10-K: Churchill Capital Corp XI Files 10-K, Details SPAC Operations
Annual Report
Churchill Capital Corp XI, a blank check company, filed its annual 10-K report, outlining its initial public offering, search for a business combination, and financial position as of December 31, 2025.
Summary
- Churchill Capital Corp XI is a blank check company incorporated on June 4, 2025, formed for the purpose of effecting a Business Combination with one or more businesses.
- The Initial Public Offering (IPO) was consummated on December 18, 2025, raising gross proceeds of $414,000,000 from the sale of 41,400,000 Public Units at $10.00 per unit.
- Simultaneously with the IPO, 500,000 Private Placement Units were sold to the Sponsor for $5,000,000.
- A total of $414,000,000 from the IPO and Private Placement proceeds was placed in a Trust Account, to be invested in U.S. government treasury bills or money market funds.
- The company must complete its initial Business Combination by December 18, 2027, which is 24 months from the IPO closing, or March 18, 2028, if a letter of intent or definitive agreement is executed by December 18, 2027.
- For the period from June 4, 2025 (inception) through December 31, 2025, the company reported a net income of $382,098, primarily derived from interest income on the Trust Account.
- Operating and formation costs for the same period amounted to $167,685.
- As of December 31, 2025, the company had $736,204 in cash in its operating account and a working capital surplus of $932,087.
- A deferred underwriting fee of $15,990,000 is payable to the Underwriter upon the completion of the initial Business Combination.
- The company has not generated any operating revenues to date and does not expect to do so until the consummation of its initial Business Combination.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral-to-slightly positive filing for a SPAC. The successful IPO and substantial trust account balance are foundational, but the inherent risks of SPACs, including intense competition and potential conflicts of interest, temper enthusiasm. The experienced management team is a positive, but the lack of a specific target and the competitive landscape present significant challenges.
Positives
- Successfully completed its Initial Public Offering, raising $414,000,000 for a Business Combination.
- A substantial amount of $414,549,783 was held in the Trust Account as of December 31, 2025, providing significant capital for a target acquisition.
- Reported a net income of $382,098 for the period from inception to December 31, 2025, primarily from interest earned on Trust Account investments.
- Maintained a healthy working capital surplus of $932,087 as of December 31, 2025.
- The Management Team, M. Klein and Company, and Operating Partners are described as well-positioned to identify and execute attractive Business Combination opportunities, leveraging deep industry relationships and operational expertise.
Negatives
- The company has no operating history or revenues to date, relying solely on its ability to complete a Business Combination.
- Faces intense competition for attractive Business Combination targets from other SPACs, private equity groups, and operating businesses.
- Significant risk of not completing a Business Combination within the stipulated Combination Period (by December 18, 2027, or March 18, 2028), which would lead to liquidation and render warrants worthless.
- Potential for conflicts of interest due to management's involvement with other blank check companies (e.g., Churchill Capital Corp IX) and M. Klein and Company's clients.
- Public Shareholders may experience substantial dilution from Founder Shares and potential future equity issuances in connection with a Business Combination.
- A deferred underwriting fee of $15,990,000 is payable upon Business Combination completion, reducing the net funds available from the Trust Account for the target company.
Risks
- Inability to complete an initial Business Combination within the Combination Period, leading to liquidation and worthless warrants.
- Difficulty obtaining additional financing to complete a Business Combination or to fund the operations and growth of a target business.
- Issuance of Ordinary Shares to investors in connection with a Business Combination at a price less than the prevailing market price.
- Public Shareholders may not be afforded an opportunity to vote on a proposed Business Combination, or their vote may be outweighed by Founder Shares.
- Increased competition for attractive targets, potentially raising acquisition costs or making targets uninterested in SPAC mergers.
- Attempting to simultaneously complete Business Combinations with multiple prospective targets may hinder the ability to complete the initial Business Combination and increase costs and risks.
- Potential conflicts of interest with the Underwriter due to the Deferred Fee, which is contingent on Business Combination completion.
- Risk of completing a Business Combination with a private company about which little information is available, potentially resulting in an unprofitable acquisition.
- Resources could be wasted on researching Business Combination targets that are not completed, adversely affecting subsequent attempts.
- Recent fluctuations in inflation and interest rates could make it more difficult to consummate an initial Business Combination.
- Availability of funds from interest income on the Trust Account balance may be insufficient to operate the business prior to a Business Combination.
- Changes in laws or regulations, or a failure to comply, may adversely affect the business, including the ability to negotiate and complete a Business Combination.
- Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry could impact business, financial condition, or Business Combination prospects.
- Cyber incidents or attacks could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss, impacting the ability to consummate a Business Combination.
- Risk of being deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act, leading to burdensome compliance requirements and restricted activities.
- Sponsor and Management Team have agreed to vote in favor of an initial Business Combination, regardless of how Public Shareholders vote, potentially leading to approval without majority Public Shareholder support.
- Public Shareholders' only opportunity to effect their investment decision regarding a potential Business Combination may be limited to exercising their right to redeem shares for cash.
- The ability of Public Shareholders to redeem a large number of shares may make the financial condition unattractive to potential Business Combination targets.
- High redemptions and the payment of the Deferred Fee may prevent the completion of the most desirable Business Combination or dilute Public Shareholders' investment.
- The requirement to complete a Business Combination within the Combination Period may give potential target businesses leverage and limit due diligence time.
- Directors may decide not to enforce the indemnification obligations of the Sponsor, potentially reducing funds in the Trust Account available for Public Shareholders.
- If bankruptcy or insolvency petitions are filed, claims of creditors may have priority over shareholders, reducing the per-share redemption amount.
- Lack of an active market for public securities could adversely affect liquidity and price.
- The nominal purchase price paid by the Sponsor for Founder Shares may result in significant dilution to the implied value of Public Shares upon Business Combination.
- Difficulties for shareholders in protecting their interests due to incorporation under Cayman Islands law.
- Potential for a majority of directors and officers and all assets to be located outside the United States post-Business Combination, limiting enforcement of U.S. federal securities laws.
- Provisions in the Amended and Restated Articles may inhibit a takeover of the company.
- The courts of the Cayman Islands will be the exclusive forums for certain disputes, limiting shareholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum.
- Uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders regarding redemptions of Public Shares.
- Terms of Public Warrants may be amended adversely to holders with the approval of at least 50% of outstanding Public Warrants.
- The Warrant Agreement designates New York courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain warrant-related actions.
- Warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of Class A Ordinary Shares and make it more difficult to effectuate a Business Combination.
- Units containing one-tenth of one Warrant may be worth less than units of other SPACs.
- Warrant holders may not be permitted to exercise Warrants unless underlying Class A Ordinary Shares are registered or certain exemptions are available.
- Cashless exercise of Public Warrants may result in fewer Class A Ordinary Shares received.
- Holders of Class A Ordinary Shares are not entitled to vote on continuing the company in a jurisdiction outside of the Cayman Islands.
- Registration rights granted to the Sponsor and other holders may make it more difficult to complete a Business Combination and adversely affect the market price of Class A Ordinary Shares.
- Risk of being a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
- As an emerging growth company and smaller reporting company, certain disclosure exemptions may make securities less attractive to investors or harder to compare.
- The securities in which funds are invested in the Trust Account could bear a negative rate of interest, reducing the redemption price below $10.01 per Public Share.
- Global geopolitical conditions and armed conflicts (e.g., Ukraine/Russia, Middle East) may materially adversely affect the search for an initial Business Combination or the performance of a target business.
Future Outlook
The company's primary future outlook is to identify and consummate an initial Business Combination with one or more businesses by December 18, 2027, or March 18, 2028, if a definitive agreement is in place. Management intends to leverage its team's expertise and network to find high-quality targets with compelling long-term growth prospects and opportunities for operational improvements. The company may also seek to extend the Combination Period with shareholder approval.
Management Comments
- "We believe that our Management Team and M. Klein and Company, which is an affiliate of our Sponsor, are well positioned to identify and execute attractive Business Combination opportunities."
- "Our objectives are to generate attractive returns for shareholders and enhance value through selecting a high-quality target at an attractive valuation, negotiating favorable acquisition terms for our shareholders and improving operational performance of the acquired company."
- "We expect to favor potential target companies with certain industry and business characteristics, including compelling long-term growth prospects, opportunities to affect valuation improvements at the company, attractive competitive dynamics and consolidation opportunities."
- "We believe that the combination of our Management Team, M. Klein and Company and its Operating Partners and our Board of Directors is an innovative approach to identifying potential high quality Business Combination targets and aligns incentives with our shareholders, providing us with distinctive and differentiated capabilities to create shareholder value."
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that Churchill Capital Corp XI operates within the highly competitive SPAC market, which has seen increased activity and competition for attractive targets. The company's strategy of leveraging its management team's extensive network and operating partners, including former S&P 500 executives, aims to differentiate it from other blank check companies. However, the broader market faces challenges such as economic downturns, geopolitical tensions, and negative public perception of SPAC mergers, which could impact the company's ability to secure a desirable Business Combination. The involvement of Michael Klein, a prominent figure in the SPAC space with a history of both successful and liquidated SPACs (e.g., Churchill Capital Corp IV merging with Lucid Group, Inc., and Churchill Capital Corp V and VI liquidating), highlights the inherent risks and varying outcomes within this industry segment.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The company's structure as a blank check company with no operations means direct comparison to traditional operating companies' financial performance is not applicable.
- The IPO proceeds of $414 million and the $10.00 per unit price are standard for SPACs.
- The 24-month (or 27-month) timeline to complete a Business Combination aligns with typical SPAC durations.
- The 80% fair market value test for a target business is a common Nasdaq requirement for SPACs.
- The deferred underwriting fee structure is a standard practice in SPAC IPOs.
- The existence of Founder Shares and Private Placement Units, along with their conversion and transfer restrictions, is typical for SPACs, designed to align sponsor incentives.
- The potential for dilution from Founder Shares and warrants is a standard feature of SPACs, often leading to lower effective entry prices for sponsors compared to public shareholders.
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | NA | Paul Lapping | 2026-03-17 | Appointment to the Board. |
| Director | NA | Stephen Murphy | 2026-03-17 | Appointment to the Board. |
| Audit Committee Chairperson | William Sherman (interim) | Paul Lapping | 2026-03-17 | Appointment of new chairperson. |
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Committee Appointments | Paul Lapping and Stephen Murphy appointed to the Compensation Committee and Audit Committee. Paul Lapping appointed chairperson of the Audit Committee, replacing William Sherman (interim). | 2026-03-17 | Enhances committee oversight with new independent directors, including an audit committee financial expert. |
| Director Compensation | Director agreements entered into to pay independent directors (William Sherman, Paul Lapping, Stephen Murphy) cash compensation of $75,000 per annum. | 2026-04-01 | Formalizes compensation for independent directors, potentially increasing accountability and attracting qualified individuals. |
| Clawback Policy | Executive Compensation Clawback Policy adopted on December 16, 2025, to comply with SEC Clawback Rule and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5608. | 2025-12-16 | Strengthens corporate governance by enabling recovery of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation in case of financial restatements, aligning executive incentives with accurate financial reporting. |
| Insider Trading Policy | Insider Trading Policies and Procedures adopted on December 16, 2025, governing securities transactions by directors, officers, and employees. | 2025-12-16 | Promotes compliance with insider trading laws and regulations, enhancing market integrity and investor confidence. |
Legal Proceedings
- No material litigation currently pending or contemplated against the company, its officers, or directors.
Related Party Transactions
- Sponsor (Churchill Sponsor XI LLC) acquired 13,800,000 Founder Shares for an aggregate payment of $25,000 (approximately $0.003 per share).
- Sponsor purchased 500,000 Private Placement Units for $5,000,000.
- The company reimburses M. Klein Associates Inc. (managing member of Sponsor) $30,000 per month for office space, utilities, and secretarial and administrative support, commencing December 17, 2025.
- The company indemnifies the managing member of its Sponsor from claims arising out of or relating to the Initial Public Offering or company operations, with such indemnification not accessing funds held in the Trust Account.
- The Sponsor loaned the company up to $600,000 via a promissory note for IPO expenses, which was fully repaid upon the closing of the Initial Public Offering.
- The Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor, or officers and directors, may provide Working Capital Loans, up to $1,500,000 of which may be convertible into units of the post-Business Combination entity at $10.00 per unit.
- The company has a Registration Rights Agreement with the Sponsor and other holders of Private Placement Units and any units issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Potential for significant returns if a successful Business Combination is completed, but also risk of dilution from Founder Shares and warrants, and loss of investment if no Business Combination occurs. Redemption rights offer a floor for Public Shareholders in case of liquidation or certain amendments.
- Employees: The company currently has two officers and no full-time employees; future employment opportunities depend on the successful completion of a Business Combination.
- Sponsor/Management: Significant upside potential from Founder Shares and Private Placement Units if a Business Combination is successful, but risk of losing their entire investment if no Business Combination. They also receive administrative fees and have potential for future compensation post-Business Combination.
- Underwriter: Entitled to a deferred fee of $15,990,000 upon completion of a Business Combination, creating a financial incentive for transaction completion.
- Creditors: Claims could potentially reduce funds in the Trust Account available for Public Shareholders if waivers are not effective or in bankruptcy scenarios.
Next Steps
- Identify and consummate an initial Business Combination with one or more businesses.
- Complete the initial Business Combination by December 18, 2027 (or March 18, 2028, if an LOI/definitive agreement is executed).
- Potentially seek shareholder approval to extend the Combination Period.
- File a post-effective amendment or new registration statement for Class A Ordinary Shares underlying Warrants after Business Combination.
- Independent directors will receive cash compensation of $75,000 per annum starting April 1, 2026.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-04 | Company incorporated; Sponsor acquired 8,625,000 Founder Shares; Sponsor loaned up to $600,000 under IPO Promissory Note. |
| 2025-11-18 | Initial S-1 Registration Statement filed with SEC. |
| 2025-11-30 | Company issued 2,875,000 Class B Ordinary Shares to Sponsor. |
| 2025-12-10 | Amendment No. 1 to S-1/A filed. |
| 2025-12-16 | IPO Registration Statement declared effective; Underwriting Agreement, Private Placement Units Purchase Agreement, Letter Agreement, Administrative Support Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement, Warrant Agreement, Code of Ethics, Insider Trading Policy, and Executive Compensation Clawback Policy adopted/entered into; Underwriter fully exercised Over-Allotment Option. |
| 2025-12-17 | Public Units commenced public trading on Nasdaq; Reimbursement to Sponsor's affiliate for office space began. |
| 2025-12-18 | Initial Public Offering consummated (41,400,000 Public Units); Private Placement of 500,000 Private Placement Units to Sponsor closed; $414,000,000 placed in Trust Account; IPO Promissory Note repaid; Company issued 2,300,000 Class B Ordinary Shares to Sponsor. |
| 2025-12-31 | Fiscal year ended; Redemption Price approximately $10.01 per Public Share; Market value of outstanding Units $422,694,000. |
| 2026-02-05 | Company announced separate trading of Class A Ordinary Shares and Public Warrants commencing February 9, 2026. |
| 2026-02-09 | Class A Ordinary Shares and Public Warrants commenced separate public trading on Nasdaq. |
| 2026-03-17 | Paul Lapping and Stephen Murphy appointed to Board, Compensation Committee, and Audit Committee; Mr. Lapping appointed Audit Committee chair; Director agreements signed with Mr. Sherman, Mr. Lapping, and Mr. Murphy. |
| 2026-03-26 | Date of 10-K filing; 41,900,000 Class A Ordinary Shares and 13,800,000 Class B Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding. |
| 2026-04-01 | Cash compensation of $75,000 per annum for independent directors begins. |
| 2026-12-18 | One-year anniversary of IPO, marking end of period for $1,000,000 permitted withdrawals for working capital. |
| 2026-12-31 | Due date for IPO Promissory Note (if not repaid earlier). |
| 2027-12-18 | End of initial 24-month Combination Period. |
| 2028-03-18 | Extended Combination Period end date if LOI/definitive agreement is executed by December 18, 2027. |
Recommendation
holdAs a blank check company, Churchill Capital Corp XI has no operating business, and its value is primarily tied to its ability to identify and successfully complete a Business Combination. The filing confirms the successful IPO and the substantial cash held in trust, which are expected for a SPAC at this stage. However, the inherent risks of SPACs, including intense competition for targets, potential conflicts of interest, and the deadline for a Business Combination, remain significant. Without a specific target identified, the investment remains speculative. A 'hold' recommendation is appropriate for investors who are already in, acknowledging the speculative nature and waiting for a definitive Business Combination announcement.
Keywords
SPAC, Churchill Capital Corp XI, Blank Check Company, Business Combination, IPO, Trust Account, Warrants, Class A Ordinary Shares, Cayman Islands, SEC Filing, Financial Reporting, Corporate Governance, Risk Factors, Michael Klein, Acquisition, Investment, Nasdaq
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