Nikola sinks 22%, extending sell-off amid report of potential partnership talks put on hold
- Nikola fell 22% on Wednesday amid a report from The Wall Street Journal that potential partnership talks have been put on hold after weeks of controversy.
- Shortly after a short-seller report from Hindenburg Research alleged that Nikola was deceptive and misled investors, founder Trevor Milton stepped down from the company.
- Nikola was in talks with BP and other energy companies about a potential partnership to build hydrogen-refueling stations.
- Those talks have since "stalled," according to the report.
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As JPMorgan put it last week about Nikola: "there's never a dull moment with this stock."
First, it was a $2 billion partnership announcement with General Motors that sent the stock soaring more than 50% in a day.
Then, it was a short-seller report from Hindenburg Research that alleged Nikola was deceptive and misled investors.
Then, it was reports of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice opening an investigation into Nikola to see if the company deceived investors.
Then, it was the founder of Nikola Corp., Trevor Milton, stepping down from the company as its executive chairman.
Now, there is a stall in talks between Nikola and potential partners amid the swirling controversy.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal published Wednesday, talks regarding potential partnerships with energy companies like BP recently "stalled" out.
Nikola was in discussions with energy companies about forming a partnership to build out a network of hydrogen re-fueling stations that would help support the eventual rollout of Nikola's hydrogen-powered trucks.
Executives at the start-up car company "felt they were making progress" toward a potential deal until the short-seller report from Hindenburg "cast doubt on the company and its statements about the readiness of its technology," according to The Journal.
Now, the talks have been put on hold, but a deal is still possible, The Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Nikola has said that a partnership to build out a network of hydrogen-refueling stations would be key to its launch of a fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks.
Nikola Chief Financial Officer Kim Brady told investors on a call on Tuesday that it has discussed hydrogen-station plans with energy companies, industrial gas companies, and truck stop operators, according to the report.
Shares of Nikola fell as much as 22% to $22.25 in Wednesday trades. Nikola is down as much as 46% since the Hindenburg short report was released.
