SPAC Shakes Off Cobwebs, Ushers in Fresh Choreography. BalletX and Pilobolus Set to Make Historic Moves!

Narcan in the Can: Saratoga’s Innovative NaloxBoxes Set to Give the Boot to Opioid Crisis

TLDR:
– Saratoga County and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic by placing NaloxBoxes, containing naloxone nasal spray, in public restrooms.
– The initiative aims to distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, funded by $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds, to address the alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area.

In a move that is pretty much unprecedented, Saratoga County and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic, with a bit of a twist. Remember those automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that hang on walls to save lives during cardiac emergencies? Well, they’re using a similar concept here, but instead of jolting hearts back to rhythm, they’re reversing opioid overdoses. Yes, you heard it right. NaloxBoxes, as they’re being called, are now available in the restrooms of the Pine and Pine Cone buildings at SPAC, right where you’d least expect, but probably most needed.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly a NaloxBox is. Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like – a box filled with naloxone nasal spray, or Narcan as it’s often known. This life-saving drug has the power to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, targeting substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and that nasty thing called fentanyl. The funny part? It’s still safe to use even if there are no opioids in the person’s system. But let’s not get carried away, folks – always dial 911 after administering Narcan.

Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The grand scheme involves distributing a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, to be hosted by community organizations, businesses, and towns. They’re using their Substance Use Surveillance System to identify the most effective locations for these boxes. All of this is funded by the whopping $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds. Talk about putting money to good use!

The driving force behind the initiative? An alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area. The year 2023 has seen a 30% increase in drug-related fatalities in Saratoga County, compared to the same period in 2022. And, the zip code 12866, which includes Saratoga Springs, has had 109 non-fatal and fatal drug-related overdoses this year alone. To address this, the county pulled in about $1,156,700 in opioid settlement funds since last year.

All in all, Saratoga County and SPAC seem to have found a unique way to tackle a deadly problem. Public restrooms might not be the first place you’d think to look for life-saving equipment, but hey, if it works, it works. So, next time you’re taking a bathroom break at a concert, don’t be surprised if you see a NaloxBox next to the paper towel dispenser. It’s not just there for decoration; it’s there to possibly save a life. Now, isn’t that a movement we can all get behind?

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SPAC’s Hot Summer Nights Finale: A Night of Killer Queen ‘Tribute Goodness’ to Send us Time-Travelling to the Golden Era of Rock

TLDR:
– Killer Queen will be performing a tribute to Queen’s discography at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) as part of the venue’s summer concert series.
– The concert will be a ‘pavilion-only’ event, with no lawn seats available, and SPAC is a cashless venue with cash-to-card kiosks for those who need them.

Get ready, folks. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), a place more magical than Hogwarts and a mecca for the musically inclined, is wrapping up its summer with a pretty little bow, and the gift inside it is none other than a sensational performance by Killer Queen. Now don’t be fooled by the name, folks. Despite their murderous moniker, the only thing Killer Queen slays is Queen’s discography, bringing you a phenomenal tribute to the legends of rock and roll.

Now, before you dust off your picnic blanket for those lovely lawn seats that SPAC usually offers, let me deliver a reality check. This isn’t your usual ‘spread-out-your-blanket’ kinda soiree. It’s a ‘pavilion-only’ event. Say what? Yep, you heard me right. No lawn seats, which means you and your blanket are going to have to sit this one out. But don’t worry, the official SPAC website or Live Nation has got your ticketing needs covered.

And if you thought that was the only curveball, brace yourselves. SPAC has declared itself a ‘cashless’ venue. I mean, who carries cash these days, right? Fortunately for those who still believe in the power of paper, there are cash-to-card kiosks generously sprinkled throughout the venue. So, if you’ve been hoarding those bills, now might be a good time to let go.

Now, you’d think getting there early might get you a good parking spot, right? Well, not exactly. Parking spaces open at 6pm for a nominal fee of $10 USD per vehicle. I’d suggest turning that clock-watching into an art form if you want to snag a spot. As for the gates, those open half an hour later. And at the stroke of 7:30pm, Killer Queen takes the stage.

Did I mention there’s a baggage policy too? Apparently, SPAC has a strict ‘no nonsense’ policy when it comes to bags. So, be sure to check up on that on the official SPAC website before you end up lugging around a suitcase only to get turned away at the door. And remember, kiddos aged two and over need a ticket. Seems a tad harsh, don’t you think?

Looking back at the 2023 Capital Region concerts, it’s quite the musical fiesta we’ve had. From intimate club performances to stadium spectacles, we’ve seen it all. And tonight, we get a taste of nostalgia with Killer Queen’s renditions of Queen’s epic hits. It’s like rummaging through your parents’ vinyl collection, only way cooler.

So, buckle up, concertgoers. Tonight, we bid adieu to SPAC’s summer concert series with this intimate ode to Queen. It’s nostalgia, it’s music, it’s an evening you won’t forget. Just be sure to stick to the rules and you’re in for a treat, my friends.

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Saratoga Springs’ Weekend Binge: Partying Costly, Cleaning Up Even Costlier!

TLDR:
– Saratoga Springs incurred approximately $37,000 in overtime expenses for its fire and police departments during a race weekend and concerts, with the city having to cover the bill.
– The fire department had 136 hours of overtime at the track, costing $8,160, while the police department accumulated 175 hours of overtime, amounting to $9,944.

Saratoga Springs, known for its picturesque race course and lively concerts, certainly knows how to throw a party. But, like a college student after a kegger, it’s waking up to a hefty bill. The city recently chalked up around $37,000 in overtime wages for its fire and police departments during the Travers weekend. But hey, if you’re going to host nearly 50,000 horse racing aficionados and two sold-out Phish concerts, you better be prepared to pay a little overtime, right?

Now, let’s talk numbers. The fire department punched in 136 hours of overtime at the track, to the tune of $8,160. Luckily for the city, this was reimbursed through a contract with the New York Racing Association. The police department, on the other hand, racked up 175 hours in overtime, costing a smooth $9,944. Here’s the kicker: the city has to foot the bill.

The situation over at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a little more, shall we say, “cost-efficient”. The fire department had 88.5 hours of overtime, costing $5,310. However, the contract with SPAC picked up the tab on $4,260 of that. And let’s not forget the police on Caroline Street – those overtime hours amounted to $3,520. So, while the city partied, the overtime meter kept ticking.

But let’s not overlook the unsung heroes of this overtime bonanza. Code Enforcement, nestled under the warm bureaucratic wing of the fire department, also bagged a cool 48 hours of overtime, setting the city back around $2,880. Their duties? Checking if the local watering holes were fitting in one too many patrons or cranking up the volume a tad too high. The things we do for peace, quiet, and fire safety, right?

Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino reassures us that this isn’t a surprise party for the city’s budget. Rather, it’s more like an expected guest. “This is something that is pretty much baked into the budget”, he says. Well, that’s comforting. As long as there’s a line item in the budget for “party-induced overtime”, I suppose we’re all good.

To sum it up, hosting a good time isn’t cheap, and it seems like Saratoga Springs is learning that the hard way. But as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain”. Here’s hoping the city finds a way to balance its municipal budget without sacrificing the good times. After all, nobody likes a party pooper, especially not when it’s city hall.

So here’s to Saratoga Springs: a city that knows how to throw a party, and the overtime sheet to prove it. Just remember, folks, next time you see a double rainbow at the racecourse or get down at a Phish concert, someone’s clocking in the extra hours to make that happen. It’s all part of the cost of a good time in Saratoga Springs.

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Hong Kong Steeling Itself for SPACtacular Change with Aquila and ZG Group’s Groundbreaking Merger

TLDR:
– ZG Group and Aquila Acquisition plan to merge, creating Hong Kong’s first SPAC to exit SPAC.
– The merger aims to boost ZG Group’s valuation and promote SPAC growth in Hong Kong.

In a move that’s about as exciting as watching steel rust, the Chinese steel trading website, ZG Group and the blank check firm, Aquila Acquisition, have announced their intention to merge. This takes the dubious honor of being the first-ever Hong Kong-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) to exit SPAC, whatever that means. Valued at a staggering $1.3 billion, this deal includes a $77.7 million Private Equity Investment (PIPE) shared among 10 fortunate investors. Something for them to chat about over their next expensive lunch, I suppose.

ZG Group, originally known as Zhaogang.com, was founded in 2012 and has swelled to over 1,200 employees. After a failed attempt to go public in 2018, they’ve now joined hands with Aquila Acquisition in a bid to access public markets and enhance growth prospects. Aquila Acquisition, on the other hand, is Hong Kong’s first SPAC, making headlines in March 2022 by raising about $128.5 million through an initial public offering (IPO). Ah, where would we be without the wheeling and dealing of the financial world?

With shares debuting at $1.29 each, Aquila Acquisition shares closed on Wednesday at $1.15 per share. This merger presents an opportunity for them to achieve their lofty goal of listing a high-growth Chinese company. Quite the dream, let’s see how that pans out. This merger won’t just boost ZG Group’s valuation, but also the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s ambition to allow SPAC listing. In recent years, these SPACs have become wildly popular in the United States, with businesses raising billions through these blank check companies. But like all good things, this trend has faded in the US. Who would have thought?

If successful, this merger could show the potential of SPACs in Hong Kong and encourage other companies to consider IPOs along this route. Hong Kong, always playing catch up, has recognized the opportunity to capitalize on these worldwide SPAC phenomenon and has been active in enacting regulations and promoting SPAC growth. The goal is to establish Hong Kong as a competitive capital raising and investment destination. A lofty ambition indeed, and one that could make this merger a talking point at cocktail parties for months to come.

Co-sponsors of this proposed listing include China Merchants Bank International, HSBC Holdings, and UBS Group, all prominent financial institutions. Their involvement illustrates the confidence of these key financial players in the combined company’s prospects and their belief in the potential of SPAC in Hong Kong. After the merger is completed, ZG Group and Aquila Acquisition will adopt a two-tier share structure, effectively giving Class A shareholders one vote per share and Class B shareholders ten votes per share. It’s a democratic system, if you squint hard enough.

So, buckle up, folks. Whether this merger will be a success or a spectacular flop, it sure promises to provide some interesting water cooler conversation. As the vote draws nearer, all eyes will be on Aquila shareholders. No pressure, guys.

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“Horizon Aircraft’s Electric Flying Tango: Dance Partners Sought for Funding Jive and Verti-Takeoff Leap into NASDAQ”

TLDR:
– Horizon Aircraft is seeking a cash injection from Pono Capital Three to launch their Cavorite X7, a larger and more powerful eVTOL vehicle capable of carrying 1,500 pounds.
– The company hopes that the merger and potential Private Equity Investment will propel them towards disrupting the future of air travel and revolutionizing commuting.

Well folks, buckle up and ready your airsickness bags, because our friends at Horizon Aircraft are changing the game, and your breakfast burrito might not enjoy the ride. These Canadian wizards are the people behind the curtain of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, and they’re itching to show us their latest trick: the Cavorite X7. It’s bigger, badder, and probably a whole lot scarier than its X5 sibling, capable of hauling around 1,500 pounds including a pilot and six passengers. Or, if you prefer, 75,000 quarter-pounders. Your choice.

Now, Horizon’s looking for a cash injection to get their X7 off the ground. Enter Pono Capital Three, a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) currently enjoying the sun and tax benefits in the Cayman Islands. They’re talking about a merger that would see Horizon trading on New York’s NASDAQ. But wait, there’s more! They’re also looking at a Private Equity Investment (PIPE) to raise some extra dough. This is the financial equivalent of a trust fall exercise, folks, and Horizon’s hoping Pono’s got their back.

This isn’t Horizon’s first rodeo. They went through a similar process in 2022, breaking free from Astro Aerospace, a US company that had acquired them a year earlier with the aim of listing on the NASDAQ. Sounds like a messy divorce, doesn’t it? CEO Brandon Robinson assures us it’s all for the best, though. He stresses the importance of Horizon having full control of the new entity, with no other companies to share resources with. Because nothing says “innovation” like good old-fashioned greed.

The Cavorite X7 sounds like a dream. Hybrid-electric, patented fan-in-wing design, expected range of 500 miles at speeds of 240 knots – it’s all very flashy. Robinson’s confidence is infectious, citing better-than-expected results from the X5 and enough data to justify increasing the size of the aircraft, thereby improving the unit economics across most mission scenarios. In other words, our dear CEO thinks bigger is definitely better, and he’s prepared to bet the farm on it.

And what about those flight tests, you ask? Well, Horizon has been testing a half-scale demonstrator, which has successfully completed hover tests and optimizations. It even passed a wind tunnel test at approximately 50 miles per hour. Sounds like an overgrown drone, doesn’t it? But Transport Canada has given the green light for the Antelope flight tests to start next fall, so we’ll see soon enough if Horizon’s flying dream can actually get off the ground.

In the meantime, Horizon’s hoping that this business combo with Pono Capital Three and the resulting capital injection will rocket them toward the Cavorite X7 launch. They’re gunning for the eVTOL market in a big way, folks, and they’re convinced they’ve got what it takes to disrupt the future of air travel. So strap in, because the future of commuting might just have you soaring over traffic jams and praying your airsickness bag is up to the task.

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Rock On, Ricochet Rabbit: From Bike Tour to Touring with Guns N’ Roses, Dirty Honey’s Marc LaBelle Can’t Find the Brakes on Success

TLDR:
– Lead singer Marc LaBelle and his band Dirty Honey have achieved tremendous success in the music industry, including topping Billboard’s Mainstream and Hard Rock charts with their debut single.
– Despite the pandemic, Dirty Honey continued to work on their music, recording their new album in Australia and teasing fans with their new single “Won’t Take Me Alive.” They are set to embark on a headlining tour after their SPAC performance.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re here tonight to discuss the enigma that is Marc LaBelle, lead singer of Dirty Honey, a band that’s been on a wild ride of success in recent years. Now, LaBelle is a man of many talents, one of which, apparently, is time management. Let me tell you why – between endless tours, recording sessions, and opening for Guns N’ Roses, the man still found time to pedal his way through British Columbia and Alberta. You have to admire a guy with that kind of dedication, a man who can play a high-octane rock show one night and then chase Canadian geese on a bicycle the next.

Now, Dirty Honey – don’t let the name fool you. They’re not peddling some kind of illicit honey. No, they’re a rock and roll band that has been making waves in the music scene. Despite not having a record deal, they managed to top Billboard’s Mainstream and Hard Rock charts with their debut single, “When I’m Gone.” Ironically, they were nowhere near ‘gone’ when they made that achievement. In fact, they were right here, smack in the middle of the limelight, making history.

LaBelle’s musical journey began in the least likely of places – at a SPAC concert, where he had his first taste of live music, courtesy of Aerosmith. It’s a little like getting your first driving lesson in a Lamborghini. Talk about setting the bar high! Taking a few guitar lessons and honing his singing skills, LaBelle was ready to unleash his talents. And unleash he did, culminating in Dirty Honey’s debut album and forthcoming follow-up, “Can’t Find the Brakes.” Although, with their relentless pace of success, it seems the band has no need for brakes at all.

Despite the pandemic-induced hiatus from touring, Dirty Honey kept their engines running, collaborating with renowned producer Nick DiDia, with whom they finally managed to share a room with this year in Australia. They recorded their new album there, and LaBelle described the process as “magical.” Presumably, it wasn’t the kind of magic that involves pulling rabbits out of hats, but rather, the kind that results in chart-topping rock anthems. Their new single “Won’t Take Me Alive” is already out, teasing fans with a taste of the upcoming album.

Now for those of you lucky enough to get tickets to their SPAC performance, where they’ll be playing some of these new tracks, LaBelle has some advice: get there early. We can only assume that punctuality is next to godliness in the world of rock and roll. Following their SPAC performance, the band will embark on a relentless headlining tour to celebrate their album’s release. One can only imagine how much itching LaBelle will be doing without two nights off.

Just when you thought the rollercoaster ride was over, LaBelle’s journey comes full circle, as he plans to attend a concert by his favorite bands, Aerosmith and The Black Crowes, right after the SPAC show. It’s like life handed him the perfect weekend: perform at SPAC, then zip off to see his favorite bands. So, to sum it all up, Marc LaBelle and his band Dirty Honey are living the rock and roll dream, with a side of Canadian bike tours. They’re concocting a unique blend of rock music, and it seems the world can’t get enough of their sweet nectar.

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“Steel-ing The Show: Hong Kong’s First SPAC Deal Rattles Financial Scene as ZG Group Preps to Go Public”

TLDR:
– ZG Group is entering the public sector through a merger with Aquila Acquisition, a blank-check company tied to China Merchants Bank, in a move that aims to reshape the local economy and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hotspot.
– The merger, with a price tag of $1.27 billion, includes private investments totaling around $77 million and follows the popular trend of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) in Hong Kong since 2022.

In a move that will surely have Wall Street on its toes, the good folks over at ZG Group, who apparently see the world as one giant steel construction set, have decided to enter the public sector. They’re cozying up with Aquila Acquisition, a blank-check company with ties to China Merchants Bank. By the way, for the uninitiated, a blank-check company is sort of like a rich uncle who has no kids or hobbies, so he decides to fund your business ideas. This merger is a first in Hong Kong, where no doubt the brokers are already ordering bigger yachts in anticipation of the windfall.

But the fun doesn’t stop there, oh no. This merger, which has a hefty price tag of around $1.27 billion, is not just about making a few bankers rich. It’s also about reshaping the local economy and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hotspot. I’m sure the local dim sum vendors are thrilled.

ZG Group isn’t just playing with their steel toys, though. They’re also raking in around $77 million in gross proceeds from private investments. Trafigura Group, a commodity-trading giant, is one of the big spenders. It’s like a playground for the rich, except instead of slides and swings, there’s steel trading, logistics, and warehousing.

Now, this merger isn’t just a simple handshake and a swap of stocks. It’s a SPAC deal. SPAC, or Special Purpose Acquisition Company, is a fancy way of saying “Let’s raise money, go public, and then find a private business to merge with.” It’s like a financial Russian doll, and it’s all the rage in Hong Kong since 2022. Aquila Acquisition, by the way, was the first kid on the block to list as a SPAC in the city.

Of course, with great power comes great regulation. Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, the entity that manages the playground, has some stringent rules. Only professional investors can trade SPAC shares, so regular Joes and Janes have to wait until the company has gone public. It’s like being invited to a party but being told you can only enter after all the cool kids have arrived.

While we wait for the paperwork to wade through the bureaucratic molasses, the corporations cross their fingers for a green light from China’s securities regulator. If all goes to plan, the deal will be sealed in the fourth quarter, and ZG Group will ascend to its lofty perch as a global leader in the steel industry. It’s a high-stakes game of financial chess, and ZG Group is aiming to be the king.

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“26 Capital’s Liquidation: A Tragic Tale of Broken Deals and Shattered Hopes”

TLDR:
– 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. has announced its decision to liquidate after failing to complete a business combination with Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment.
– The fallout from the failed merger resulted in allegations of contract breaches, a court intervention, and the need for 26 Capital to redeem its shares.

In a move that would make a soap opera writer blush, 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. is shaking up the business world with an episode that’s less ‘Days of Our Lives’ and more ‘Nightmare on Wall Street’. The Miami-based acquisition specialist, in a plot twist as shocking as it is unfortunate, has announced their decision to liquidate after failing to complete a business combination.

This unfortunate tidbit of the tale started when 26 Capital and Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment planned a little get-together, also known as a merger. The plan? To take Tiger Resorts public and shake the corporate landscape to its core. However, like a romantic subplot in a daytime drama, the grand plan collapsed faster than a house of cards in a hurricane.

In a world where mergers are made and broken over coffee, the fallout from this one was hardly ordinary. Allegations of contract breaches were thrown around like confetti, and the Delaware Court of Chancery, known for its fair and impartial rulings, stepped in to play the referee. But alas, the court’s decision was not in favor of 26 Capital, leaving the business community agog and 26 Capital staring down the barrel of liquidation.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, the stakes are high and the risks higher. When two companies team up in the hopes of creating something greater, there’s an inherent belief in the power of collaboration. But when that belief is destroyed, the consequences can be as devastating as a stock market crash. The bright future that 26 Capital and Tiger Resort envisioned together went up in smoke faster than a pile of counterfeit bills.

However, in the wake of this corporate catastrophe, come some valuable lessons. First, contracts are not just paper; they’re sacred agreements that must be respected. And second, trust is the lifeblood of successful partnerships. Without it, even the most promising venture can crumble like a stale cookie.

As for 26 Capital, their shares will be up for redemption around September 25, bringing a tragic end to a potentially glorious journey. But even in the face of this corporate calamity, there’s a silver lining. New opportunities often emerge from the ashes of failure. After all, it’s in the face of adversity that our true nature is revealed. So chin up, folks. Let’s learn from these mistakes, strive to build a future where trust and cooperation are paramount, and remember that even in failure, there’s always potential for a comeback. Let’s show the corporate world how to turn a disaster into a stepping stone.

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“Apple and CIIG Merger Corp.: A Tech Marriage that Promises Apples in Autonomous Cars, Doctor iPhones, and Step-Into-Your-TV Entertainment!”

TLDR:
Apple Inc. and CIIG Merger Corp. are teaming up, promising a future of advanced health recommendations and autonomous vehicles. Get ready for a tech revolution that will transform healthcare, transportation, and entertainment.

Hold onto your hats, folks. Apple Inc. and CIIG Merger Corp. have decided to join forces, and it’s looking like a superhero crossover equivalent of the business world. No, really, it’s as if Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne decided to open a gadget shop together. The fallout? A potential transformation of healthcare, transportation, and entertainment as we know it.

Remember those days when your iPhone was just a glorified pedometer? Kiss them goodbye. Soon, that hunk of metal in your pocket is going to tell you to lay off the cheeseburgers and take a brisk walk instead, using the power of advanced health recommendations. It’s not just about counting your steps anymore, it’s about orchestrating your entire lifestyle towards holistic well-being.

Now, how about your daily commute? It isn’t going to be the same old boring ride to work anymore, my friends. Autonomous vehicles are coming, making each trip a personal experience. Picture this – sitting in your car, sipping on your coffee, catching up on your favorite book, all while your car drives itself. It’s a commuter’s dream. The driving seat is about to become the best place to relax, minus the driving part.

But the tech revolution doesn’t stop at smart healthcare and snazzy self-driving cars. We’re about to break the fourth wall of entertainment here, folks. Soon you could be having a virtual cup of coffee with your favorite movie character, or being a part of that epic battle scene you always fancied. It’s going to be a thrilling journey, and our cinema-going experience will never be the same again.

So, there you have it. Two business behemoths are joining forces to bring us a future that looks like it jumped straight out of a sci-fi flick. It’s an adventure that promises a lasting legacy. In essence, they’re preparing to blow our collective minds while moving us into the future, one revolutionary product at a time.

Look forward to a future where technology isn’t just a tool but a lifestyle. A future where Apple and CIIG don’t just sell products, they sell experiences that touch every aspect of our lives. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a wacky, wild ride to the future – and it looks like it’s going to be one hell of a trip.

As always, keep yourself updated with our free newsletter for the latest scoop on all things SPAC. Because in the rapidly progressing world of technology, staying informed is the key to not getting left behind in the dust. Or in this case, the rocket exhaust.

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Fast and Curious: VinFast’s EV Hype Train Leaves Station, Stock Soars Despite Tepid Car Reviews

TLDR:
– VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, saw its shares soar 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO, making it the third most valuable car company on paper.
– The surge in stock prices was due to a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand, rather than the company’s performance or sales figures.

Imagine this. You’re a new kid on the block, and on your first day, you topple the school’s big guns. That’s what VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, did when its shares soared a staggering 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO earlier this month. Despite modest sales figures and unfavorable reviews, VinFast was riding a financial high, making it the third most valuable car company on paper, only trailing Tesla and Toyota. Poor Ford and General Motors were left in the dust, wondering how the new kid got so popular so quickly.

But here’s the catch. The surge wasn’t because they had a shiny new line-up of vehicles or overwhelming sales. Oh no, they expect to sell a paltry 50,000 vehicles this year, and let’s just say the reviews of their cars wouldn’t be winning them any awards. MotorTrend kindly suggested they “return to sender.” VinFast’s success was not due to any spectacular performance but a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand. You see, the founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, holds 99% of VinFast, having issued a mere 1% of the shares to the public.

So, we have the float of just 7.2 million shares available for the public to trade, causing stock prices to skyrocket. It’s a bit like a rare coin gaining value because there aren’t enough of them to go around—a classic case of scarcity increasing value. But one mustn’t forget, the coin’s real value is only what someone is willing to pay for it.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. The stock, like any commodity with a low float, is prone to high volatility. And it’s also more susceptible to drastic price changes because it doesn’t take much buying or selling pressure to shift the scales. In fact, VinFast experienced a 26% fall Tuesday, and the stock could continue its downward spiral as more shares enter the market. This is especially likely with several lockup agreements with insiders and the SPAC sponsor set to expire, which would result in selling off millions of shares.

And let’s not forget VinFast’s expansion plans. They need fuel to power their journey into the US market, and by fuel, I mean cold hard cash. The company had reported having about $160 million at the end of March, so they might just be tempted to take advantage of the recent spike in their stock by selling shares at current prices.

Short-seller Jim Chanos, however, isn’t biting the VinFast bait. He labeled it a “$200 billion meme stock,” suggesting VinFast’s luck would run out before they hit 40K units. But given the low float and high volatility, it seems unlikely that short-sellers are queuing up to bet against the company just yet. So, for now, it seems VinFast is enjoying its time in the sun. But as we all know, the weather can change pretty quickly on Wall Street. Only time will tell if VinFast is a one-hit-wonder or if it has the stamina to run with the big dogs.

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