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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

 

or

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to             

 

Commission File Number: 001-40734

 

 

 

Pono Capital Corp

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   86-2049355

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

     
643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii   96813
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(808) 892-6611

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐  
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company  
  Emerging growth company  

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered

Units, each consisting of one share of Class A Common Stock, three-quarters of one Redeemable Warrant

  PONOU   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
         
Class A Common stock, $0.000001 par value per share   PONO   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
         
Redeemable Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   PONOW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

As of September 24, 2021, 11,500,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.000001 per share par value, and 2,875,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.000001 par value, were issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

 

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION: 1
     
Item 1. Interim Financial Statements: 1
  Condensed Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) 1
  Condensed Statement of Operations for the Period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) 2
  Condensed Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) 3
  Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the Period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021 (Unaudited) 4
  Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Unaudited) 5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 16
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 21
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION: 21
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 21
Item 1A. Risk Factors 21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 21
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 22
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 22
Item 5. Other Information 22
Item 6. Exhibits 22

 

i
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Interim Financial Statements

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

June 30, 2021

(UNAUDITED)

 

      
ASSETS     
Current assets     
Cash  $25,005 
Prepaid expenses   10,000 
Total current assets   35,005 
Non-current assets     
Deferred offering costs   78,792 
Total non-current assets   78,792 
Total assets  $113,797 
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
Current liabilities     
Promissory note- related party  $88,792 
Total current liabilities   88,792 
      
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)   - 
      
Stockholders’ Equity     
Preferred stock, $0.000001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    
Class A common stock, $0.000001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding    
Class B common stock, $0.000001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 2,875,000 shares issued and outstanding (1)   3 
Additional paid in capital   25,226 
Accumulated deficit   (224)
Total stockholders’ equity   25,005 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $113,797 

 

 

  (1) Includes an aggregate of 375,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements

 

1
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 12, 2021 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

      
Other operating expenses  $(224)
Net loss  $(224)
      
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted (1)   2,500,000 
Basic and diluted net loss per common share  $0.00 

 

 

  (1) Excludes up to an aggregate of 375,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements

 

2
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 12, 2021 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

   Shares   Amount   Shares(1)   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
   Class A   Class B   Additional       Total 
   Common Stock   Common Stock   Paid in   Accumulated   Stockholders’ 
   Shares   Amount   Shares(1)   Amount   Capital   Deficit   Equity 
                             
Balance - February 12, 2021 (inception)      $       $   $   $   $ 
Issuance of Class B Common stock to Sponsor (1)           2,875,000    3    24,997        25,000 
Capital contribution                   229        229 
Net loss                       (224)   (224)
Balance - June 30, 2021      $    2,875,000   $3   $25,226   $(224)  $25,005 

 

 

  (1) Includes up to an aggregate of 375,000 shares of Class B common stock subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements

 

3
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 12, 2021 (INCEPTION) THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021

(Unaudited)

 

      
Cash flow from operating activities:     
Net loss  $(224)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Formation costs paid by the Sponsor in the form of capital contribution   229 
Net cash provided by operating activities   5 
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Proceeds from issuance of Class B common stock to Sponsor   25,000 
Net cash provided by financing activities   25,000 
      
Net change in cash   25,005 
Cash at the beginning of the period    
Cash at the end of the period  $25,005 
      
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:     
Deferred offering costs paid by Sponsor  $78,792 
Prepaid costs paid by Sponsor  $10,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements

 

4
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations

 

Pono Capital Corp (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on February 12, 2021. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”). The Company is an emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with emerging growth companies.

 

As of June 30, 2021, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021 relates to the Company’s formation and the initial public offering described below. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of its initial Business Combination, at the earliest. The Company will generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents from the proceeds derived from the Initial Public Offering (as defined below). The Company has selected December 31 as its fiscal year end.

 

The Company’s sponsor is Mehana Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”). The registration statement for the Company’s Initial Public Offering was declared effective on August 11, 2021. On August 13, 2021, the Company consummated its Initial Public Offering of 10,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the Class A common stock included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”), at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $100,000,000 (see Note 6) (the “Initial Public Offering”). The Company granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 Units at the Initial Public Offering price to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

Simultaneously with the consummation of the closing of the Offering, the Company consummated the private placement of an aggregate of 469,175 units (the “Placement Units”) to the Sponsor at a price of $10.00 per Placement Unit, generating total gross proceeds of $4,691,750 (the “Private Placement”).

 

Subsequently, on August 18, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full, and the closing of the issuance and sale of the additional Units occurred (the “Over-allotment Option Units”). The total aggregate issuance by the Company of 1,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit resulted in total gross proceeds of $15,000,000. On August 18, 2021, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-allotment Option Units, the Company consummated the private sale of an additional 52,500 Placement Units, generating gross proceeds of $525,000. The Placement Units were issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the transactions did not involve a public offering.

 

A total of $116,725,000, comprised of the proceeds from the Offering and the proceeds of private placements that closed on August 13, 2021 and August 18, 2021, net of the underwriting commissions, discounts, and offering expenses, was deposited in a trust account established for the benefit of the Company’s public stockholders.

 

Transaction costs of the Initial Public Offering amounted to $6,168,893, consisting of $1,950,000 of underwriting fees, $3,450,000 of deferred underwriting fees (see Note 6) and $768,893 of other costs.

 

Following the closing of the Initial Public Offering and full exercise of underwriter’s over-allotment option, $823,378 of cash was held outside of the Trust Account available for working capital purposes. As of June 30, 2021, we have available to us $25,005 of cash on our balance sheet and a working capital deficit of $53,787.

 

The Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Placement Units, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. NASDAQ rules provide that the Business Combination must be with one or more target businesses that together have a fair market value equal to at least 80% of the balance in the Trust Account (as defined below) (less any deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on interest earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the signing of a definitive agreement to enter a Business Combination. The Company will only complete a Business Combination if the post-Business Combination company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully effect a Business Combination.

 

5
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (Continued)

 

The Company will provide its stockholders with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of a Business Combination either (i) in connection with a stockholder meeting called to approve the Business Combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. In connection with a proposed Business Combination, the Company may seek stockholder approval of a Business Combination at a meeting called for such purpose at which stockholders may seek to redeem their shares, regardless of whether they vote for or against a Business Combination. The Company will proceed with a Business Combination only if the Company has net tangible assets of at least $5,000,001 upon such consummation of a Business Combination and, if the Company seeks stockholder approval, a majority of the outstanding shares voted are voted in favor of the Business Combination.

 

The Company will have until August 13, 2022 (or up to February 11, 2023, as applicable) to consummate a Business Combination. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within 12 months (or up to 18 months from the closing of this offering at the election of the Company in two separate three month extensions subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, including the deposit of up to $1,000,000, or $1,150,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case) for each three month extension, into the trust account, or as extended by the Company’s stockholders in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) from the closing of the Offering to consummate a Business Combination (the “Combination Period”), the Company will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but no more than five business days thereafter, redeem 100% of the outstanding Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest earned (net of taxes payable and less interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish public stockholders’ rights as stockholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any), subject to applicable law, and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of the remaining stockholders and the Company’s board of directors, proceed to commence a voluntary liquidation and thereby a formal dissolution of the Company, subject in each case to its obligations to provide for claims of creditors and the requirements of applicable law.

 

The underwriter has agreed to waive its rights to the deferred underwriting commission held in the Trust Account in the event the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period and, in such event, such amounts will be included with the funds held in the Trust Account that will be available to fund the redemption of the Public Shares. In the event of such distribution, it is possible that the per share value of the assets remaining available for distribution will be less than the amount per Unit in the trust account ($10.15).

 

The Sponsor has agreed that it will be liable to the Company, if and to the extent any claims by a vendor for services rendered or products sold to the Company, or a prospective target business with which the Company has discussed entering into a transaction agreement, reduce the amounts in the Trust Account to below $10.15 per share (whether or not the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full), except as to any claims by a third party who executed a waiver of any and all rights to seek access to the Trust Account and except as to any claims under the Company’s indemnity of the underwriters of the Offering against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). In the event that an executed waiver is deemed to be unenforceable against a third party, the Sponsor will not be responsible to the extent of any liability for such third-party claims. The Company will seek to reduce the possibility that the Sponsor will have to indemnify the Trust Account due to claims of creditors by endeavoring to have all vendors, service providers (except for the company’s independent registered accounting firm), prospective target businesses or other entities with which the Company does business, execute agreements with the Company waiving any right, title, interest or claim of any kind in or to monies held in the Trust Account.

 

6
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations (Continued)

 

Liquidity and Management’s Plans

 

Prior to the completion of the Initial Public Offering, the Company lacked the liquidity it needed to sustain operations for a reasonable period of time, which is considered to be one year from the issuance date of the financial statements. The Company has since completed its Initial Public Offering at which time capital in excess of the funds deposited in the Trust Account and/or used to fund offering expenses was released to the Company for general working capital purposes. In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor may provide us up to $1,500,000 under Working Capital Loans (see Note 5). Accordingly, management has since reevaluated the Company’s liquidity and financial condition and determined that sufficient capital exists to sustain operations through the earlier of the consummation of a Business Combination or one year from this filing and therefore substantial doubt has been alleviated. There is no assurance that the Company’s plans to consummate an initial Business Combination will be successful within the Combination Period. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

Management is currently evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial position, results of its operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of the financial statement. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s prospectus for its Initial Public Offering as filed with the SEC on August 11, 2021, as well as the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC on August 16, 2021. The interim results for the period ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the period ending December 31, 2021 or for any future

periods.

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act, as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

Further, 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 election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to 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, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

7
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company had $25,005 in cash and no cash equivalents as of June 30, 2021.

 

Deferred Offering Costs

 

The Company complies with the requirements of the ASC 340-10-S99-1 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Topic 5A - Expenses of Offering. Offering costs consist principally of professional and registration fees incurred through the balance sheet date that are related to the IPO. Offering costs are charged against the carrying value of Class A common stock or the statement of operations based on the relative value of the Class A common stock and the Warrants to the proceeds received from the Units sold upon the completion of the IPO. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had deferred offering costs of $78,792.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company complies with the accounting and reporting requirements of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or deductible amounts, based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized ASC Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s management determined the United States is the Company’s only major tax jurisdiction. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30 2021 and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

The provision for income taxes was deemed to be immaterial for the period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021.

 

8
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption

 

All of the Class A common stock sold as part of the Units in the Initial Public Offering contain a redemption feature which allows for the redemption of such Public Shares in connection with the Company’s liquidation, if there is a stockholder vote or tender offer in connection with the Business Combination and in connection with certain amendments to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation. In accordance with ASC 480, conditionally redeemable Class A common stock (including shares of Class A common stock 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. Ordinary liquidation events, which involve the redemption and liquidation of all of the entity’s equity instruments, are excluded from the provisions of ASC 480. Although the Company did not specify a maximum redemption threshold, its charter provides that currently, the Company will not redeem its public shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets (stockholders’ equity) to be less than $5,000,001. However, the threshold in its charter would not change the nature of the underlying shares as redeemable and thus public shares would be required to be disclosed outside of permanent equity. The Company recognizes changes in redemption value immediately as they occur and adjusts the carrying value of redeemable common stock to equal the redemption value ($10.15 per share) at the end of each reporting period. Such changes are reflected in additional paid-in capital, or in the absence of additional capital, in accumulated deficit.

 

On June 30, 2021, as there are no shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, no shares of Class A Common Stock are subject to possible redemption.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution which, at times may exceed the Federal depository insurance coverage of $250,000. On June 30, 2021, the Company had not experienced losses on this account and management believes the Company is not exposed to significant risks on such account.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding for the period. The calculation of diluted income (loss) per share does not consider the effect of the warrants issued in connection with the Initial Public Offering and warrants issued as components of the Private Placement Units (the “Placement Warrants”) since the exercise of the warrants are contingent upon the occurrence of future events and the inclusion of such warrants would be anti-dilutive.

 

9
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

● Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

 

● Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

 

● Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value upon issuance and remeasured at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative financial instruments is evaluated at the end of each reporting period.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. ASU 2020-06 is effective January 1, 2022 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 other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s condensed financial statements.

 

Note 3 —Initial Public Offering

 

Following the closing of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Over-allotment Option Units, the Company sold 11,500,000 Units at a purchase price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common stock and three-quarters of one redeemable warrant (“Public Warrant”). Each Public Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase three-quarters of one common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per whole share.

 

10
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 4 — Private Placement

 

Following the closing of the Initial Public Offering and the sale of the Over-allotment Option Units, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 521,675 Private Placement Units at a price of $10.00 per Private Placement Unit for an aggregate purchase price of $5,216,750.

 

The proceeds from the sale of the Placement Units will be added to the net proceeds from the Offering held in the Trust Account. The Placement Units are identical to the Units sold in the Initial Public Offering, except for the placement warrants (“Placement Warrants”), as described in Note 7. If the Company does not complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, the proceeds from the sale of the Placement Units will be used to fund the redemption of the Public Shares (subject to the requirements of applicable law) and the Placement Warrants will expire worthless.

 

Note 5 — Related Party Transactions

 

Founder Shares

 

On March 22, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,875,000 shares of Class B common stock to the Sponsor for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000 in cash. Such Class B common stock includes an aggregate of up to 375,000 shares that were subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part, so that the Sponsor will collectively own at least 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares after the Offering (assuming the initial stockholders do not purchase any Public Shares in the Offering and excluding the Placement Units and underlying securities). The underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full so those shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.

 

The initial stockholders have agreed not to transfer, assign or sell any of the Class B common stock (except to certain permitted transferees) until, with respect to any of the Class B common stock, the earlier of (i) six months after the date of the consummation of a Business Combination, or (ii) the date on which the closing price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing after a Business Combination, with respect to the remaining any of the Class B common stock, upon six months after the date of the consummation of a Business Combination, or earlier, in each case, if, subsequent to a Business Combination, the Company consummates a subsequent liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction which results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their common stock for cash, securities or other property.

 

11
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 5 — Related Party Transactions (Continued)

 

Promissory Note — Related Party

 

On March 22, 2021, the Sponsor committed to loan the Company an aggregate of up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the Initial Public Offering pursuant to a promissory note (the “Note”). The Note was non-interest bearing and was payable on the earlier of July 31, 2021 or the completion of the Initial Public Offering. On June 30, 2021, the Company had borrowed $88,792 under the Note. On August 17, 2021, the outstanding balance owed under the Note was repaid in full.

 

Related Party Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor may provide us with a loan to the Company up to $1,500,000 as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). Such Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of a Business Combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be converted upon consummation of a Business Combination into additional Placement Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. In the event that a Business Combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans, but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. As of June 30, 2021, there were no amounts outstanding under any Working Capital Loans.

 

If the Company anticipates that it may not be able to consummate the initial Business Combination within 12 months, the Company may, by resolution of the board if requested by the Sponsor, extend the period of time to consummate a Business Combination up to two times, each by an additional three months (for a total of up to 18 months to complete a Business Combination), subject to the Sponsor depositing additional funds into the trust account as set out below. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the trust agreement to be entered into between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, in order for the time available for the Company to consummate the initial Business Combination to be extended, the Sponsor or its affiliates or designees, must deposit into the Trust Account $1,150,000 with the underwriters’ over-allotment option exercised in full ($0.10 per unit in either case), on or prior to the date of the applicable deadline, for each of the available three month extensions, providing a total possible Business Combination period of 18 months at a total payment value of $2,300,000 with the underwriters’ over-allotment option exercised in full ($0.10 per unit). Any such payments would be made in the form of a loan. Any such loans will be non-interest bearing and payable upon the consummation of a Business Combination out of the proceeds of the trust account released to it.

 

12
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 5 — Related Party Transactions (Continued)

 

Administrative Support Agreement

 

The Company’s Sponsor has agreed, commencing from the date that the Company’s securities are first listed on NASDAQ through the earlier of the Company’s consummation of a Business Combination and its liquidation, to make available to the Company certain general and administrative services, including office space, utilities and administrative services, as the Company may require from time to time. The Company has agreed to pay to Mehana Equity LLC, the Sponsor $10,000 per month for these services during the 18-month period to complete a business combination. The Sponsor has agreed to pay for the formation cost of $229 and waived to seek reimbursement from the Company for such cost.

 

Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the founder shares and placement units (including securities contained therein) and units (including securities contained therein) that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans, and any shares of Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the placement warrants and any shares of Class A common stock and warrants (and underlying Class A common stock) that may be issued upon conversion of the units issued as part of the working capital loans and Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the founder shares, will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement to be signed prior to or on the effective date of this offering, requiring us to register such securities for resale (in the case of the founder shares, only after conversion to our Class A common stock). The holders of these securities are entitled to make up to two demands, excluding short form demands, that we register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to our completion of our initial business combination and rights to require us 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. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, under FINRA Rule 5110, the underwriters and/or their designees may only make a demand registration (i) on one occasion and (ii) during the five-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Offering, and the underwriters and/or their designees may participate in a “piggy-back” registration only during the seven-year period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement relating to the Offering.

 

Underwriters Agreement

 

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Initial Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The underwriters were entitled to a cash underwriting discount of: (i) two percent (2.00%) of the gross proceeds of the Offering, or $2,300,000. In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of three percent (3.00%) of the gross proceeds of the Offering upon closing of the Business Combination, or $3,450,000. The deferred fee will be paid in cash upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

On August 13, 2021, the underwriter has given the Company a rebatement of $350,000. The total cash underwriting fee is $1,950,000 and deferred underwriting fee is $3,450,000.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

For a period beginning on the closing of this offering and ending 12 months from the closing of a business combination, we have granted EF Hutton a right of first refusal to act as lead-left book running manager and lead left manager for any and all future private or public equity, convertible and debt offerings during such period. In accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(3)(A)(i), such right of first refusal shall not have a duration of more than three years from the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

13
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 preferred shares with a par value of $0.000001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s Board of Directors. On June 30, 2021, there were no preferred shares issued or outstanding.

 

Class A Common Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.000001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. On June 30, 2021, there were no Class A common stock issued or outstanding.

 

Class B Common Stock — The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.000001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share. On March 22, 2021, there were 2,875,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding and were held by the Sponsor. Effective as of April 15, 2021, the Sponsor transferred 100,000 shares of Class B common stock among the chief financial officer and the three independent directors. On June 30, 2021, there were 2,875,000 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding (includes an aggregate of 375,000 shares subject to forfeiture to the extent that the underwriters’ over-allotment is not exercised in full or in part). Shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock at the time of the Company’s initial business combination on a one-for-one basis.

 

Warrants — In accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815-40, the warrants issued in the Initial Public Offering do not meet the criteria for equity treatment thereunder, each warrant must be recorded as a liability. The Company will classify each warrant as a liability at its fair value, with the change in fair value recognized in the Company’s statement of operations.

 

Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of shares. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the Units and only whole warrants will trade. The Public Warrants will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination and will expire five years after the completion of a Business Combination or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

 

The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of a warrant and will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the shares of Class A common issuable upon exercise of the warrants is then effective and a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock is available, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration. No warrant will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, and the Company will not be obligated to issue any shares to holders seeking to exercise their warrants, unless the issuance of the shares upon such exercise is registered or qualified under the securities laws of the state of the exercising holder, or an exemption from registration is available.

 

14
 

 

PONO CAPITAL CORP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)

 

The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days after the closing of its initial Business Combination, it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the registration statement or a new registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, to cause such registration statement to become effective and to maintain a current prospectus relating to those shares of Class A common stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement. If a registration statement covering the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60th business day after the closing of the Company’s initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. Notwithstanding the above, if the Company’s shares of Class A common stock are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, it may, at its option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elects, it will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, and in the event it does not so elect, it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. If that exemption, or another exemption, is not available, holders will not be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis.

 

Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00. Once the warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

● in whole and not in part;

 

● at a price of $0.01 per warrant;

 

● upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption, or the 30-day redemption period, to each warrant holder; and

 

● if, and only if, the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

 

If the Company calls the Public Warrants for redemption, management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise the Public Warrants to do so on a “cashless basis,” as described in the warrant agreement. The exercise price and number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. Additionally, in no event will the Company be required to net cash settle the warrants. If the Company is unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Window and the Company liquidates the funds held in the Trust Account, holders of warrants will not receive any of such funds with respect to their warrants, nor will they receive any distribution from the Company’s assets held outside of the Trust Account with the respect to such warrants. Accordingly, the warrants may expire worthless.

 

The Placement Warrants will be identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units being sold in the Public Offering, except that the Placement Warrants and the Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of a Business Combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Placement Warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis and be non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees. If the Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

 

On June 30, 2021, there are no Public Warrants nor Placement Warrants outstanding.

 

Note 8 – Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date that the financial statement was issued. Based upon this review, other than the events included in the above notes, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statement.

 

15
 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

References in this report (this “Quarterly Report”) to the “Company,” “Pono Capital Corp,” “our,” “us” or “we” refer to Pono Capital Corp. References to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors, and references to the “Sponsor” refer to Mehana Equity, LLC. The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim condensed financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to, those described in our other SEC filings.

 

Overview

 

We are a blank check company incorporated in Delaware on February 12, 2021. We were formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “Business Combination”). We are an emerging growth company and, as such, we are subject to all of the risks associated with emerging growth companies.

 

Our sponsor is Mehana Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor”). The registration statement for our Initial Public Offering was declared effective on August 11, 2021. On August 13, 2021, we consummated our Initial Public Offering of 10,000,000 units (the “Units” and, with respect to the Class A common stock included in the Units being offered, the “Public Shares”), including 1,500,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments (the “Over-Allotment Units”), at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $115 million, and incurring offering costs of $6,168,893 consisting of $1,950,000 of underwriting fees, $3,450,000 of deferred underwriting fees (see Note 6) and $768,893 of other costs.

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the Initial Public Offering, we consummated the private placement (“Private Placement”) of an aggregate of 469,175 units (the “Placement Units”) to the Sponsor at a price of $10.00 per Placement Unit, generating total gross proceeds of $4,691,750.

 

Subsequently, on August 18, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full, and the closing of the issuance and sale of the additional Units occurred (the “Over-allotment Option Units”). The total aggregate issuance by the Company of 1,500,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit resulted in total gross proceeds of $15,000,000. On August 18, 2021, simultaneously with the sale of the Over-allotment Option Units, the Company consummated the private sale of an additional 52,500 Placement Units, generating gross proceeds of $525,000. The Placement Units were issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as the transactions did not involve a public offering.

 

A total of $116,725,000, comprised of the proceeds from the Offering and the proceeds of private placements that closed on August 13, 2021 and August 18, 2021, net of the underwriting commissions, discounts, and offering expenses, was deposited in a trust account established for the benefit of the Company’s public stockholders (“Trust Account”), located in the United States, with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company acting as trustee, and which was invested by the trustee only in United States “government securities” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act having a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) until the earlier of: (i) the completion of a Business Combination and (ii) the distribution of the Trust Account as described below.

 

16
 

 

Our management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating a Business Combination. There is no assurance that we will be able to complete a Business Combination successfully. We must complete one or more initial Business Combinations having an aggregate fair market value of at least 80% of the assets held in the Trust Account (as defined below) (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the agreement to enter into the initial Business Combination. However, we will only complete a Business Combination if the post-transaction company owns or acquires 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquires a controlling interest in the target sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

 

If we are unable to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period, we will (i) cease all operations except for the purpose of winding up, (ii) as promptly as reasonably possible but not more than ten business days thereafter, redeem the Public Shares, at a per-share price, payable in cash, equal to the aggregate amount then on deposit in the Trust Account, including interest (which interest shall be net of taxes payable and up to $70,000 of interest to pay dissolution expenses), divided by the number of then issued and outstanding Public Shares, which redemption will completely extinguish Public Shareholders’ rights as shareholders (including the right to receive further liquidation distributions, if any) and (iii) as promptly as reasonably possible following such redemption, subject to the approval of our remaining shareholders and our board of directors, liquidate and dissolve, subject, in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii), to our obligations under Delaware law to provide for claims of creditors and in all cases subject to the other requirements of applicable law.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of June 30, 2021, we had approximately $25,005 in our operating bank account, and a working capital deficit of approximately $53,787. Our liquidity needs up to June 30, 2021 had been satisfied through the payment of $25,000 from the Sponsor to cover for certain expenses on our behalf in exchange for the issuance of the Founder Shares, the loan of approximately $88,792 from the Sponsor pursuant to a promissory note, and the proceeds from the consummation of the Private Placement not held in the Trust Account. We fully repaid the Note on August 17, 2021. In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with a Business Combination, the Sponsor has agreed to provide us up to $1,500,000 under Working Capital Loans (see Note 5). As of June 30, 2021, there were no amounts outstanding under any Working Capital Loan.

 

Based on the foregoing, management believes that we will have sufficient borrowing capacity from our Sponsor or an affiliate of our Sponsor, or certain of our 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, we 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.

 

Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry and has concluded that while it is reasonably possible that the virus could have a negative effect on our financial position, results of our operations and/or search for a target company, the specific impact is not readily determinable as of the date of the financial statements. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

17
 

 

Results of Operations

 

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities from inception to June 30, 2021 were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the Initial Public Offering (“Initial Public Offering”) and identifying a target company for a business combination. We do not expect to generate any operating revenues until after the completion of our business combination. We expect to generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and marketable securities held after the Initial Public Offering. We expect that we will 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 in connection with completing a business combination.

 

For the period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021, we had a net loss of $224, which consisted of formation costs of $229, partially offset by a bank incentive of $5.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Administrative Support Agreement

 

We agreed to pay the Sponsor a total of $10,000 per month, commencing on the effective date of the Initial Public Offering, for office space, utilities, secretarial and administrative support services provided to members of the management team. Upon completion of the initial Business Combination or our liquidation, we will cease paying these monthly fees.

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, Forward Purchase Securities and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans, if any, are entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement. These holders will be entitled to certain demand and “piggyback” registration rights. However, the registration rights agreement provides that we will not permit any registration statement filed under the Securities Act to become effective until the termination of the applicable lock-up period for the securities to be registered. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

We granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the final prospectus relating to the Initial Public Offering to purchase up to 1,500,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments, if any, at the Initial Public Offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions. On August 18, 2021, the underwriters fully exercised their over-allotment option. The underwriters were entitled to an underwriting discount of two percent (2.00%) of the gross proceeds of the Proposed Offering, or $2,000,000 (or up to $2,300,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full). In addition, the underwriters are entitled to a deferred fee of three percent (3.00%) of the gross proceeds of the Proposed Offering, or $3,000,000 (or up to $3,450,000 if the underwriters’ over-allotment is exercised in full) upon closing of the Business Combination. The deferred fee will be paid in cash upon the closing of a Business Combination from the amounts held in the Trust Account, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. The Company has identified the following as its critical accounting policies:

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of condensed financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

 

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Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Fair Value Measurements — Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

 

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

 

Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying balance sheet, primarily due to their short-term nature.

 

Net loss Per Share of Common Stock — Basic loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Consistent with FASB 480, 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 loss per share of common stock for the six months June 30, 2021. Such shares, if redeemed, only participate in their pro rata share of trust earnings. Diluted loss per share includes the incremental number of shares of common stock to be issued to settle warrants, as calculated using the treasury method. For the period from February 12, 2021 (inception) through June 30, 2021, the Company did not have any dilutive warrants, securities or other contracts that could potentially, be exercised or converted into common stock. As a result, diluted loss per share of common stock is the same as basic loss per share of common stock for all periods presented.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments — The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 815. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value upon issuance and remeasured at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative financial instruments is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. There were no derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 2021.

 

Class A Common Stock Subject to Possible Redemption — We account for our Class A common stock subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC Topic 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Shares of Class A common stock subject to mandatory redemption (if any) are classified as liability instruments and are measured at fair value. Shares of conditionally redeemable Class A common stock (including Class A common stock 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 our control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, shares of Class A common stock are classified as shareholders’ equity. Although the Company did not specify a maximum redemption threshold, its charter provides that currently, the Company will not redeem its public shares in an amount that would cause its net tangible assets (stockholders’ equity) to be less than $5,000,001. However, the threshold in its charter would not change the nature of the underlying shares as redeemable and thus public shares would be required to be disclosed outside of permanent equity. As of June 30, 2021, as there are no shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, no shares of Class A Common Stock are subject to possible redemption.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. ASU 2020-06 is effective January 1, 2022 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 other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s condensed financial statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of June 30, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

JOBS Act

 

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”) contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. We qualify as an “emerging growth company” and under the JOBS Act are allowed to comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements based on the effective date for private (not publicly traded) companies. We are electing to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards, and as a result, we may not comply with new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for non-emerging growth companies. As a result, the financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.

 

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 PCAOB 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 CEO’s compensation to median employee compensation. These exemptions will apply for a period of five years following the completion of our Initial Public Offering or until we are no longer an “emerging growth company,” whichever is earlier.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information otherwise required under this item. As of June 30, 2021, we were not subject to any market or interest rate risk. The net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering, including amounts in the Trust Account, will be invested in U.S. government securities with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds that meet certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act that invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe there will be no associated material exposure to interest rate risk.

 

We have not engaged in any hedging activities since our inception and we do not expect to engage in any hedging activities with respect to the market risk to which we are exposed.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer have concluded that during the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level and, accordingly, provided reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

During the most recently completed fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2021, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this Quarterly Report are any of the risks described in our final prospectus for our Initial Public Offering filed with the SEC. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our final prospectus for our Initial Public Offering filed with the SEC or as disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 filed with the SEC and declared effective by the SEC on August 11, 2021. We may disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in our future filings with the SEC.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

On August 13, 2021, we consummated the initial public offering of 10,000,000 units. On August 18, 2021, in connection with the underwriters’ election to fully exercise their over-allotment option, we sold an additional 1,500,000 units. The units sold in the initial public offering and the full exercise of over-allotment option sold at an offering price of $10.00 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $115,000,000. EF Hutton, division of Benchmark Investments, Inc. acted as sole book-running manager of the initial public offering. The securities in the offering were registered under the Securities Act on a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-257150). The Securities and Exchange Commission declared the registration statement effective on August 11, 2021.

 

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Simultaneously with the consummation of the initial public offering, we consummated the private placement of an aggregate of 469,175 units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit, generating proceeds of $4,691,750. Simultaneously with the closing of the underwriters’ full exercise of the over-allotment option, we consummated the private placement of an additional 52,500 private placement units at a price of $10.00 per private placement unit, generating additional proceeds of $525,000. The issuances were made pursuant to the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

The private placement units are identical to the units sold in the initial public offering, except as is described in the Company’s final prospectus.

 

Of the gross proceeds received from the initial public offering including the over-allotment option, and the private placement units, $116,725,000 was placed in the trust account. Transaction costs of the Initial Public Offering amounted to $6,168,893 consisting of $1,950,000 of underwriting fees, $3,450,000 of deferred underwriting fees (see Note 6) and $768,893 of other costs.

 

There has been no material change in the planned use of the proceeds from the initial public offering and private placement as is described in the Company’s final prospectus related to the initial public offering.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

No.   Description of Exhibit
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
31.2   Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15(d)-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
32.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS   Inline XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

* These certifications are furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  PONO CAPITAL CORP
     
Date: September 24, 2021 By: /s/ Dustin Shindo
    Dustin Shindo
    Chief Executive Officer

 

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