8-KMaterial AgreementsSecurities & ListingShareholder Matters+1

Tesla, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (May 20, 2013)

Filed May 20, 2013For Securities:TSLA

Summary

This Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) Form 8-K filing from May 2013 details the company's successful completion of two significant underwritten public offerings: one for common stock and another for convertible senior notes. The common stock offering raised approximately $309.1 million (up to $355.5 million if over-allotment options are exercised), while the convertible senior notes offering raised approximately $589.0 million (up to $648.0 million if over-allotment options are exercised). These offerings provide Tesla with substantial capital to fuel its growth and operational expansion. Notably, a private placement of 596,272 shares of common stock was also conducted with the Elon Musk Revocable Trust at the same public offering price per share, excluding underwriting costs. This transaction was facilitated under an exemption from registration and granted the Musk Trust customary registration rights. The company also secured waivers from certain existing security holders regarding their registration rights in connection with these offerings, streamlining the process and ensuring flexibility.

Key Highlights

  • 1Tesla successfully raised approximately $309.1 million (potentially up to $355.5 million) through an underwritten public offering of its common stock.
  • 2The company also issued $600.0 million in 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, raising approximately $589.0 million (potentially up to $648.0 million).
  • 3The proceeds from these offerings are intended to provide Tesla with significant capital for growth and general corporate purposes.
  • 4A private placement of 596,272 shares of common stock was made to the Elon Musk Revocable Trust at the public offering price per share.
  • 5The offerings were conducted under a Registration Statement on Form S-3, indicating prior SEC review and qualification for these types of capital raises.
  • 6Key financial institutions, including Goldman, Sachs & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, acted as underwriters for these transactions.
  • 7Tesla obtained waivers from certain existing security holders regarding their registration rights, simplifying the capital raising process.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of both the common stock offering and the convertible senior notes offering was to raise capital for Tesla. This capital is intended to fuel the company's growth, expansion, and general corporate purposes, which at the time likely included funding production, research and development, and scaling operations.

From the common stock offering, Tesla raised approximately $309.1 million (before accounting for the full exercise of over-allotment options). From the convertible senior notes offering, Tesla raised approximately $589.0 million (before accounting for the full exercise of over-allotment options). In total, this represents a substantial capital infusion of nearly $900 million, with the potential to exceed $1 billion if all over-allotment options were exercised.

The private placement of shares to the Elon Musk Revocable Trust is significant as it demonstrates continued support and investment from key leadership. The transaction was conducted at the same price as the public offering, ensuring fairness, and was exempt from typical registration requirements under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. This also provided the Musk Trust with registration rights on par with other major stockholders.

These offerings will significantly increase Tesla's cash position and equity (from the common stock offering) or debt (from the convertible notes). The influx of capital provides Tesla with greater financial flexibility to invest in its manufacturing capabilities, product development (like new models or battery technology), and market expansion, potentially accelerating its growth trajectory.