factors including Embark's research and development fleet size, the number of autonomous miles driven (measured as the number of miles driven by Embark's research & development fleet as well as partner fleet autonomous miles), and the ability to provide a safe and sustainable solution based on information gathered from the operation of Embark's research and development fleet. Embark develops most key technologies in-house to achieve a rapid pace of innovation and tests it extensively through operating Embark's fleet. Embark expects an increase in research and development fleet size in the foreseeable future to allow Embark to strategically focus on innovations, which it believes will help solidify Embark's overall solution to customers and partners. To date, Embark has not generated any revenue and until Embark's products reach commercialization, autonomous miles driven will be comprised solely of autonomous miles driven by Embark's research and development fleet. Embark believes that as the number of autonomous miles driven increases, the data will continually feed improvements to the platform, leading to Embark's ability to innovate and introduce new products to the market and increase adoption of Embark's products in the future.
Embark's Ability to Expand its Coverage Map Across the United States
Embark's long-term growth potential will benefit from strategic network expansion acrossthe United States . Network breadth is measured by the number of transfer points on Embark's coverage map, the number of cities in which the Embark Driver can support, and the number of direct-to-customer freight lanes in operation. Embark expects to achieve significant network growth by partnering with key real-estate partners which will enable Embark to quickly bring their truck stops into its coverage map. Additionally, Embark will partner with shipperswho already move a significant amount of freight on Embark's network to establish direct-to-customer freight lanes. Embark believes that expanding its network will enable Embark to create a significant and sustainable competitive advantage. Embark believes that the continued growth of Embark's partnerships will improve user experience and drive more users to Embark's platform, which it believes will allow Embark to further densify its coverage map and reinforce rapid network growth. Embark will apply a highly scalable model nationally, with a tailored approach to each state, driven by the regulatory environment and local market dynamics. Embark believes that this will allow Embark to expand rapidly and efficiently across different geographies, while maintaining a high level of control over the specific strategy within each state.
Embark's Ability to Expand its Partner Network
The growth of Embark's business model is focused on driving the adoption of its technical products and maximizing their use across Embark's partners' operations. This is achieved by enabling pilot testing of Embark's products throughout customers' operations. InApril 2021 , Embark formally announced the Embark Partner Development Program, which serves as the basis of its partnership network. The PDP comprises shippers and carriers from across the freight ecosystem working with Embark to refine and scale Embark's offerings.Most recently, Embark announced the industry-first Truck Transfer Program to place Embark technology in the hands of Knight-Swift drivers. Embark estimates that these existing partners operate approximately 33,000 trucks and purchase approximately 8,000 trucks annually. Embark believes that its current carriers reflect a small fraction of the overall demand for its technology and is in discussions with other carriers representing 50% of the top 100 carriers measured by truck count, which represent a dramatically larger addressable market. Embark plans to increase PDP membership by providing network assessments for prospective members and constructing business cases to support Embark's product integration into their operations. Over time, it is expected that these partners will convert into long-term Embark customers. 47
Table of Contents
Adoption and Support of Autonomous Technology in the Freight Industry
Embark's business model is supported by a large addressable market that Embark believes will benefit from the introduction of autonomous trucking technology. The freight industry is currently facing significant challenges, notably driver shortages and utilization limitations, which Embark believes it will address through its product offerings. Embark has identified participants from across the freight ecosystemwho have expressed support for Embark's offerings and the potential solutions they provide to the challenges they are facing. While Embark has confirmed general market support, the long-term success of its business model is dependent on broadscale adoption and support of autonomous trucking technology. Embark has engaged with notable partners in the freight industrywho Embark believes will lead the industry in adopting autonomous vehicle technology. As Embark onboards more partners, it will increase miles driven by partners, which Embark believes will serve to validate its product offerings and generate interest and confidence from other partners. Embark believes customers will be motivated to integrate Embark's technology to be price competitive with other freight participantswho have achieved efficiencies with Embark.
Key Components of Embark's Results of Operations
The following discussion describes certain line items in Embark's statements of operations.
Operating Expenses Operating expenses consist of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses. Personnel-related costs are the most significant component of Embark's operating expenses and include salaries, benefits, and stock-based compensation expenses. Embark's full-time employee headcount in research and development has grown from 84 as ofDecember 31, 2020 to 172 as ofDecember 31, 2021 , and Embark expects to continue to hire new employees to support Embark's growth. Embark's full-time employee headcount in general and administrative functions has grown from 17 as ofDecember 31, 2020 to 59 as of December, 2021, and Embark expects to continue to hire new employees to support Embark's growth. The timing of these additional hires could materially affect Embark's operating expenses in any particular period.
Embark expects to continue to invest substantial resources to support Embark's growth and anticipates that each of the following categories of operating expenses will increase in absolute dollar amounts for the foreseeable future.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expenses and travel expenses related to Embark's engineers performing research and development activities to originate, develop and enhance Embark's products. Additional expenses include consulting charges, component purchases and other costs for performing research and development on Embark's software products.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expenses, and travel expenses related to Embark's executives, finance team, and the administrative employees. It also consists of legal, accounting, consulting, and professional fees, rent and lease expenses pertaining to Embark's offices, business insurance costs and other costs.We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase for the foreseeable future as we scale headcount with the growth of our business, and as a result of operating as a public company, including compliance with the rules and regulations of theSEC , legal, audit, tax and other administrative and
professional services. 48 Table of Contents
Non-Operating Expenses and Other Items
Other Income (expense)
Other income (expense) consists of income generated from transporting freight on behalf of counterparties using Embark's own research and development truck fleet equipped with its self-driving systems through various Transportation Service Agreements ("TSAs"), the change in fair value of derivative liabilities and the change in fair value of Public, Private, Working Capital and Forward Purchase Agreement ("FPA") Warrants. The primary purpose of TSAs is to support Embark's research and development and proof of concept efforts. Accordingly, income generated from suchTSA arrangements is not expected to be the primary revenue generating activity of Embark. Change in fair value of derivative liabilities represents the increase or decrease in the fair value of the embedded conversion and redemption features, which are presented as a derivative liability, related to the convertible note payable, which was converted to Embark Class A common stock upon consummation of the Business Combination. Change in fair value of warrants represents the increase or decrease in the estimated fair value of such warrant. For each reporting period, the Company will determine the fair value of the derivative liability and warrants, and record a corresponding non-cash benefit or non-cash charge, due to a decrease or increase, respectively, in the calculated derivative liability or warrants.
Interest Income
Interest income consists of interest earned on Embark's investments classified as available for sale securities as well as cash equivalents. Embark invests in highly liquid securities such as money market funds, as well as treasury bills.
Interest Expense
Interest expense primarily consists of non-cash interest incurred on Embark's convertible note. The interest expense is related to the accretion of the debt discount offered upon the issuance of the convertible note.
Results of Operations
The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table sets forth Embark's results of operations data for the periods presented (in thousands):
Comparisons for the years ended
The following table sets forth Embark's statement of operations for the years endedDecember 31, 2021 and 2020 and the dollar and percentage change between the two periods: Years Ended December 31, $ % 2021 2020 Change Change Operating expenses: Research and development$ 55,276 $ 18,831 $ 36,445 194 % General and administrative 48,387
3,595 44,792 1,246 % Total operating expenses 103,663 22,426 81,237 362 % Loss from operations (103,663) (22,426) (81,237) 362 % Other income (expense): Other income (expense) (12,485)
107 (12,592) (11,768) % Interest income 98 788 (690) (88) % Interest expense (8,163) - (8,163) NM Loss before provision for income taxes (124,213) (21,531) (102,682) 477 % Provision for income taxes -
- - N.M Net loss$ (124,213) $ (21,531) $ (102,682) 477 %
N.M. - Percentage change not meaningful
49
Table of Contents
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased by$36.4 million in the year endedDecember 31, 2021 , compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The increase was primarily due to$25.9 million increase in higher headcount expense, including stock-based compensation, salaries and employee benefits, related to the continued expansion of Embark's research and development team, a$4.0 million increase in research and development costs, a$1.0 million increase in administrative expenses related to research and development activities, a$0.9 million increase in technical infrastructure costs, a$0.6 million increase in prototype truck hardware expense, a$0.5 million increase in fleet operations cost, a$0.5 million increase in travel and events expense, a$0.4 million increase in recruiting expenses, a$0.1 million increase in computers and office equipment and a$2.3 million increase in overhead allocation.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by$44.8 million in the year endedDecember 31, 2021 compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The increase was primarily due to$36.2 million increase in higher headcount expense, including stock-based compensation, salaries and employee benefits, related to growth in the business, increase in administrative expenses of$7.0 million , increase of$0.6 million in rent, increase of$0.8 million in insurance expenses, increase of$0.7 million in travel and events, increase in marketing of$0.6 million , increase in computer and office equipment of$0.3 million , increase in recruiting expenses of$0.5 million , increase in office expenses of$0.3 million , increase in policy expenses of$0.1 million , offset by a$2.3 million overhead allocation. Other Income (Expense) Other income (expense) decreased$12.6 million in the year endedDecember 31, 2021 compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The decrease was primarily due to the increase in the estimated fair value of Public, Private, Working Capital and FPA Warrants of$8.2 million and the increase in the fair market value of the Company's derivative liability of$4.3 million , which was converted to Embark Class A common stock upon consummation of the Business Combination.
Interest Income
Interest income decreased$0.7 million in the year endedDecember 31, 2021 compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The decrease in interest income was driven by a decrease in the average investment balance during fiscal year 2021 compared to fiscal year 2020, as well as a lower interest environment
in fiscal year 2021. Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased$8.2 million in the year endedDecember 31, 2021 compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The decrease in interest expense is driven by the extinguishment of the Company's Convertible Note in connection with the Business Combination.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since Embark's inception, Embark has financed Embark's operations primarily through the sale of shares of common stock and preferred stock.
In connection with the Business Combination, a convertible promissory note (the "Convertible Note") issued by Embark inApril 2021 was converted in exchange for 3,774,951 shares of Embark Class A common stock. As ofDecember 31, 2021 , Embark had outstanding debt of$1.1 million from a financing of freight trucks that Embark utilizes for research and development. Embark makes monthly installment payments on truck financing. The truck financings have varying maturities betweenMarch 2023 andJanuary 2027 . Embark's principal uses of cash in recent periods have been to fund Embark's operations, invest in research and development, repay borrowings, and make investments in accordance with Embark's investments policy. Embark believes existing cash and other components of working capital will be sufficient to meet Embark's needs for at least the next 12 months. Embark's long-term capital requirements will depend on many factors including timing and extent of spending to support research and development efforts as well as general and administrative activities for the business. Embark may in the future enter into arrangements to acquire or invest in related products, technologies, software and services, and Embark may need to seek 50
Table of Contents
additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on terms
acceptable to Embark. As of
Embark currently transports shipments using its research and development truck fleet, demonstrating proof of concept and paving the way for commercialization and revenue generating operations in the future. However, Embark has not earned any revenue to date, and has incurred net losses of$21.5 million and$124.2 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. To the extent Embark is unable to commercialize its technology as expected, its liquidity may be negatively impacted. Embark's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on management's ability to control operating costs and demonstrate progress against its technical roadmap. This involves developing new capabilities for the Embark Driver software and improving the reliability and performance of the software on public roads. Demonstrating ongoing technical progress will enable Embark to obtain funds from outside sources of financing, including financing from equity interest investors and borrow funds to fund its general operations, research and development activities and capital expenditures.
The following table shows Embark's cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the stated periods:
Years EndedDecember 31, 2021 2020 Net cash used in operating activities$ (64,909) $
(19,130)
Net cash provided by investing activities$ 49,533 $
20,416
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 was$64.9 million , an increase of$45.8 million from$19.1 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The increase was primarily due to an increase of$102.7 million net loss for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 compared to the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . This was partially offset by$67.8 million of non-cash adjustments to net loss, including depreciation and amortization, change in fair value of derivative liability, as well as stock-based compensation, and$10.9 million net cash reduction by changes in Embark's operating assets and liabilities, which was primarily attributable to accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 was$49.5 million , an increase of$29.1 million from$20.4 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The increase was primarily due to a decrease in purchases of marketable securities of$52.4 million , offset by a$21.0 million decrease in proceeds received from maturities of investments, an increase in purchase of property, equipment, and software of$1.2 million , and an increase of$1.1 million in deposits for trucks.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 was$268.9 million compared to$0.2 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2020 . The increase of$269.1 million was primarily due to proceeds received
from the Business Combination. Financing Arrangements Convertible note OnApril 16, 2021 , we issued the Convertible Note with a principal amount of$25.0 million resulting in net proceeds of$16.8 million , after$8.2 million of debt discount attributable to the conversion and redemption features. The Convertible Note had a stated interest rate of 10% with the unpaid principal and accrued interest being due upon maturity atApril 2022 . The Convertible Note did not contain any voluntary prepayment clause unless consented by the note holder, as defined in the agreement. In connection with the Business Combination, the Convertible Note was extinguished and converted in exchange for 3,774,951 shares of our Class A common stock. 51 Table of Contents
Notes Payable for Equipment Purchases
OnJanuary 5, 2021 andFebruary 18, 2021 , Embark entered into financing agreements to finance the purchase of trucks that Embark utilizes for research and development. The financing agreements consisted of a loan of$0.1 million and$0.1 million at an interest rate equal to 6.99% and 7.50% per annum, with a maturity date ofApril 1, 2026 andJanuary 19, 2027 , respectively. Embark makes equal monthly installment payments over the term of each financing arrangement which are allocated between interest and principal. Embark entered into financing agreements onFebruary 19, 2018 ,January 28, 2019 , andMay 23, 2019 to finance the purchase of trucks that Embark utilizes for research and development. The financing agreements consisted of loans of$0.3 million ,$0.4 million , and$0.5 million at an interest rate equal to 8.25% per annum, with a maturity date ofMarch 5th, 2023 ,February 14, 2024 , andJune 12, 2024 , respectively. Embark makes equal monthly installment payments over the term of each financing arrangement which are allocated between interest and principal. OnAugust 2, 2016 , Embark entered into a financing agreement consisting of a loan of$0.1 million at an interest rate equal to 12.5% per annum, which matured onAugust 9, 2020 . Embark made equal monthly installment payments over the term which was allocated between interest and principal.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Management Estimates
Embark prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements also requires Embark to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses and related disclosures. Embark bases Embark's estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that Embark believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates made by Embark's management. To the extent that there are differences between Embark's estimates and actual results, Embark's future financial statement presentation, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will be affected. Embark believes that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding Embark's historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving Embark management's judgments and estimates. Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that Embark considers the most important to the portrayal of Embark's financial condition and results of operations because they require Embark's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Embark believes that the accounting policies described below involve a significant degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, Embark believes these are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating Embark's financial condition and results of operations. For further information, see Note 2 to Embark's financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Stock Options
Embark estimates the fair value of stock options granted to employees and directors using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The grant date fair value of stock options is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are accounted for when they occur.
The Black-Scholes model considers several variables and assumptions in estimating the fair value of stock-based awards. These variables include:
Fair value of common stock: Because Embark's common stock was not publicly
traded prior to the closing of the Business Combination, Embark estimated the
? fair value of Embark's common stock in 2020 and 2021. Embark's board of
directors considers numerous objective and subjective factors to determine the
fair value of Embark's common stock as discussed in "- Common Stock Valuations"
below. 52 Table of Contents Expected Term: The expected term represents the period that Embark's
stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was calculated as the
? average of the option vesting and contractual terms, based on the simplified
method. The simplified method deems the term to be the average of the time-to-vesting and the contractual life of the options.
Expected Volatility: Because Embark does not have a trading history of its
common stock, the expected volatility was derived from the average historical
? stock volatilities of several public companies within Embark's industry that
Embark considers to be comparable to its business over a period equivalent to
the expected term of the stock option grants.
Risk-Free Interest Rate: The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied
? yield available on
equivalent to the expected term.
Expected Dividend: Embark has not issued any dividends in its history and does
? not expect to issue dividends over the life of the options and, therefore, has
estimated the dividend yield to be zero.
Restricted Stock Units
We grant Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") that vest based on a service and performance condition. Restricted stock awards issued with these conditions vest based on the occurrence of a defined liquidity event and an explicit service period. We recognize compensation expense for RSU awards based on the fair value of the award and on a graded vesting basis over the requisite service period. Our board of directors determines the fair value of RSUs based on the price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Performance Stock Units
We grant performance-based RSUs ("PSUs"), that vest upon satisfaction of certain market and performance-based conditions. The PSUs market conditions are based on the Company achieving six different valuation tranches, as derived from the Company's stock price, that can be achieved over ten years in relation to the pre-money valuation prior to the Business Combination. The vesting of the PSUs performance condition can be achieved on the occurrence of a defined liquidity event. For PSU awards, the Company uses the graded vesting to allocate compensation expense, as the PSU awards are associated with market conditions, over the holder's derived service period, and estimates the fair value of the PSU awards using the Monte Carlo simulation. The Company accounts for the effect of forfeitures as they occur. Common Stock Valuations Prior to the closing of the Business Combination, given the absence of a public trading market for Embark's common stock and in accordance with theAmerican Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Valuation Guide , Valuation of Privately Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, Embark's board of directors determined the best estimate of fair value of Embark's common stock, exercising reasonable judgment and considering numerous objective and subjective factors. These factors include:
? contemporaneous third-party valuations of Embark's common stock;
? the prices at which Embark or other holders sold Embark's common stock to
outside investors in arms-length transactions;
? Embark's financial condition, results of operations, and capital resources;
? the industry outlook;
? the fact that option awards involve rights in illiquid securities in a private
company;
? the valuation of comparable companies;
? the lack of marketability of Embark's common stock;
? the likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as an initial public
offering or a sale of Embark given prevailing market conditions;
53 Table of Contents
? the history and nature of Embark's business, industry trends, and competitive
environment; and
? general economic outlook including economic growth, inflation, unemployment,
interest rate environment and global economic trends.
Embark's board of directors determined the fair value of Embark's common stock by first determining enterprise value of Embark's business, and then using that to derive a per share value of Embark's common stock. The enterprise value of Embark's business was estimated by considering several factors, including estimates using the cost approach, market approach, and the income approach. The cost approach estimates the fair market value of an organization by utilizing the balance sheet to take the total fair market value of assets minus the fair market value of liabilities. The market approach was estimated based on the projected value of comparable public companies in a similar line of business that are publicly traded. The income approach estimates the enterprise value of the business based on the cash flows that it expects to generate over its remaining life. These future cash flows are discounted to their present values using a rate of return appropriate for the risk of achieving the business' projected cash flows. The present value of the estimated cash flows is then added to the present value equivalent of the residual value of the business at the end of the projected period to calculate the business enterprise value. In addition to the three approaches described above, Embark factors in recent arms-length transactions such as the closest round of equity financing preceding the date of valuation. After determining Embark's enterprise value, an allocation of enterprise value is made to Embark's various classes of equity to determine the value of common stock. In allocating the enterprise value of Embark's business to common stock throughOctober 2020 , Embark used the option pricing method ("OPM"), whereas afterOctober 2020 , Embark used a combination of OPM and probability weighted expected return method ("PWERM"). PWERM involves a forward-looking analysis of the possible future outcomes of the enterprise. This method is particularly useful when discrete future outcomes can be predicted at a relatively high level of confidence with a probability distribution. Discrete future outcomes considered under PWERM include an acquisition by aSpecial Purpose Acquisition Company ("SPAC") of Embark's common stock, as well as other market-based outcomes. Determining the fair value of the enterprise using PWERM requires Embark to develop assumptions and estimates for both the probability of a liquidity event and stay private outcomes, as well as the values Embark expects those outcomes could yield. A discount for lack of marketability ("DLOM") is applied to arrive at a fair value of Embark's common stock. A DLOM is meant to account for the lack of marketability of a stock that is not traded on public exchanges. In making the final determination of common stock value, consideration is also given to recent sales of common stock. Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding Embark's expected future revenue, expenses and future cash flows, discount rates, market multiples, the selection of comparable companies and the probability of possible future events. Changes in any or all of these estimates and assumptions, or the relationships between those assumptions, impact Embark's valuations as of each valuation date and may have a material impact on the valuation of Embark's common stock. For valuations after the completion of the Business Combination, Embark's board of directors the fair value of each share of underlying common stock based on the closing price of Embark's common stock as reported on the date of grant.
Warrants
The Partner Development Program warrants were classified as equity on Embark's balance sheet as the underlying shares of common stock are not considered to be mandatorily redeemable, do not include an obligation of Embark to repurchase its equity shares or to issue a variable number of equity shares. The warrants are measured at fair value on the issuance date. The fair value of the underlying common stock was measured using a Black-Scholes ("BSM") option-pricing model. The following assumptions and inputs were utilized within the BSM option-pricing model: exercise price, fair value of the underlying common stock, risk-free interest rate, expected term, expected dividend yield and expected volatility, which are all determined in the same manner with Embark's stock options as detailed in the above "Stock-Based Compensation Expense" section. Pursuant to the original terms of the warrant agreement, upon the completion of the Merger, all outstanding Partner Development Program warrants were extinguished and exercised in exchange for restricted common stock. The common stock is subject to the same vesting conditions existing under the warrant agreement such that unvested common stock is subject to forfeiture if the holder terminates its services to Embark prior to vesting. 54
Table of Contents
The Public, Private,FPA and Working Capital warrants are recognized as liabilities on Embark's balance sheet. Accordingly, we recognize the warrant instruments as liabilities at fair value and adjust the instruments to fair value at each reporting period. The liabilities are subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date until exercised, and any change in fair value is recognized in our statement of operations. The initial fair value of the Public, Private,FPA and Working Capital warrants have been measured at fair value based on observable listed prices for such public warrants. The fair value of the Public andFPA warrants as ofDecember 31, 2021 are based on observable listed prices for such public warrants. The fair value of thePrivate and Working Capital warrants as ofDecember 31, 2021 are determined using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
Capitalization of
Embark capitalizes certain internal use software development costs associated with creating and enhancing internal use software related to Embark's product suite and technology infrastructure. These costs include personnel and related employee benefits expenses for employeeswho are directly associated with andwho devote time to software projects. Embark expenses software development costs that do not meet the criteria for capitalization as incurred and records them in research and development expenses in Embark's statements of operations. Software development activities generally consist of three stages: (i) the planning stage; (ii) the application and infrastructure development stage; and (iii) the post implementation stage. Costs incurred in the planning and post implementation stages of software development, including costs associated with the post configuration training and repairs and maintenance of the developed technologies, are expensed as incurred. Embark capitalizes costs associated with software developed for internal use when both the preliminary project stage is completed and management has authorized further funding for the completion of the project. Embark capitalizes costs incurred in the application and infrastructure development stages, including significant enhancements and upgrades. Capitalization ends once a project is substantially complete and the software and technologies are ready for their intended purpose. Embark will amortize internal use software development costs using a straight-line method over their estimated useful life commencing when the software is ready for its intended use. Embark estimates a useful life of three years for technology infrastructure related software. As Embark's product suite is not yet ready for its intended use, amortization has not yet begun.
All capitalized software requires the ongoing assessment for recoverability which requires judgment by management with respect to certain external factors including, but not limited to, anticipated future gross revenues, estimated economic useful life, and changes in competing software technologies.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
JOBS Act Accounting Election
Embark is an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. Embark intends to elect to adopt new or revised accounting standards under private company adoption timelines. Accordingly, the timing of Embark's adoption of new or revised accounting standards will not be the same as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies or that have opted out of using such extended transition period. See Note 1 to the financial statements for further discussion. 55 Table of Contents
© Edgar Online, source