XML 33 R9.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.25.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of LanzaTech Global, Inc. and its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, LanzaTech had revenues of less than $100 million and as of the last business day of the Company’s second fiscal quarter in 2024 (the “Measurement Date”), the market value of its common stock that was held by non-affiliates (i.e. public float) was below $560 million. As a result, LanzaTech qualified as a “smaller reporting company” or “SRC” on the Measurement Date, as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements.
The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization as Legacy LanzaTech was determined to be the accounting acquirer under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”) based on the evaluation of the following facts and circumstances:
Legacy LanzaTech stockholders have the largest portion of voting rights (85.3% at the closing of the Business Combination) in the Company;
Legacy LanzaTech’s existing senior management team comprise senior management of the Company;
The operations of the Company primarily represent operations of Legacy LanzaTech; and
In comparison with AMCI, Legacy LanzaTech has significantly more revenue and total assets.
For more information on the Business Combination, see Note 3 - Reverse Recapitalization.
Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”)
The Company makes judgments in determining whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and is thus required to consolidate the entity. A VIE is a legal entity that has a total equity investment that is insufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The Company’s variable interest arises from contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in the entity, which changes with fluctuations in the fair value of the entity’s net assets. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance, and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company consolidates a VIE when the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The Company assesses whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis. If the Company is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary in a VIE, the Company accounts for the investment or other variable interests in a VIE in accordance with applicable GAAP.
The Company holds interests in certain VIEs for which it has been determined the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The Company's variable interests primarily relate to entities in which the Company has a non-controlling equity interest. Although these financial arrangements resulted in holding variable interests in these entities, they do not empower the Company to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. The Company's interests in the VIEs are, therefore, accounted for under the equity method of accounting or at fair value (including, when applicable, the practicability exception to fair value under ASC 321-10-35). Refer to Note 6 - Investments, for further information. The Company is exposed to the VIEs’ losses and other impairment losses up to the carrying value of each investment and any amounts receivable from the VIE, less amounts payable. Refer to Note 15 - Related Party Transactions, for further details on the transactions with VIEs.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and assume the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Company will continue in operation one year after the date these financial statements are issued and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business.
The Company has recurring net losses and anticipates continuing to incur losses. The Company had cash and cash equivalents of $43,499, short-term held-to-maturity debt securities of $12,374 and accumulated deficit of $(969,603) as of December 31, 2024, along with cash outflows from operations of $(89,060) and net loss of $(137,731) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company has historically funded its operations through the Business Combination, issuances of equity securities, debt financing, as well as from revenue generating activities with commercial and governmental entities.
In light of the Company’s projected capital expenditure and operating requirements under its current business plan, the Company is projecting that its existing cash and short-term held-to-maturity debt securities will not be sufficient to fund its operations through the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. These conditions and events raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company is focusing on streamlining its business priorities, taking actions to reduce its cost structure and evaluating other liquidity enhancing initiatives, including pursuing capital raising, partnership or asset-related opportunities, and other strategic options. In accordance with Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40),” management has evaluated in aggregate the conditions and events that raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through the next twelve months from the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements and has determined that the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on its ability to execute its business plan, raise significant amounts of additional capital and/or implement other strategic options.
On April 3, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) received a preliminary, nonbinding proposal from Carbon Direct Capital Management LLC (“Carbon Direct Capital”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for $0.02 per share (the “Take-Private Proposal”). Carbon Direct Capital is the holder of the Company’s outstanding $40,150 Convertible Note, excluding payment-in-kind interest from the issue date, which upon
conversion, would entitle it to receive shares of common stock representing approximately 14.6% of the Company’s common stock based on the total number of shares of common stock of the Company outstanding on April 10, 2025. The Strategic Committee of the Board is currently reviewing, evaluating and negotiating the Take-Private Proposal in consultation with the Company’s financial advisor and legal counsel.
The Company is actively pursuing the above actions. However, because certain of the actions described above are subject to market and other conditions not within the Company’s control, management has concluded that these plans do not alleviate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include the fair value of equity awards granted to both employees and non-employees, valuation of common stock prior to the close of the Business Combination, revenue recognized over time, and Brookfield SAFE obligations, the FPA, the Convertible Note and the Private Placement Warrants.
The Company recognizes revenue over time for certain contracts using the percentage of completion method based an input measure. Under the input method, the Company exercises judgment and estimation when selecting the most indicative measure of such performance.
Most of our arrangements provide fixed consideration, however, when there are variable consideration elements, the Company estimates the transaction price and whether revenue should be constrained. Significant estimates and judgments are also used when a material right is provided to the customer. In these instances, the Company estimates the stand-alone selling price and apportions the total transaction price to this material right. Refer to the Revenue Recognition section in Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies hereunder.
Changes in facts and circumstances or additional information may result in revised estimates, and actual results may differ from these estimates.
Segment Information
The Company operates as one operating segment as determined in accordance with ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting. The determination of the Company’s reportable segment is based on the fact that its chief operating decision maker (CODM), identified as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) reviews financial performance and allocates resources at the consolidated level. See Note 16 - Segment for further details.
Foreign Currencies
The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. The Company has certain foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is the local currency. All of the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date, income and expense accounts are translated at average rates for the period, and shareholders’ equity accounts are translated at historical rates. The effects of translating financial statements of foreign operations into the Company’s reporting currency are recognized in other comprehensive income.
The Company also has foreign subsidiaries that have a functional currency of the U.S. dollar. Purchases and sales of assets and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency gains or losses relating to the differences between these recorded amounts and the U.S. dollar equivalent actually received or paid are included within other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had $43,499 and $75,585 of cash and cash equivalents, respectively.
Restricted Cash
The Company is required to maintain a cash deposit with a bank which consists of collateral on certain travel and expense programs maintained by the bank. The following represents a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets to total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
December 31,
20242023
Cash and cash equivalents$43,499 $75,585 
Restricted cash (presented within Other current assets)2,238 699 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$45,737 $76,284 
Trade and Other Receivables
Receivables are reported net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a variety of factors including the length of time receivables are past due, the financial health of customers, unusual macroeconomic conditions, and historical experience. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had a balance for doubtful accounts of $955 and $1,751, respectively.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of prepaid expenses, materials and supplies, inventory and other assets. Material and supplies consist of spare parts and consumables used for research and research equipment and is stated at the weighted average cost. Inventory consists of CarbonSmart products and biocatalysts to be sold to biorefining customers.
Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and include improvements that significantly increase capacities or extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets. Useful lives range from three to five years for instruments and equipment, three to five years for office equipment and furniture and software, five years for vehicles and, for leasehold improvements, the shorter of the life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease.
The Company reviews the remaining useful life of its assets on a regular basis to determine whether changes have taken place that would suggest that a change to depreciation policies is warranted.
Upon retirement or disposal of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the account, and the resulting gains or losses, if any, are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Net gains or losses related to asset dispositions are recognized in earnings in the period in which dispositions occur. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacements are expensed as incurred.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Lease agreements under which the Company is a lessee are evaluated to classify the lease as a finance or operating lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company accounts for lease components and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company performs a recoverability assessment of each of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Indicators may include, but are not limited to, adverse changes in the regulatory environment in a jurisdiction where the Company operates, a decision to discontinue the development of a long-lived asset, early termination of a significant customer contract, or the introduction of newer technology.
When performing a recoverability assessment, the Company measures whether the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset exceeds its carrying value. In the event that an asset does not meet the recoverability test, the carrying value of the asset will be adjusted to fair value resulting in an impairment charge.
Management develops the assumptions used in the recoverability assessment based on active contracts as well as information received from third-party industry sources. The Company did not record an impairment for years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Equity Method Investments
Investments in entities over which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Gain or loss from equity method investees, net, represents the Company’s proportionate share of net income or loss of its equity method investees and any gains or losses resulting from transactions in the investee's equity.
The Company’s equity method investment is assessed for impairment whenever changes in the facts and circumstances indicate a loss in value may have occurred. When a loss is deemed to have occurred and is other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity method investment is written down to fair value. In evaluating whether a loss is other than temporary, the Company considers the length of time for which the conditions have existed and its intent and ability to hold the investment.
Equity Security Investments
Investments in entities over which the Company has neither significant influence, nor control, are accounted for as equity security investments. For investments where the fair value is not readily determinable, the Company will account for its investment using the alternative measurement principals as permitted under ASC 321, Investments — Equity Securities.
Subsequently, under the alternative measurement method, the Company will adjust the carrying value for observable changes in price and will reassess whether its investment continues to qualify for such method. Additionally, the Company will perform a qualitative assessment and recognize an impairment if there are sufficient indicators that the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value. The changes in value and impairment charges (if any), are recorded in Other expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Investment securities
The Company classifies investment securities according to their purpose and holding period. All investment securities are debt securities that have been classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) because the Company has both the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity.
HTM debt securities are comprised of U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. Treasury notes, Yankee bonds, and corporate debt. HTM debt securities are carried at amortized cost, which is original cost net of periodic principal repayments and amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Accrued interest receivable is recorded within trade and other receivables, net of allowance on the consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are computed using the contractual level-yield method (contractual interest method), adjusted for actual prepayments. The contractual interest method recognizes the income effects of premiums and discounts over the contractual life of the securities based on the actual behavior of the underlying assets, including adjustments for actual prepayment activities, and reflects the contractual terms of the securities without regard to changes in estimated prepayments based on assumptions about future borrower behavior.
HTM securities are evaluated individually on a quarterly basis for expected credit losses. If applicable, an allowance for credit losses is recorded with a corresponding credit loss expense (or reversal of credit loss expense). The allowance for credit losses excludes uncollectible accrued interest receivable, which is measured separately.
Brookfield SAFE
On October 2, 2022, the Company entered into a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”) with Brookfield (the “Brookfield SAFE”). Under the Brookfield SAFE, the Company agreed to issue to Brookfield the right to certain shares of its capital stock, in exchange for the payment of $50,000 (the “Initial Purchase Amount”). The Brookfield SAFE is legal form debt. As a result of the Business Combination, the Brookfield SAFE can be converted into a maximum number of shares of 5,000,000. Management has elected to apply the Fair Value Option (“FVO”) under ASC 825, Financial Instruments. As the Brookfield SAFE is accounted for under the FVO, the Brookfield SAFE is classified as mark-to-market liability.
On February 14, 2025, the Company and Brookfield terminated the Brookfield SAFE and all rights and obligations and concurrently entered into a Loan Agreement as defined in Note 19 - Subsequent Events.
Warrants
The Company accounts for its warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (“ASC 815-40”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815-40, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common stock, among other conditions for equity classification.
The Company has the following warrants (further described hereunder): Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants classified as liability (see Note 10 - Fair Value) and the FPA Warrants classified as equity.
As part of AMCI’s initial public offering (“IPO”), AMCI issued warrants to third-party investors. Each public warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “Public Warrants”). Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, AMCI completed the private sale of warrants. Each private sale warrant allows the holder to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock at $11.50 per share. Additionally, prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, AMCI issued warrants for the settlement of a working capital loan. The working capital warrants have the same terms as the private sale of warrants issued at the IPO. Warrants sold in the private sale at the IPO and the warrants issued to convert the working capital loan are collectively referred to as the “Private Placement Warrants”. On the Closing Date and as of December 31, 2024, 7,499,924 Public Warrants and 4,774,276 Private Placement Warrants remained outstanding.
On March 27, 2023, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,073,486 warrants to ACM and 2,010,000 warrants to Vellar pursuant to the Forward Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “FPA Warrants”) (see Note 9 - Forward Purchase Agreement, Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies and Note 19 - Subsequent Events for additional information).
For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at fair value as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and adjusted to the current fair value at each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss in Other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss .
Forward Purchase Agreement
On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into a FPA with ACM. On the same date, ACM partially assigned its rights under the FPA to Vellar. ACM and Vellar are together referred to as the “Purchasers”. Pursuant to the FPA, the Purchasers obtained 5,916,514 common shares (“Recycled Shares”) on the open market for $10.16 per share (“Redemption Price”), and such purchase price of $60,096 was funded by the use of AMCI trust account proceeds as a partial prepayment (“Prepayment Amount”) for the FPA redemption three years from the date of the Business Combination (the “FPA Maturity Date”). The FPA Maturity Date may be accelerated, at the Purchasers discretion, if the Company share price trades below $3.00 per share for any 50 trading days during a 60 day consecutive trading-day period or the Company is delisted. On any date following the Business Combination, the Purchasers also have the option to early terminate the arrangement in whole or in part by providing optional early termination notice to the Company (the “Optional Early Termination”). For those shares early terminated (the “Terminated Shares”), the Purchasers will owe the Company an amount equal to the Terminated Shares times the Redemption Price, which may be reduced in the case of certain dilutive events (“Reset Price”).
At the FPA Maturity Date, the Company is obligated to pay the Purchasers an amount equal to the product of (1) 7,500,000 less the number of Terminated Shares multiplied by (2) $2.00 (the “Maturity Consideration”), which under the FPA is payable at the Company’s option in cash or shares of common stock valued at the average daily VWAP Price (as defined in the FPA) over the 30 scheduled trading days ending on the FPA Maturity Date. In addition to the Maturity Consideration, on the FPA Maturity Date, the Company is obligated to pay to the Purchasers an amount equal to the product of (x) 500,000 and (y) the Redemption Price, totaling $5,079 (the “Share Consideration”), which under the FPA is payable in cash. If the Purchasers were to utilize their Optional Early Termination to terminate the FPA early in its entirety, neither the Maturity Consideration nor the Share Consideration would be due to the Purchasers.
The Purchasers’ Optional Early Termination economically results in the prepaid forward contract being akin to a written put option with the Purchasers’ right to sell all or a portion of the 5,916,514 common shares to the Company. The Company is entitled over the 36-month maturity period to either a return of the prepayment or the underlying shares, which the Purchasers will determine at their sole discretion.
The FPA consists of three freestanding financial instruments which are accounted for as follows:
1) The total prepayment of $60,547 (“Prepayment Amount”), which is accounted for as a reduction to equity to reflect the substance of the overall arrangement as a net repurchase of the Recycled Shares and sale of shares to the Purchasers pursuant to a subscription agreement.
2) The “FPA Put Option” which includes both the in-substance written put option and the portion of the Maturity Consideration in excess of the Minimum Maturity Consideration (the “Variable Maturity Consideration”). The FPA Put Option is a derivative instrument the Company has recorded as a liability and measured at fair value. The initial fair value of the FPA Put Option and subsequent changes in fair value of the FPA Put Option are recorded within Other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
3) The “Fixed Maturity Consideration,” which includes the minimum portion of the Maturity Consideration (the “Minimum Maturity Consideration”), calculated as 7,500,000 less 5,916,513 multiplied by $2.00 or $3,167, and the Share Consideration. Both the Minimum Maturity Consideration and the Share Consideration are considered to be free-standing debt instruments and as both will be paid on the same terms and at the same time, these are accounted for together. The Company has elected to measure these using the FVO under ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). The Fixed Maturity Consideration is recorded as a long-term liability on the consolidated balance sheets. The initial fair value of the Fixed Maturity Consideration and subsequent changes in fair value of the Fixed Maturity Consideration are recorded within other expense, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
In relation to the FPA, the Company’s volume-weighted average share price was below $3.00 per share for 50 trading days during the 60-day consecutive trading period ended on July 1, 2024 (the “VWAP Trigger Event”). On July 22, 2024, Vellar notified the Company of a VWAP Trigger Event, purporting to accelerate the FPA Maturity Date of its portion of the Recycled Shares (i.e., 2,999,000 shares) to July 22, 2024. It subsequently delivered to the Company a notice of default under the FPA. On July 24, 2024, the Company filed suit against Vellar under the FPA, primarily in connection with Vellar’s sale of Recycled Shares (see Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies). As a result, the Company reclassified the Maturity Consideration and the Share Consideration to current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and the FPA Put Option excluding the Variable Maturity Consideration portion, which remains in long-term liabilities (refer to Note 9 - Forward Purchase Agreement).
In October 2024, ACM accelerated the FPA Maturity Date with respect to its portion of the FPA in connection with the VWAP Trigger Event, and the Company fully satisfied its obligation to ACM in accordance with the FPA’s provisions (see Note 9 - Forward Purchase Agreement).
Convertible Note
On August 5, 2024, the Company entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the “Convertible Note Purchase Agreement”) with Carbon Direct Capital pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell and issue to Carbon Direct Capital and other purchasers in a private placement transaction (the “Private Placement”) in one or more closings up to an aggregate principal amount of $150,000 of convertible notes. On August 6, 2024, the Company issued and sold a
principal amount of $40,150 of convertible notes to Carbon Direct Capital pursuant to the Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the “Convertible Note”).

The Company has elected the fair value option for the Convertible Note at issuance under ASC 825. Under this option, the Convertible Note is initially recognized at its fair value as a long-term liability on the consolidated balance sheets with subsequent changes in fair value reflected in earnings. Interest expense is not recognized separately; rather, the change in the fair value of the debt, inclusive of interest, market risk, and other factors affecting valuation, is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as a component of other income (expense). However, the change in fair value attributable to the change in the instrument-specific credit risk is presented separately in other comprehensive income. Transaction costs of $150 were expensed as incurred and included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as a component of Other income (expense). See Note 8 - Convertible Note.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or an exit price paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the Measurement Date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy defines a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements as follows:
Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that an entity has the ability to access;
Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The categorization of a financial instrument within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, approximates the carrying amounts represented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature, except for the warrant liability.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from exchange transactions in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”) and grants from non-customers. The Company primarily earns revenue from services related to biorefining (formerly known as carbon capture and transformation) which includes techno-economic feasibility studies and basic engineering design of commercial plants, licensing of technologies and sales of biocatalysts (microbes and media). The other two revenue streams are: (1) joint development and contract research activities to develop and optimize novel biocatalysts, related processes and technologies, and (2) supply of chemical building blocks, such as ethanol, for sustainable products made using the Company’s proprietary technologies (referred to as CarbonSmart).
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company records taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis. The Company’s payment terms are between 30-60 days and can vary by customer type and products offered. Management has evaluated the terms of the Company’s arrangements and determined that they do not contain significant financing components.
Biorefining
The Company provides feasibility studies and basic design and engineering services used for detailed design, procurement, and construction of commercial plants that utilize the Company’s technologies, along with the sale of microbes and media. The services provided are recognized as a performance obligation satisfied over time. Revenue is recognized as services are rendered using the cost-to-cost input method for certain engineering services, or the labor hours input method as performance obligations are satisfied. Revenue for the sale of microbes and media is at a point in time, depending on when control transfers to the customer.
The Company licenses intellectual property to generate recurring revenue, in the case of running royalties, or one-time revenue, in the case of fixed consideration royalties, when its customers deploy the Company’s technology in their biorefining plants. When licenses are considered to be distinct performance obligations, the recognition of revenue is dependent on the terms of the contract, which may include fixed consideration or royalties based on sales or usage, in which case the revenue is recognized when the subsequent sale or usage occurs or when the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales or usage-based royalty is allocated has been satisfied, whichever is later.
Joint Development and Contract Research
The Company performs R&D services related to novel technologies and development of biocatalysts for commercial applications, mainly to produce fuels and chemicals. The Company engages in two main types of R&D services – joint development agreements, and contract research, including projects with the U.S. Department of Energy and other US or foreign government agencies. Such services are recognized as a performance obligation satisfied over time. Revenue is recognized based on milestone completion, when payments are contingent upon the achievement of such milestones, or based on percentage-completion method when enforceable rights to payment exist. When no milestones or phases are clearly defined, management has determined that the cost incurred, input method, is an appropriate measure of progress because services are rendered to satisfy the performance obligations. The Company estimates its variable consideration under the expected value method.
Revenue is not recognized in advance of customer acceptance of a milestone when such acceptance is contractually required. Payments for R&D services are typically due from customers when a milestone is completed or a technical report is submitted; therefore, a contract asset is recognized at milestone completion but prior to the submission of a technical report. The contract asset represents the Company’s right to consideration for the services performed at milestone completion. Occasionally, customers provide payments in advance of the Company providing services which creates a contract liability for the Company. The contract liability represents the Company's obligation to provide services to a customer.
Grants
Grants received to perform services related to biorefining or joint development and contract research, including cost reimbursement agreements, are assessed to determine if the agreement should be accounted for as an exchange transaction or a contribution. An agreement is accounted for as a contribution if the resource provider does not receive commensurate value in return for the assets transferred. Contributions are recognized as grant revenue as the qualifying costs related to the grant are incurred.
CarbonSmart
The Company purchases ethanol from the customers who have deployed the Company’s proprietary technologies in their biorefining plants and sells it and its derivatives as CarbonSmart products. Revenue is recognized at a point in time when control transfers to the Company’s end customer, which varies depending on the shipping terms. The Company acts as the principal in such transactions and accordingly, recognizes revenue and cost of revenues on a gross basis. Amounts received for sales of CarbonSmart products are classified as revenue from sales of CarbonSmart products in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Collaboration Arrangements
The Company has certain partnership agreements that are within the scope of ASC 808, Collaborative Arrangements, which provides guidance on the presentation and disclosure of collaborative arrangements. Generally, the classification of the transaction under the collaborative arrangements is determined based on the nature of the contractual terms of the arrangement, along with the nature of the operations of the participants. The Company’s collaborative agreements generally include a provision of R&D services related to novel technologies and biocatalysts. Amounts received for these services are classified as Revenue from collaborative arrangements in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company's R&D services are a major part of the Company's ongoing operations and therefore ASC 606 is applied to recognize revenue.
Cost of Revenues
The Company’s R&D, engineering, and other direct costs of services and goods related to revenue agreements with customers, related parties, and collaborative partners represent cost of revenue. Costs include both internal and third-party fixed and variable costs and include materials, supplies, labor, and fringe benefits.
Research and Development
The Company expenses as incurred costs associated with R&D activities other than those related to revenue agreements or those eligible for capitalization under applicable guidance.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties
Revenue generated from the Company’s contracting entities outside of the United States for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was approximately 52% and 73%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, approximately 36% and 49%, respectively, of trade accounts receivable and unbilled accounts receivable were due from contracting entities located outside the United States. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the value of property, plant, and equipment outside the United States was immaterial.
The Company’s revenue by geographic region based on the contracting entities’ location is presented in Note 5 - Revenues.
Our largest contracting entities represent 10% or greater of revenue and were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Years Ended December 31,
20242023
Customer A25 %%
Customer B13 %38 %
Stock-Based Compensation
In exchange for certain employee and director services, compensation is given in the form of equity-based awards. The Company accounts for equity-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Accordingly, equity-classified awards are recorded based on the grant date fair value and expensed over the requisite service period for the respective award. Liability-classified awards are remeasured at the end of each reporting period and expensed based on the percentage of requisite service that has been rendered.
The Company’s equity-based awards include stock option awards, restricted stock units, stock-appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock issued by the Company, which vest based on either time and/or the achievement of certain market or performance conditions. The Company records forfeitures as they occur. Compensation expense is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, primarily within research and development expenses. For awards with only service conditions that have a graded vesting schedule, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. For awards with market or performance conditions that have a graded vesting schedule, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each tranche of the award. Compensation expense resulting from performance awards is recognized over the requisite service period when it is probable that the performance condition will be met. The recognized compensation expense for performance awards is adjusted based on an estimate of awards ultimately expected to vest.
The Company estimates the fair value of service and performance-based options and SARs using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses assumptions including expected volatility, expected term, and the expected risk-free rate of return. The Company estimates the fair value of market-based RSUs using the Monte Carlo simulation model that uses assumptions including expected volatility, and the derived service period. The Company uses peer data to determine expected volatility and expected term. The Company estimates the fair value of RSUs based on the closing market price of its common stock on the date of measurement.
Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan for the benefit of its employees, substantially all of whom are eligible to participate after meeting minimum qualifying requirements. Contributions to the plan are at the discretion of the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company contributed $1,539 and $1,253, respectively, to the plan, which contributions are included within Cost of Revenues, Research and
development expense and Selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Deferred income tax assets are evaluated to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. Valuation allowances are established based on a more likely than not standard. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carry back or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each tax jurisdiction. The Company considers the various possible sources of taxable income when assessing the realization of its deferred tax assets. The valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets generated by taxable losses in certain jurisdictions will affect the provision for income taxes until the valuation allowances are released. The Company’s provision for income taxes will include no tax benefit for losses incurred and no tax expense with respect to income generated in these jurisdictions until the respective valuation allowance is eliminated.
The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby it is determined whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position, and for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not criteria, the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority is recognized. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Related Party Transactions
The Company follows ASC 850-10, Related Party Transactions, for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions.
Pursuant to ASC 850-10-20, related parties include: a) affiliates of the Company; b) entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of Section 825-10-15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests. Refer to Note 6 - Investments, and Note 15 - Related Party Transactions, for further information.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to participating stock by the weighted average number of shares of participating stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted net loss per share reflects potential dilution and is computed by dividing net loss attributable to participating stock by the weighted average number of shares of participating stock outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding awards, if any, is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method or if-converted method, as applicable. Refer to Note 4 - Net Loss Per Share, for additional information.
Shareholders' Equity
The securities of the Company are represented by common stock and preferred stock, each having $0.0001 par value per share. Each common share is entitled to one vote. With respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, all common shares shall participate pro rata in such payment whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to the prior rights of holders of all classes of stock outstanding.
On October 2, 2024 , the Company’s stockholders approved an increase in the number of shares of common stock the Company was authorized to issue from 400,000,000 to 620,000,000. As of December 31, 2024, the Company was authorized to issue 620,000,000 shares, of which 600,000,000 shares of capital stock are designated common stock and 20,000,000 shares are designated preferred stock.
Shares issued and outstanding for common stock is presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and no shares were issued or outstanding for the preferred stock as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”)
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. The purpose of the amendments is to enable investors to better understand an entity’s overall performance and assess potential future cash flows. This ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within annual period beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company adopted the standard in the fourth quarter of 2024. The adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Refer to “Note 16 — Segment” for additional information.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”)
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, which introduces new disclosure requirements for reporting entities to provide disaggregated information on specific expense categories within relevant income statement captions. The standard aims to enhance transparency by requiring a breakdown of expenses such as purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, intangible asset amortization, and depletion. Additionally, the ASU mandates that certain gains, losses, and reconciling items that align with existing GAAP disclosures be presented in a tabular format, allowing for a more detailed understanding of a company’s expense structure. The standard also requires narrative disclosure for selling expenses, including a description defined by management. This ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
ASU 2024-04, Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments (“ASU 2024-04”)
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-04, which provides guidance on the accounting for induced conversions of convertible debt instruments. The update clarifies that any additional value given to the debt holder as an inducement should be recorded as an expense at the time of conversion. This standard aims to ensure consistent financial reporting for these types of transactions. This ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”)
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to help investors better assess how a company’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect the Company’s tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. ASU 2023-09 improves disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. This ASU is effective for public companies with annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early
adoption permitted. The standard is effective for the Company starting in annual periods in 2025. The Company has not elected early adoption of ASU 2023-09 and will incorporate required disclosures in its annual financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025.