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Ouster, Inc.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 21, 2025.

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About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Mar 21, 2025

OUST$34.80+14.0%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-28.

0001628280-24-013619

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-21.

0001628280-25-014318

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 283 previous paragraphs and 272 current paragraphs.

218 unchanged; 40 reworded; 10 added; 22 removed; 3 previous and 4 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (10)

Current report

•recession or economic downturn globally or in the jurisdictions in which we do business;

Current report

•inflation or deflation, as well as changes in existing and expected rates of inflation or deflation, which may vary across the jurisdictions in which we do business;

Current report

•difficulty in collecting, or failure to collect, accounts receivable, as well as longer collection periods;

Current report

•uncertainty regarding the trade relationships among the United States, Canada, China, Mexico and Taiwan, as well as other countries, and related impacts to our supply chain;

Current report

•natural disasters and severe weather events including earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, rising sea levels, as well as other impacts of climate change;

Current report

•withdrawals from, or renegotiation of existing trade agreements by the United States (or other jurisdictions) potentially affecting countries in which we do business;

Current report

If we choose to acquire or invest in new businesses, products, or technologies, such acquisitions or investments may not be completed or result in the anticipated benefits and may present risks not originally contemplated, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

Current report

Similarly, our operations are subject to an evolving regulatory environment. New and changing laws, regulations, executive orders and enforcement priorities can also create uncertainty about how such laws and regulations will be interpreted and applied, which may decrease customer spending, increase our costs or otherwise adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Current report

Although we are evaluating and, where we believe appropriate, incorporating the use of AI tools into our operations, such as the use of generative AI tools to assist in the development of code, our use of such tools may subject us to significant competitive, legal, regulatory and other risks, and there can be no assurance that our use of AI tools will enhance our business operations or result in a benefit to us. Our competitors may be more successful in their use of AI tools, including by developing superior products or improving their operations with the assistance of AI. Additionally, there could be adverse impacts from inaccurate or flawed algorithms. Our use of AI tools could also result in the loss of confidential information or intellectual property or an inability to claim or enforce intellectual property rights, as well as subject us to risks related to intellectual property infringement or misappropriation, data privacy, cybersecurity, and the unauthorized use of Company data. The jurisdictions in which we conduct business have adopted and may adopt laws and regulations related to AI, which could cause us to incur greater compliance costs, limit our use of AI tools, or subject us to regulatory investigations and actions or legal liabilities.

Current report

•Improve internal controls to ensure that segregation of duties (SOD) conflicts are timely identified, reviewed and mitigated by appropriately designed mitigating controls and procedures. This includes periodic monitoring of changes in roles and responsibilities that could impact SOD conflicts within the period-end financial reporting process.
Removed paragraphs (22)

Previous report

Our future results will suffer if we do not recognize anticipated synergies, effectively manage the expanded operations or successfully integrate the businesses of Velodyne.

Previous report

Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage the expanded business, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity associated with the Velodyne Merger and other mergers. If we are not able to successfully complete integrations in an efficient and cost-effective manner, the anticipated benefits of this merger may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our common stock may be affected adversely. An inability to realize the full extent of the anticipated benefits of the Velodyne Merger, as well as any delays encountered in the integration processes, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, the actual integrations may result in additional and unforeseen expenses, including increased legal, accounting and compliance costs.

Previous report

•continue to integrate the operations of Velodyne following our recent merger; and

Previous report

•the impact of epidemics or pandemics, including current or future business disruption and related financial impact resulting from the global COVID-19 health crisis;

Previous report

We face risks related to our indebtedness.

Previous report

As of December 31, 2023, we had total outstanding debt of $44.0 million under our credit agreement with UBS Bank USA and UBS Financial Services Inc. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future. This credit agreement contains various covenants and other restrictions as described in Note 6, Debt included in the notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our leverage could have important consequences to us, including:

Previous report

•exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as our borrowings under our current debt facilities are at variable rates;

Previous report

•making it more difficult for us to make payments on our debt;

Previous report

•limiting our ability to pay future dividends;

Previous report

•increasing our vulnerability to downturns in our business, the storage and organization retail industry or the general economy and limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business;

Previous report

•requiring a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund our operations, capital expenditures, and future business opportunities;

Previous report

•requiring us to comply with financial and operational covenants including leverage covenants, restricting us, among other things, from placing liens on our assets, making investments, incurring debt, making payments to our equity or debt holders and engaging in transactions with affiliates;

Previous report

•preventing us from taking advantage of business opportunities as they arise or successfully carrying out our plans to expand our store base and product offerings; and

Previous report

•placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who may be less leveraged.

Previous report

Consequences of this indebtedness may require a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use our cash flow to fund operations, capital expenditures, and future business opportunities. If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service our debt, we may need to refinance our debt, dispose of assets or issue equity to obtain necessary funds. We do not know whether we would be able to take any of these actions on a timely basis, on terms satisfactory to us, or at all. A failure by us or our subsidiaries to comply with the agreements governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default under such indebtedness, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under any of the agreements governing our indebtedness, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable and exercise other remedies as set forth in the agreements. If any of our indebtedness were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay this indebtedness in full, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to operate as a going concern.

Previous report

In addition, in connection with the closing of the Velodyne Merger, in February 2023, we implemented a reduction in force to reduce redundancies with the acquired business. While positions have been eliminated, certain functions necessary to our operations remain, and we have distributed the duties and obligations of departed employees among our remaining employees. The reduction in workforce could make it difficult for us to pursue, or prevent us from pursuing, new opportunities and initiatives due to insufficient personnel, or require us to incur additional and unanticipated costs to hire new personnel to pursue such opportunities or initiatives. If we are unable to realize the anticipated benefits from the reduction in force, or if we experience significant adverse consequences from the reduction in force, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.

Previous report

We may be unable to successfully integrate our business with Velodyne or realize the expected benefits of the Velodyne Merger on our expected timeframe or at all. In addition, if we choose to acquire or invest in other new businesses, products or technologies, we may be unable to complete these acquisitions or to successfully integrate them in a cost-effective and/or non-disruptive manner.

Previous report

•Continuing to operate entity level controls (ELCs) including Board and Audit Committee oversight, senior management review of financial and business performance and internal controls, and expansion of the internal audit team. We have designed and implemented these controls in the previous financial years.

Previous report

•Continuing to operate internal controls for financial close and reporting including review of accounting policies, journal entry review controls including segregation of duties, period end close procedures, financial statement preparation, review, and reporting, and controls within various business processes as they relate to financial reporting, including controls to ensure segregation of duties. This included controls around classification of balances in our financial statements and strengthening processes for management oversight over financial reporting and disclosure controls. We have designed and implemented these controls in the previous financial years.

Previous report

Our business, results of operations and financial condition have been and could continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19. Other pandemics or public health crises may have similar impacts in the future.

Previous report

COVID-19 continues to evolve, with pockets of resurgence and the emergence of variant strains contributing to continued uncertainty about its scope, duration, severity, trajectory, and lasting impact. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our financial condition previously included and may in the future include, among others: the reduced pace of manufacturing ramp up due to employees’ inability to travel to our manufacturing facility in Thailand; disruptions to the operations of certain of our suppliers; supply chain disruptions; and increased compensation related costs resulting from overtime pay and additional personnel in San Francisco to create separate manufacturing teams that rotate every other week in our facility to avoid any possible transmission of COVID-19 between teams. COVID-19 or other pandemics or public health crises and the associated business interruptions may affect our sales, supply chain or the manufacture and/or distribution of products, which could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic may also intensify or exacerbate other risks described in this section. Other pandemics or public health crises may have similar impacts in the future.

Previous report

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock and Our Warrants
Reworded paragraphs (40)

Previous wording

We have experienced net losses in each year since our inception. In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred net losses of$374.1 millionand $138.6 million, respectively. We expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future as we expand our product offering and continue to scale our commercial operations and research and development program. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of$816.0 million. Even if we are able to increase the sales of our products, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable.

Current wording

We have experienced net losses in each year since our inception. In the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred net losses of $97.0 million and $374.1 million, respectively. We expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future as we expand our product offering and continue to scale our commercial operations and research and development program. As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $913.1 million. Even if we are able to increase the sales of our products, there can be no assurance that we will be profitable.

Previous wording

•increase our sales and marketing functions, including expansion of our customer support and distribution capabilities;

Current wording

•increase our sales and marketing functions, including expansion of our customer support and distribution capabilities; and

Previous wording

Our future growth depends on penetrating new markets, adapting existing products to new applications and customer requirements, and introducing new and effective products at an opportune time that may then achieve market acceptance. To remain competitive, we continue to develop new products and expand our existing product offerings. For instance, in October 2022, we announced our newest OS series scanning sensor, REV7, powered by its next-generation L3 chip. REV7 features the all-new OSDome sensor, as well as upgraded OS0, OS1, and OS2 sensors that deliver double the range, enhanced object detection, increased precision and accuracy, and greater reliability. introduced the market. In January 2023, we announced the release of our software, Ouster Gemini, a cloud-backed digital lidar perception platform for crowd analytics, security, and intelligent transportation systems. Ouster Gemini offers the ability to detect, classify, and track moving objects in real-time using the 3D data from a single or multiple fused Ouster lidar sensors. In connection with REV7, Ouster Gemini, and future releases, we expect to incur substantial, and potentially increasing, R&D costs. Our R&D expenses were $91.2 million and $64.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are likely to grow in the future, particularly as a result of the Velodyne Merger. Because we account for R&D as an operating expense, these expenditures will adversely affect our results of operations in the future.

Current wording

Our future growth depends on penetrating new markets, adapting existing products to new applications and customer requirements, and introducing new and effective products at an opportune time that may then achieve market acceptance. To remain competitive, we continue to develop new products and expand our existing product offerings. For instance, in January 2023, we announced the release of our software, Ouster Gemini, a cloud-backed digital lidar perception platform for crowd analytics, security, and intelligent transportation systems. Ouster Gemini offers the ability to detect, classify, and track moving objects in real-time using the 3D data from a single or multiple fused Ouster lidar sensors. In connection with the development of our products, we incur and expect to continue to incur substantial R&D costs, which may increase over time. Our R&D expenses were $58.1 million and $91.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Because we account for R&D as an operating expense, these expenditures will adversely affect our results of operations in the future.

Previous wording

Our new customers, or customers that we inherited from the Velodyne Merger, may be less confident in us and less likely to purchase our products because of a lack of awareness about our products. They may also not be convinced that our business will succeed because of the absence of an established sales, service, support, and operating history. To address this, we must, among other activities, grow and improve our marketing capability and brand awareness, which may be costly. These activities may not be effective or could delay our ability to capitalize on the opportunities that we believe are suitable to our technology and products and may prevent us from successfully commercializing our products.

Current wording

Our new customers may be less confident in us and less likely to purchase our products because of a lack of awareness about our products. They may also not be convinced that our business will succeed because of the absence of an established sales, service, support, and operating history. To address this, we must, among other activities, grow and improve our marketing capability and brand awareness, which may be costly. These activities may not be effective or could delay our ability to capitalize on the opportunities that we believe are suitable to our technology and products and may prevent us from successfully commercializing our products.

Previous wording

•changes in governmental regulations affecting us or applications in which our customers use our products or software;

Current wording

•changes in governmental regulations affecting us, our supply chain, or applications in which our customers use our products or software, including export controls, tariffs, data privacy and security, or new regulatory standards for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, or robotics;

Previous wording

Cost-cutting initiatives adopted by our customers often place increased downward pressure on our average selling prices. We also expect that any long term or high-volume agreements with customers may require step-downs in pricing over the term of the agreement or, if commercialized, over the period of production. We strive to keep our average selling price competitive and expect to achieve profitability by maintaining competitive average sales prices and through continually lower product costs. Our average selling price may be driven down by customer-specific selling price fluctuations such as non-standard discounts on large volume purchases. These lower average selling prices on large volume purchases may cause fluctuations in revenue and gross margins on a quarterly and annual basis and ultimately adversely affect our profitability. We have experienced and may in the future experience declines in the average selling prices of our products generally as our customers seek to commercialize autonomous systems at prices low enough to achieve market acceptance and as our competitors continue to produce and commercialize lower cost competing technologies. To achieve profitability and maintain margins, we will also need to continually reduce product and manufacturing costs. Reductions in product and manufacturing costs are principally achieved by scaling our production volumes and through step changes in manufacturing and continued engineering of the most cost-effective designs for our products. Further, as we continue to provide support for REV6, we anticipate downward pressure on our margins. In addition, we must continuously drive initiatives to reduce labor cost, improve worker efficiency, reduce the cost of materials and further lower overall product costs by carefully managing component prices, inventory and shipping cost. We need to continually increase sales volume and introduce new, lower-cost products in order to maintain our overall gross margin. If we are unable to maintain competitive average selling prices, increase our sales volume or successfully introduce new, low-cost products, our revenue and overall gross margin will likely decline.

Current wording

Cost-cutting initiatives adopted by our customers often place increased downward pressure on our average selling prices. We also expect that any long term or high-volume agreements with customers may require step-downs in pricing over the term of the agreement or, if commercialized, over the period of production. We strive to keep our average selling price competitive and expect to achieve profitability by maintaining competitive average sales prices and through continually lower product costs. Our average selling price may be driven down by customer-specific selling price fluctuations such as non-standard discounts on large volume purchases. These lower average selling prices on large volume purchases may cause fluctuations in revenue and gross margins on a quarterly and annual basis and ultimately adversely affect our profitability. We have experienced and may in the future experience declines in the average selling prices of our products generally as our customers seek to commercialize autonomous systems at prices low enough to achieve market acceptance and as our competitors continue to produce and commercialize lower cost competing technologies. To achieve profitability and maintain margins, we will also need to continually reduce product and manufacturing costs. Reductions in product and manufacturing costs are principally achieved by scaling our production volumes and through step changes in manufacturing and continued engineering of the most cost-effective designs for our products. Further, as we continue to provide support for REV6, we anticipate downward pressure on our margins. In addition, we must continuously drive initiatives to reduce labor cost, improve worker efficiency, reduce the cost of materials, further lower overall product costs by carefully managing component prices, inventory and shipping cost, and minimize the impacts of tariffs and other regulatory impacts. We need to continually increase sales volume and introduce new, lower-cost products in order to maintain our overall gross margin. If we are unable to maintain competitive average selling prices, increase our sales volume or successfully introduce new, low-cost products, our revenue and overall gross margin will likely decline.

Previous wording

Our products also are used in a wide variety of existing and emerging use cases in the smart infrastructure market, which generally consists of public bodies and private commercial businesses engaging in the monitoring and analysis of pedestrian and vehicle movements for the purpose of providing building security, improving road user safety, and increasing roadway efficiency. This is still a nascent market, and while this industry is experimenting with the use of lidar in these applications, our customers may decide that lidar is not a viable solution for a variety of reasons, including price points, interoperability, and integration of lidar sensors. Customers in this market are often local governments, such as city governments, which may be subject to political pressures, and may not control their own budgets. For example, programs could be cancelled due to legislative action that is out of a local government’s control.

Current wording

Our products also are used in a wide variety of existing and emerging use cases in the smart infrastructure market, which generally consists of public bodies and private commercial businesses engaging in the monitoring and analysis of pedestrian and vehicle movements for the purpose of providing building security, improving road user safety, and increasing roadway efficiency. This is still a nascent market, and while this industry is experimenting with the use of lidar in these applications, our customers may decide that lidar is not a viable solution for a variety of reasons, including price points, interoperability, and integration of lidar sensors. Customers in this market are often local governments, such as city governments, which may be subject to political pressures, and may not control their own budgets. For example, programs could be cancelled due to executive or legislative action that is out of a local government’s control.

Previous wording

We may require additional capital in order to execute on our business plan, and we may require additional capital to fund our R&D efforts and to respond to technological advancements, competitive dynamics or technologies, customer demands, business opportunities, challenges, acquisitions or unforeseen circumstances and we may determine to utilize our “at-the-market” offering program or engage in equity or debt financings or enter into credit facilities for other reasons. In order to stay on our growth trajectory and further business relationships with current or potential customers or partners, or for other reasons, we may issue equity or equity-linked securities to such current or potential customers or partners. We may not be able to timely secure additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, or at all, particularly in an uncertain economic environment. We maintain the majority of its cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and our deposits at these institutions exceed insured limits. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions. In the event of failure of any of the financial institutions where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or at all. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business and financial position.

Current wording

We may require additional capital in order to execute on our business plan, and we may require additional capital to fund our R&D efforts and to respond to technological advancements, competitive dynamics or technologies, customer demands, business opportunities, challenges, acquisitions or unforeseen circumstances and we may determine to utilize our “at-the-market” offering program or engage in equity or debt financings or enter into credit facilities for other reasons. In order to stay on our growth trajectory and further business relationships with current or potential customers or partners, or for other reasons, we may issue equity or equity-linked securities to such current or potential customers or partners. We may not be able to timely secure additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, or at all, particularly in an uncertain economic environment. We maintain the majority of our cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major U.S. and multi-national financial institutions, and our deposits at these institutions exceed insured limits. Market conditions can impact the viability of these institutions. In the event of failure of any of the financial institutions where we maintain our cash and cash equivalents, there can be no assurance that we would be able to access uninsured funds in a timely manner or at all. Any inability to access or delay in accessing these funds could adversely affect our business and financial position.

Previous wording

Substantially all of our revenue is generated by the sale of our digital lidar sensors. Given the evolving nature of the markets in which we operate, it is difficult to predict the customer demand or adoption rates for lidar technology generally or our products specifically. If demand does not develop or if we cannot accurately forecast customer demand, our future financial results, business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. If current or prospective customers have a negative perception of, or experience with, lidar or a competitor’s lidar products they may be reluctant to adopt lidar in general or specifically our products. Any negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy, could materially and adversely affect our business.

Current wording

The majority of our revenue is generated by the sale of our digital lidar sensors and accessories. Given the evolving nature of the markets in which we operate, it is difficult to predict the customer demand or adoption rates for lidar technology generally or our products specifically. If demand does not develop or if we cannot accurately forecast customer demand, our future financial results, business, results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. If current or prospective customers have a negative perception of, or experience with, lidar or a competitor’s lidar products they may be reluctant to adopt lidar in general or specifically our products. Any negative publicity, regardless of its accuracy, could materially and adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

To ensure adequate inventory supply, we forecast inventory needs and expenses, place orders sufficiently in advance with our suppliers and manufacturing partners and manufacture products based on our estimates of future demand for particular products. Fluctuations in the adoption of lidar products may affect our ability to forecast our future operating results, including revenue, gross margins, cash flows and profitability. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including the rapidly changing nature of our current target markets, the uncertainty surrounding the market acceptance and commercialization of lidar technology, the emergence of new markets, an increase or decrease in customer demand for our products or for products and services of our competitors, product introductions by competitors, the COVID-19 pandemic, other epidemics and public health crises, and any associated work stoppages or interruptions, unanticipated changes in general market conditions and the weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. We may face challenges acquiring adequate supplies to manufacture our products and we, Benchmark and Fabrinet may not be able to manufacture our sensors at a rate necessary to satisfy the levels of demand, which would negatively affect our short-term and long-term growth. This risk may be exacerbated by the fact that we may not carry or be able to obtain from our suppliers a significant amount of inventory to satisfy short-term demand increases. If we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products available for sale, which has forced us to record inventory write-downs in the past

Current wording

To ensure adequate inventory supply, we forecast inventory needs and expenses, place orders sufficiently in advance with our suppliers and manufacturing partners and manufacture products based on our estimates of future demand for particular products. Fluctuations in the adoption of lidar products may affect our ability to forecast our future operating results, including revenue, gross margins, cash flows and profitability. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including the rapidly changing nature of our current target markets, the uncertainty surrounding the market acceptance and commercialization of lidar technology, the emergence of new markets, an increase or decrease in customer demand for our products or for products and services of our competitors, product introductions by competitors, market or supply chain disruptions due to public health crises, and any associated work stoppages or interruptions, unanticipated changes in general market conditions and the weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. We may face challenges acquiring adequate supplies to manufacture our products and we, Benchmark and Fabrinet may not be able to manufacture our sensors at a rate necessary to satisfy the levels of demand, which would negatively affect our short-term and long-term growth. This risk may be exacerbated by the fact that we may not carry or be able to obtain from our suppliers a significant amount of inventory to satisfy short-term demand increases. If we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products available for sale, which has forced us to record inventory write-downs in the past

Previous wording

If one or more of our major customers is unable to pay our invoices as they become due or a customer simply refuses to make such payments if it experiences financial difficulties, our business would be adversely affected. If a major customer were to enter into bankruptcy proceedings or similar proceedings whereby contractual commitments are subject to stay of execution and the possibility of legal or other modification, we could be forced to record a substantial loss. Additionally, a number of our customers are startup companies, small and mid-sized businesses, that are privately funded, have limited resources, and do not have a history of creditworthiness that we can audit to determine reliability and increase the potential risk to record potential losses. These companies could fail to raise enough capital and have to shut down operations. Even if they are financially solvent and stable and we are successful in securing a commercial relationship with them, their business plans for future programs may be inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and less structured than established companies.

Current wording

If one or more of our major customers is unable to pay our invoices as they become due or a customer simply refuses to make such payments if it experiences financial difficulties, our business would be adversely affected. If a major customer were to enter into bankruptcy proceedings or similar proceedings whereby contractual commitments are subject to stay of execution and the possibility of legal or other modification, payments received may be subject to clawback and we could be forced to record a substantial loss. Additionally, a number of our customers are startup companies, small and mid-sized businesses, that are privately funded, have limited resources, and do not have a history of creditworthiness that we can audit to determine reliability and increase the potential risk to record potential losses. These companies could fail to raise enough capital and have to shut down operations. Even if they are financially solvent and stable and we are successful in securing a commercial relationship with them, their business plans for future programs may be inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and less structured than established companies. We generally do not require collateral or other security deposits for accounts receivable. To reduce credit risk, the Company considers customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer as well as changes in customer payment terms when determining the collectability of specific customer accounts. Periodically, we may require a customer to make advanced payments in advance of product shipments. These measures to reduce credit risk may not be sufficient and our accounts receivable could be impaired or our revenues adversely impacted.

Previous wording

We rely on third-party manufacturers, including Benchmark and Fabrinet, to supply our products. These arrangements are intended to lower our operating costs, but they also reduce our direct control over production and distribution. This diminished control may have an adverse effect on the quality or quantity of products or services, or our flexibility to respond to changing conditions. If Benchmark or any of our third-party component suppliers or logistics and transportation partners experience interruptions, delays or disruptions in supplying their products or services, including by natural disasters, trade restrictions, the global COVID-19 pandemic, other epidemics and public health crises, or work stoppages or capacity constraints, our ability to ship products to distributors and customers may be delayed. In addition, unfavorable economic conditions could result in financial distress among third-party suppliers or manufacturers upon which we rely, thereby increasing the risk of disruption of supplies necessary to fulfill our production requirements and meet customer demands. Additionally, if any of these third parties on whom we rely were to experience quality control problems in their operations and our products do not meet customer or regulatory requirements, we could be required to cover the cost of repair or replacement of any defective products. These delays or product quality issues could have an immediate and material adverse effect on our ability to fulfill orders and could have a negative effect on our operating results. In addition, such delays or issues with product quality could adversely affect our reputation and our relationship with our customers, distributors, value added software resellers, and integrators.

Current wording

We rely on third-party manufacturers, including Benchmark and Fabrinet, to supply a substantial portion of our products. These arrangements are intended to lower our operating costs, but they also reduce our direct control over production and distribution. This diminished control may have an adverse effect on the quality or quantity of products or services, or our flexibility to respond to changing conditions. If Benchmark or any of our third-party component suppliers or logistics and transportation partners experience interruptions, delays or disruptions in supplying their products or services, including by natural disasters, trade restrictions, public health crises, or work stoppages or capacity constraints, our ability to ship products to distributors and customers may be delayed. Similarly, we source components from countries that may be impacted by tariffs under the current U.S. government, including Canada, China, and Mexico. If the cost of products sourced from these or certain other countries increase significantly due to tariffs or trade restrictions, we may not be able to change suppliers or otherwise avoid or mitigate such costs. In addition, unfavorable economic conditions could result in financial distress among third-party suppliers or manufacturers upon which we rely, thereby increasing the risk of disruption of supplies necessary to fulfill our production requirements and meet customer demands. Additionally, if any of these third parties on whom we rely were to experience quality control problems in their operations and our products do not meet customer or regulatory requirements, we could be required to cover the cost of repair or replacement of any defective products. These delays or product quality issues could have an immediate and material adverse effect on our ability to fulfill orders and could have a negative effect on our operating results. In addition, such delays or issues with product quality could adversely affect our reputation and our relationship with our customers, distributors, value added software resellers, and integrators.

Previous wording

We believe there are a limited number of competent, high-quality suppliers in the industry that meet our strict quality and control standards, and as we seek to obtain additional or alternative supplier arrangements in the future, there can be no assurance that we would be able to do so on satisfactory terms, in a timely manner, or at all. Our suppliers could also discontinue or modify components used in our products. In some cases, the lead times associated with certain components are lengthy and preclude rapid changes in quantities and delivery schedules. We may in the future experience component shortages and price fluctuations of certain key components and materials, and the predictability of the availability and pricing of these components may be limited. Component shortages or pricing fluctuations could be material in the future. In the event of a component shortage, supply interruption or material pricing change from suppliers of these components, we may not be able to develop alternate sources in a timely manner or at all in the case of sole or limited sources. Developing alternate sources of supply for these components may be time-consuming, difficult, and costly and we may not be able to source these components on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which may undermine our ability to meet our requirements or to fill customer orders in a timely manner. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these parts or components, or the inability to obtain these parts or components from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would adversely affect our ability to meet our scheduled product deliveries to our customers. This could adversely affect our relationships with customers and distributors and could cause delays in shipment of our products and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, increased component costs could result in lower gross margins. Even where we are able to pass increased component costs along to our customers, there may be a lapse of time before it is possible to do so, such that we must absorb the increased cost. If we are unable to buy these components in quantities sufficient to meet our requirements on a timely basis, we will not be able to deliver our products to our customers, and cause our customers to use competitors’ products instead of ours.

Current wording

Developing alternate sources of supply for these components may be time-consuming, difficult, and costly and we may not be able to source these components on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which may undermine our ability to meet our requirements or to fill customer orders in a timely manner. Any interruption or delay in the supply of any of these parts or components, or the inability to obtain these parts or components from alternate sources at acceptable prices and within a reasonable amount of time, would adversely affect our ability to meet our scheduled product deliveries to our customers. This could adversely affect our relationships with customers and distributors and could cause delays in shipment of our products and adversely affect our operating results. In addition, increased component costs could result in lower gross margins. Even where we are able to pass increased component costs along to our customers, there may be a lapse of time before it is possible to do so, such that we must absorb the increased cost. If we are unable to buy these components in quantities sufficient to meet our requirements on a timely basis, we will not be able to deliver our products to our customers, and cause our customers to use competitors’ products instead of ours.

Previous wording

Historically, we manufactured all of our digital sensors at our facility in San Francisco, California. We intend to maintain a portion of our manufacturing at this facility; however, in 2019, we began moving a portion of our manufacturing operations to a manufacturing facility in Thailand in connection with our relationship with Benchmark, which for the year ended December 31, 2023, accounted for the majority of our OS sensor manufacturing output. In 2023, after the merger with Velodyne, we began moving manufacturing operations of Velodyne sensors to a Fabrinet facility in Thailand. Any substantial delay in bringing this facility up to full production on our current schedule may hinder our ability to produce all of the products needed to meet orders and/or achieve our expected financial performance. Opening this facility has required, and will continue to require, additional capital expenditures and the efforts and attention of our management and other personnel, which has and will continue to divert resources from our existing business or operations. If and when this manufacturing facility is brought up to full production according to our current schedule, it may not provide us with all of the operational and financial benefits we expect to receive.

Current wording

Historically, we manufactured all of our digital sensors at our facility in San Francisco, California. We continue to maintain a portion of our manufacturing at this facility, including any production of Buy America and Buy American-compliant sensors; however, in 2019, we began moving a portion of our manufacturing operations to a manufacturing facility in Thailand in connection with our relationship with Benchmark, which for the year ended December 31, 2024, accounted for the majority of our OS sensor manufacturing output. After the merger with Velodyne, we moved manufacturing operations of Velodyne sensors to a Fabrinet facility in Thailand. The Company expects to continue to outsource the higher volume product line manufacturing to its manufacturing partners, Benchmark and Fabrinet. We have invested in manufacturing process equipment which is held at Benchmark and Fabrinet facilities. We expect to make additional capital expenditures and to continue to devote the attention of our management and other personnel to the operations located at our outsourced manufacturing partners. We may also need to make prepayments to some of our suppliers associated with long-term supply agreements. While these arrangements help ensure the supply of components and finished goods, if any of the Company’s manufacturing partners or suppliers experiences severe financial problems or other disruptions in their business, such continued supply would be reduced or terminated, and the recoverability of manufacturing process equipment or prepayments would be negatively impacted. In such cases the efforts and attention of our management and other personnel to these relationships that were diverted from our other business operations would not be recoverable.

Previous wording

Because we do not maintain long-term supply contracts, any of our suppliers could seek to alter or terminate its relationship with us at any time, leaving us with periods during which we have limited or no ability to manufacture our products. The production of our products is dependent on producing or sourcing certain key components, including semiconductor chips, and raw materials at acceptable price levels. If we are unable to adequately reduce and control the costs of such key components, we will be unable to realize manufacturing costs targets, which could reduce the market adoption of our products, damage our reputation with current or prospective customers, and materially and adversely impact our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Because we do not maintain long-term supply contracts with many of our suppliers, they could seek to alter or terminate their relationship with us at any time, leaving us with periods during which we have limited or no ability to manufacture our products. The production of our products is dependent on producing or sourcing certain key components, including semiconductor chips, and raw materials at acceptable price levels. If we are unable to adequately reduce and control the costs of such key components, we will be unable to realize manufacturing costs targets, which could reduce the market adoption of our products, damage our reputation with current or prospective customers, and materially and adversely impact our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

For example, general inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen to levels not experienced in recent decades. General inflation, including rising prices for inputs and rising wages, as well as rising interest rates negatively impact our business by increasing our operating costs. General inflation also negatively impacts our business by decreasing the capital for our customers to deploy to purchase our products. Inflation may cause our customers to reduce or delay orders for our products thereby causing a decrease in sales. Increased instability relating to this higher inflation as well as rising interest rates may enhance volatility in currency exchange rates, limit our suppliers’ and customers’ access to credit and limit our ability to access debt and equity financing. These uncertainties may make it difficult for us and our suppliers and customers to accurately plan future business activities and materially adversely impact our operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

For example, general inflation in the United States, Europe and other geographies has risen significantly in recent years. General inflation, including rising prices for inputs and rising wages, as well as rising interest rates negatively impact our business by increasing our operating costs. General inflation also negatively impacts our business by decreasing the capital for our customers to deploy to purchase our products. Inflation may cause our customers to reduce or delay orders for our products thereby causing a decrease in sales. Increased instability relating to this higher inflation as well as rising interest rates may enhance volatility in currency exchange rates, limit our suppliers’ and customers’ access to credit and limit our ability to access debt and equity financing. These uncertainties may make it difficult for us and our suppliers and customers to accurately plan future business activities and materially adversely impact our operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

We contract with non-US professional employer organizations (“PEOs”), to administer our human resources, payroll and employee benefits functions for some of our subsidiaries’ employees outside of the United States. Although we recruit and select these employees, their employment relationship is with the relevant PEO. Accordingly, these employees are compensated through the PEO, are governed by the work policies created by the PEO and receive their annual wage statements and other payroll-related reports from the PEO. In addition, some of these employees may receive stock compensation directly from the Company. The PEO relationship streamlines hiring and employee maintenance, and enables management to focus on issues other than payroll administration, but this relationship also exposes us to some risks. For example, if the PEO is unable to or otherwise fails to adequately withhold or pay employer taxes or to comply with other applicable laws, we may be held liable for such violations notwithstanding any indemnification provisions provided to us by the PEOs. In certain non-US jurisdictions, despite the PEO relationship, there is a risk that the employee may nonetheless be deemed our direct employee and that the Company may be deemed to have a permanent operation in a non-US jurisdiction. Court and administrative proceedings related to matters of employment tax, labor law and other laws applicable to PEO arrangements could distract management from our business and cause us to incur significant expense. If we were held liable for violations by PEOs, such monetary penalties may adversely affect our profitability and could negatively affect our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We contract with non-US professional employer organizations (“PEOs”), to administer our human resources, payroll and employee benefits functions for some of our subsidiaries’ employees outside of the United States. Although our subsidiaries recruit and select these employees, their employment relationship is with the relevant PEO. Accordingly, these employees are compensated through the PEO, are governed by the work policies created by the PEO and receive their annual wage statements and other payroll-related reports from the PEO. In addition, some of these employees may receive stock compensation directly from the Company. The PEO relationship streamlines hiring and employee maintenance, and enables management to focus on issues other than payroll administration, but this relationship also exposes us to some risks. For example, if the PEO is unable to or otherwise fails to adequately withhold or pay employer taxes or to comply with other applicable laws, we may be held liable for such violations notwithstanding any indemnification provisions provided to us by the PEOs. In certain non-US jurisdictions, despite the PEO relationship, there is a risk that the employee may nonetheless be deemed our direct employee and that the Company may be deemed to have a permanent operation in a non-US jurisdiction. Court and administrative proceedings related to matters of employment tax, labor law and other laws applicable to PEO arrangements could distract management from our business and cause us to incur significant expense. If we were held liable for violations by PEOs, such monetary penalties may adversely affect our profitability and could negatively affect our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our success depends on our ability to enhance and broaden our product offerings in response to changing customer demands, competitive pressures and advances in technologies. Failure to successfully identify, complete, manage and integrate acquisitions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and could cause our stock price to decline. We continue to search for viable acquisition candidates or strategic transactions that would expand our market sector and/or global presence, as well as additional products appropriate for current distribution channels. Accordingly, we have previously and may in the future pursue the acquisition of new businesses, products or technologies instead of developing them internally. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage the expanded business following these acquisitions, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity associated with such acquisitions. For example, in February 2023, we completed the Velodyne Merger to help us enhance our robust suite of product offerings and software; grow our diverse customer base; increase operational efficiencies; further develop our innovative product roadmap in anticipation for the future needs of the market; reduce our production costs; improve our path to profitability; and strengthen our future financial position. In connection with any acquisitions, we could issue additional equity securities, which would dilute our stockholders, incur substantial debt to fund the acquisitions or assume significant liabilities.

Current wording

Our success depends on our ability to enhance and broaden our product offerings in response to changing customer demands, competitive pressures and advances in technologies. Failure to successfully identify, complete, manage and integrate acquisitions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and could cause our stock price to decline. We continue to search for viable acquisition candidates or strategic transactions that would expand our market sector and/or global presence, as well as additional products appropriate for current distribution channels. Accordingly, we have previously pursued and may in the future pursue the acquisition of new businesses, products or technologies instead of developing them internally. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage the expanded business following these acquisitions, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity associated with such acquisitions. For example, in February 2023, we completed the Velodyne Merger and, in October 2021, we completed the acquisition of Sense. In connection with any acquisitions, we could issue additional equity securities, which would dilute our stockholders, incur substantial debt to fund the acquisitions or assume significant liabilities.

Previous wording

Acquisitions involve many and diverse risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with conduction due diligence, problems integrating the purchased operations, assets, technologies or products, unanticipated costs, liabilities, and economic, political, legal and regulatory challenges due to our inexperience operating in new regions or countries, inability to achieve anticipated synergies, overpaying for acquisitions, invalid sales assumptions underlying potential acquisitions, issues maintaining uniform standards, procedures, controls and policies, diversion of management attention, adverse effects on existing business relationships or acquired company business relationships, risks associated with entering new markets, potential loss of key employees of acquired businesses, increased legal, accounting and compliance costs, and failure to successfully integrate acquired companies, such as Sense or Velodyne, or retain key personnel from the acquired company. Acquisitions may divert our attention from our core business. Acquisitions may require us to record goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to testing on a regular basis and potential period impairment charges, incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets, and incur write offs and restructuring and other related expenses, any of which could harm our operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

Acquisitions involve many and diverse risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with conduction due diligence, problems integrating the purchased operations, assets, technologies or products, unanticipated costs, liabilities, and economic, political, legal and regulatory challenges due to our inexperience operating in new regions or countries, inability to achieve anticipated synergies, overpaying for acquisitions, invalid sales assumptions underlying potential acquisitions, issues maintaining uniform standards, procedures, controls and policies, diversion of management attention, adverse effects on existing business relationships or acquired company business relationships, risks associated with entering new markets, potential loss of key employees of acquired businesses, increased legal, accounting and compliance costs, and failure to successfully integrate acquired companies, or retain key personnel from the acquired company. Acquisitions may divert our attention from our core business. Acquisitions may require us to record goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to testing on a regular basis and potential period impairment charges, incur amortization expenses related to certain intangible assets, and incur write offs and restructuring and other related expenses, any of which could harm our operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our products are frequently used in applications that are subject to evolving regulations and standards.

Current wording

Our products are frequently used in applications that are subject to evolving regulations and standards. Similarly, our operations are subject to evolving regulations and laws.

Previous wording

Any new export or import restrictions, new legislation or shifting approaches in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or changes in global, political, regulatory and economic conditions affecting U.S. trade, manufacturing, development or investment, could result in additional restrictions on our ability to conduct business. In recent years, the U.S. has instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the U.S., economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries where we conduct our business. A number of other nations have proposed or instituted similar measures directed at trade with the United States in response. As a result of these developments, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade that could adversely affect our business. As additional trade-related policies are instituted, we may need to modify our business operations to comply and adapt to such developments, which may be time-consuming and expensive.

Current wording

Any new export or import restrictions, new legislation or shifting approaches in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or changes in global, political, regulatory and economic conditions affecting U.S. trade, manufacturing, development or investment, could have an adverse effect on business. In recent months, the U.S. has instituted or proposed changes in trade policies that include the negotiation or termination of trade agreements, the imposition of higher tariffs on imports into the U.S., economic sanctions on individuals, corporations or countries, and other government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries where we conduct our business. A number of other nations have proposed or instituted similar measures directed at trade with the United States in response. As a result of these developments, there may be greater restrictions and economic disincentives on international trade that could adversely affect our business. Any tariffs or sanctions that impact the Company’s custom-made components, such as our micro-optics or custom SoC, may disproportionately impact our business, prospects and operations. As additional trade-related policies are instituted, we may need to modify our business operations to comply and adapt to such developments, which may be time-consuming and expensive or which we may not be able to do successfully at all.

Previous wording

Moreover, China and the U.S. have each imposed tariffs, indicating the potential for further trade barriers which may escalate a nascent trade war between China and the U.S. The resulting environment of retaliatory trade or other practices or additional trade restrictions or barriers, if implemented on a broader range of products or raw materials, could harm our ability to obtain necessary materials. For example, tariffs on certain Chinese origin goods impact the cost of material and machines we import directly from our manufacturing operations in China, as well as the cost of material and components imported on our behalf by suppliers. The indirect impact of inflationary pressure on costs throughout the supply chain and the direct impact, for example, on costs for machines we import from our manufacturing operations in China, may result in higher input costs and lower margins on certain products we sell, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

Moreover, the potential for further or new tariffs or trade restrictions between the United States and Thailand, China, Canada, Europe and Mexico, and the resulting environment of retaliatory trade or other practices could materially harm our ability to obtain necessary materials or manufactured products. For example, tariffs on certain Canadian or Chinese origin goods may impact the cost of material and components that we import or that are imported on our behalf by our manufacturing partners or suppliers. Similarly, the majority of our end-products are manufactured in Thailand and any increased costs of manufacturing there, such as tariffs on goods imported from Thailand, would materially adversely affect our operations. The indirect impact of inflationary pressure on costs throughout our supply chain and the direct impact, for example, on costs of material and components we import or that are imported on our behalf by our manufacturing partners or suppliers from countries adversely impacted by trade relations with the United States, may result in higher input costs and lower margins on certain products we sell, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Environmental pollution and climate change have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory efforts on a global basis, and we believe this will continue both in scope and in the number of countries participating. In addition, as climate change issues become more prevalent, foreign, federal, state and local governments and our customers have increased their focus on environmental sustainability, which has resulted in, and may result in new, regulations and customer requirements, which could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are unable to effectively address concerns about environmental impact, our reputation could be negatively impacted, and our business, results of operations or financial condition could suffer. These regulations and requirements apply to our vendors and suppliers, as well. To the extent compliance with, or the effect of, these regulations and requirements on them result in their inability to deliver their products to us on time or at all, this could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, the SEC recently adopted rules that will require companies to provide certain climate-related disclosures. While we are still assessing the scope and impact of this rule given how recently it was adopted, we anticipate that this rule, as well as other ESG and sustainability-related regulation and legislation, may require us to incur significant additional costs to comply, including the implementation of significant additional internal controls and impose increased oversight obligations on our management and board of directors.

Current wording

Environmental pollution and climate change have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory efforts on a global basis, and we believe this will continue both in scope and in the number of countries participating. In addition, as climate change issues become more prevalent, foreign, federal, state and local governments and our customers have increased their focus on environmental sustainability, which has resulted in, and may result in new, regulations and customer requirements, which could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we are unable to effectively address concerns about environmental impact, our reputation could be negatively impacted, and our business, results of operations or financial condition could suffer. These regulations and requirements apply to our vendors and suppliers, as well. To the extent compliance with, or the effect of, these regulations and requirements on vendors and suppliers result in their inability to deliver their products to us on time or at all, this could materially adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, the State of California has enacted a number of laws that require reporting on carbon neutrality claims and use of carbon removal credits and direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. The SEC also adopted and then stayed rules that would require companies to provide certain climate-related disclosures. Additional local, state, federal and international laws and rules with respect to sustainability and environmental matters which have been passed or proposed may be enacted in the future and the extent and scope of their requirements and impact on our business are unknown. Such rules, as well as other ESG and sustainability-related regulation and legislation, may require us to incur significant additional costs to comply, including the implementation of significant additional internal controls and impose increased oversight obligations on our management and board of directors.

Previous wording

Failure to meet evolving environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) expectations or standards or to achieve our ESG goals could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price.

Current wording

Failure to meet evolving and changing environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) expectations or standards or to achieve our ESG goals could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price.

Previous wording

We experience pressure to make commitments or set goals or targets relating to ESG matters that affect companies in our industry, including the design and implementation of specific risk mitigation strategic initiatives relating to environmental sustainability. If we are not effective in addressing ESG matters affecting our industry, such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks, renewable energy, water stewardship, waste management, diversity, equality and inclusion, responsible sourcing and supply chain, human rights, and social responsibility, among other issues, or setting and meeting relevant sustainability commitments, goals, or targets, our reputation may suffer. As we continue to develop our voluntary ESG program and disclosures, there can be no assurance that regulators, customers, investors, and employees will determine that these programs and disclosures are sufficiently robust. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to attain any announced goals related to our sustainability program, as statements regarding our sustainability goals reflect our current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them within the timelines we announce or at all. Changing stakeholder expectations, evolving voluntary and regulatory disclosure standards, and our efforts to manage and report on ESG issues present operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, including on our reputation and stock price.

Current wording

We experience pressure to make commitments or set goals or targets relating to ESG matters that affect companies in our industry, including the design and implementation of specific risk mitigation strategic initiatives relating to environmental sustainability. If we are not effective in addressing ESG matters affecting our industry, such as greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks, renewable energy, water stewardship, waste management, diversity and inclusion, responsible sourcing and supply chain, human rights, and social responsibility, among other issues, or setting and meeting relevant sustainability commitments, goals, or targets, our reputation may suffer. As we continue to develop our voluntary ESG program and disclosures, there can be no assurance that regulators, customers, investors, employees, and other stakeholders will determine that these programs and disclosures are sufficiently robust, and we cannot assure that our stakeholders will agree with our ESG strategies. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to attain any announced goals related to our sustainability program, as statements regarding our sustainability goals reflect our current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them within the timelines we announce or at all. Furthermore, both advocates and opponents of such ESG matters are increasingly resorting to a range of activism forms, including media campaigns, shareholder proposals, and litigation to advance their perspectives. There has similarly been an increase in activism and litigation alleging that corporate diversity, equity and inclusion programs may discriminate against certain groups. Changing stakeholder expectations, changing laws, evolving voluntary and regulatory disclosure standards, and our efforts to manage and report on ESG issues present operational, regulatory, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, including on our reputation and stock price.

Previous wording

We have filed for patents and trademarks in the United States and in certain international jurisdictions, but such protections may not be available, and we may not have applied for protections in all countries in which we operate or sell our products. Though we may have obtained intellectual property and related proprietary rights in various jurisdictions, it may prove difficult to enforce our intellectual property rights in practice. Discovering and protecting against unauthorized use of our intellectual property, products and other proprietary rights is expensive and difficult, particularly internationally. We believe that our patents are foundational in the area of lidar products, and intend to enforce our intellectual property rights. Competitors and other unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or reverse engineer our lidar technology and other aspects of our solutions that we consider proprietary. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights, to prevent unauthorized parties from copying or reverse engineering our products, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to block the importation of infringing products into the United States or other markets. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights could result in our competitors offering infringing products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of our competitive advantage, market share and a decrease in our revenue, which would adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.

Current wording

Though we may have obtained intellectual property and related proprietary rights in various jurisdictions, it may prove difficult to enforce our intellectual property rights in practice. Discovering and protecting against unauthorized use of our intellectual property, products and other proprietary rights is expensive and difficult, particularly internationally. We believe that our patents are foundational in the area of lidar products, and intend to enforce our intellectual property rights. Competitors and other unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or reverse engineer our lidar technology and other aspects of our solutions that we consider proprietary. Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights, to prevent unauthorized parties from copying or reverse engineering our products, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to block the importation of infringing products into the United States or other markets. Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property rights could result in our competitors offering infringing products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of our competitive advantage, market share and a decrease in our revenue, which would adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.

Previous wording

Risks Related to Being a Public Company

Current wording

Risks Related to Being a Public Company and our Capital Structure

Previous wording

These investments in resources have improved the stability of our accounting organization. While significant progress has been made in response to the material weakness, time is needed to demonstrate sustainability as it relates to our internal control over financial reporting and improvements made to our complement of resources, including demonstrating sustained operating effectiveness of our internal controls. We are committed to continuous improvement and will continue to diligently review our internal control over financial reporting. At this time, we cannot predict the success of these efforts or the outcome of our assessment of the remediation efforts. We can give no assurance that our efforts will remediate these material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the future. Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our consolidated financial statements that could result in a restatement of our financial statements and could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, any of which could diminish investor confidence in us and cause a decline in the price of our common stock. Additionally, ineffective internal control could expose us to an increased risk of financial reporting fraud and the misappropriation of assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list or to other regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions.

Current wording

We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Our failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in errors in our consolidated financial statements that could result in a restatement of our financial statements and could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, any of which could diminish investor confidence in us and cause a decline in the price of our common stock. Additionally, ineffective internal control could expose us to an increased risk of financial reporting fraud and the misappropriation of assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list or to other regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions.

Previous wording

We did not design and maintain an effective control environment commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. Specifically, we did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate degree of internal controls and accounting knowledge, experience, and training commensurate with our accounting and reporting requirements. This material weakness contributed to the following additional material weaknesses:

Current wording

We did not design and maintain an effective control environment commensurate with our financial reporting requirements. Specifically, we did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate degree of internal controls and accounting knowledge, experience, and training commensurate with our accounting and reporting requirements. This material weakness contributed to the following additional material weakness:

Previous wording

•We did not design and maintain effective controls over the period-end financial reporting process to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures, including segregation of duties and adequate controls related to journal entries and certain other business processes, and verifying transactions are properly classified in the financial statements. These material weaknesses resulted in adjustments to several account balances and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and adjustments to the equity and warrant liabilities accounts and related disclosures in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Current wording

The material weakness related to the control environment resulted in adjustments to several account balances and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, adjustments to the equity and warrant liabilities accounts and related disclosures in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and an immaterial adjustment which was recorded prior to the issuance of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024. The material weakness related to segregation of duties did not result in a material misstatement to the consolidated financial statements.

Previous wording

•Continuing to recruit personnel with appropriate internal controls, accounting knowledge and experience commensurate with our accounting and reporting requirements, in addition to engaging and utilizing third-party consultants and specialists. Our management also reallocated roles and responsibilities within the accounting team based on skills and experience of various personnel.

Current wording

•Continuing to recruit personnel with appropriate internal controls, accounting knowledge and experience commensurate with our accounting and reporting requirements, in addition to engaging and utilizing third party consultants and specialists. Our management also continued to reallocate and align roles and responsibilities within the accounting team to optimize and leverage the skills and experience of various personnel.

Previous wording

As a public company, we are required pursuant to Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for each annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. This assessment includes disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in internal control over financial reporting. In the future, to the extent we are considered an accelerated filer or a large accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will also be required pursuant to Section 404(b)

Current wording

As a public company, we are required pursuant to Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2022 (the “Sarbanes Oxley Act”) to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for each annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. This assessment includes disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in internal control over financial reporting. In the future, to the extent we are considered an accelerated filer or a large accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will also be required pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in each annual report on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC. We are also required to disclose material changes made in our internal control over financial reporting on a quarterly basis. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the stock exchange on which our securities are listed or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.

Previous wording

There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”).

Current wording

There can be no assurance that we, our common stock or our warrants will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”).

Previous wording

If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of NYSE, such as the corporate governance requirements or the minimum share price requirement, NYSE may take steps to delist our securities. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of the securities and would impair stockholders’ ability to trade in the Company’s securities. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our securities to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our securities, prevent our securities from dropping below the NYSE minimum share price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with NYSE’s listing requirements. Additionally, if our securities are not listed on, or become delisted from the NYSE, for any reason, and are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, the liquidity and price of our securities may be more limited than if we were quoted or listed on the NYSE or another national securities exchange. If our securities become illiquid, stockholders may be unable to trade their securities unless a market can be established or sustained, and similarly if investors are precluded from trading their securities, it could have adverse consequences on our ability to raise more capital.

Current wording

If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, such as the corporate governance requirements or the minimum share price requirement, Nasdaq may take steps to delist our securities, including our warrants. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of the securities and would impair stockholders’ ability to trade in the Company’s securities. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our securities to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our securities, prevent our securities from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum share price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements. Additionally, if our securities are not listed on, or become delisted from the Nasdaq, for any reason, and are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, the liquidity and price of our securities may be more limited than if we were quoted or listed on the Nasdaq or another national securities exchange. If our securities become illiquid, stockholders may be unable to trade their securities unless a market can be established or sustained, and similarly if investors are precluded from trading their securities, it could have adverse consequences on our ability to raise more capital.

Previous wording

Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”), holds a warrant (“Amazon Warrant”) to acquire, following customary antidilution adjustments, up to an aggregate of 3,264,516 (1,933,613 of which are currently vested) shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $50.70 per share, representing 8.0% of our outstanding common stock as of March 21, 2024. We assumed the Amazon Warrant as part of the Velodyne Merger. The exercise price and the warrant shares issuable upon exercise of the Amazon Warrant are subject to further antidilution adjustments, including in the event we make certain sales of common stock (or securities exercisable or convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock) at a price less than the exercise price of the Amazon Warrant. If Amazon were to exercise the Amazon Warrant to purchase significant amounts of our common stock, it may be able to exert significant control over us. It also may have interests that differ from other stockholders and may vote or otherwise act in ways with which we or other stockholders disagree or that may be adverse to the interests of our stockholders.

Current wording

Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”), holds a warrant (“Amazon Warrant”) to acquire, following customary antidilution adjustments, up to an aggregate of 3,267,890 (2,160,304 of which are currently vested) shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $50.64 per share, representing 6.1% of our outstanding common stock as of March 17, 2025. We assumed the Amazon Warrant as part of the Velodyne Merger. The exercise price and the warrant shares issuable upon exercise of the Amazon Warrant are subject to further antidilution adjustments, including in the event we make certain sales of common stock (or securities exercisable or convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock) at a price less than the exercise price of the Amazon Warrant. If Amazon were to exercise the Amazon Warrant to purchase significant amounts of our common stock, it may be able to exert significant control over us. It also may have interests that differ from other stockholders and may vote or otherwise act in ways with which we or other stockholders disagree or that may be adverse to the interests of our stockholders.

Previous wording

•general economic and political conditions, such as the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, recessions, interest rates, local and national elections, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations, corruption, political instability and acts of war or terrorism.

Current wording

•general economic, political and social conditions, such as the effects of public health crises, recessions, interest rates, local and national elections, tariffs, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations, corruption, political instability and acts of war or terrorism.

Previous wording

We have the ability to redeem the outstanding publicly traded warrants at any time prior to their expiration. For the class of publicly traded warrants traded under the symbol “OUST.WS”, we may redeem such warrants at a price of $0.10 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $180.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, 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 we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrant holders and provided certain other conditions are met. For the class of publicly traded warrants traded under the symbol “OUST.WSA”, we may redeem such warrants at a price of $0.10 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $219.41 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, 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 we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrant holders and provided certain other conditions are met. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you to (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private placement warrants initially issued by CLA will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by Colonnade Sponsor LLC or its permitted transferees.

Current wording

We have the ability to redeem the outstanding publicly traded warrants at any time prior to their expiration. For the class of publicly traded warrants traded under the symbol “OUSTZ”, we may redeem such warrants at a price of $0.10 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $180.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, 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 we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrant holders and provided certain other conditions are met. For the class of publicly traded warrants traded under the symbol “OUSTW”, we may redeem such warrants at a price of $0.10 per warrant, provided that the closing price of our common stock equals or exceeds $219.41 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, 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 we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrant holders and provided certain other conditions are met. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force you to (i) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (ii) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your warrants. None of the private placement warrants initially issued by CLA will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by Colonnade Sponsor LLC or its permitted transferees.

Previous wording

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Additionally, securities class action lawsuits and derivative lawsuits are often brought against public companies that have entered into merger agreements. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition. For example, on December 1, 2022, December 20, 2022, December 29, 2022, and January 9, 2023, purported stockholders of Velodyne filed the following lawsuits against Velodyne and certain of its directors and officers in the Southern District of New York for violations of Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 14a-9: O’Dell v. Velodyne, et. al., Carlisle v. Velodyne, et. al., Wheeler v. Velodyne et. al., and Cristino v. Velodyne, et. al. The complaints allege that Velodyne’s disclosures in connection with the merger with Ouster were materially incomplete and misleading. The plaintiff in O’Dell v. Velodyne et. al. voluntarily dismissed his complaint on January 17, 2023 and the plaintiff in Carlisle v. Velodyne, et. al. voluntarily dismissed his complaint on February 21, 2023. Velodyne also received eleven demand letters from stockholders making similar allegations regarding Velodyne’s disclosures relating to the Velodyne Merger. The parties settled for immaterial mootness fees in September 2023.

Current wording

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Additionally, securities class action lawsuits and derivative lawsuits are often brought against public companies. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business. An adverse judgment could result in monetary damages, which could have a negative impact on our liquidity and financial condition. For a description of our legal proceedings, see Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies included in the notes to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous wording

Important documents and records for our products and manufacturing operations are located in our various facilities in San Francisco, California near active earthquake zones. In the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, drought, flood or fire or localized extended outages of critical utilities or transportation we do not have a formal business continuity or disaster recovery plan, and therefore could experience a significant business interruption. In addition, California has from time to time experienced shortages of water, natural gas, and electric power. Future shortages and conservation measures could impact our operations and result in increased expense. In addition, we rely on information technology systems to communicate among our workforce and with third parties. Any disruption to our communications, whether caused by a natural disaster or by man-made problems, such as power disruptions, could adversely affect our business. To the extent that any such disruptions result in delays or cancellations of orders or impede our suppliers’ ability to timely deliver product components, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.

Current wording

Important documents and records for our products and manufacturing operations are located in our various facilities in San Francisco, California near active earthquake zones. In the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake, drought, flood or fire or localized extended outages of critical utilities or transportation we do not have a formal business continuity or disaster recovery plan, and therefore could experience a significant business interruption. In addition, California has from time to time experienced shortages of water, natural gas, and electric power. Future shortages and conservation measures could impact our operations and result in increased expenses. In addition, we rely on information technology systems to communicate among our workforce and with third parties. Any disruption to our communications, whether caused by a natural disaster or by man-made problems, such as power disruptions, could adversely affect our business. To the extent that any such disruptions result in delays or cancellations of orders or impede our suppliers’ ability to timely deliver product components, our business, operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We and our third-party providers are subject to cybersecurity risks to our IT Systems and Confidential Information, and any material failure, weakness, interruption, cyber event, incident, or breach of security could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Current wording

We and our third-party providers are subject to cybersecurity risks, and any material failure, weakness, interruption, cyber event, incident, or breach of security could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Rearranged current paragraphs (4)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

We believe there are a limited number of competent, high-quality suppliers in the industry that meet our strict quality and control standards, and as we seek to obtain additional or alternative supplier arrangements in the future, there can be no assurance that we would be able to do so on satisfactory terms, in a timely manner, or at all. Our suppliers could also discontinue or modify components used in our products. In some cases, the lead times associated with certain components are lengthy and preclude rapid changes in quantities and delivery schedules. We may in the future experience component shortages and price fluctuations of certain key components and materials, and the predictability of the availability and pricing of these components may be limited. Component shortages or pricing fluctuations could be material in the future. In the event of a component shortage, supply interruption or material pricing change from suppliers of these components, we may not be able to develop alternate sources in a timely manner or at all in the case of sole or limited sources.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

We have filed for patents and trademarks in the United States and in certain international jurisdictions, but such protections may not be available, and we may not have applied for protections in all countries in which we operate or sell our products.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

•We did not design and maintain effective controls over the period-end financial reporting process to ensure, for other than journal entries, that segregation of duties (SOD) conflicts were identified, reviewed and mitigated by appropriately designed mitigating controls as needed to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

These investments in resources have improved the stability of our accounting organization. While significant progress has been made in response to the material weaknesses, time is needed to demonstrate sustainability as it relates to our internal control over financial reporting and improvements made to our complement of resources, including demonstrating sustained operating effectiveness of our internal controls related to SOD. We are committed to continuous improvement and will continue to diligently review our internal control over financial reporting.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

We have invested in manufacturing process equipment which is held at these Thailand facilities, and we may make prepayments to some of our suppliers associated with long-term supply agreements. While these arrangements help ensure the supply of components and finished goods, if our co-manufacturer or suppliers experience severe financial problems or other disruptions in their business, such continued supply would be reduced or terminated, and the recoverability of manufacturing process equipment or prepayments would be negatively impacted.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

We identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in each annual report on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC. We are also required to disclose material changes made in our internal control over financial reporting on a quarterly basis. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the stock exchange on which our securities are listed or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.