As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16, 2023
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 84-4290188 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
3920 Park Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08820
(732) 225-8400
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Joe Mastrangelo
Chief Executive Officer
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc.
3920 Park Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08820
Tel: (732) 225-8400
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
Copy to:
Matthew L. Fry
Haynes and Boone, LLP
2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75219
Telephone: (214) 651-5000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☒ |
Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Neither we nor the selling securityholders may sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated June 16, 2023
Preliminary Prospectus
$32,546,250 26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes
Due 2026
39,090,753 Shares of Common Stock Consisting of:
Up to 19,488,773 Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of 26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes Due 2026
Up to 19,601,980 Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Exercise of Warrants
Offered by the Selling Securityholders Named Herein
This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus from time to time of up to (a) $32,546,250 principal amount of 26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026 (the “notes”) including up to (i) $13,750,000 principal amount of notes originally issued to the Note Purchasers (defined below) pursuant to the Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 by and among Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. and the Note Purchasers, and subsequently replaced with amended and restated convertible notes that were issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated May 25, 2023, between Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee and (ii) a maximum of $18,796,250 principal amount of notes issuable as future PIK interest payments on the notes and (b) 39,090,753 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share consisting of (i) 19,488,773 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and notes issuable as future PIK interest payments, (ii) 16,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers (defined below and together with the Note Purchasers, the “selling securityholders”) pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 12, 2023 between us and the Warrant Purchasers and (iii) 3,601,980 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 15, 2023 between us and the Warrant Purchasers (together with the shares of common stock underlying the warrants sold pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 12, 2023, the “warrant shares”).
The selling securityholders may sell the securities covered by this prospectus in a number of different ways and at varying prices. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
We are not issuing any securities pursuant to this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of securities by the selling securityholders. However, we will receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers. We intend to use those proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes. We will pay certain expenses associated with the registration of the securities covered by this prospectus, as described in the section titled “Plan of Distribution.”
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “EOSE”. The closing price of our common stock on June 15, 2023 was $3.22 per share.
Any shares of common stock subject to resale hereunder will have been issued by us and acquired by the selling securityholders prior to any resale of such shares pursuant to this prospectus.
Investing in these securities involves certain risks. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference, as amended or supplemented from time to time by any risk factors we include in subsequent annual or quarterly reports on Form 10-K or 10-Q, respectively, and incorporated herein by reference.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2023
Neither we nor the selling securityholders have authorized anyone to provide you with information that differs from the information provided in this prospectus, as well as the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. Neither we nor the selling securityholders are making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document. Since the respective dates of this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed.
table of contents
i
This prospectus is part of the registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to which the selling securityholders named herein may, from time to time, offer and sell or otherwise dispose of the securities covered by this prospectus. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the registration statement filed by us includes additional information not contained in this prospectus.
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus include important information about us, the securities being offered and other information you should know before investing in our securities. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front cover of this prospectus or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this prospectus is delivered or shares of common stock or notes are sold or otherwise disposed of on a later date. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you under “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus.
We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
Unless otherwise indicated, information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus concerning our industry, including our general expectations and market opportunity, is based on information from our own management estimates and research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, our knowledge of our industry and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believe to be reasonable. In addition, assumptions and estimates of our and our industry’s future performance are necessarily uncertain due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus. These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates.
In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Eos” refer to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
ii
Where You Can FIND More Information
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus, filed as part of the registration statement, does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules, portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information about us, we refer you to the registration statement and to its exhibits and schedules.
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an internet website at www.sec.gov that contains periodic and current reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that are filed electronically with the SEC.
These documents are also available, free of charge, through the Investors section of our website, which is located at https://eose.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we have filed with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future documents (excluding information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K) we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections l3(a), l3(c), 14 or l5(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of this registration statement as well as subsequent to the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering:
● | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023; |
● | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 9, 2023; |
● | information specifically incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on March 27, 2023; |
● | our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 19, 2023, January 23, 2023, February 2, 2023, February 10, 2023, February 13, 2023, March 10, 2023, March 17, 2023, March 27, 2023, April 11, 2023, April 14, 2023, May 17, 2023, May 18, 2023, May 25, 2023 and May 30, 2023 (other than any portions thereof deemed furnished and not filed); and |
● | the description of our securities contained in Exhibit 4.5 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (File No. 001-39291), filed with the SEC on February 25, 2022, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a later statement contained in this prospectus or in any other document incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this prospectus or the date of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
Upon written or oral request, we will provide you without charge, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference, other than exhibits to those documents unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents. Please send requests to the address below:
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc.
3920 Park Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08820
Attn: General Counsel
(732) 225-8400
Exhibits to these documents will not be sent, however, unless those exhibits have been specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should rely only on information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or any free writing prospectus provided in connection with this offering. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or any free writing prospectus provided in connection with this offering or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
iii
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “should,” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to:
● | changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; |
● | our ability to forecast trends accurately; |
● | our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; |
● | our ability to raise financing in the future; |
● | the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; |
● | uncertainties around our ability to secure conditional commitment in a timely manner or at all, or final approval of a loan from the Department of Energy, the Loan Programs Office, or the timing of funding and the final size of any loan if approved; |
● | the possibility of a government shutdown while we remain in the due diligence phase with the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office; |
● | our ability to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; |
● | fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; |
● | competition from existing or new competitors; |
● | the failure to convert firm order backlog to revenue; |
● | risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; |
● | risks related to legal proceedings or claims; |
iv
● | risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; |
● | risks associated with changes to U.S. trade environment; |
● | risks resulting from the impact of global pandemics, including the novel coronavirus, Covid-19; |
● | our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on Nasdaq; |
● | our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; |
● | risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; |
● | risks from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; |
● | changes in applicable laws or regulations; |
● | other factors detailed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” herein; |
● | other risks and uncertainties described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our subsequent filings with the SEC, that we incorporate by reference herein; and |
● | other factors beyond our control. |
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, they could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
v
This summary highlights selected information and does not contain all of the information that is important to you. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Before making your investment decision with respect to our securities, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement and the documents referred to in “Where You Can Find More Information.”
Overview
We design, develop, manufacture, and market innovative zinc-based energy storage solutions for utility-scale, microgrid, and commercial & industrial (“C&I”) applications. We believe that our batteries have the potential to emerge as a leading alternative to Lithium-ion (“Li-ion”) batteries for such long-duration applications. We have developed a broad range of intellectual property with multiple patents covering unique battery chemistry, mechanical product design, energy block configuration and a software operating system (Battery Management System or “BMS”). The BMS software uses proprietary Eos-developed algorithms and includes ambient and battery temperature sensors, as well as voltage and electric current sensors for the electrical strings and the system. We focus on designing, developing, producing and selling safe, reliable, long-lasting, low-cost turn-key alternating current (“AC”) integrated systems using Eos’ direct current (“DC”) Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”). Our primary applications focus on integrating battery storage solutions with: (1) renewable energy systems that are connected to the utility power grid; (2) renewable energy systems that are not connected to the utility power grid; (3) storage systems utilized to relieve congestion; and (4) storage systems to assist C&I customers in reducing their peak energy usage or participating in the utilities ancillary and demand response markets. We have a manufacturing facility in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania to produce DC energy blocks with an integrated BMS. Our primary market is North America with opportunistic growth opportunities in Europe, Oceania, Africa, and Asia.
We offer an innovative Znyth™ technology BESS designed to provide the operating flexibility to manage increased grid complexity and price volatility resulting from an overall increase in renewable energy generation and a congested grid coming from an increase in electricity demand growth. Our BESS is a validated chemistry with accessible non-precious earth components in a durable design that delivers results in even the most extreme temperatures and conditions. The system is safe, flexible, scalable, sustainable and manufactured in the United States, using raw materials primarily sourced in the United States. Our BESS is the core of our innovative systems that today provide utilities, independent power producers, renewables developers, and C&I customers with a validated, reliable energy storage alternative for 3- to 12-hour discharge durations. Our innovative spirit extends to our manufacturing strategy, which includes proprietary equipment and processes that allow us to scale quickly and with a lower capital intensity than other similar technologies. We believe our technology will continue to reduce cost and improve the operating efficiency and competitiveness of our BESS.
In addition to our BESS, we currently offer: (a) a BMS which provides a remote asset monitoring capability and service to track the performance and health of our BESS and to proactively identify future system performance issues through predictive analytics; (b) project management services to ensure the process of implementing our BESS are coordinated in conjunction with the customer’s overall project plans; (c) commissioning services that ensure the customer’s installation of the BESS meets the performance expected by the customer; and (d) long-term maintenance plans to maintain optimal operating performance of our systems.
Corporate Information
The Company was incorporated in Delaware in June 2019 as a blank check company under the name B. Riley Principal Merger Corp. II. In connection with its business combination on November 16, 2020, the Company changed its name to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc.
1
Additional Information
The mailing address of our principal executive office is 3920 Park Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820, and our phone number is (732) 225-8400. Our corporate website address is www.eosenergystorage.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.
Risk Factors Summary
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results.
Risk Related to Our Common Stock
● | To the extent that any shares of common stock are issued upon exercise of any warrants to purchase shares of common stock or upon conversion of any convertible notes, the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market would increase. |
● | Provisions in our Charter and Delaware law may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. |
● | Provisions in our Charter may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock and could entrench management. |
● | Future resales of common stock may cause the market price of our securities to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well. |
● | Our stock price may be volatile and may decline regardless of our operating performance. |
● | There can be no assurance that our common stock will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq. |
● | We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock. |
● | We are a “smaller reporting company” and, because we have opted to use the reduced reporting requirements available to us, certain investors may find investing in our securities less attractive. |
Risks Related to the Notes
● | The notes are effectively subordinated to our secured debt and any liabilities of our subsidiaries. |
● | The notes are our obligations only and our operations are conducted through, and substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by, our subsidiaries. |
● | Servicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial debt. |
● | The notes will not pay any cash interest. |
● | Regulatory actions and other events may adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the notes. |
2
● | Volatility in the market price and trading volume of our common stock could adversely impact the trading price of the notes. |
● | Despite our current debt levels, we may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions which would intensify the risks discussed above. |
● | Redemption may adversely affect your return on the notes. |
● | We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon repurchase of the notes. |
● | Future sales of our common stock or equity-linked securities in the public market could lower the market price for our common stock and adversely impact the trading price of the notes. |
● | Holders of notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but they will be subject to all changes made with respect to them to the extent our conversion obligation includes shares of our common stock. |
● | The governmental approval requirement with respect to conversions of the notes could result in your receiving less than the value of our common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible, and could delay your receipt of any shares of our common stock upon conversion. |
● | Upon conversion of the notes, you may receive less valuable consideration than expected because the value of our common stock may decline after you exercise your conversion right but before we settle our conversion obligation. |
● | After June 30, 2023, the notes will not be protected by restrictive covenants. |
● | The conversion rate of the notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events. |
● | Some significant restructuring transactions may not constitute a fundamental change, in which case we would not be obligated to offer to repurchase the notes. |
● | We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the notes. |
● | Any adverse rating of the notes may cause their trading price to fall. |
● | You may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion rate of the notes even though you do not receive a corresponding cash distribution. |
● | The notes were issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
● | Certain provisions in the notes and the indenture could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover or takeover attempt of us and, therefore, the ability of holders to exercise their rights associated with a potential fundamental change. |
● | If the notes are issued in book-entry form, holders must rely on DTC’s procedures to receive communications relating to the notes and exercise their rights and remedies. |
3
THE OFFERING
The summary below describes the principal terms of the securities. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The “Description of Capital Stock” and “Description of Notes” sections of this prospectus contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the securities. As used in this section, “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. and not to its consolidated subsidiaries.
Common Stock | |
Issuer | Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation. |
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding | 127,178,465 shares of common stock as of June 12, 2023. |
Shares of Common Stock Offered by the Selling Securityholders | Up to 39,090,753 shares of common stock comprised of (i) 19,488,773 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and (ii) 19,601,980 warrant shares. |
Use of Proceeds | The applicable selling securityholder will receive all of the proceeds from the sale under this prospectus of the shares of common stock underlying the notes and the warrant shares. We will not receive any proceeds from these sales. However, we will receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants. We intend to use those proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes. |
Registration Rights | Under the terms of the certain Securities Purchase Agreements dated April 12, 2023 and May 15, 2023, we agreed to file this registration statement with respect to the registration of the resale by the selling securityholders of the warrant shares as soon as practicable and in any event, no later than July 11, 2023 and July 15, 2023, respectively. We agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective within 90 days (120 days in the event the SEC elects to review the registration statement) following the filing of such registration statement. In addition, we agreed to keep such registration statement effective at all times until none of the Warrant Purchasers owns any warrants or warrant shares. |
Nasdaq Capital Market Symbol for Our Common Stock | Our common stock is currently traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “EOSE.” |
Notes | |
Issuer | Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation. |
The Notes | Up to $32,546,250 principal amount of 26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026 comprised of $13,750,000 principal amount of notes and a maximum of $18,796,250 principal amount of notes issuable as future PIK interest payments on the notes. |
Maturity | June 30, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. |
4
Interest | We shall pay any or all interest on the notes with respect to any interest payment date by payment-in-kind (i) in the case of global notes, by increasing the principal amount outstanding of the global notes or (ii) in the case of physical notes, in the form of additional notes in integral multiples of $1.00. The principal amount of any note at any time, as increased to such time by any PIK interest, is referred to herein as the “capitalized principal amount” of such note. Interest will accrue from January 18, 2023 or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and will be payable semiannually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year. |
Interest Rate | 26.5% per year. |
Conversion Rights | Holders may convert all or any portion of their notes, if the portion to be converted is $1,000 capitalized principal amount or any integral multiple of $1.00 in excess thereof, at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date. |
The conversion rate for the notes is initially 598.8024 shares of common stock per $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $1.67 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment as described in this prospectus.
Upon conversion, we will deliver shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of common stock. If we satisfy our conversion obligation through payment and delivery of a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, the amount of cash and shares of common stock, if any, due upon conversion will be based on the daily VWAP (defined herein) for the relevant conversion date. See “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Settlement upon Conversion.”
You will not receive any additional cash payment or additional shares representing accrued and unpaid interest that has not been capitalized, if any, upon conversion of a note, except in limited circumstances. Instead, interest will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited, by the shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock (in lieu of delivering any fractional share of common stock) delivered to you upon conversion of a note. | |
Redemption at Our Option | We may not redeem the notes prior to June 30, 2024. We may redeem (x) in cash, (y) through the issuance of shares of our common stock or (z) a combination thereof, all or part of the notes, at our option, on or after June 30, 2024 if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to the then-current capitalized principal amount of the notes plus the aggregate amount of all interest payments on the capitalized principal amount of the notes that the holders of the notes to be redeemed would have been entitled to receive had the notes remained outstanding to the maturity date (for the avoidance of doubt, including interest on capitalized interest which would have been added to the principal amount during the period from the redemption date to the maturity date), provided that we have obtained stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules 5635(c) and 5635(d) or the shareholder approval rules or listing standards of any other national or regional securities exchange that are applicable to us (the “stockholder approval requirement”). No “sinking fund” is provided for the notes, which means that we are not required to redeem or retire the notes periodically. See “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption.” |
5
Fundamental Change | If we undergo a “fundamental change” (as defined in this prospectus under “Description of Notes—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes”), subject to certain conditions, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or part of their notes in principal amounts of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1.00 in excess thereof. The fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued interest thereon that has not been paid or capitalized to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. See “Description of Notes—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes.” | |
Ranking | The notes are our senior unsecured obligations and rank: | |
● | senior in right of payment to any of our indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes; | |
● | equal in right of payment to any of our unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; | |
● | effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and | |
● | structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. | |
As of March 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $236.8 million, of which an aggregate of $222.9 million was senior indebtedness and an aggregate of $107.9 million was secured indebtedness. | ||
Prior to June 30, 2023, we are prohibited from issuing certain indebtedness that is convertible into common stock at a price of less than $1.35 per share. After June 30, 2023, there will be no restrictions. | ||
Registration Rights | Under the terms of that certain Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 pursuant to which the notes were originally issued, we agreed to file and use commercially reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective as soon as practicable and in any event not later than six (6) months after the date of that certain Investment Agreement, this registration statement. In addition, we agreed that, upon the registration statement being declared effective under the Securities Act and upon the availability of a registration statement on Form S-3, we will use our commercially reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement until the date that (i) the selling securityholders have sold all of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes or (ii) there otherwise ceases to be any such securities.
As of the date of this prospectus, and until June 18, 2024, the Note Purchasers remain subject to certain transfer restrictions with respect to the notes and any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the notes. | |
Use of Proceeds | The applicable selling securityholder will receive all of the proceeds from the sale under this prospectus of the notes and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, if any. We will not receive any proceeds from these sales. |
6
Form | The notes were issued in physical, certificated form. However, subject to certain conditions, the notes may be issued in book-entry form and be represented by permanent global certificates deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in any of such notes would be shown on, and transfers will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee and any such interest may not be exchanged for certificated securities, except in limited circumstances. |
Absence of a Public Market for the Notes |
The notes were issued to the Note Purchasers in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There is currently no established market for the notes. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any market for the notes. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the notes on any securities exchange or any automated dealer quotation system. |
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences | For the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the holding, disposition and conversion of the notes, and the holding and disposition of shares of our common stock, see “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
Nasdaq Capital Market Symbol for Our Common Stock | Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “EOSE.” |
Trustee, Paying Agent and Conversion Agent | Wilmington Trust, National Association |
7
An investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus involves risk and uncertainties. You should consider carefully the risk factors described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and any subsequent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus, as well as the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and any applicable prospectus supplement, in light of your particular investment objectives and financial circumstances. The risks and uncertainties discussed below and in the documents incorporated by reference are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, may also harm our business. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition and operating results could be harmed, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
Risk Related to Our Common Stock
To the extent that any shares of common stock are issued upon exercise of any warrants to purchase shares of common stock or upon conversion of any convertible notes, the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market would increase.
To the extent that any shares of common stock are issued upon exercise of any warrants to purchase shares of common stock or upon the conversion of any convertible notes, there will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of a substantial number of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Provisions in our Charter and Delaware law may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Our Charter requires, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, that (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us, our directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Charter or our bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or our directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine may be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware, except any claim (A) as to which the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within 10 days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, or (D) any action arising under the Securities Act, as to which the Court of Chancery and the federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. If an action is brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel. Although we believe that this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, a court may determine that this provision is unenforceable, and to the extent it is enforceable, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, our Charter provides that the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Although we believe that this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
8
Provisions in our Charter may inhibit a takeover of us, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common stock and could entrench management.
Our Charter contains provisions that may hinder unsolicited takeover proposals that stockholders may consider to be in their best interests. We are also subject to anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, which could delay or prevent a change of control. Together these provisions may make more difficult the removal of management and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our securities. These provisions include:
● | no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority stockholders to elect director candidates; |
● | a classified board of directors with three-year staggered terms, which could delay the ability of stockholders to change the membership of a majority of the Board; |
● | the right of our Board to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of our Board or the resignation, death or removal of a director in certain circumstances, which prevents stockholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board; |
● | a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent, which forces stockholder action to be taken at an annual or special meeting of our stockholders; |
● | advance notice procedures that stockholders must comply with in order to nominate candidates to our Board or to propose matters to be acted upon at a meeting of stockholders, which may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company; and |
● | the requirement that a meeting of stockholders may only be called by members of our Board or the stockholders holding a majority of our shares, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or to take action, including the removal of directors. |
Future resales of common stock may cause the market price of our securities to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time irrespective of our performance. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock. Such sales may occur based upon individual investor liquidity requirements or other factors outside of our control. As registration statements are available for use, the sale or possibility of sale of shares by shareholders could have the effect of increasing the volatility in our share price or the market price of our common stock could decline if the holders of currently restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.
Our stock price may be volatile and may decline regardless of our operating performance.
Fluctuations in the price of our securities could contribute to the loss of part or all of your investment. The trading price of our securities could be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. Any of the factors listed below could have a material adverse effect on your investment in our securities and our securities may trade at prices significantly below the price you paid for them. In such circumstances, the trading price of our securities may not recover and may experience a further decline.
Factors affecting the trading price of our securities may include:
● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly financial results or the quarterly financial results of companies perceived to be similar to us; |
● | changes in the market’s expectations about our operating results; |
9
● | success of competitors; |
● | our operating results failing to meet the expectation of securities analysts or investors in a particular period; |
● | changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts concerning us or the industries in which we operate in general; |
● | operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us; |
● | our ability to market new and enhanced products on a timely basis; |
● | changes in laws and regulations affecting our business; |
● | commencement of, or involvement in, litigation involving us; |
● | changes in our capital structure, such as future issuances of securities or the incurrence of additional debt; |
● | the volume of shares of our common stock available for public sale; |
● | any major change in our board of directors or management; |
● | sales of substantial amounts of our common stock by our directors, executive officers or significant stockholders or the perception that such sales could occur; and |
● | general economic and political conditions such as recessions, interest rates, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations and acts of war or terrorism. |
Broad market and industry factors may materially harm the market price of our securities irrespective of our operating performance. The stock market in general, and Nasdaq, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the particular companies affected. The trading prices and valuations of these stocks, and of our securities, may not be predictable. A loss of investor confidence in the market for the stocks of other companies that investors perceive to be similar to us could depress our stock price regardless of our business, prospects, financial conditions or results of operations. A decline in the market price of our securities also could adversely affect our ability to issue additional securities and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.
There can be no assurance that our common stock will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq.
The shares of our common stock and warrants are listed on Nasdaq. If Nasdaq delists the common stock from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
● | a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; |
● | a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules, possibly resulting in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our common stock; |
● | a limited amount of analyst coverage; and |
● | a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future. |
10
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
We are a “smaller reporting company” and, because we have opted to use the reduced reporting requirements available to us, certain investors may find investing in our securities less attractive.
As a smaller reporting company, we are permitted to comply with scaled-back disclosure obligations in our SEC filings compared to other issuers, including with respect to disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We have elected to adopt the accommodations available to smaller reporting companies. Until we cease to be a smaller reporting company, the scaled-back disclosure in our SEC filings will result in less information about our company being available than for other public companies. If investors consider our common stock less attractive as a result of our election to use the scaled-back disclosure permitted for smaller reporting companies, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our share price may be more volatile.
We are also a non-accelerated filer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Therefore, our internal controls over financial reporting will not receive the level of review provided by the process relating to the auditor attestation included in annual reports of issuers that are subject to the auditor attestation requirements. In addition, we cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements. We cannot predict if investors will find our securities less attractive because we rely on these available exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the market price of our securities may be more volatile.
Risks Related to the Notes
The notes will be effectively subordinated to our secured debt and any liabilities of our subsidiaries.
The notes rank senior in right of payment to any of our indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes; equal in right of payment to any of our liabilities that are not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure debt ranking senior or equal in right of payment to the notes will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after the secured debt has been repaid in full from these assets. There may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all of the notes then outstanding. After June 30, 2023, the indenture governing the notes will not prohibit us from incurring additional senior debt or secured debt, nor will it prohibit any of our subsidiaries from incurring additional liabilities. See “—After June 30, the notes will not be protected by restrictive covenants.”
As of March 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $236.8 million, of which an aggregate of $222.9 million was senior indebtedness and an aggregate of $107.9 million was secured indebtedness.
The notes will be our obligations only and our operations are conducted through, and substantially all of our consolidated assets are held by, our subsidiaries.
The notes will be our obligations exclusively and will not be guaranteed by any of our operating subsidiaries. A substantial portion of our consolidated assets is held by our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our ability to service our debt, including the notes, depends on the results of operations of our subsidiaries and upon the ability of such subsidiaries to provide us with cash, whether in the form of dividends, loans or otherwise, to pay amounts due on our obligations, including the notes. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to make payments on the notes or to make any funds available for that purpose. In addition, dividends, loans or other distributions to us from such subsidiaries may be subject to contractual and other restrictions and are subject to other business considerations.
11
Servicing our debt requires a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial debt.
Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, including the notes, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations.
The notes will not pay any cash interest.
We shall pay any or all interest on the notes with respect to any interest payment date by payment-in-kind (i) in the case of global notes, by increasing the principal amount outstanding of the global notes or (ii) in the case of physical notes, in the form of additional notes in integral multiples of $1.00. As a result, you may not receive any ongoing cash payments in respect of your investment in the notes. See “Description of Notes—Interest.”
Regulatory actions and other events may adversely affect the trading price and liquidity of the notes.
We expect that many investors in, and potential purchasers of, the notes will employ, or seek to employ, a convertible arbitrage strategy with respect to the notes. Investors would typically implement such a strategy by selling short the common stock underlying the notes and dynamically adjusting their short position while continuing to hold the notes. Investors may also implement this type of strategy by entering into swaps on our common stock in lieu of or in addition to short selling the common stock. We cannot assure you that market conditions will permit investors to implement this type of strategy, whether on favorable pricing and other terms or at all. If market conditions do not permit investors to implement this type of strategy, whether on favorable pricing and other terms or at all, at any time while the notes are outstanding, the trading price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.
The SEC and other regulatory and self-regulatory authorities have implemented various rules and taken certain actions, and may in the future adopt additional rules and take other actions, that may impact those engaging in short selling activity involving equity securities (including our common stock). Such rules and actions include Rule 201 of SEC Regulation SHO, the adoption by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and the national securities exchanges of a “Limit Up-Limit Down” program, the imposition of market-wide circuit breakers that halt trading of securities for certain periods following specific market declines, and the implementation of certain regulatory reforms required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Any governmental or regulatory action that restricts the ability of investors in, or potential purchasers of, the notes to effect short sales of our common stock, borrow our common stock or enter into swaps on our common stock could adversely affect the trading price and the liquidity of the notes.
12
In addition, the number of shares of our common stock available for lending in connection with short sale transactions and the number of counterparties willing to enter into an equity swap on our common stock with a note investor may not be sufficient for the implementation of a convertible arbitrage strategy. These and other market events could make implementing a convertible arbitrage strategy prohibitively expensive or infeasible. We cannot assure you that a sufficient number of shares of our common stock will be available to borrow on commercial terms, or at all, to potential purchasers or holders of the notes. If potential purchasers of the notes that seek to employ a convertible arbitrage strategy are unable to do so on commercial terms, or at all, then the trading price of, and the liquidity of the market for, the notes may significantly decline.
Volatility in the market price and trading volume of our common stock could adversely impact the trading price of the notes.
The stock market in recent years has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating performance of companies. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including in response to the risks described in this section, elsewhere in this prospectus or the documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus or for reasons unrelated to our operations, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions or negative announcements by our customers, competitors or suppliers regarding their own performance, as well as industry conditions and general financial, economic and political instability. A decrease in the market price of our common stock would likely adversely impact the trading price of the notes. The market price of our common stock could also be affected by possible sales of our common stock by investors who view the notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in us and by hedging or arbitrage trading activity that we expect to develop involving our common stock. This trading activity could, in turn, affect the trading price of the notes.
Despite our current debt levels, we may still incur substantially more debt or take other actions that would intensify the risks discussed above.
Despite our current consolidated debt levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional debt in the future, subject to the restrictions contained in our future debt instruments, some of which may be secured debt. We will not be restricted under the terms of the indenture governing the notes from incurring additional debt, securing existing or future debt, recapitalizing our debt or taking a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the indenture governing the notes that could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on the notes when due.
Redemption may adversely affect your return on the notes.
We may not redeem the notes prior to June 30, 2024. We may redeem (x) in cash, (y) through the issuance of shares of our common stock or (z) a combination thereof, all or part of the notes, at our option, on or after June 30, 2024 if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to the then-current capitalized principal amount of the notes plus the aggregate amount of all interest payments on the capitalized principal amount of the notes that the holders of the notes to be redeemed would have been entitled to receive had the notes remained outstanding to the maturity date (for the avoidance of doubt, including interest on capitalized interest which would have been added to the principal amount during the period from the redemption date to the maturity date), provided that we have obtained stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules 5635(c) and 5635(d) or the shareholder approval rules or listing standards of any other national or regional securities exchange that are applicable to us. As a result, we may choose to redeem some or all of the notes, including at times when prevailing interest rates are relatively low. As a result, you may not be able to reinvest the proceeds you receive from the redemption in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on your notes being redeemed. In addition, the foregoing stock price condition only needs to be met for any 20 trading days in the 30 trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of the redemption notice. As a result, the price of our common stock may decrease dramatically, including below the conversion price, between the 20th such trading day that the stock price condition is satisfied and the day we actually deliver the redemption notice. See “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption.”
13
We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon repurchase of the notes.
Holders of the notes will have the right to require us to repurchase their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized, as described under “Description of Notes—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes.” However, we may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases of notes surrendered therefor. In addition, our ability to repurchase the notes may be limited by law, by regulatory authority or by agreements governing our future indebtedness. Our failure to repurchase notes at a time when the repurchase is required by the indenture would constitute a default under the indenture. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing our future indebtedness. If the repayment of the related indebtedness were to be accelerated after any applicable notice or grace periods, we may not have sufficient funds to repay the indebtedness and repurchase the notes.
Future sales of our common stock or equity-linked securities in the public market could lower the market price for our common stock and adversely impact the trading price of the notes.
In the future, we may sell additional shares of our common stock or equity-linked securities to raise capital. In addition, a substantial number of shares of our common stock is reserved for issuance upon the exercise of stock options, upon exercise of our outstanding warrants, and upon conversion of the notes. We cannot predict the size of future issuances or the effect, if any, that they may have on the market price for our common stock. The issuance and sale of substantial amounts of common stock or equity-linked securities, or the perception that such issuances and sales may occur, could adversely affect the trading price of the notes and the market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity or equity-linked securities.
Holders of notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock, but they will be subject to all changes made with respect to them to the extent our conversion obligation includes shares of our common stock.
Holders of notes will not be entitled to any rights with respect to our common stock (including, without limitation, voting rights and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on our common stock) prior to the conversion date relating to such notes (assuming all relevant governmental approvals as described under “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Governmental Approvals” have been obtained), but holders of notes will be subject to all changes affecting our common stock. For example, if an amendment is proposed to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws requiring stockholder approval and the record date for determining the stockholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to the conversion date related to a holder’s conversion of its notes or the last trading day of the relevant observation period, such holder will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although such holder will nevertheless be subject to any changes affecting our common stock.
The governmental approval requirement with respect to conversions of the notes could result in your receiving less than the value of our common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible, and could delay your receipt of any shares of our common stock upon conversion.
To the extent that physical settlement in respect of any conversion of notes would require us or any holder to obtain any regulatory approvals or consents from, or make any filing with, any governmental entity, the right to convert the relevant notes and our obligation to deliver (or cause to be delivered) any related shares of common stock upon such conversion will be contingent upon, and subject to, the receipt of any required governmental approval (as determined by the holder or us, as applicable), and any such delivery will be delayed until such governmental approval is received. If you attempt to convert your notes and such a governmental approval is required but not obtained in time, you will not be able to convert your notes, and you may not be able to receive the shares of common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible. Receipt of any such governmental approval could take a significant amount of time, delaying your ability to receive any shares of common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible. The trading price of our common stock at the time of the ultimate delivery of such shares (if any) may be less than, and possibly significantly less than, the trading price at the time of the attempted conversion. See “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Governmental Approvals.”
14
Upon conversion of the notes, you may receive less valuable consideration than expected because the value of our common stock may decline after you exercise your conversion right but before we settle our conversion obligation.
Under the notes, a converting holder will be exposed to fluctuations in the value of our common stock during the period from the date such holder surrenders notes for conversion until the date we settle our conversion obligation.
Upon conversion of the notes, we will deliver shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock (in lieu of delivering any fractional share). If we satisfy our conversion obligation in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, the amount of consideration that you will receive upon conversion of your notes will be determined by reference to the volume-weighted average price of our common stock for each trading day in a 40 trading day observation period. As described under “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Settlement upon Conversion,” this period would be (i) subject to clause (ii), if the relevant conversion date occurs prior to the 45th scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, the 40 consecutive trading day period beginning on, and including, the third trading day immediately succeeding such conversion date; (ii) if the relevant conversion date occurs on or after the date of our issuance of a notice of redemption with respect to the notes as described under “Description of Notes—Optional Redemption” and prior to the relevant redemption date, the 40 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 42nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding such redemption date; and (iii) subject to clause (ii), if the relevant conversion date occurs on or after the 45th scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, the 40 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 42nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Accordingly, if the price of our common stock decreases during this period, the amount and/or value of consideration you receive will be adversely affected. In addition, if the market price of our common stock at the end of such period is below the average volume-weighted average price of our common stock during such period, the value of any shares of our common stock that you will receive in satisfaction of our conversion obligation will be less than the value used to determine the number of shares that you will receive.
Upon satisfaction of our conversion obligation, we will be required to deliver the shares of our common stock, together with cash for any fractional share, on the third business day following the relevant conversion date. Accordingly, if the price of our common stock decreases during this period, the value of the shares that you receive will be adversely affected and would be less than the conversion value of the notes on the conversion date.
In addition, there may be a delay in our delivery of any conversion consideration as a result of the requirement for us and the applicable holder to obtain any necessary governmental approvals in advance of any such delivery, as described above under “—The governmental approval requirement with respect to conversions of the notes could result in your receiving less than the value of our common stock into which the notes would otherwise be convertible, and could delay your receipt of any shares of our common stock upon conversion.”
After June 30, 2023, the notes will not be protected by restrictive covenants.
The indenture governing the notes will not contain any financial or operating covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or repurchase of securities by us or any of our subsidiaries other than that prior to June 30, 2023, we may not distribute or issue any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, including any subsequent issuance pursuant to the indenture, at a price per share less than $1.35 (subject to adjustment with respect to stock splits and consolidations, stock dividends, stock combinations and similar transactions). The indenture will not contain any other covenants or other provisions to afford protection to holders of the notes in the event of a fundamental change or other corporate transaction involving us except to the extent described under “Description of Notes—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes” and “Description of Notes—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.”
15
The conversion rate of the notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events.
The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including, but not limited to, the issuance of certain stock dividends on our common stock, the issuance of certain rights or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock, indebtedness, or assets, cash dividends and certain issuer tender or exchange offers as described under “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Conversion Rate Adjustments.” However, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events, such as a third-party tender or exchange offer or an issuance of common stock for cash, that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or our common stock. An event that adversely affects the value of the notes may occur, and that event may not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate.
Some significant restructuring transactions may not constitute a fundamental change, in which case we would not be obligated to offer to repurchase the notes.
Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, you have the right to require us to repurchase your notes. However, the fundamental change provisions will not afford protection to holders of notes in the event of other transactions that could adversely affect the notes. For example, transactions such as leveraged recapitalizations, refinancings, restructurings, or acquisitions initiated by us may not constitute a fundamental change requiring us to repurchase the notes. In the event of any such transaction, the holders would not have the right to require us to repurchase the notes, even though each of these transactions could increase the amount of our indebtedness, or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or any credit ratings, thereby adversely affecting the holders of notes.
We cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the notes.
The notes were originally issued to a small group of investors in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There has been no trading market for the notes, and the notes may continue to be held by a small group of investors indefinitely. We do not intend to apply to list the notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation on any automated dealer quotation system. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes (if any), and the market price quoted for the notes (if any), may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for this type of security and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, we cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop for the notes. If an active trading market for the notes does not develop or is not maintained, the market price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected. In that case, you may not be able to sell your notes at a particular time or you may not be able to sell your notes at a favorable price.
Any adverse rating of the notes may cause their trading price to fall.
We do not intend to seek a rating on the notes. However, if a rating service were to rate the notes and if such rating service were to lower its rating on the notes below the rating initially assigned to the notes or otherwise announce its intention to put the notes on credit watch, the trading price of the notes could decline.
You may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion rate of the notes even though you do not receive a corresponding cash distribution. The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If the conversion rate is adjusted as a result of a distribution that is taxable to our common stockholders, such as a cash dividend, you will be deemed to have received a distribution, which may be treated as a dividend subject to U.S. federal income tax, without the receipt of any cash. In addition, a failure to adjust (or to adjust adequately) the conversion rate after an event that increases your proportionate interest in us could be treated as a deemed taxable dividend to you. If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date or we issue a notice of redemption, under some circumstances, we will increase the conversion rate for notes converted in connection with the fundamental change or during the related redemption conversion period. Such increase may also be treated as a distribution subject to U.S. federal income tax as a dividend. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” If you are a non-U.S. holder (as defined in “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”), any deemed dividend would generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty. Any U.S. federal withholding tax or backup withholding may be withheld from or set off against subsequent payments on the notes (including upon conversion, repayment or maturity), or in some circumstances from any payments on our common stock, or from sales proceeds subsequently paid or credited to you, or from your other funds or assets.
16
The notes will be issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
For each interest period, we will pay the stated interest on the notes in PIK interest. As a result, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, none of the stated interest payments on the notes will constitute “qualified stated interest.” Therefore, the notes will be treated as having been issued with original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“OID”). Holders subject to U.S. federal income taxation will be required to include any amounts representing OID in gross income (as ordinary income) as it accrues (on a constant yield to maturity basis) in advance of the receipt of the cash payments to which such OID is attributable and regardless of the holder’s regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
Certain provisions in the notes and the indenture could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover or takeover attempt of us and, therefore, the ability of holders to exercise their rights associated with a potential fundamental change.
Certain provisions in the notes and the indenture could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. For example, if an acquisition event constitutes a fundamental change, holders of the notes will have the right to require us to purchase their notes in cash. In this case, our obligations under the notes and the indenture as well as provisions of our organizational documents and other agreements could increase the cost of acquiring us or otherwise discourage a third party from acquiring us or removing incumbent management. There is no exception from the definition of fundamental change for transactions in which the consideration received by holders of our common stock consists of other listed stock. As a result, such a transaction could constitute a fundamental change and require us to offer to repurchase the notes, which could discourage a potential acquirer in such a transaction.
If the notes are issued in book-entry form, holders must rely on DTC’s procedures to receive communications relating to the notes and exercise their rights and remedies.
Although the notes were initially issued in certificated form, subject to certain conditions, we may issue the notes in the form of one or more global notes registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in global notes will be shown on, and transfers of global notes will be effected only through, the records maintained by DTC. Except in limited circumstances, after the issuance of global notes we will not issue certificated notes. See “Description of Notes—Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance.” Accordingly, if you own a beneficial interest in a global note, then you will not be considered an owner or holder of the notes. Instead, DTC or its nominee will be the sole holder of global notes. Unlike persons who have certificated notes registered in their names, owners of beneficial interests in global notes will not have the direct right to act on our solicitations for consents or requests for waivers or other actions from holders. Instead, those beneficial owners will be permitted to act only to the extent that they have received appropriate proxies to do so from DTC or, if applicable, a DTC participant. The applicable procedures for the granting of these proxies may not be sufficient to enable owners of beneficial interests in global notes to vote on any requested actions on a timely basis. In addition, notices and other communications relating to any global notes will be sent to DTC. We expect DTC to forward any such communications to DTC participants, which in turn would forward such communications to indirect DTC participants. But we can make no assurances that you timely receive any such communications.
17
The applicable selling securityholder will receive all of the proceeds from the sale under this prospectus of the notes, the shares of common stock underlying the notes and the warrant shares. We will not receive any proceeds from these sales. However, we will receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants. We intend to use those proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes.
18
The following is a description of the material terms of, and is qualified in its entirety by, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws. These documents are also incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
The Charter authorizes the issuance of 301,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of (x) 300,000,000 authorized shares of common stock and (y) 1,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of June 12, 2023, there were 127,178,465 shares of common stock outstanding, and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. There is no cumulative voting with respect to the election of directors.
Common Stock
Voting Power
Except as otherwise required by law or as otherwise provided in any certificate of designation for any series of preferred stock, the holders of common stock possess all voting power for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action and will at all times vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted on by stockholders.
Dividends
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends and other distributions, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor and shall share equally on a per share basis in such dividends and distributions.
Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or winding-up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to receive an equal amount per share of all of our assets of whatever kind available for distribution to stockholders, after the rights of the holders of the preferred stock have been satisfied and after payment or provision for payment of our debts and other liabilities.
Preemptive or Other Rights
Our stockholders have no preemptive or other subscription rights and there is no sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to common stock.
Election of Directors
The Company’s board of directors are classified into three (3) classes, designated as Class I, Class II and Class III. The directors first elected to Class I hold office for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the Closing; the directors first elected to Class II will hold office for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders following the Closing; and the directors first elected to Class III will hold office for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders following the Closing. At each succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting will be elected by plurality vote of all votes cast at such meeting to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the second year following the year of their election.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
19
Preferred Stock
Our Charter provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company or the removal of existing management. We have no preferred stock outstanding at the date hereof. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future. Specific terms of any preferred stock will be provided in one or more supplements to this prospectus.
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law, the Company’s Charter and Bylaws
The Charter, bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board of directors. These provisions could also make it difficult for stockholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by the members of our board of directors or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. For instance, our board of directors will be empowered to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the board of directors or the resignation, death, or removal of a director in certain circumstances; and our advance notice provisions in our bylaws will require that stockholders must comply with certain procedures in order to nominate candidates to our board of directors or to propose matters to be acted upon at a stockholders’ meeting.
Our authorized but unissued common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuances without stockholder approval and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.
Directors’ Liability; Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and provides that we will provide them with customary indemnification. We entered into customary indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors that provide them, in general, with customary indemnification in connection with their service to us or on our behalf.
Securities Exchange
Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “EOSE.”
20
The notes were originally issued to the Note Purchasers pursuant to the Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 between us and the Note Purchasers. The notes were subsequently replaced with amended and restated convertible notes that were issued under an indenture (the “indenture”), dated May 25, 2023, between us and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “trustee”). A copy of the indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the notes include those expressly set forth in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”). You may request a copy of the indenture from us as described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the notes and the indenture and does not purport to be complete. This summary is subject to and is qualified by reference to all the provisions of the notes and the indenture, including the definitions of certain terms used in the indenture. We urge you to read these documents because they, and not this description, define your rights as a holder of the notes.
For purposes of this description, references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer only to Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. and not to its subsidiaries.
General
The notes:
● | are our general unsecured, senior obligations; |
● | were initially issued in an aggregate principal amount of $13,750,000; |
● | accrue interest from January 18, 2023 (or from the most recent date to which interest had been paid or provided for to, but excluding, the next scheduled interest payment date), which interest is paid in kind at the rate of 26.5% per year, on June 30 and December 30 of each year, as described below under “—Interest;” |
● | are subject to redemption at our option, in whole or in part, on or after June 30, 2024, (so long as the Company has obtained applicable stockholder approval) if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to the then-current capitalized principal amount of the notes plus the aggregate amount of all interest payments on the capitalized principal amount of the notes that the holders of the notes to be redeemed would have been entitled to receive had the notes remained outstanding to the maturity date (for the avoidance of doubt, including interest on capitalized interest which would have been added to the principal amount during the period from the redemption date to the maturity date); |
● | are subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders following a fundamental change (as defined below under “—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes”), at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date; |
● | mature on June 30, 2026, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased; |
● | are issued in minimum denominations of $1.00 principal amount and integral multiples thereof; and |
● | are initially represented in certificated form but may, subject to certain conditions, be represented by one or more registered notes in global form. See “Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance.” |
Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, the notes may be converted at an initial conversion rate of 598.8024 shares of common stock per $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $1.67 per share of common stock). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment if certain events occur.
21
We will settle conversions of notes by delivering shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock (in lieu of delivering fractional shares) as described under “—Conversion Rights—Settlement upon Conversion.” You will not receive any separate cash payment for interest, if any, accrued and unpaid to the conversion date except under the limited circumstances described below.
The indenture limits the amount of debt that may be issued by us or our subsidiaries under the indenture to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000.000, exclusive of any notes representing capitalized interest on such notes. The indenture provides that prior to June 30, 2023, we may not distribute or issue any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, including any subsequent issuance pursuant to the indenture, at a price per share less than $1.35 (subject to adjustment with respect to stock splits and consolidations, stock dividends, stock combinations and similar transactions. The indenture does not contain any other financial covenants and will not restrict us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Other than restrictions described under “—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes” and “—Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” below, the indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving us or in the event of a decline in our credit rating as the result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving us that could adversely affect such holders.
We may, without the consent of the holders, reopen the indenture for the notes and issue additional notes under the indenture with the same terms as the notes offered hereby (other than differences in the issue date, the issue price, interest accrued prior to the issue date of such additional notes and conversion rate) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 for all notes issued under the indenture, exclusive of any PIK notes representing capitalized interest on such notes; provided that if any such additional notes are not fungible with the notes initially offered hereby for U.S. federal income tax purposes, securities laws purposes or due to different terms, such additional notes will have a separate CUSIP number (if any).
We do not intend to list the notes on any securities exchange or any automated dealer quotation system.
Except to the extent the context otherwise requires, we use the term “notes” in this prospectus to refer to each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes. We use the term “common stock” in this prospectus to refer to our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. References herein to the “close of business” refer to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, and to the “open of business” refer to 9:00 a.m., New York City time. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to accrued interest on, or in respect of, any note that has not been paid or capitalized shall be deemed to refer to the amount of such interest that would have accrued as of the relevant time at the interest rate based on the capitalization method in respect of all of the relevant interest. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to the principal amount of any notes shall be deemed to refer to the capitalized principal amount of such notes at the relevant time.
Purchase and Cancellation
We will cause all notes surrendered for payment at maturity, repurchased upon a fundamental change, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or conversion, if surrendered to us or any of our agents, subsidiaries or affiliates that we control, to be delivered to the trustee for cancellation. All notes delivered to the trustee shall be cancelled promptly by the trustee. Except for notes surrendered for transfer or exchange, no notes shall be authenticated in exchange for any notes surrendered to the trustee as provided in the indenture.
We may, to the extent permitted by law, and directly or indirectly (regardless of whether such notes are surrendered to us), repurchase notes in the open market or otherwise, whether by us or our subsidiaries or through a private or public tender or exchange offer or through counterparties to private agreements, including by cash-settled swaps or other derivatives. We will cause any notes so repurchased (other than notes repurchased pursuant to cash-settled swaps or other derivatives) to be surrendered to the trustee for cancellation, and they will no longer be considered “outstanding” under the indenture upon their cancellation.
22
Payments on the Notes; Paying Agent and Registrar; Transfer and Exchange
We will pay the principal of any certificated notes at the office or agency designated by us for that purpose. If applicable, we will pay the principal of, and interest on, notes in global form registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee by increasing the capitalized principal amount of the global note in the name of DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global note.
We have initially designated the trustee as our paying agent and registrar and its agency in the continental United States of America as a place where notes may be presented for payment or for registration of transfer. The trustee has also been appointed as our custodian for each of the notes issued under the indenture. We may, however, change the paying agent, registrar or custodian without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and we may act as paying agent or registrar, or appoint a replacement custodian. A holder of notes may transfer or exchange notes at the office of the registrar in accordance with the indenture. The registrar, custodian and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. No service charge will be imposed by us, the trustee, custodian or the registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but we may require a holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge required by law or permitted by the indenture. We are not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption or surrendered for conversion or required repurchase.
The registered holder of a note will be treated as its owner for all purposes.
Interest
We will pay interest on the notes on any interest payment date at a rate of 26.5% per year by (i) in the case of physical notes, by issuing additional physical notes to the relevant holder (which additional physical notes shall be held by the custodian) on the relevant interest payment date (the “PIK notes”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the relevant capitalization amount for such interest period and (ii) in the case of global notes, by payment in kind by increasing the capitalized principal amount of global notes represented by the capitalization amount for such interest payment date (such method of paying interest, “capitalization” or the “capitalization method”); provided that for any notes (1) surrendered for conversion after a regular record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date; (2) redeemed in connection with a redemption date that is after a regular record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date; or (3) repurchased on a fundamental change repurchase date that is after a regular record date and on or prior to the corresponding interest payment date, any capitalization amount by which the capitalized principal amount for such notes would have been increased on such corresponding interest payment date will instead be paid in cash to the relevant holder(s) of such notes as of such regular record date, and no such increase shall be made to the capitalized principal amount of such notes.
The payment of interest for any global notes or through the issuance of PIK notes must be in integral multiples of $1.00 and in accordance with the procedures set forth in the indenture and, in the case of global notes held by DTC, as required by DTC’s procedures. We refer to any interest made in a PIK payment as “PIK interest.” The principal amount of any note at any time, as increased to such time by any PIK interest, is referred to herein as the “capitalized principal amount” of such note.
Interest will accrue from January 18, 2023 or from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and will be payable semiannually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year. Interest will be paid to the person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on June 15 or December 15, as the case may be, immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date (each, a “regular record date”). Interest on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months and, for partial months, on the basis of the number of days actually elapsed in a 30-day month.
If any interest payment date, the maturity date, any redemption date or any earlier required repurchase date upon a fundamental change of a note falls on a day that is not a business day, the required payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no interest on such payment will accrue in respect of the delay. The term “business day” means, with respect to any note, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed.
23
Ranking
The notes are our general unsecured obligations that rank senior in right of payment to all of our indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the notes. The notes rank equal in right of payment with all of our liabilities that are not so subordinated. The notes effectively rank junior to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure secured debt will be available to pay obligations on the notes only after all indebtedness under such secured debt has been repaid in full from such assets. The notes rank structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries (including trade payables but excluding intercompany obligations and liabilities of a type not required to be reflected on a balance sheet of such subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP). We advise you that there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all the notes then outstanding.
As of March 31, 2023, our total indebtedness was $236.8 million, of which an aggregate of $222.9 million was senior indebtedness and an aggregate of $107.9 million was secured indebtedness.
The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other payments to us is restricted by, among other things, applicable corporate and other laws and regulations as well as agreements to which our subsidiaries may become a party. We may not be able to pay cash for the fundamental change repurchase price upon a fundamental change if a holder requires us to repurchase notes as described below. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon repurchase of the notes.”
Optional Redemption
No “sinking fund” is provided for the notes, which means that we are not required to redeem or retire the notes periodically. Prior to June 30, 2024, the notes will not be redeemable. On or after June 30, 2024, provided that we have obtained stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules 5635(c) and 5635(d) or the shareholder approval rules or listing standards of any other national or regional securities exchange that are applicable to us, we may redeem the notes (x) in cash (y) through the issuance of shares of common stock or (z) a combination thereof, in whole or in part, at the redemption price if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption. For purposes hereof, the redemption price equals the then-current capitalized principal amount of the notes plus the aggregate amount of all interest payments on the capitalized principal amount of the notes that the holders of the notes to be redeemed would have been entitled to receive had the notes remained outstanding to the maturity date (for the avoidance of doubt, including interest on capitalized interest which would have been added to the principal amount during the period from the redemption date to the maturity date).
In the case of any optional redemption, we will provide not less than 50 nor more than 70 scheduled trading days’ notice before the redemption date to the trustee, the paying agent and each holder of notes; provided that if, in accordance with the provisions described under “—Conversion Rights—Settlement upon Conversion” we elect to settle all conversions of notes with a conversion date that occurs on or after the date of our issuance of a notice of redemption and prior to the related redemption date by physical settlement, then we may instead elect to choose a redemption date that is a business day not less than 15 nor more than 60 calendar days after the date we send such notice of redemption. The redemption date must be a business day.
If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding notes and the notes to be redeemed are global notes, the notes to be redeemed will be selected by the depositary in accordance with its procedures. If we decide to redeem fewer than all of the outstanding notes and the notes to be redeemed are not global notes, then the trustee will select the notes to be redeemed (in principal amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1.00 in excess thereof) by lot, on a pro rata basis or by another method the trustee considers to be fair and appropriate.
If the trustee selects a portion of your note for partial redemption and you convert a portion of the same note, the converted portion will be deemed to be from the portion selected for redemption.
24
In the event of any redemption in part, we will not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any note so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part.
No notes may be redeemed if the principal amount of the notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to the redemption date (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from a default by us in the payment of the redemption price with respect to such notes). Any redemption of the notes may be conditioned upon receipt of stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rules 5635(c) and 5635(d) or the shareholder approval rules or listing standards of any other national or regional securities exchange, as determined in our reasonable discretion.
The “last reported sale price” of our common stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our common stock is traded. If our common stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, the “last reported sale price” will be the last quoted bid price for our common stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If our common stock is not so quoted, the “last reported sale price” will be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for our common stock on the relevant date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by us for this purpose.
“Trading day” means a day on which (i) trading in our common stock (or other security for which a closing sale price must be determined) generally occurs on The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if our common stock (or such other security) is not then listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our common stock (or such other security) is then listed or, if our common stock (or such other security) is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which our common stock (or such other security) is then traded, and (ii) a last reported sale price for the common stock (or closing sale price for such other security) is available on such securities exchange or market; provided that if the common stock (or such other security) is not so listed or traded, “Trading day” means a business day; and provided further that, for purposes of determining amounts due upon conversion only, “Trading day” means a day on which (x) there is no market disruption event and (y) trading in the common stock generally occurs on The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if the common stock is not then listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the common stock is then listed or, if the common stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the common stock is then listed or admitted for trading, except that if the common stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “Trading day” means a business day.
Conversion Rights
General
Holders may convert all or any portion (if the portion to be converted is $1,000 capitalized principal amount or any integral multiple of $1.00 in excess thereof) of their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date.
The conversion rate will initially be 598.8024 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $1.67 per share of common stock). Upon conversion of a note, we will satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock (in lieu of delivering fractional shares) all as set forth below under “—Settlement upon Conversion.” If we satisfy our conversion obligation through payment and delivery of a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, the amount of cash and shares of common stock, if any, due upon conversion will be based on the daily VWAP for the relevant conversion date (defined under “—Settlement upon Conversion”). The trustee will initially act as the conversion agent.
If we call notes for redemption, a holder of notes may convert all or any portion of its notes only until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date.
25
Upon conversion, you will not receive any separate cash payment for any accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized, except as described below. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon conversion of notes. Instead, we will pay cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share as described under “—Settlement upon Conversion.” Our payment and delivery, as the case may be, to you of shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, as the case may be, into which a note is convertible will be deemed to satisfy in full our obligation to pay:
● | the principal amount of the note; and |
● | any accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized, to, but not including, the relevant conversion date. |
As a result, any accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized, to, but not including, the relevant conversion date will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Upon a conversion of notes into a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, accrued interest that has not been paid or capitalized will be deemed to be paid first out of the cash paid upon such conversion.
Notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, if notes are converted after the close of business on a regular record date for the payment of interest, holders of such notes at the close of business on such regular record date will receive the full amount of interest payable on such notes in cash at the interest rate. Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any regular record date to the open of business on the immediately following interest payment date must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of such interest payable on the notes so converted; provided that no such payment shall be required:
● | for conversions following the regular record date immediately preceding the maturity date; |
● | if we have specified a redemption date that is after a regular record date and on or prior to the business day immediately following the corresponding interest payment date; |
● | if we have specified a fundamental change repurchase date that is after a regular record date and on or prior to the business day immediately following the corresponding interest payment date; or |
● | to the extent of any overdue interest, if any overdue interest exists at the time of conversion with respect to such note. |
Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, all record holders on the regular record date immediately preceding the maturity date will receive the full interest payment due on the maturity date in cash at the interest rate regardless of whether the notes have been converted following such regular record date.
If a holder converts notes, we will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on any issuance of any shares of our common stock upon the conversion, unless the tax is due because the holder requests such shares to be issued in a name other than the holder’s name, in which case the holder will pay that tax.
Conversion Procedures
If you hold a certificated note, to convert you must:
● | complete and manually sign the conversion notice on the back of the note, or a facsimile, PDF or other electronic transmission of the conversion notice; |
● | deliver the conversion notice, which is irrevocable, and the note to the conversion agent; |
● | surrender such notes at the office of the conversion agent; |
● | if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents; and |
● | if required, pay funds equal to any accrued interest that has not been capitalized and is payable on the next interest payment date to which you are not entitled. |
26
We will pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax on the issuance of any shares of our common stock upon conversion of the notes, unless the tax is due because the holder requests such shares to be issued in a name other than the holder’s name, in which case the holder will pay the tax.
We refer to the date you comply with the relevant procedures for conversion described above as the “conversion date.”
If you hold a beneficial interest in a global note, to convert you must comply with DTC’s procedures for converting a beneficial interest in a global note and, if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next interest payment date to which you are not entitled. As such, if you are a beneficial owner of the notes, you must allow for sufficient time to comply with DTC’s procedures if you wish to exercise your conversion rights.
If a holder has already delivered a repurchase notice as described under “—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes” with respect to a note, the holder may not surrender that note for conversion until the holder has withdrawn the repurchase notice in accordance with the relevant provisions of the indenture. If a holder submits its notes for required repurchase, the holder’s right to withdraw the repurchase notice and convert the notes that are subject to repurchase will terminate at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the relevant fundamental change repurchase date.
Settlement upon Conversion
Upon conversion, we shall deliver to the converting holder, in respect of each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes being converted, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of common stock. We will deliver to the converting holder in respect of each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes being converted a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate. The “daily VWAP” means, for each of the 40 consecutive trading days during the relevant observation period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “EOSE <equity> AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of our common stock on such trading day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by us). The “daily VWAP” will be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
The “observation period” with respect to any note surrendered for conversion means:
● | subject to the immediately succeeding bullet, if the relevant conversion date occurs prior to the cut-off date, the 40 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the third trading day immediately succeeding such conversion date; |
● | if the relevant conversion date occurs on or after the date of our issuance of a notice of redemption with respect to the notes as described under “—Optional Redemption” and prior to the relevant redemption date, the 40 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 42nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding such redemption date; and |
● | subject to the immediately preceding bullet, if the relevant conversion date occurs on or after the cut-off date, the 40 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 42nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. |
For the purposes of determining amounts due upon conversion only, “trading day” means a day on which (i) there is no “market disruption event” (as defined below) and (ii) trading in our common stock generally occurs on The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if our common stock is not then listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which our common stock is then listed or, if our common stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which our common stock is then listed or admitted for trading. If our common stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “trading day” means a “business day.”
27
“Scheduled trading day” means a day that is scheduled to be a trading day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which our common stock is listed or admitted for trading. If our common stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “scheduled trading day” means a “business day.”
For the purposes of determining amounts due upon conversion, “market disruption event” means (i) a failure by the primary U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which our common stock is listed or admitted for trading to open for trading during its regular trading session or (ii) the occurrence or existence prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any scheduled trading day for our common stock for more than one half-hour period in the aggregate during regular trading hours of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant stock exchange or otherwise) in our common stock or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to our common stock.
Except as described under “—Governmental Approvals” and “—Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of our Common Stock,” we will deliver the consideration due in respect of conversion on the third business day immediately following the relevant conversion date, if we elect physical settlement, or on the third business day immediately following the last trading day of the relevant observation period, in the case of any other settlement method. Any shares of common stock deliverable upon conversion may be delivered in book-entry or certificated form.
We will pay cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share of common stock issuable upon conversion based on the daily VWAP for the relevant conversion date.
Subject in all respects to “—Governmental Approvals” below, each conversion will be deemed to have been effected as to any notes surrendered for conversion on the conversion date; provided, however, that, subject to “—Governmental Approvals” below, the person in whose name any shares of our common stock shall be issuable upon such conversion will become the holder of record of such shares as of the close of business on the conversion date (in the case of physical settlement) or the last trading day of the relevant observation period (in the case of combination settlement).
Governmental Approvals
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this prospectus, to the extent that settlement would require us or any holder to obtain any regulatory approvals or consents from, or make any filing with, any governmental entity, then we, on the one hand, and the applicable holder, on the other hand, will, at our request or at the request of the holder, as applicable, (a) as promptly as practicable, make, or cause to be made, all filings and submissions required under applicable law, and (b) use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be obtained, approval of the transaction or relevant consent associated with the filing or the termination or expiration of the applicable waiting period (“governmental approval”), and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this prospectus, the right to convert the relevant notes and our obligation to deliver (or cause to be delivered) any related shares of common stock upon such conversion will be contingent upon, and subject to, the receipt of any required governmental approval (as determined by the holder or us, as applicable, and notified in writing to the trustee and conversion agent) and any such delivery shall be delayed until such governmental approval is received; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, any filing or submission fees required under applicable laws shall be paid by such holder.
Exchange in Lieu of Conversion
When a holder surrenders its notes for conversion, we may, at our election (an “exchange election”), direct the conversion agent to deliver, on or prior to the second trading day immediately following the conversion date, such notes to one or more financial institutions designated by us for exchange in lieu of conversion. In order to accept any notes surrendered for conversion, the designated financial institution(s) must agree to timely deliver in exchange for such notes, the shares of our common stock that would otherwise be due upon conversion as described above under “—Settlement upon Conversion” or such other amount agreed to by the holder and the designated financial institution(s) (the “conversion consideration”). If we make an exchange election, we will, by the close of business on the second trading day following the relevant conversion date, notify in writing the trustee, the conversion agent (if other than the trustee) and the holder surrendering its notes for conversion that we have made the exchange election, and we will notify the designated financial institution(s) of the relevant deadline for delivery of the consideration due upon conversion and the type of conversion consideration to be delivered.
28
Any notes delivered to the designated financial institution(s) will remain outstanding, subject to applicable DTC procedures in the case of global notes. If the financial institution(s) agree(s) to accept any notes for exchange but does not timely deliver the related conversion consideration, or if such designated financial institution does not accept the notes for exchange, we will deliver the relevant conversion consideration, as, and at the time, required pursuant to the indenture as if we had not made the exchange election.
Our designation of any financial institution(s) to which the notes may be submitted for exchange does not require such financial institution(s) to accept any notes.
Conversion Rate Adjustments
Subject to the restriction not to distribute or issue any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities convertible or exchangeable for common stock at a price per share less than $1.35 prior to June 30, 2023, the conversion rate will be adjusted as described below, except that we will not make any adjustments to the conversion rate if holders of the notes participate (other than in the case of (x) a share split or share combination or (y) a tender or exchange offer), at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock and solely as a result of holding the notes, in any of the transactions described below without having to convert their notes as if they held a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate for each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes held by such holder.
(1) | If we exclusively issue shares of our common stock as a dividend or distribution on shares of our common stock, or if we effect a share split or share combination, the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend date of such dividend or distribution, or immediately prior to the open of business on the effective date of such share split or share combination, as applicable; |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such ex-dividend date or effective date; |
OS0 = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such ex-dividend date or effective date (before giving effect to any such dividend, distribution, split or combination); and |
OS1 = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, share split or share combination. |
Any adjustment made under this clause (1) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the effective date for such share split or share combination, as applicable. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this clause (1) is declared but not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date our board of directors or a committee thereof determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.
29
(2) | If we issue to all or substantially all holders of our common stock any rights, options or warrants (other than in connection with a stockholder rights plan) entitling them, for a period of not more than 60 calendar days after the announcement date of such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase shares of our common stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance, the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula: |
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such issuance; |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such ex-dividend date; |
OS0 = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such ex-dividend date; |
X = | the total number of shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and |
Y = | the number of shares of our common stock equal to the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, divided by the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants. |
Any increase made under this clause (2) will be made successively whenever any such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such issuance. To the extent that shares of common stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the conversion rate shall be decreased to the conversion rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of common stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the conversion rate shall be decreased to the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such ex-dividend date for such issuance had not occurred.
For the purpose of this clause (2), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of the common stock at less than such average of the last reported sale prices for the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of common stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by us for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by us.
(3) | If we distribute shares of our capital stock, evidences of our indebtedness, other assets or property of ours or rights, options or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of our common stock, excluding: |
● | dividends, distributions or issuances as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to clause (1) or (2) above; |
● | except as otherwise described below, rights issued pursuant to any stockholder rights plan of ours then in effect; |
30
● | distributions of reference property issued in exchange for, or upon conversion of, our common stock as described under “—Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock”; |
● | dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash as to which the provisions set forth in clause (4) below shall apply; and |
● | spin-offs as to which the provisions set forth below in this clause (3) shall apply; |
then the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such distribution; |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such ex-dividend date; |
SP0 = | the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such distribution; and |
FMV = | the fair market value (as determined by us) of the shares of capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants distributed with respect to each outstanding share of our common stock on the ex-dividend date for such distribution. |
Any increase made under the portion of this clause (3) above will become effective immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such distribution. If such distribution is not so paid or made, the conversion rate shall be decreased to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “FMV” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP0” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 capitalized principal amount thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of our common stock, the amount and kind of our capital stock, evidences of our indebtedness, other assets or property of ours or rights, options or warrants to acquire our capital stock or other securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate in effect on the ex-dividend date for the distribution.
With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this clause (3) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on our common stock of shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or other business unit, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange, which we refer to as a “spin-off,” the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula:
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the end of the valuation period (as defined below); |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the end of the valuation period; |
FMV0 = | the average of the last reported sale prices of the capital stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of our common stock applicable to one share of our common stock (determined by reference to the definition of last reported sale price set forth under “—Optional Redemption” as if references therein to our common stock were to such capital stock or similar equity interest) over the first 10 consecutive trading day period after, and including, the ex-dividend date of the spin-off (the “valuation period”); and |
MP0 = | the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the valuation period. |
31
The increase to the conversion rate under the preceding paragraph will occur at the close of business on the last trading day of the valuation period; provided that if the relevant conversion date occurs during the valuation period, the reference to “10” in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed from, and including, the ex-dividend date for such spin-off to, and including, such conversion date in determining the conversion rate.
(4) | If any cash dividend or distribution is made to all or substantially all holders of our common stock, the conversion rate will be adjusted based on the following formula: |
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution; |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution; |
SP0 = | the last reported sale price of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution; and |
C = | the amount in cash per share we distribute to all or substantially all holders of our common stock. |
Any increase made under this clause (4) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the ex-dividend date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the conversion rate shall be decreased, effective as of the date our board of directors or a committee thereof determines not to make or pay such dividend or distribution, to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “C” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP0” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each holder of a note shall receive, for each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of our common stock, the amount of cash that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of shares of our common stock equal to the conversion rate on the ex-dividend date for such cash dividend or distribution.
(5) | If we or any of our subsidiaries make a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for our common stock that is subject to the then applicable tender offer rules under the Exchange Act (other than any odd-lot tender offer), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of common stock exceeds the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the conversion rate will be increased based on the following formula: |
where,
CR0 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the 10th trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; |
CR1 = | the conversion rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the 10th trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; |
AC = | the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by us) paid or payable for shares purchased in such tender or exchange offer; |
OS0 = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the date such tender or exchange offer expires (prior to giving effect to the purchase of all shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); |
OS1 = | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after the date such tender or exchange offer expires (after giving effect to the purchase of all shares accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); and |
SP1 = | the average of the last reported sale prices of our common stock over the 10 consecutive trading day period commencing on, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires. |
32
The increase to the conversion rate under the preceding paragraph will occur at the close of business on the 10th trading day immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; provided that if the relevant conversion date occurs during the 10 trading days immediately following, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date of any tender or exchange offer, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of trading days as have elapsed from, and including, the trading day next succeeding the expiration date of such tender or exchange offer to, and including, such conversion date in determining the conversion rate.
If we are or one of our subsidiaries is obligated to purchase shares of our common stock pursuant to any such tender or exchange offer described in clause (5) but we are, or such subsidiary is, permanently prevented by applicable law from effecting any such purchase or all such purchases are rescinded, the conversion rate will be readjusted to be the conversion rate that would then be in effect if such tender or exchange offer had not been made or had been made only in respect of the purchases that have been made.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a conversion rate adjustment becomes effective on any ex-dividend date as described above, and a holder that has converted its notes on or after such ex-dividend date and on or prior to the related record date would be treated as the record holder of shares of our common stock as of the related conversion date as described under “—Settlement upon Conversion” based on an adjusted conversion rate for such ex-dividend date, then, notwithstanding the foregoing conversion rate adjustment provisions, the conversion rate adjustment relating to such ex-dividend date will not be made for such converting holder. Instead, such holder will be treated as if such holder were the record owner of the shares of our common stock on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.
Except as stated herein, we will not adjust the conversion rate for the issuance of shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock or the right to purchase shares of our common stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities.
As used in this section, “ex-dividend date” means the first date on which the shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question, from us or, if applicable, from the seller of our common stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market, and “effective date” means the first date on which the shares of our common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the relevant share split or share combination, as applicable.
As used in this section, “record date” means, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of our common stock (or other applicable security) have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which our common stock (or such other security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of our common stock (or such other security) entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, statute, contract or otherwise).
We are permitted to increase the conversion rate of the notes by any amount for a period of at least 20 business days if we determine that such increase would be in our best interest. We may also (but are not required to) increase the conversion rate to avoid or diminish income tax to holders of our common stock or rights to purchase shares of our common stock in connection with a dividend or distribution of shares (or rights to acquire shares) or similar event.
A holder may, in some circumstances, including a distribution of cash dividends to holders of our shares of common stock, be deemed to have received a distribution subject to U.S. federal income tax as a result of an adjustment or the nonoccurrence of an adjustment to the conversion rate. For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an adjustment to the conversion rate, see “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”
If we have a rights plan in effect upon conversion of the notes into common stock, you will receive, in addition to any shares of common stock received in connection with such conversion, the rights under the rights plan. However, if, prior to any conversion, the rights have separated from the shares of common stock in accordance with the provisions of the applicable rights plan, the conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as if we distributed to all or substantially all holders of our common stock, shares of our capital stock, evidences of indebtedness, assets, property, rights, options or warrants as described in clause (3) above, subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.
33
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the conversion rate will not be adjusted:
● | upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on our securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in shares of our common stock under any plan; |
● | upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock or options or rights to purchase those shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit or incentive plan or program of or assumed by us or any of our subsidiaries; |
● | upon the issuance of any shares of our common stock pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security not described in the preceding bullet and outstanding as of the date the notes were first issued; |
● | for a third-party tender offer by any party other than a tender offer by one or more of our subsidiaries as described in clause (5) above; |
● | upon the repurchase of any shares of our common stock pursuant to an open market share purchase program or other buy-back transaction, including structured or derivative transactions such as accelerated share repurchase transactions or similar forward derivatives, or other buy-back transaction, that is not a tender offer or exchange offer of the kind described under clause (5) above; |
● | solely for a change in the par value of the common stock; or |
● | for accrued and unpaid interest, if any. |
Adjustments to the conversion rate will be calculated to the nearest 1/10,000th of a share.
If an adjustment to the conversion rate otherwise required by the provisions described above would result in a change of less than 1% to the conversion rate, then, notwithstanding the foregoing, we may, at our election, defer and carry forward such adjustment, except that all such deferred adjustments must be given effect immediately upon the earliest to occur of the following: (i) when all such deferred adjustments would result in an aggregate change of at least 1% to the conversion rate; (ii) on the conversion date for any notes; (iii) the cut-off date; (iv) on any date on which we deliver a notice of redemption; and (v) on the effective date of any fundamental change, in each case, unless the adjustment has already been made.
Prior to June 30, 2023, we will not distribute or issue any evidences of indebtedness, shares or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, including any subsequent issuance pursuant to the indenture, at a price per share less than $1.35 (subject to adjustment with respect to stock splits and consolidations, stock dividends, stock combinations and similar transactions), without the consent of Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes, other than with respect to any permitted indebtedness under the indenture, securities issued to employees or consultants pursuant to an equity compensation plan or direct issuances of common stock.
Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock
In the case of:
● | any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our common stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination), |
● | any consolidation, merger or combination involving us, |
● | any sale, lease or other transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of ours and our subsidiaries substantially as an entirety, or |
● | any statutory share exchange, |
34
in each case, as a result of which our common stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof), then, at and after the effective time of the transaction, the right to convert each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes will be changed into a right to convert such capitalized principal amount of notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of common stock equal to the conversion rate immediately prior to such transaction would have owned or been entitled to receive (the “reference property”) upon such transaction. However, at and after the effective time of the transaction, (x) any amount payable in cash upon conversion of the notes as set forth under “—Settlement upon Conversion” will continue to be payable in cash, (y) any shares of our common stock that we would have been required to deliver upon conversion of the notes as set forth under “—Settlement upon Conversion” will instead be deliverable in the amount and type of reference property that a holder of that number of shares of our common stock would have received in such transaction and (z) the daily VWAP will be calculated based on the value of a unit of reference property that a holder of one share of our common stock would have received in such transaction. If the transaction causes our common stock to be converted into, or exchanged for, the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), the reference property into which the notes will be convertible will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration actually received by the holders of our common stock. If the holders of our common stock receive only cash in such transaction, then for all conversions that occur after the effective date of such transaction (i) the consideration due upon conversion of each $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes shall be solely cash in an amount equal to the conversion rate in effect on the conversion date, multiplied by the price paid per share of common stock in such transaction and (ii) we will satisfy our conversion obligation by paying cash to converting holders on or prior to the tenth business day immediately following the conversion date. We will notify holders, the trustee and the conversion agent (if other than the trustee) of the weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.
We will not become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.
Adjustments of Prices
Whenever any provision of the indenture requires us to calculate the last reported sale prices or the daily VWAPs over a span of multiple days (including, without limitation, an observation period), we will make any adjustments to each that we reasonably determine to be appropriate to account for any adjustment to the conversion rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the conversion rate where the record date, ex-dividend date, effective date or expiration date of the event occurs, at any time during the period when the last reported sale prices or the daily VWAPs are to be calculated.
Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes
If a “fundamental change” (as defined below in this section) occurs at any time, holders will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase for cash all of their notes, or any portion of the principal thereof that is equal to $1,000 or a multiple of $1.00 in excess thereof. The fundamental change repurchase date will be a date specified by us that is not less than 20 calendar days or more than 35 business days following the date of our fundamental change notice as described below.
The fundamental change repurchase price we are required to pay will be equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued interest thereon that has not been paid or capitalized to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date (unless the fundamental change repurchase date falls after a regular record date but on or prior to the interest payment date to which such regular record date relates, in which case we will instead pay at the interest rate the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest to the holder of record on such regular record date (notwithstanding any prior election (or deemed election) by us to pay such interest as PIK interest), and the fundamental change repurchase price will be equal to 100% of the capitalized principal amount of the notes to be repurchased).
A “fundamental change” will be deemed to have occurred at the time after the notes are originally issued if any of the following occurs:
(1) | other than as set forth in clause (2) below, a “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than us, our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, our and their employee benefit plans and any holder or an affiliate thereof, files a Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) or any schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act that discloses that such person or group has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of our common stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of our common stock; |
(2) | the consummation of (A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our common stock (other than a change to par value or changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) as a result of which our common stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (B) any share exchange, consolidation or merger of us pursuant to which our common stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets; or (C) any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of us and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person other than one or more of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries; provided, however, that a transaction described in clause (A) or (B) in which the holders of all classes of our common equity immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all classes of common equity of the continuing or surviving person or transferee or the parent thereof immediately after such transaction in substantially the same proportions as such ownership immediately prior to such transaction shall not be a fundamental change pursuant to this clause (2); |
35
(3) | our stockholders approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of us; or |
(4) | our common stock ceases to be listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Market, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market (or any of their respective successors). |
If any transaction in which our common stock is replaced by the common stock or other common equity of another entity occurs, following any related fundamental change repurchase date (or, in the case of a transaction that would have been a fundamental change but for the proviso in clause (2) above, following the effective date of such transaction), references to us in the definition of “fundamental change” above shall instead be references to such other entity.
On or before the 20th business day after the occurrence of a fundamental change, we will provide to all holders of the notes and the trustee and paying agent a notice of the occurrence of the fundamental change and of the resulting repurchase right. Such notice shall state, among other things:
● | the events causing a fundamental change; |
● | the effective date of the fundamental change; |
● | the last date on which a holder may exercise the repurchase right; |
● | the fundamental change repurchase price; |
● | the fundamental change repurchase date; |
● | the name and address of the paying agent and the conversion agent, if applicable; |
● | if applicable, the conversion rate and any adjustments to the conversion rate; |
● | that the notes with respect to which a fundamental change repurchase notice has been delivered by a holder may be converted only if the holder withdraws the fundamental change repurchase notice in accordance with the terms of the indenture; and |
● | the procedures that holders must follow to require us to repurchase their notes. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not be required to repurchase, or to make an offer to repurchase, the notes upon a fundamental change if a third party makes such an offer in the same manner, at the same time and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us as set forth above and such third party purchases all notes properly surrendered and not validly withdrawn under its offer in the same manner, at the same time and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us as set forth above.
To exercise the fundamental change repurchase right, you must deliver, on or before the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change repurchase date, the notes to be repurchased, duly endorsed for transfer, together with a written repurchase notice, to the paying agent. Each repurchase notice must state:
● | if certificated, the certificate numbers of your notes to be delivered for repurchase; |
● | the portion of the principal amount of notes to be repurchased, which must be $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1.00 in excess thereof; and |
● | that the notes are to be repurchased by us pursuant to the applicable provisions of the notes and the indenture. |
If the notes are not in certificated form, such repurchase notice must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.
36
Holders may withdraw any repurchase notice (in whole or in part) by a written notice of withdrawal delivered to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the fundamental change repurchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state:
● | the principal amount of the withdrawn notes; |
● | if certificated notes have been issued, the certificate numbers of the withdrawn notes; and |
● | the principal amount, if any, which remains subject to the repurchase notice. |
If the notes are not in certificated form, such notice of withdrawal must comply with appropriate DTC procedures.
We will be required to repurchase the notes on the fundamental change repurchase date. Holders who have exercised the repurchase right will receive payment of the fundamental change repurchase price on the later of (i) the fundamental change repurchase date and (ii) the time of book-entry transfer or the delivery of the notes. If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the fundamental change repurchase price of the notes on the fundamental change repurchase date, then, with respect to the notes that have been properly surrendered for repurchase and have not been validly withdrawn:
● | the notes will cease to be outstanding and interest will cease to accrue (whether or not book-entry transfer of the notes is made or whether or not the notes are delivered to the paying agent); and |
● | all other rights of the holder will terminate (other than the right to receive the fundamental change repurchase price). |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this prospectus, to the extent that compliance with our obligations to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change would result in a violation of any federal or state securities laws or other applicable laws or regulations, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations with respect to such repurchase by virtue of such conflict. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the fundamental change repurchase date will be subject to postponement in order to allow us to comply with applicable law.
No notes may be repurchased on any date at the option of holders upon a fundamental change if the principal amount of the notes has been accelerated, and such acceleration has not been rescinded, on or prior to such date (except in the case of an acceleration resulting from a default by us in the payment of the fundamental change repurchase price with respect to such notes).
The repurchase rights of the holders could discourage a potential acquirer of us. The fundamental change repurchase feature, however, is not the result of management’s knowledge of any specific effort to obtain control of us by any means or part of a plan by management to adopt a series of anti-takeover provisions.
The term fundamental change is limited to specified transactions and may not include other events that might adversely affect our financial condition. In addition, the requirement that we offer to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change may not protect holders in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or similar transaction involving us.
The definition of fundamental change includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease or other transfer of “all or substantially all” of our consolidated assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of the notes to require us to repurchase its notes as a result of the sale, lease or other transfer of less than all of our assets may be uncertain.
37
If a fundamental change were to occur, we may not have enough funds to pay the fundamental change repurchase price. Our ability to repurchase the notes for cash may be limited by restrictions on our ability to obtain funds for such repurchase through dividends from our subsidiaries, the terms of our then existing borrowing arrangements or otherwise. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Notes—We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to settle conversions of the notes or to repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversion or repurchase of the notes.” If we fail to repurchase the notes when required following a fundamental change, we will be in default under the indenture. In addition, we have, and may in the future incur, other indebtedness with similar change in control provisions permitting our holders to accelerate or to require us to repurchase our indebtedness upon the occurrence of similar events or on some specific dates.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
The indenture will provide that we shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of the properties and assets of us and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to, another person, unless (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee person either (x) is us or (y) if not us, is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, and such corporation (if not us) expressly assumes by supplemental indenture all of our obligations under the notes and the indenture; and (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing under the indenture. Upon any such consolidation, merger or sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if not us) shall succeed to, and may exercise every right and power of, ours under the indenture, and we shall be discharged from our obligations under the notes and the indenture except in the case of any such lease.
Although these types of transactions will be permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could constitute a fundamental change permitting each holder to require us to repurchase the notes of such holder as described above.
Events of Default
Each of the following is an event of default with respect to the notes:
(1) | default in any payment of interest on any note when due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days; |
(2) | default in the payment of principal of any note when due and payable at its stated maturity, upon optional redemption, upon any required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise; |
(3) | our failure to comply with our obligation to convert the notes in accordance with the indenture upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right and such failure continues for a period of five business days; |
(4) | our failure to give a fundamental change notice as described under “—Fundamental Change Permits Holders to Require Us to Repurchase Notes” when due, and such failure continues for a period of five business days; |
(5) | our failure to comply with our obligations under “—Consolidation, merger and sale of assets”; |
(6) | our failure for 60 days after written notice from the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the notes then outstanding has been received to comply with any of our other agreements contained in the notes or indenture; |
(7) | default by us or any of our significant subsidiaries with respect to any mortgage, agreement or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, or by which there may be secured or evidenced, any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $25,000,000 (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate of us and/or any such significant subsidiary, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created (i) resulting in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity date or (ii) constituting a failure to pay the principal of any such debt when due and payable (after the expiration of all applicable grace periods) at its stated maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise, and in the cases of clauses (i) and (ii), such acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled or such failure to pay or default shall not have been cured or waived, or such indebtedness is not paid or discharged, as the case may be, within 30 days after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of notes then outstanding in accordance with the terms of the indenture; |
38
(8) | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of us; or |
(9) | one or more final, non-appealable judgments or orders is rendered against us or any of our significant subsidiaries, which requires the payment in money by us or any of our significant subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate, of an amount (net of amounts covered by insurance or bonded) in excess of $25,000,000, and such judgment or judgments have not been satisfied, stayed, paid, discharged, vacated, bonded, annulled or rescinded within 60 days after (i) the date on which the right to appeal thereof has expired if no such appeal has commenced, or (ii) the date on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished. |
“Significant subsidiary” means a subsidiary of ours that meets the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.
If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee by notice to us, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes by notice to us and the trustee, may declare 100% of the capitalized principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the notes to be due and payable. In case of certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, involving us, 100% of the capitalized principal amount of and accrued and unpaid interest on the notes will automatically become due and payable. Upon such a declaration of acceleration, such capitalized principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be due and payable immediately.
If any portion of the amount payable on the notes upon acceleration is considered by a court to be unearned interest (through the allocation of the value of the instrument to the embedded warrant or otherwise), the court could disallow recovery of any such portion.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may waive all past defaults (except with respect to nonpayment of principal or interest or with respect to the failure to deliver the consideration due upon conversion) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to the notes and its consequences if (i) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (ii) all existing events of default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of and interest on the notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.
Each holder shall have the right to receive payment or delivery, as the case may be, of:
● | the principal (including the redemption price, the repurchase price on any repurchase date and the fundamental change repurchase price, if applicable) of; |
● | accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on; and |
● | the consideration due upon conversion of, |
its notes, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in the indenture, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment or delivery, as the case may be.
Regardless of whether an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered, and if requested, provided to the trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal or interest when due, or the right to receive payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the notes unless:
(1) | such holder has previously given the trustee notice that an event of default is continuing; |
(2) | holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes have requested the trustee to pursue the remedy; |
39
(3) | such holders have offered, and if requested, provided the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense; |
(4) | the trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of such security or indemnity; and |
(5) | the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes have not given the trustee a direction that, in the opinion of the trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period. |
Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee.
The indenture will provide that in the event an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will be required in the exercise of its powers to use the degree of care that a prudent person would use in the conduct of its own affairs. The trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the indenture or that the trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the trustee in personal liability (it being understood that the trustee has no duty to determine whether any such action is prejudicial to any holder). Prior to taking any action under the indenture, the trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense caused by taking or not taking such action.
The indenture will provide that if a default occurs and is continuing and is known to the trustee, the trustee must deliver to each holder notice of the default within the later of 90 days after it occurs or is actually known to the trustee. Except in the case of a default in the payment of principal of or interest on any note or a default in the payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, the trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of trust officers of the trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders. In addition, we are required to deliver to the trustee, within 150 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any event of default that occurred during the previous year. We are also required to deliver to the trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any events which would constitute certain defaults, their status and what action we are taking or proposing to take in respect thereof.
Payments of the redemption price, the fundamental change repurchase price, principal and interest that are not made when due will accrue interest per annum at the then-applicable interest rate from the required payment date.
Modification and Amendment
Subject to certain exceptions, the indenture or the notes may be amended with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, notes) and, subject to certain exceptions, any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a repurchase of, or tender or exchange offer for, notes). However, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding note affected, no amendment may, among other things:
(1) | reduce the amount of notes whose holders must consent to any amendment, supplement, waiver or other modification; |
(2) | reduce the rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any note; |
(3) | reduce the principal of or extend the stated maturity of any note; |
40
(4) | except as expressly required by the indenture, make any change that adversely affects the conversion rights of any notes; |
(5) | reduce the redemption price, conversion rate or the fundamental change repurchase price of any note or change the times at which, or the circumstances under which, we will redeem the notes or repurchase the notes upon a fundamental change; |
(6) | make any note payable in money, or at a place of payment, other than that stated in the note; |
(7) | change the ranking of the notes; or |
(8) | make any direct or indirect change in the amendment provisions that require each holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions. |
Without the consent of any holder, we and the trustee may amend the indenture to:
(1) | cure any mistake, ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; |
(2) | provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of our obligations under the notes and the indenture; |
(3) | add guarantees with respect to the notes; |
(4) | secure the notes; |
(5) | add to our covenants or events of default for the benefit of the holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon us; |
(6) | make any change that does not, individually or in the aggregate with all other such changes, materially adversely affect the rights of any holder; |
(7) | in connection with any transaction described under “—Conversion Rights—Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock” above, provide that the notes are convertible into reference property, subject to the provisions described under “—Conversion Rights—Settlement upon Conversion” above, and make certain related changes to the terms of the notes to the extent expressly required by the indenture; |
(8) | comply with the rules of any applicable securities depositary, including DTC, so long as such amendment does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect; |
(9) | increase the conversion rate as provided in the indenture; |
(10) | provide for the acceptance of appointment by a trustee or successor trustee, security registrar, paying agent or conversion agent, or to facilitate the administration of the trusts under the indenture by more than one trustee; |
(11) | make payments of PIK interest (including to issue additional notes) or facilitate the same; or |
(12) | to establish the conversion rate applicable to additional notes issued pursuant to the indenture to the extent permitted by the terms of the indenture; provided, that the terms and conditions applicable to such additional notes (other than the conversion rate) shall be identical to the terms and conditions of the notes issued pursuant to the indenture. |
Holders do not need to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It will be sufficient if such holders approve the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under the indenture becomes effective, we are required to deliver to the holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all the holders, or any defect in the notice, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.
41
Withholding Taxes
Each holder of a note agrees that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, we, the paying agent, the conversion agent or the trustee (an “applicable withholding agent”) shall have the right to deduct and withhold from any payment or distribution made with respect to the notes (or the issuance of shares of common stock upon conversion of the notes) such amounts as are required to be deducted or withheld with respect to the making of such payment or distribution (or issuance) under any applicable tax law. In the case of any withholding obligation that is not accompanied by a corresponding payment, distribution or issuance, including deemed dividends or amounts treated as original issue discount for tax purposes, any such withholding tax may be withheld from subsequent payments on the notes (or the issuance of shares of common stock upon conversion of the notes, or dividends or any other amounts payable with respect to such shares). If an applicable withholding agent is required to remit any withholding tax payments to the applicable governmental entity in respect of such an item of income prior to any such subsequent payment or issuance, the holder shall promptly upon notice reimburse the applicable withholding agent for the required withholding tax payment. To the extent that any amounts are deducted or withheld as described in this “—Withholding Taxes” Section, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of the indenture as having been paid to the person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made. Each holder, by its acceptance of the notes, agrees to provide to us, with a copy to the trustee, a fully completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 or W-8 (or applicable successor form), with any required attachments, as well as any other information determined by us or the trustee to be reasonably necessary for an applicable withholding agent to determine its withholding responsibilities with respect to such holder, (i) prior to, and as a condition to, becoming a holder under the indenture, (ii) upon reasonable demand by us or the trustee and (iii) promptly upon learning that any such tax form previously provided by it has become obsolete or incorrect.
Discharge
We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by delivering to the securities registrar for cancellation all outstanding notes or by depositing with the trustee or delivering to the holders, as applicable, after the notes have become due and payable, whether (i) at maturity, cash, or (ii) at any redemption date, at any fundamental change repurchase date, upon conversion or otherwise, cash, shares of common stock or a combination thereof, as applicable, solely, as the case may be, to satisfy outstanding conversions, sufficient to pay all of the outstanding notes and paying all other sums payable under the indenture by us. Such discharge is subject to terms contained in the indenture.
Calculations in Respect of Notes
Except as otherwise provided above, we will be responsible for making all calculations called for under the notes. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determinations of the capitalization amounts with respect to PIK interest, the last reported sale prices of our common stock or the daily VWAPs, accrued interest payable on the notes and the conversion rate of the notes. We will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, our calculations will be final and binding on holders of notes. We will provide a schedule of our calculations to each of the trustee and the conversion agent, and each of the trustee and the conversion agent is entitled to rely conclusively upon the accuracy of our calculations without independent verification. We will forward our calculations to any holder of notes upon the request of that holder.
Reports
The indenture will provide that any documents or reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act must be filed by us with the trustee within 15 days after the same are required to be filed with the SEC (giving effect to any grace period provided by Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act, and excluding any such information, documents or reports, or portions thereof, subject to confidential treatment and any correspondence with the SEC). Documents filed by us with the SEC via the EDGAR system will be deemed to be filed with the trustee as of the time such documents are filed via EDGAR. To the extent the Trust Indenture Act then applies to this indenture, we will also comply with the Trust Indenture Act §314(a).
42
Rule 144A Information
At any time we are not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we will, so long as any of the notes or any shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion thereof will, at such time, constitute “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, promptly provide to the trustee and will, upon written request, provide to any holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser of such notes or any shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of such notes the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act to facilitate the resale of such notes or shares of our common stock pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
Trustee
Wilmington Trust, National Association is the trustee, security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent. Wilmington Trust, National Association, in each of its capacities, including without limitation as trustee, security registrar, paying agent and conversion agent, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning us or our affiliates or any other party contained in this document or the related documents or for any failure by us or any other party to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.
Governing Law
The indenture provides that it and the notes, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to the indenture or the notes, will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
Waiver of Jury Trial
The indenture provides that each of us, each holder of the notes by its acceptance thereof, and the trustee irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the indenture, the notes or the transactions contemplated thereby.
Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance
Certificated Notes
The notes were initially issued in physical certificated form. However, if issued in the form of global notes, notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the related notes only if:
● | DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the global notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days; |
● | DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days; or |
● | an event of default with respect to the notes has occurred and is continuing and such beneficial owner requests that its notes be issued in physical, certificated form. |
43
The Global Notes
The notes may be issued in the form of one or more registered notes in global form, without interest coupons (the “global notes”). Upon such issuance, each of the global notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (“DTC participants”) or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
● | upon deposit of a global note with DTC’s custodian, DTC will credit portions of the principal amount of the global note to the accounts of the DTC participants designated by the relevant holder(s); and |
● | ownership of beneficial interests in a global note will be shown on, and transfer of ownership of those interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the global note). |
Beneficial interests in global notes may not be exchanged for notes in physical, certificated form except in the limited circumstances described above.
Book-Entry Procedures for the Global Notes
All interests in the global notes will be subject to the operations and procedures of DTC and, therefore, you must allow for sufficient time in order to comply with these procedures if you wish to exercise any of your rights with respect to any global notes. We provide the following summary of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of DTC are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. None of we, the trustee or our or its agents are responsible for those operations or procedures.
DTC has advised us that it is:
● | a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York; |
● | a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law; |
● | a member of the Federal Reserve System; |
● | a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and |
● | a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act. |
DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.
44
So long as DTC’s nominee is the registered owner of a global note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the notes represented by that global note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a global note:
● | will not be entitled to have notes represented by the global note registered in their names; |
● | will not receive or be entitled to receive physical, certificated notes; and |
● | will not be considered the owners or holders of the notes under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee under the indenture. |
As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a global note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of notes under the indenture (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).
Payments of principal and interest with respect to the notes represented by a global note will be made by the trustee to DTC’s nominee as the registered holder of the global note. Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a global note, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.
Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a global note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.
45
We are registering (A) the resale from time to time by certain selling securityholders of up to 39,090,753 shares of common consisting of (i) 19,488,773 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes, (ii) 16,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 12, 2023 between the Company and the Warrant Purchasers and (iii) 3,601,980 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 15, 2023 between the Company and the Warrant Purchasers, and (B) the resale from time to time by certain selling securityholders of $32,575,003 principal amount of notes, including $18,796,250 principal amount of notes issuable as future PIK interest payments on the notes. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of securities by the selling securityholders. However, we will receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants issued to the Warrant Purchasers. We intend to use those proceeds, if any, for general corporate purposes. We will pay certain expenses associated with the registration of the securities covered by this prospectus. The aggregate proceeds to the selling securityholders will be the purchase price of the securities less any discounts and commissions borne by the selling securityholders.
We will bear all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the securities covered by this prospectus, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, Nasdaq listing fees and fees and expenses of our counsel and our independent registered public accountants.
Each selling stockholder of the securities and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their securities covered hereby on The Nasdaq Capital Market or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the securities are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling securities:
● | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker dealer solicits purchasers; |
● | block trades in which the broker dealer will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
● | purchases by a broker dealer as principal and resale by the broker dealer for its account; |
● | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
● | privately negotiated transactions; |
● | settlement of short sales; |
● | in transactions through broker dealers that agree with the selling securityholders to sell a specified number of such securities at a stipulated price per security; |
● | through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
● | a combination of any such methods of sale; or |
● | any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling securityholders may also sell securities under Rule 144 or any other exemption from registration under the Securities Act, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker dealers engaged by the selling securityholders may arrange for other brokers dealers to participate in sales. Broker dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling securityholders (or, if any broker dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of securities, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2121; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA Rule 2121.
46
In connection with the sale of the securities or interests therein, the selling securityholders, and after June 18, 2023, the Note Purchasers, may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling securityholders may also sell securities short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling securityholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or create one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling securityholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each selling stockholder has informed us that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities.
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the securities. We have agreed to indemnify the selling securityholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Under the terms of those certain Securities Purchase Agreements dated April 12, 2023 and May 15, 2023, we agreed to file this registration statement with respect to the registration of the resale by the selling securityholders of the warrant shares as soon as practicable and in any event, no later than July 11, 2023 and July 15, 2023, respectively. We agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective within 90 days (120 days in the event the SEC elects to review the registration statement) following the filing of such registration statement. In addition, we agreed to keep such registration statement effective at all times until none of the Warrant Purchasers owns any warrants or warrant shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants.
Under the terms of that certain Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 pursuant to which the notes were originally issued, we agreed to file and use commercially reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective as soon as practicable and in any event not later than six (6) months after the date of that certain Investment Agreement, this registration statement. In addition, we agreed that, upon the registration statement being declared effective under the Securities Act and upon the availability of a registration statement on Form S-3, we will use our commercially reasonable best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement until the date that (i) the selling securityholders have sold all of the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes or (ii) there otherwise ceases to be any such securities.
The securities will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale securities covered hereby may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
We have agreed to indemnify the selling securityholders against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state law. Agents, broker dealers and underwriters may be entitled to indemnification by us and the selling securityholders against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents, broker dealers or underwriters maybe required to make in respect thereof.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale securities may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling securityholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the common stock by the selling securityholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling securityholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).
47
This prospectus relates to the offer and resale from time to time by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus of up to a maximum of 39,090,753 shares of common stock underlying the notes and issuable upon exercise of the warrants and up to $32,546,250 principal amount of the notes, consisting of up to (i) $13,750,000 principal amount of notes originally issued to the Note Purchasers pursuant to the Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 by and among the Company and the Note Purchasers, and subsequently replaced with amended and restated convertible notes that were issued under the Indenture, dated May 25, 2023, between us and the trustee and (ii) a maximum of $18,796,250 principal amount of notes issuable to the purchasers as future PIK interest payments on the notes. The term “selling securityholders” includes the securityholders listed in the tables in this section and their permitted transferees.
Our registration of the notes, shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and the warrant shares does not necessarily mean that the selling securityholder will sell all or any of such notes or common stock. The following table sets forth certain information as of May 30, 2023 concerning the notes and shares of common stock that may be offered from time to time by the selling securityholder with this prospectus. The information is based on information provided by or on behalf of the selling securityholder. In the table below and as it pertains to the shares of common stock underlying the notes, the number of shares of common stock that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus is calculated based on the conversion rate, as of the date of this prospectus, of 598.8024 shares of common stock per $1,000 capitalized principal amount of notes. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances described in the indenture governing the notes. Accordingly, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes and the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned and offered by the selling securityholder pursuant to this prospectus may increase or decrease from that set forth in the table below. Information about the selling securityholder may change over time. In particular, the selling securityholder identified below may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of all or a portion of its notes since the date on which the selling securityholder provided us with information regarding its notes. Any changed or new information given to us by the selling securityholder will be set forth in supplements to this prospectus or amendments to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, if and when necessary.
Notes | Shares of Common Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name(1) | Maximum principal amount beneficially owned prior to offering(2) | Maximum principal amount registered for sale hereby | Principal amount owned after this offering | Number beneficially owned prior to offering(3) | Number registered for sale hereby(3) | Number beneficially owned after offering | Percentage beneficially owned after offering(4) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Great American Insurance Company(5) | $ | 10,651,500 | $ | 10,651,500 | - | 6,378,144 | 6,378,144 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Denman Street LLC(6) | 710,100 | 710,100 | - | 425,210 | 425,210 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
John B. Berding Irrevocable Children’s Trust(7) | 946,800 | 946,800 | - | 566,946 | 566,946 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
John B. Berding | 1,183,500 | 1,183,500 | - | 708,683 | 708,683 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ardsley Partners Renewable Energy Fund, L.P.(8) | 8,284,500 | 8,284,500 | - | 4,960,778 | 4,960,778 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
CCI SPV III, LP(9) | 5,976,675 | 5,976,675 | - | 3,578,847 | 3,578,847 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
AE Convert, LLC(10) | 4,793,175 | 4,793,175 | - | 2,870,165 | 2,870,165 | - | - |
(1) | The Company sold the notes to the selling securityholders named in the table above, together the “Note Purchasers.” |
(2) | Reflects $13,750,000 principal amount of notes originally issued pursuant to the Investment Agreement dated January 18, 2023 with the Purchasers and a maximum of $18,796,250 principal amount of notes issuable as future PIK interest payments on the notes. |
48
(3) | Assumes for each $1,000 in principal amount of the notes a conversion rate, as of the date of this prospectus, of 598.8024 shares of common stock upon conversion. This conversion rate is subject to adjustment, however, as described in this prospectus under “Description of Notes—Conversion Rights—Conversion Rate Adjustments.” As a result, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes may increase or decrease in the future. |
(4) | The percentage reflects the 127,178,465 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 12, 2023 and gives effect to the total number of shares of common stock beneficially owned and offered hereby by the Purchasers. |
(5) | Great American Insurance Company is a direct subsidiary of American Financial Group, Inc., which is a publicly traded entity (NYSE: AFG). |
(6) | John B. Berding is the manager of Denman Street LLC and has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by the stockholder. Mr. Berding disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
(7) | Susan M. Berding is the trustee of John B. Berding Irrevocable Children’s Trust and has sole voting and investment power over the shares held by the stockholder. Mrs. Berding disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities. |
(8) | Spencer Hempleman, the portfolio manager of Ardsley Partners Renewable Energy Fund, L.P., has voting and investment power over these securities. Mr. Hempleman disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interests therein. |
(9) | These securities are held by CCI SPV III, LP. CCI SPV III GP, LLC is the general partner of CCI SPV III, LP and may be deemed to have voting, investment and dispositive power with respect to these securities. Todd Crescenzo is the sole manager of CCI SPV III GP, LLC and may be deemed to have voting, investment and dispositive power with respect to these securities. Each of CCI SPV III, LP, CCI SPV III, GP and Mr. Crescenzo disclaims beneficial ownership over all such securities except to the extent of its or his respective pecuniary interests therein. |
(10) | Russell Stidolph, a director of the Company. Mr. Stidolph and Andrea Dobi are both officers and managers of AE Convert, LLC and share voting and investment power over these securities. Mr. Stidolph and Ms. Dobi disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein. |
Name(1) | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned prior to offering | Maximum number of shares of common stock registered for sale hereby | Number of shares of common stock beneficially owned after offering | Percentage of common stock beneficially owned after offering | ||||||||||||
CVI Investments, Inc.(2) | 9,800,990 | 9,800,990 | - | - | ||||||||||||
HT Investments MA LLC(3) | 9,800,990 | 9,800,990 | - | - |
(1) | The Company sold the warrant shares to the selling securityholders named in the table above, together the “Warrant Purchasers.” |
(2) | Height Capital Management, Inc., the authorized agent of CVI Investments, Inc., has discretionary authority to vote and dispose of these securities and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of these securities. Martin Kobinger, in his capacity as investment manager of Heights Capital Management, Inc., may also be deemed to have investment discretion and voting power over these securities. Mr. Kobinger disclaims any such beneficial ownership of the shares. CVI Investments, Inc. is affiliated with one or more FINRA member, none of whom are currently expected to participate in a sale pursuant to the prospectus contained in this registration statement. |
(3) | Hudson Bay Capital Management LP, the investment manager of HT Investments MA LLC, has voting and investment power over these securities. Sander Gerber is the managing member of Hudson Bay Capital GP LLC, which is the general partner of Hudson Bay Capital Management LP. Each of HT Investments MA LLC and Sander Gerber disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities. |
Material Relationships with Selling Securityholders
The description of our relationships with the selling securityholders and their affiliates set forth in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 27, 2023 is incorporated by reference herein.
49
CERTAIN U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our notes, our common stock and warrants, which we refer to collectively as our securities. This discussion applies only to securities that are purchased from us or the selling securityholder pursuant to this prospectus, and to securities (including any shares of common stock into which the notes are convertible) that are held as capital assets.
This discussion does not describe all of the U.S. federal tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances, such as consequences arising under the federal estate and gift tax, the alternative minimum tax or the Medicare tax on net investment income or the consequences to you if you are an accrual-method taxpayer that is required to conform the timing of recognition of items of income to an “applicable financial statement” under Section 451(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or differing tax consequences applicable to you if you are a beneficial owner of notes or common stock subject to special rules, such as:
● | certain financial institutions; |
● | insurance companies; |
● | dealers or traders in securities subject to a mark-to-market method of tax accounting with respect to the notes or our common stock; |
● | persons holding notes as part of a “straddle,” integrated transaction or similar transaction; |
● | U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; |
● | entities or arrangements classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or |
● | tax-exempt entities. |
If you are an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that holds notes or common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding notes or common stock and partners in those partnerships should consult their tax advisors as to their particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the notes or the common stock.
This summary is based on the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this offering memorandum may affect the tax consequences described herein. If you are considering the purchase of notes, you are urged to consult your tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situation as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. taxing jurisdiction.
Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders
This section applies to you if you are a U.S. Holder. You are a U.S. Holder if for U.S. federal income tax purposes you are a beneficial owner of a note or common stock that is:
● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
● | a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; or |
● | an estate or trust the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. |
50
The Notes
Interest and OID
For each interest period, we shall pay interest on the notes with PIK interest. As a result, this means that no stated interest payments on the notes will be treated as qualified stated interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Therefore, (i) the notes will be treated as having been issued with “original issue discount” (“OID”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in an aggregate amount equal to the excess of the “stated redemption price at maturity” of the notes (the sum of all payments of principal and stated interest including PIK interest to be made on the notes) over their “issue price.” (generally, the first price at which a substantial amount of the notes is sold for money to investors, not including bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers). The notes were originally issued to the Note Purchasers pursuant to the Investment Agreement for an amount equal to the initial principal amount. Therefore, the “issue price” of the notes is the initial principal amount of the notes as adjusted in the manner described below. As discussed below, you will be required to include the OID in gross income as ordinary interest income as it accrues (on a constant yield to maturity basis), in advance of the receipt of cash payments to which the OID is attributable and regardless of your regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
A U.S. Holder is generally required to include in income the sum of the daily accruals of the OID for the debt security for each day during the taxable year (or portion of the taxable year) in which the U.S. Holder held the notes, regardless of such holder’s regular method of accounting. Thus, you may be required to include OID in income in advance of the receipt of some or all of the related cash payments. The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in an “accrual period” a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. The OID allocable to any accrual period other than the final accrual period will equal the product of (a) the “adjusted issue price” of the note as of the beginning of such period and (b) the note’s “yield to maturity.” The OID allocable to the final accrual period will equal the difference between the amount payable at maturity and the adjusted issue price at the beginning of the final accrual period. The “accrual period” for a note may be of any length and may vary in length over the term of a note, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and that each scheduled payment of interest or principal occurs on the first or final day of an accrual period. The “adjusted issue price” of a note as of the beginning of any accrual period will equal its issue price, increased by previously accrued OID on the note and decreased by any cash payments previously made on the note. The “yield to maturity” of a note generally is the discount rate that causes the present value, as of the original issue date or deemed reissuance date, of all payments to be made under the note to equal the issue price of the note.
When we pay PIK interest for any accrual period, then the notes would be deemed, solely for purposes of recomputing the OID accruals going forward, to be retired and reissued for an amount equal to its then adjusted issue price, and the yield to maturity of the notes would be redetermined taking into account the change in circumstances.
Any additional note (“PIK Note”) or additional principal amount received as PIK interest by you generally will not be treated as a payment of interest. Instead, such PIK Note or additional principal amount will be aggregated with the note on which it was paid and treated as a single debt instrument for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The rules regarding OID and PIK interest are complex and the rules described above may not apply in all cases. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of these complex rules.
Market Discount
If you purchase a note from the selling securityholder pursuant to this prospectus for an amount that is less than its “adjusted issue price” (as defined above in “—Interest and OID”), the amount of the difference will be treated as “market discount” for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless this difference satisfies a de minimis test, described below. You will generally be required to treat any payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of the note as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount not previously included in income that accrued on the notes during your holding period. In general, market discount is treated as accruing on a straight-line basis over the term of the debt security unless an election is made to accrue the market discount under a constant yield method. In addition, you may be required to defer, until the maturity of the note or its earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of a portion of the interest paid on any indebtedness incurred or maintained to purchase or carry the note in an amount not exceeding the accrued market discount on the note.
51
You may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues (on either a straight-line or constant yield basis), in lieu of treating a portion of any gain realized on a sale, exchange, retirement, or other disposition of the debt security as ordinary income. If an election is made to include market discount on a current basis, the interest deduction deferral rule described above will not apply. If you make such an election, it will apply to all market discount obligations acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies. The election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. You should consult with your own tax advisor before making this election.
If the difference between the adjusted issue price of a note and the amount paid for the notes is less than 1/4 of 1% of the note’s adjusted issue price, multiplied by the number of remaining complete years to the note’s maturity (“de minimis market discount”), the note is not treated as purchased with market discount.
Generally, you may make an election to include in income the entire return on a note (i.e., the excess of all remaining payments to be received on the note over the amount paid for the note by you) in accordance with a constant yield method based on the compounding of interest, as discussed below under “—Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount.” If you make such an election for a note with market discount, you will be required to include market discount in income currently as it accrues on a constant yield basis for all market discount notes acquired by you on or after the first day of the first taxable year to which the election applies, and such election may be revoked only with the permission of the IRS.
Generally, upon conversion of a note acquired at a market discount into shares of common stock, any market discount not previously included in income (including as a result of the conversion) will carry over to the shares of common stock received in exchange for the note. Any such market discount that is carried over to shares of common stock received upon conversion will be taxable as ordinary income upon the sale or other disposition of such shares of common stock (including a deemed sale or disposition of a fractional share of common stock pursuant to a conversion). If you hold notes acquired with a market discount, you should consult your own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences to you of conversion of a note for shares of common stock.
Amortizable Bond Premium
If you purchase a note for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable on the note after the purchase date, you will be considered to have purchased the note with “amortizable bond premium” equal in amount to such excess. For purposes of determining the amount of any amortizable bond premium on a note, the purchase price for the note is reduced by the amount of the portion of the purchase price attributable to the note’s conversion feature.
You may elect to amortize such premium as an offset to interest income using a constant yield method over the remaining term of the note based on your yield to maturity with respect to the note. You generally may use the amortizable bond premium allocable to an accrual period to offset interest required to be included in the your income under your regular method of accounting with respect to the note in that accrual period. If the amortizable bond premium allocable to an accrual period exceeds the amount of interest allocable to such accrual period, such excess would be allowed as a deduction for such accrual period, but only to the extent of your prior interest inclusions on the note that have not been offset previously by bond premium. Any excess is generally carried forward and allocable to the next accrual period.
Because we may redeem the notes prior to maturity, special rules apply that may reduce or eliminate the amount of premium that a U.S. Holder may amortize with respect to a note. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors about these special rules, including whether it would be advisable to elect to treat all interest on the notes as OID, which would result in a U.S. Holder not being subject to these special rules.
An election to amortize bond premium applies to all taxable debt obligations held by you at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election applies and thereafter acquired by you and may be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. Generally, you may make an election to include in income the entire return on a note (i.e., the excess of all remaining payments to be received on the note over the amount paid for the note by you) in accordance with a constant yield method based on the compounding of interest, as discussed below under “—Election to Treat All Interest as Original Issue Discount.” If you make such an election for a note with amortizable bond premium, such election will result in a deemed election to amortize bond premium for all of your notes with amortizable bond premium and may be revoked only with the permission of the IRS.
52
Sale, Exchange, Redemption, Repurchase or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes
Except as provided below under “—Conversion of Notes,” you generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption, repurchase or other taxable disposition of a note, equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on the disposition and (ii) your tax basis in the note. Your tax basis in a note generally will be equal to the cost of the note to you, increased by any OID, market discount or de minimis market discount included in income by you, and decreased by the amount of any premium previously amortized and the amount of any payment received in respect of the note. Your adjusted tax basis in a note should be allocated between the original note and any PIK Note or additional principal amount received in respect of PIK interest thereon in proportion to their relative principal amounts, and your holding period in any such PIK Note or additional principal amount should be identical to the holding period for the original note with respect to which such PIK Note or additional principal amount was received.
Subject to the market discount rules discussed above under “—Market Discount,” any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such disposition, the note was held by you for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of individuals and certain other non-corporate U.S. Holders are, under certain circumstances, subject to a reduced tax rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. You should consult your own tax advisor as to the deductibility of capital losses in your particular circumstances.
Conversion of Notes
Conversion into Common Stock. A U.S. Holder’s conversion of a note solely into our common stock and cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock will not be a taxable event, except that (i) the receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock will result in capital gain or loss (measured by the difference between the cash received in lieu of the fractional share and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the fractional share) and (ii) the fair market value of common stock received with respect to accrued interest will be taxed as a payment of interest (as described above under “—Interest and OID”).
A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock received upon a conversion of a note (other than common stock received with respect to accrued interest, but including any basis allocable to a fractional share) will equal the tax basis of the note that was converted. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock received with respect to accrued interest will equal the fair market value of the stock received. A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in a fractional share will be determined by allocating the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock between the common stock received upon conversion and the fractional share, in accordance with their respective fair market values.
The U.S. Holder’s holding period for the common stock received will include the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the note converted.
Exchange in Lieu of Conversion
If we make an exchange election (as described above under “Description of Notes—Exchange in Lieu of Conversion”), your surrender of notes to the designated financial institution and receipt of cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock will not be treated as a conversion. Instead, the surrender and receipt will be treated as a taxable disposition of the notes, as described above under “—Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes.”
Constructive Distributions
We may adjust the conversion rate of the notes in certain circumstances. Under the Code and applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, adjustments that have the effect of increasing a holder’s proportionate interest in our assets or earnings and profits may, in some circumstances, result in a deemed distribution to the beneficial owner of the note. If we were to make a distribution of cash or property to stockholders (for example, distributions of evidences of indebtedness or assets) and the conversion rate of the notes were increased pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of the indenture, that increase would be deemed to be a distribution to you. In addition, any other increase in the conversion rate of the notes (including an adjustment to the conversion rate in connection with a fundamental change or redemption) may, depending on the circumstances, be deemed to be a distribution to you.
53
In certain circumstances, the failure to make an adjustment of the conversion rate may result in a taxable distribution to beneficial owners of notes, if as a result of the failure the proportionate interest of the note holders in our assets or earnings and profits is increased.
Any deemed distribution will be taxed in the same manner as an actual distribution. See “—Distributions” below. However, it is not entirely clear whether such deemed distributions would be eligible for the reduced tax rate applicable to certain dividends paid to non-corporate holders or for the dividends-received deduction applicable to certain dividends paid to corporate holders. Your basis in your notes will be increased by the amount of any of any deemed dividends. You should consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of receiving constructive dividends.
The IRS has proposed regulations addressing the amount and timing of deemed distributions, obligations of withholding agents and filing and notice obligations of issuers. If adopted as proposed, the regulations would generally provide that (i) the amount of a deemed distribution is the excess of the fair market value of the right to acquire stock immediately after the conversion rate adjustment over the fair market value of the right to acquire stock without the adjustment, (ii) the deemed distribution occurs at the earlier of the date the adjustment occurs under the terms of the note and the date of the actual distribution of cash or property that results in the deemed distribution, (iii) subject to certain limited exceptions, a withholding agent is required to withhold in respect of deemed distributions to a Non-U.S. Holder (as defined below) and, if there is no associated cash payment, may withhold the required amounts from payments on the notes (or, in some circumstances, any payments on our common stock) or sales proceeds received by or other funds or assets of such holder and (iv) we are required to report the amount of any deemed distributions on our website or to the IRS and to all holders of notes (including holders of notes that would otherwise be exempt from reporting). The final regulations will be effective for deemed distributions occurring on or after the date of adoption, but holders of notes and withholding agents may rely on them prior to that date under certain circumstances.
Possible Effect of a Consolidation, Merger or Change in Conversion Consideration
In certain situations, we may consolidate or merge into another entity, as described above under “Description of Notes—Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of Our Common Stock,” depending on the circumstances, a change in the obligor of the notes as a result of the consolidation or merger could result in a deemed taxable exchange to you and the modified note could be treated as newly issued at that time, potentially resulting in the recognition of taxable gain or other consequences to you. Whether or not the notes are subject to a deemed taxable exchange, a change in the conversion consideration to be delivered to you upon conversion of a note could affect the tax consequences of a conversion. For example, conversion of a note into shares of an entity other than the obligor may be a taxable event. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of such transactions.
The Common Stock
Distributions on the Common Stock
We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. If we pay any distributions on our common stock, such distributions, other than certain pro rata distributions of common shares, will be treated as dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and will be includible in your income and taxable when received. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will first be treated as a tax-free return of your investment, up to your tax basis in the common stock, and any remaining excess will be treated as a capital gain. If you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder, dividends received by you will be eligible to be taxed at reduced rates if you meet certain holding period and other applicable requirements. If you are a corporate U.S. Holder, dividends received by you will be eligible for the dividends-received deduction if you meet certain holding period and other applicable requirements.
54
Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of the Common Stock
Upon sales, certain redemptions or other taxable dispositions of our common stock you generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of all other property received upon such disposition and (ii) your tax basis in the common stock. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if your holding period in the common stock is more than one year at the time of the taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) generally are subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax. A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments to a U.S. Holder of interest on the notes, accruals of OID on a note and dividends on shares of common stock (as well as constructive dividends deemed paid with respect to the notes) and the proceeds of a sale of a note or a share of common stock, unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Backup withholding (currently at a 24% rate) will apply to those payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number, or certification of exempt status, or if the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report in full payments of interest and dividend income.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished timely to the IRS.
Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
This section applies to you if you are a Non-U.S. Holder. You are a Non-U.S. Holder if for U.S. federal income tax purposes you are a beneficial owner of a note or common stock that is:
● | a nonresident alien individual; |
● | a foreign corporation; or |
● | a foreign estate or trust. |
You are not a Non-U.S. Holder if you are an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition of the notes or common stock and who is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or if you are a former citizen or former resident of the United States, in which case you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the notes or common stock.
Payments of Interest on the Notes
Subject to the discussion below under “—FATCA,” payments of principal and interest on the notes to you will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, provided that, in the case of interest (including, for purposes of this discussion of Non-U.S. Holders, OID):
● | you do not own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote; |
● | you are not a controlled foreign corporation related, directly or indirectly, to us through stock ownership; |
● | you certify on a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form), under penalties of perjury, that you are not a United States person; and |
● | the interest is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States as described below. |
If you cannot satisfy one of the first three requirements described above and interest on the notes is not exempt from withholding because it is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States as described below, payments of interest on the notes will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 30%, or the rate specified by an applicable treaty. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, you will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) certifying your entitlement to benefits under a treaty.
55
Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes or Shares of Common Stock
You generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a sale or other taxable disposition of the notes or the common stock unless:
● | the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, as described below, or |
● | we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation,” as defined in the Code, at any time within the five-year period preceding the disposition or your holding period, whichever is shorter, and certain other conditions are met. |
We believe that we are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a United States real property holding corporation.
Dividends and Constructive Distributions
Dividends (including deemed dividends on the notes described above under “Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders—The Notes—Constructive Distributions”) paid or deemed to be paid to you generally will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty, unless the dividend is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States, as described below. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, you will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) certifying your entitlement to benefits under a treaty. In the case of any constructive dividend, it is possible that the U.S. federal tax on the constructive dividend would be withheld from interest, shares of common stock or other property subsequently paid or credited to you.
Effectively Connected Income
If interest, constructive dividends or gain on a note, dividends or gain on our common stock is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by you), you will generally be taxed in the same manner as a U.S. Holder (see “Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders” above). In this case, you will be exempt from the withholding tax on interest or dividends discussed above, although you will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI in order to claim an exemption from withholding. You should consult your tax advisor with respect to other U.S. tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of notes or our common stock, including the possible imposition of a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate) if you are a corporation.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Information returns are required to be filed with the IRS in connection with payments (including OID accrued) on the notes, the common stock and the warrants. Unless you comply with certification procedures to establish that you are not a United States person, information returns may be filed with the IRS in connection with the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes, the common stock or warrants, and you may be subject to backup withholding on payments on the notes and on the common stock or on the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes, the common stock or the warrants. Compliance with the certification procedures required to claim the exemption from withholding tax on interest described above will avoid backup withholding as well.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
FATCA
Provisions commonly referred to as “FATCA” impose withholding of 30% on payments of interest or dividends on notes, shares of the common stock or warrants to “foreign financial institutions” (which is broadly defined for this purpose and in general includes investment vehicles) and certain other non-U.S. entities unless various U.S. information reporting and due diligence requirements (generally relating to ownership by U.S. persons of certain interests in or accounts with those entities) have been satisfied or an exemption applies. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these requirements. If any withholding is imposed, a beneficial owner of a note, a share of our common stock or a warrant that is not a foreign financial institution generally will be entitled to a refund of any amounts withheld by filing a U.S. federal income tax return, which may entail significant administrative burden. While withholding under FATCA would also have applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of notes, shares of common stock or warrants, proposed U.S. Treasury regulations would eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds entirely, and the preamble to the proposed regulations provides that taxpayers may rely on these proposed regulations pending their finalization. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the implications of FATCA.
56
Haynes and Boone, LLP has passed upon the validity of the securities of the Company offered by this prospectus.
The financial statements of Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which expresses an unqualified opinion on the financial statements. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
57
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable in connection with the offering of the securities being registered, all of which will be paid by the registrant (except any underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses incurred by the selling securityholders in disposing of the securities).
Amount to Be Paid | ||||
Registration fee | $ | 10,088.62 | ||
Printing expenses | * | |||
Legal fees and expenses (including Blue Sky fees) | * | |||
Accounting fees and expenses | * | |||
Trustee and transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses | * | |||
Miscellaneous | * | |||
Total | $ | 10,088.62 |
* | To be provided in one or more prospectus supplements filed hereunder. |
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or DGCL, provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions, suits or proceedings in which such person is made a party by reason of such person being or having been a director, officer, employee or agent to the registrant. The DGCL provides that Section 145 is not exclusive of other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The registrant’s by-laws provide for indemnification by the registrant of its directors, officers and employees to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its current directors and executive officers to provide these directors and executive officers additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of the indemnification set forth in the registrant’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws and to provide additional procedural protections. There is no pending litigation or proceeding involving a director or executive officer of the registrant for which indemnification is sought.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock purchases, redemptions or other distributions, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The registrant’s certificate of incorporation provides for such limitation of liability.
The registrant maintains standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (a) to its directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and (b) to the registrant with respect to payments which may be made by the registrant to such officers and directors pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.
II-1
Item 16. Exhibits
(a) | The following exhibits are included or incorporated by reference in this registration statement on Form S-3: |
* | To be provided in an amendment hereto or in a subsequent filing that is incorporated by reference herein. |
† | Certain of the exhibits and schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(a)(5). The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of all omitted exhibits and schedules to the SEC upon its request. |
Item 17. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
II-2
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
(A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
II-3
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act (“Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Act.
II-4
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Edison, State of New Jersey, on this 16th day of June, 2023.
Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. | |||
By: | /s/ Nathan Kroeker | ||
Name: | Nathan Kroeker | ||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Joseph Mastrangelo and Nathan Kroeker, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and any and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or their or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Joe Mastrangelo | Chief Executive Officer and Director | |||
Joe Mastrangelo | (Principal Executive Officer) | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Nathan Kroeker | Chief Financial Officer | |||
Nathan Kroeker | (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Jeff Bornstein | ||||
Jeff Bornstein | Director | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Alex Dimitrief | ||||
Alex Dimitrief | Director | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Claude Demby | ||||
Claude Demby | Director | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Russell Stidolph | ||||
Russell Stidolph | Director | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Marian Walters | ||||
Marian “Mimi” Walters | Director | June 16, 2023 | ||
/s/ Audrey Zibelman | ||||
Audrey Zibelman | Director | June 16, 2023 |
II-5
Exhibit 4.2
NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS SECURITY IS EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT WITH A REGISTERED BROKER- DEALER OR OTHER LOAN WITH A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION THAT IS AN “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Warrant Shares: [______] | Initial Issue Date: May 17, 2023 |
THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, [________] or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after the earlier of (i) July 15, 2023, and (ii) the date on which the Company gives notice to the Holder that the registration statement provided for in Section 4.16 of the Purchase Agreement (defined below) has been declared effective and the Company has elected in its discretion to accelerate the initial exercisability date of the Warrant (such date, the “Initial Exercisability Date”) and on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date five (5) years following the Initial Exercisability Date (the “Termination Date”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to [________] shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “Warrant Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the Common Stock).” The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).
Section 1. Definitions. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated May 15, 2023, among the Company and the purchaser signatory thereto.
Section 2. Exercise.
a) Exercise of Warrant. Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercisability Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company of a duly executed PDF copy submitted by e-mail (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise in the form annexed hereto (the “Notice of Exercise”). Within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period (as defined in Section 2(d)(i) herein) following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date on which the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.
b) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $2.50, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).
c) Cashless Exercise. If at the time of exercise hereof there is no effective registration statement registering, or the prospectus contained therein is not available for the resale of the Warrant Shares by the Holder, then this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:
(A) = |
as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) at the option of the Holder, either (y) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise or (z) the Bid Price of the Common Stock on the principal Trading Market as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”) as of the time of the Holder’s execution of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) |
pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;
| |
(B) = | the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
|
(X) = | the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise. |
If Warrant Shares are issued in such a cashless exercise, the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the characteristics of the Warrants being exercised, and the holding period of the Warrant Shares being issued may be tacked on to the holding period of this Warrant. The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).
“Bid Price” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the bid price of the Common Stock for the time in question (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on The Pink Open Market (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Purchasers of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
“Trading Day” means, as applicable, (x) with respect to all price or trading volume determinations relating to the Common Stock, any day on which the Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or, if the Nasdaq Capital Market is not the principal trading market for the Common Stock, then on the principal securities exchange or securities market on which the Common Stock is then traded, provided that “Trading Day” shall not include any day on which the Common Stock is scheduled to trade on such exchange or market for less than 4.5 hours or any day that the Common Stock is suspended from trading during the final hour of trading on such exchange or market (or if such exchange or market does not designate in advance the closing time of trading on such exchange or market, then during the hour ending at 4:00:00 p.m., New York time) unless such day is otherwise designated as a Trading Day in writing by the Holder or (y) with respect to all determinations other than price determinations relating to the Common Stock, any day on which The New York Stock Exchange (or any successor thereto) is open for trading of securities.
2
“VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if the OTCQB Venture Market (“OTCQB”) or the OTCQX Best Market (“OTCQX”) is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported on the Pink Open Market (“Pink Market”) operated by the OTC Markets, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Purchasers of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).
d) Mechanics of Exercise.
i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise and the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act, and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is the earliest of (i) two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise, (ii) one (1) Trading Day after delivery of the aggregate Exercise Price to the Company and (iii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). Upon delivery of the Notice of Exercise, the Holder shall be deemed for all corporate purposes to have become the holder of record of the Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant has been exercised, irrespective of the date of delivery of the Warrant Shares, provided that payment of the aggregate Exercise Price (other than in the case of a cashless exercise) is received within the earlier of (i) two (2) Trading Days and (ii) the number of Trading Days comprising the Standard Settlement Period following delivery of the Notice of Exercise. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the third Trading Day after the Warrant Share Delivery Date) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise. The Company agrees to maintain a transfer agent that is a participant in the FAST program so long as this Warrant remains outstanding and exercisable. As used herein, “Standard Settlement Period” means the standard settlement period, expressed in a number of Trading Days, on the Company’s primary Trading Market with respect to the Common Stock as in effect on the date of delivery of the Notice of Exercise.
ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.
3
iii. Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.
iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(d)(i) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.
vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that, in the event that Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.
4
vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.
e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates (such Persons, “Attribution Parties”)), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates and Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates or Attribution Parties. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates and Attribution Parties) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within one (1) Trading Day confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates or Attribution Parties since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be [4.99%/9.99%] of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.
5
Section 3. Certain Adjustments.
a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.
b) Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights. “Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.
c) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution. To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completely exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.
6
d) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company or any subsidiary, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, merger or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires 50% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock or 50% or more of the voting power of the common equity of the Company (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction, the Company or any Successor Entity (as defined below) shall, at the Holder’s option, exercisable at any time concurrently with, or within 30 days after, the consummation of the Fundamental Transaction (or, if later, the date of the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction), purchase this Warrant from the Holder by paying to the Holder an amount of cash equal to the Black Scholes Value (as defined below) of the remaining unexercised portion of this Warrant on the date of the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction; provided, however, that, if the Fundamental Transaction is not within the Company’s control, including not approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Holder shall only be entitled to receive from the Company or any Successor Entity the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion of this Warrant, that is being offered and paid to the holders of Common Stock of the Company in connection with the Fundamental Transaction, whether that consideration be in the form of cash, stock or any combination thereof, or whether the holders of Common Stock are given the choice to receive from among alternative forms of consideration in connection with the Fundamental Transaction; provided, further, that if holders of Common Stock of the Company are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such holders of Common Stock will be deemed to have received common stock of the Successor Entity (which Entity may be the Company following such Fundamental Transaction) in such Fundamental Transaction. “Black Scholes Value” means the value of this Warrant based on the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg determined as of the day of consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction for pricing purposes and reflecting (A) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date, (B) an expected volatility equal to the greater of (1) the 30 day volatility, (2) the 100 day volatility or (3) the 365 day volatility, each of clauses (1)-(3) as obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg (determined utilizing a 365 day annualization factor) as of the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction, (C) the underlying price per share used in such calculation shall be the highest VWAP during the period beginning on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction (or the consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction, if earlier) and ending on the Trading Day of the Holder’s request pursuant to this Section 3(d) and (D) a remaining option time equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable contemplated Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date and (E) a zero cost of borrow. The payment of the Black Scholes Value will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds (or such other consideration) within the later of (i) five Business Days of the Holder’s election and (ii) the date of consummation of the Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(d) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall be added to the term “Company” under this Warrant (so that from and after the occurrence or consummation of such Fundamental Transaction, each and every provision of this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to each of the Company and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities, jointly and severally), and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities, jointly and severally with the Company, may exercise every right and power of the Company prior thereto and the Successor Entity or Successor Entities shall assume all of the obligations of the Company prior thereto under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if the Company and such Successor Entity or Successor Entities, jointly and severally, had been named as the Company herein. For the avoidance of doubt, the Holder shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of this Section 3(d) regardless of (i) whether the Company has sufficient authorized shares of Common Stock for the issuance of Warrant Shares and/or (ii) whether a Fundamental Transaction occurs prior to the Initial Issue Date.
7
e) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.
f) Notice to Holder.
i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Holder by email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.
ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its Subsidiaries) is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of its assets, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by email to the Holder at its last email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to deliver such notice or any defect therein or in the delivery thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided in this Warrant constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.
8
Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.
a) | Transferability. Subject to compliance with any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d) hereof, this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date on which the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant in full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued. |
b) | New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto. |
c) | Warrant Register. The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary. |
d) |
Transfer Restrictions. If, at the time of the surrender of this Warrant in connection with any transfer of this Warrant, the transfer of this Warrant shall not be either (i) registered pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and under applicable state securities or blue sky laws or (ii) eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions or current public information requirements pursuant to Rule 144, the Company may require, as a condition of allowing such transfer, that the Holder or transferee of this Warrant, as the case may be, provide to the Company an opinion of counsel selected by the Holder or transferee of this Warrant, as the case may be, and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the form and substance of which opinion shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to the effect that such transfer does not require registration of this Warrant under the Securities Act. |
e) |
Representation by the Holder. The Holder, by the acceptance hereof, represents and warrants that (i) it is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act and (ii) it is acquiring this Warrant and, upon any exercise hereof, will acquire the Warrant Shares issuable upon such exercise, for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Warrant Shares or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act. |
9
Section 5. Miscellaneous.
a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise; No Settlement in Cash. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3. Without limiting any rights of a Holder to receive Warrant Shares on a “cashless exercise” pursuant to Section 2(c) or to receive cash payments pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) and Section 2(d)(iv) herein, in no event shall the Company be required to net cash settle an exercise of this Warrant.
b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.
c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.
d) Authorized Shares.
The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).
Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.
Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.
10
e) Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Purchase Agreement. In the event that any signature is delivered by electronic mail, or otherwise by electronic transmission (including any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) evidencing an intent to sign this Warrant, such electronic mail or other electronic transmission shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such signature page were an original. Execution and delivery of this Warrant by electronic mail or other electronic transmission is legal, valid and binding for all purposes.
f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.
g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Purchase Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.
h) Notices. Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement.
i) Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.
j) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.
k) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of the Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.
l) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and the Holder.
m) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.
n) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.
********************
(Signature Page Follows)
11
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.
EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. | |||
By: | |||
Name: | Nathan Kroeker | ||
Title: | Chief Financial Officer |
12
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
TO: | EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. |
(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.
(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):
☐ in lawful money of the United States; or
☐ if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).
(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:
The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:
[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]
Name of Investing Entity: _______________________________________________
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity: __________________________
Name of Authorized Signatory: _____________________________________________
Title of Authorized Signatory: _______________________________________________
Date:________________________________________________________________
13
ASSIGNMENT FORM
(To assign the foregoing Warrant, execute this form and supply required information. Do not use this form to purchase shares.)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to
Name: |
(Please Print) |
Address: |
(Please Print) |
Phone Number: |
Email Address: |
Dated: ____________, ____ |
Holder’s Signature: |
Holder’s Address: |
14
Exhibit 4.3
EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of May 25, 2023
26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026
EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
INDENTURE
Dated as of May 25, 2023
26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET1
Between
Provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and the Indenture be dated as of May 25, 2026 between Eos ENERGY enterprises, inc. and Wilmington Trust, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee:
Trust Indenture Act Section | Section of Indenture | |
310(a)(1) and (2) | 7.08 | |
310(a)(3) and (4) | Inapplicable | |
310(a)(5) | 7.08 | |
310(b) | 7.09 and 7.10 | |
310(c) | Inapplicable | |
311(a) | 7.13 | |
311(b) | 7.13 | |
311(c) | Inapplicable | |
312(a) | 5.01 and 5.02 | |
312(b) | 5.02 | |
312(c) | 5.02 | |
313(a) | 7.14 | |
313(b)(1) | 7.14 | |
313(b)(2) | 7.14 | |
313(c) | 17.03 | |
313(d) | 7.14 | |
314(a) | 4.06 | |
314(b) | Inapplicable | |
314(c)(1) and (2) | 17.05 | |
314(c)(3) | Inapplicable | |
314(d) | Inapplicable | |
314(e) | 17.05 | |
314(f) | Inapplicable | |
315(a), (c) and (d) | 7.01 | |
315(b) | 6.09 | |
315(e) | 6.10 | |
316(a) | 6.08 | |
316(a)(1)(A) | 6.08 | |
316(a)(1)(B) | 6.08 | |
316(a)(2) | Inapplicable | |
316(b) | 6.05 | |
316(c) | 8.01 | |
317(a)(1) and (2) | 6.03 and 6.06 | |
317(b) | 4.04 | |
318(a) | 17.18 | |
318(b) | Inapplicable | |
318(c) | 17.18 |
1 | This Cross-Reference Sheet is not part of the Indenture. |
Table of Contents
Page | ||
Article 1 Definitions | 1 | |
Section 1.01 | Definitions | 1 |
Section 1.02 | References to Interest | 11 |
Article 2 Issue, Description, Execution, Registration and Exchange of Notes | 11 | |
Section 2.01 | Designation and Amount | 11 |
Section 2.02 | Form of Notes | 12 |
Section 2.03 | Date and Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest and Defaulted Amounts | 12 |
Section 2.04 | Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Notes | 15 |
Section 2.05 | Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Notes; Restrictions on Transfer; Depositary | 16 |
Section 2.06 | Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes | 21 |
Section 2.07 | Temporary Notes | 22 |
Section 2.08 | Cancellation of Notes Paid, Converted, Etc | 22 |
Section 2.09 | CUSIP Numbers | 22 |
Section 2.10 | Additional Notes; Repurchases | 23 |
Article 3 Satisfaction and Discharge | 23 | |
Section 3.01 | Satisfaction and Discharge | 23 |
Article 4 Particular Covenants of the Company | 23 | |
Section 4.01 | Payment of Principal and Interest | 23 |
Section 4.02 | Maintenance of Office or Agency | 24 |
Section 4.03 | Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustee’s Office | 24 |
Section 4.04 | Provisions as to Paying Agent | 24 |
Section 4.05 | Rule 144A Information Requirement and Annual Reports | 26 |
Section 4.06 | Reports | 26 |
Section 4.07 | Stay, Extension and Usury Laws | 26 |
Section 4.08 | Compliance Certificate; Statements as to Defaults | 26 |
Article 5 Lists of Holders and Reports by the Company and the Trustee | 27 | |
Section 5.01 | Lists of Holders | 27 |
Section 5.02 | Preservation and Disclosure of Lists | 27 |
i
Article 6 Defaults and Remedies | 27 | |
Section 6.01 | Events of Default | 27 |
Section 6.02 | Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment | 29 |
Section 6.03 | Payments of Notes on Default; Suit Therefor | 30 |
Section 6.04 | Application of Monies Collected by Trustee | 31 |
Section 6.05 | Proceedings by Holders | 32 |
Section 6.06 | Proceedings by Trustee | 33 |
Section 6.07 | Remedies Cumulative and Continuing | 33 |
Section 6.08 | Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority of Holders | 33 |
Section 6.09 | Notice of Defaults | 34 |
Section 6.10 | Undertaking to Pay Costs | 34 |
Article 7 Concerning the Trustee | 34 | |
Section 7.01 | Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee | 34 |
Section 7.02 | Reliance on Documents, Opinions, Etc | 36 |
Section 7.03 | No Responsibility for Recitals, Etc | 37 |
Section 7.04 | Trustee, Paying Agents, Conversion Agents or Note Registrar May Own Notes | 37 |
Section 7.05 | Monies and Shares of Common Stock to Be Held in Trust | 37 |
Section 7.06 | Compensation and Expenses of Trustee | 38 |
Section 7.07 | Officer’s Certificate as Evidence | 38 |
Section 7.08 | Eligibility of Trustee | 38 |
Section 7.09 | Resignation or Removal of Trustee | 39 |
Section 7.10 | Acceptance by Successor Trustee | 40 |
Section 7.11 | Succession by Merger, Etc | 40 |
Section 7.12 | Trustee’s Application for Instructions from the Company | 41 |
Section 7.13 | Limitation on Rights of Trustee as Creditor | 41 |
Section 7.14 | Reports by the Trustee | 41 |
Article 8 Concerning the Holders | 41 | |
Section 8.01 | Action by Holders | 41 |
Section 8.02 | Proof of Execution by Holders | 42 |
Section 8.03 | Who Are Deemed Absolute Owners | 42 |
Section 8.04 | Company-Owned Notes Disregarded | 42 |
Section 8.05 | Revocation of Consents; Future Holders Bound | 43 |
ii
Article 9 Holders’ Meetings | 43 | |
Section 9.01 | Purpose of Meetings | 43 |
Section 9.02 | Call of Meetings by Trustee | 43 |
Section 9.03 | Call of Meetings by Company or Holders | 44 |
Section 9.04 | Qualifications for Voting | 44 |
Section 9.05 | Regulations | 44 |
Section 9.06 | Voting | 45 |
Section 9.07 | No Delay of Rights by Meeting | 45 |
Article 10 Supplemental Indentures | 45 | |
Section 10.01 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders | 45 |
Section 10.02 | Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders | 46 |
Section 10.03 | Effect of Supplemental Indentures | 47 |
Section 10.04 | Notation on Notes | 47 |
Section 10.05 | Evidence of Compliance of Supplemental Indenture to Be Furnished Trustee | 48 |
Article 11 Consolidation, Merger, Sale, Conveyance and Lease | 48 | |
Section 11.01 | Company May Consolidate, Etc. on Certain Terms | 48 |
Section 11.02 | Successor Corporation to Be Substituted | 48 |
Section 11.03 | Delivery of Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee | 49 |
Article 12 Immunity of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers and Directors | 49 | |
Section 12.01 | Indenture and Notes Solely Corporate Obligations | 49 |
Article 13 [Intentionally Omitted] | 49 | |
Article 14 Conversion of Notes | 49 | |
Section 14.01 | Conversion Privilege | 49 |
Section 14.02 | Conversion Procedure; Settlement Upon Conversion | 50 |
Section 14.03 | Adjustment of Conversion Rate | 52 |
Section 14.04 | Adjustments of Prices | 61 |
Section 14.05 | Shares to Be Fully Paid | 61 |
Section 14.06 | Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications and Changes of the Common Stock | 61 |
Section 14.07 | Certain Covenants | 63 |
Section 14.08 | Responsibility of Trustee | 64 |
Section 14.09 | Stockholder Rights Plans | 64 |
Section 14.10 | Limit on Issuance of Shares of Common Stock Upon Conversion | 64 |
Section 14.11 | Exchange in Lieu of Conversion | 65 |
iii
Article 15 Repurchase of Notes at Option of Holders | 65 | |
Section 15.01 | Intentionally Omitted | 65 |
Section 15.02 | Repurchase at Option of Holders Upon a Fundamental Change | 65 |
Section 15.03 | Withdrawal of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice | 68 |
Section 15.04 | Deposit of Fundamental Change Repurchase Price | 68 |
Section 15.05 | Compliance with Applicable Laws Upon Repurchase of Notes | 69 |
Article 16 Optional Redemption | 69 | |
Section 16.01 | Optional Redemption | 69 |
Section 16.02 | Notice of Optional Redemption, Selection of Notes. | 70 |
Section 16.03 | Payment of Notes Called for Redemption. | 72 |
Section 16.04 | Restrictions on Redemption | 72 |
Article 17 Miscellaneous Provisions | 72 | |
Section 17.01 | Provisions Binding on Company’s Successors | 72 |
Section 17.02 | Official Acts by Successor Corporation | 72 |
Section 17.03 | Addresses for Notices, Etc | 72 |
Section 17.04 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 73 |
Section 17.05 | Evidence of Compliance with Conditions Precedent; Certificates and Opinions of Counsel to Trustee | 73 |
Section 17.06 | Legal Holidays | 74 |
Section 17.07 | No Security Interest Created | 74 |
Section 17.08 | Benefits of Indenture | 74 |
Section 17.09 | Table of Contents, Headings, Etc | 74 |
Section 17.10 | Authenticating Agent | 74 |
Section 17.11 | Execution in Counterparts | 76 |
Section 17.12 | Severability | 76 |
Section 17.13 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 76 |
Section 17.14 | Force Majeure | 76 |
Section 17.15 | Calculations | 76 |
Section 17.16 | USA PATRIOT Act | 77 |
Section 17.17 | Withholding Taxes | 77 |
Section 17.18 | Trust Indenture Act Controls | 77 |
EXHIBIT
Exhibit A Form of Note A-1
iv
INDENTURE dated as of May 25, 2023 between EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC., a Delaware corporation, as issuer (the “Company,” as more fully set forth in Section 1.01) and WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America , as trustee (the “Trustee,” as more fully set forth in Section 1.01).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, for its lawful corporate purposes, the Company has duly authorized the issuance of its 26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026 (the “Notes”), and in order to provide the terms and conditions upon which the Notes are to be authenticated, issued and delivered, the Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture; and
WHEREAS, the Form of Note, the certificate of authentication to be borne by each Note, the Form of Notice of Conversion, the Form of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice and the Form of Assignment and Transfer to be borne by the Notes are to be substantially in the forms hereinafter provided; and
WHEREAS, all acts and things necessary to make the Notes, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or a duly authorized authenticating agent, as in this Indenture provided, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and this Indenture a valid agreement according to its terms, have been done and performed, and the execution of this Indenture and the issuance hereunder of the Notes have in all respects been duly authorized.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:
That in order to declare the terms and conditions upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated, issued and delivered, and in consideration of the premises and of the purchase and acceptance of the Notes by the Holders thereof, the Company covenants and agrees with the Trustee for the equal and proportionate benefit of the respective Holders from time to time of the Notes (except as otherwise provided below), as follows:
Article
1
Definitions
Section 1.01 Definitions. The terms defined in this Section 1.01 (except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires) for all purposes of this Indenture and of any indenture supplemental hereto shall have the respective meanings specified in this Section 1.01. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision. The terms defined in this Article include the plural as well as the singular.
1
“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the determination of whether one Person is an “Affiliate” of another Person for purposes of this Indenture shall be made based on the facts at the time such determination is made or required to be made, as the case may be, hereunder.
“Agent Members” shall have the meaning specified in Section 8.01.
“Applicable Withholding Agent” shall have the meaning specified in Section 17.17.
“Board of Directors” means the board of directors or equivalent body of the Company or a committee of such board or body duly authorized to act for it hereunder.
“Board Resolution” means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors, and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.
“Business Combination Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.01.
“Business Day” means, with respect to any Note, any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is authorized or required by law or executive order to close or be closed.
“Capital Stock” means, for any entity, any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) stock issued by that entity, but shall not include any debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for any securities otherwise constituting Capital Stock pursuant to this definition.
“Capitalization Amount” means, for any Interest Payment Date, an amount per Note equal to the interest accrued on the Capitalized Principal Amount as of the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date (or, if there is no immediately preceding Interest Payment Date, the interest accrued on the Initial Principal Amount), calculated at the Interest Rate on the Capitalized Principal Amount of such Note for the period from, and including, such immediately preceding Interest Payment Date (or, if there is no immediately preceding Interest Payment Date, from, and including, the Issue Date or such other date from which such Note bears interest as stated on such Note) to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date.
“Capitalization Method” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03(d)(i).
“Capitalized Principal Amount” means, for any date, the principal amount per Note equal to the Initial Principal Amount of such Note, as, in the case of Global Notes, such amount may be increased on each Interest Payment Date occurring on or prior to such date by the Capitalization Amount for such Interest Payment Date, if any. When the term “principal amount” of any Note is used herein, such reference(s) shall be deemed to be reference(s) to the Capitalized Principal Amount of such Note, unless the context otherwise requires.
“Clause A Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Clause B Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
2
“Clause C Distribution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“close of business” means 5:00 p.m. (New York City time).
“Commission” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Common Equity” of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person that is generally entitled (a) to vote in the election of directors of such Person or (b) if such Person is not a corporation, to vote or otherwise participate in the selection of the governing body, partners, managers or others that will control the management or policies of such Person.
“Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share, at the date of this Indenture, subject to Section 14.06.
“Company” shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture, and subject to the provisions of Article 11, shall include its successors and assigns.
“Company Order” means a written order of the Company, signed by any of its Officers.
“Conversion Agent” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.02.
“Conversion Consideration” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.11(a).
“Conversion Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.02(c).
“Conversion Obligation” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01.
“Conversion Price” means as of any time, $1,000, divided by the Conversion Rate as of such time.
“Conversion Rate” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.01.
“Corporate Trust Office” means the principal office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date of this Indenture is located at 50 South Sixth Street, Suite 1290, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402, Attention: EOS Energy Administrator, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal corporate trust office of any successor trustee (or such other address as such successor trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).
“Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary, with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.
“Cut-off Date” means the 45th Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date.
3
“Daily VWAP” means, for each of the 40 consecutive Trading Days during the relevant Observation Period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “EOSE <equity> AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of the Common Stock on such Trading Day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by the Company). The “Daily VWAP” shall be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.
“Default” means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time, or both, would be, an Event of Default.
“Defaulted Amounts” means any amounts on any Note (including, without limitation, the Redemption Price, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, principal and interest) that are payable but are not punctually paid or duly provided for.
“Depositary” means, with respect to each Global Note, the Person designated pursuant to Section 2.05(c) as the Depositary with respect to such Notes, until a successor shall have been appointed and become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter, “Depositary” shall mean or include such successor.
“Designated Financial Institution” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.11(a).
“Distributed Property” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Effective Date” means the first date on which shares of the Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the relevant share split or share combination, as applicable.
“Event of Default” shall have the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
“Ex-Dividend Date” means the first date on which shares of the Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question, from the Company or, if applicable, from the seller of Common Stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Exchange Election” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.11(a).
“Form of Assignment and Transfer” means the “Form of Assignment and Transfer” attached as Attachment 3 to the Form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Form of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice” means the “Form of Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice” attached as Attachment 2 to the Form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
4
“Form of Note” means the “Form of Note” attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Form of Notice of Conversion” means the “Form of Notice of Conversion” attached as Attachment 1 to the Form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.
“Fundamental Change” shall be deemed to have occurred at the time after the Notes are originally issued if any of the following occurs:
(a) other than as set forth in clause (b), a “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the Company, its direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, the employee benefit plans of the Company and its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and any Holder or an Affiliate thereof, files a Schedule TO (or any successor schedule, form or report) or any schedule, form or report under the Exchange Act that discloses that such person or group has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of the Common Stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of the Common Stock;
(b) the consummation of (A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than a change to par value or changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) as a result of which the Common Stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (B) any share exchange, consolidation or merger of the Company pursuant to which the Common Stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets; or (C) any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than one or more of the Company’s direct or indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiaries; provided, however, that a transaction described in clause (A) or (B) in which the holders of all classes of the Company’s Common Equity immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all classes of Common Equity of the continuing or surviving Person or transferee or the parent thereof immediately after such transaction in substantially the same proportions as such ownership immediately prior to such transaction shall not be a Fundamental Change pursuant to this clause (b);
(c) the Company’s stockholders approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or
(d) the Common Stock ceases to be listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Market, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market (or any of their respective successors).
If any transaction in which the Common Stock is replaced by the common stock or other Common Equity of another entity occurs, following any related Fundamental Change Repurchase Date (or, in the case of a transaction that would have been a Fundamental Change but for the proviso in clause (b) of this definition, following the effective date of such transaction), references to the Company in this definition shall instead be references to such other entity.
“Fundamental Change Company Notice” shall have the meaning specified in Section 15.02(c).
5
“Fundamental Change Repurchase Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 15.02(a).
“Fundamental Change Repurchase Notice” shall have the meaning specified in Section 15.02(b)(i).
“Fundamental Change Repurchase Price” shall have the meaning specified in Section 15.02(a).
The terms “given”, “mailed”, “notify” or “sent” with respect to any notice to be given to a Holder pursuant to this Indenture, shall mean notice (x) given to the Depositary (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from the Depositary or its designee, including by electronic mail in accordance with accepted practices or procedures at the Depositary (in the case of a Global Note) or (y) mailed to such Holder by first class mail, postage prepaid, at its address as it appears on the Note Register, or sent electronically to an email address specified by the Company to the Trustee and the Holders (in the case of a Physical Note), in each case, in accordance with Section 17.03. Notice so “given” shall be deemed to include any notice to be “mailed” or “delivered,” as applicable, under this Indenture.
“Global Note” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(b).
“Governmental Approval” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.02(a).
“Governmental Entity” means any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality, whether federal, state, local or foreign, and any applicable self-regulatory organization (including The Nasdaq Capital Market).
“Holder,” as applied to any Note, or other similar terms (but excluding the term “beneficial holder”), means any Person in whose name at the time a particular Note is registered on the Note Register.
“Indenture” means this instrument, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
“Initial Principal Amount” of any Note means the principal amount of such Note at the time of original issuance of such Note. For the avoidance of doubt, the “Initial Principal Amount” of each minimum denomination of Notes on the Issue Date shall be $1.00.
“Interest Payment Date” means each June 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning on June 30, 2023. Interest shall accrue on the Notes issued on the Issue Date from and including January 18, 2023.
“Interest Rate” means 26.50% per annum.
“Issue Date” means May 25, 2023.
6
“Last Reported Sale Price” of the Common Stock on any date means the closing sale price per share (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and the average ask prices) on that date as reported in composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is traded. If the Common Stock is not listed for trading on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange on the relevant date, the “Last Reported Sale Price” shall be the last quoted bid price for the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the relevant date as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization. If the Common Stock is not so quoted, the “Last Reported Sale Price” shall be the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for the Common Stock on the relevant date from a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Company for this purpose.
“Market Disruption Event” means, for the purposes of determining amounts due upon conversion (a) a failure by the primary U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading to open for trading during its regular trading session or (b) the occurrence or existence prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on any Scheduled Trading Day for the Common Stock for more than one half-hour period in the aggregate during regular trading hours of any suspension or limitation imposed on trading (by reason of movements in price exceeding limits permitted by the relevant stock exchange or otherwise) in the Common Stock or in any options contracts or futures contracts relating to the Common Stock.
“Maturity Date” means June 30, 2026.
“Merger Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.06(a).
“Note” or “Notes” shall have the meaning specified in the first paragraph of the recitals of this Indenture.
“Note Register” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(a).
“Note Registrar” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(a).
“Notice of Conversion” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.02(b).
“Observation Period” with respect to any Note surrendered for conversion means: (i) subject to clause (ii), if the relevant Conversion Date occurs prior to the Cut-off Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the third Trading Day immediately succeeding such Conversion Date; (ii) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after the date of the Company’s issuance of a Redemption Notice with respect to the Notes pursuant to Section 16.02 and prior to the relevant Redemption Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the 42nd Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding such Redemption Date; and (iii) subject to clause (ii), if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after the Cut-off Date, the 40 consecutive Trading Days beginning on, and including, the 42nd Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date.
“Officer” means, with respect to the Company, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Treasurer, the Secretary, any Executive or Senior Vice President or any Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or numbers or word or words added before or after the title “Vice President”).
7
“Officer’s Certificate,” when used with respect to the Company, means a certificate that is delivered to the Trustee and that is signed by any Officer of the Company. Each such certificate shall include the statements provided for in Section 17.05 if and to the extent required by the provisions of such Section. The Officer giving an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to Section 4.08 shall be the principal executive, financial or accounting officer of the Company.
“open of business” means 9:00 a.m. (New York City time).
“Opinion of Counsel” means an opinion in writing signed by legal counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, or other counsel acceptable to the Trustee, that is delivered to the Trustee. Each such opinion shall include the statements provided for in Section 17.05 if and to the extent required by the provisions of such Section 17.05.
“Optional Redemption” is defined in Section 16.01.
“Outstanding,” when used with reference to Notes, shall, subject to the provisions of Section 8.04, mean, as of any particular time, all Notes authenticated and delivered by the Trustee under this Indenture, except:
(a) Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or accepted by the Trustee for cancellation;
(b) Notes, or portions thereof, that have become due and payable and in respect of which monies in the necessary amount shall have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or with any Paying Agent (other than the Company) or shall have been set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent);
(c) Notes that have been paid pursuant to Section 2.06 or Notes in lieu of which, or in substitution for which, other Notes shall have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the terms of Section 2.06 unless proof satisfactory to the Trustee is presented that any such Notes are held by protected purchasers in due course;
(d) Notes converted pursuant to Article 14 and required to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.08;
(e) Notes redeemed pursuant to Article 16; and
(f) Notes repurchased by the Company pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 2.10.
“Paying Agent” shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.02.
“Permitted SEPA Indebtedness” means any and all indebtedness, including convertible notes, issued pursuant to the Company’s Standby Equity Purchase Agreement dated April 28, 2022, as amended and supplemented from time to time.
8
“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, a joint venture, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or an agency or a political subdivision thereof.
“Physical Notes” means permanent certificated Notes in registered form issued in denominations of $1.00 principal amount and integral multiples thereof.
“Physical Settlement” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.02(a).
“PIK Interest” means any interest paid pursuant to Section 2.03(d) by the issuance of PIK Notes.
“PIK Notes” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.03(d)(ii).
“PIK Payment” means the payment of any PIK Interest on the Notes.
“Predecessor Note” of any particular Note means every previous Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 2.06 in lieu of or in exchange for a mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note that it replaces.
“Record Date” means, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of Common Stock (or other applicable security) have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the Common Stock (or such other security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of the Common Stock (or such other security) entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by the Board of Directors, by statute, by contract or otherwise).
“Redemption Date” shall have the meaning specified in Section 16.02(a).
“Redemption Notice” shall have the meaning specified in Section 16.02(a).
“Redemption Price” is defined in Section 16.01.
“Reference Property” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.06(a).
“Regular Record Date,” with respect to any Interest Payment Date, means the June 15 or December 15 (whether or not such day is a Business Day) immediately preceding the applicable June 30 or December 30 Interest Payment Date, respectively.
“Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter relating to this Indenture is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
9
“Restricted Securities” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(c).
“Rule 144” means Rule 144 as promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A as promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Scheduled Trading Day” means a day that is scheduled to be a Trading Day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading. If the Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “Scheduled Trading Day” means a Business Day.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Significant Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company that meets the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.
“Spin-Off” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, general partners or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person; (ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person; or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
“Successor Corporation” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.01(a).
“Trading Day” means a day on which (i) trading in the Common Stock (or other security for which a closing sale price must be determined) generally occurs on The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if the Common Stock (or such other security) is not then listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock (or such other security) is then listed or, if the Common Stock (or such other security) is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock (or such other security) is then traded and (ii) a Last Reported Sale Price for the Common Stock (or closing sale price for such other security) is available on such securities exchange or market; provided that if the Common Stock (or such other security) is not so listed or traded, “Trading Day” means a Business Day; and provided further that, for purposes of determining amounts due upon conversion only, “Trading Day” means a day on which (x) there is no Market Disruption Event and (y) trading in the Common Stock generally occurs on The Nasdaq Capital Market or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or, if the Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted for trading, except that if the Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “Trading Day” means a Business Day.
10
“transfer” shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.05(c).
“Trigger Event” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as it was in force at the date of execution of this Indenture; provided, however, that in the event the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 is amended after the date of this Indenture, the term “Trust Indenture Act” shall mean, to the extent required by such amendment, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as so amended.
“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder.
“unit of Reference Property” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.06(a).
“Valuation Period” shall have the meaning specified in Section 14.03(c).
“Wholly Owned Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person, except that, solely for purposes of this definition, the reference to “more than 50%” in the definition of “Subsidiary” shall be deemed replaced by a reference to “100%”, the calculation of which shall exclude nominal amounts of the voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests in the relevant Subsidiary not held by such person to the extent required to satisfy local minority interest requirements outside of the United States.
Section 1.02 References to Interest. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to accrued interest on, or in respect of, any Note that has not been paid or capitalized in this Indenture shall be deemed to refer to the amount of such interest that would have accrued as of the relevant time at the Interest Rate based on the Capitalization Method in respect of all of the relevant interest.
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act. Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture. Terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by Trust Indenture Act reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule under the Trust Indenture Act and not otherwise defined herein are used herein as so defined.
Article
2
Issue, Description, Execution, Registration and Exchange of Notes
Section 2.01 Designation and Amount. The Notes shall be designated as the “26.5% Convertible Senior PIK Notes due 2026.” The aggregate Initial Principal Amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is initially limited to $50,000,000, subject to Section 2.10 and except for Notes authenticated and delivered upon the issuance of PIK Notes or registration or transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of other Notes to the extent expressly permitted hereunder.
11
Section 2.02 Form of Notes. The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication to be borne by such Notes shall be substantially in the respective forms set forth in Exhibit A, the terms and provisions of which shall constitute, and are hereby expressly incorporated in and made a part of this Indenture. To the extent applicable, the Company and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby. In the case of any conflict between the terms of the Notes and the terms of the Indenture, the terms of the Indenture shall control.
Any Global Note may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture as may be required by the Custodian or the Depositary, or as may be required to comply with any applicable law or any regulation thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or automated quotation system upon which the Notes may be listed or traded or designated for issuance or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Notes are subject.
Any of the Notes may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such notations, legends or endorsements as the Officer executing the same may approve (execution thereof to be conclusive evidence of such approval) and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Notes may be listed or designated for issuance, or to conform to usage or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Notes are subject.
Each Global Note shall represent such principal amount of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein and shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect PIK Interest, redemptions, repurchases, cancellations, conversions, transfers or exchanges permitted hereby. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in such manner and upon instructions given by the Company or the Holder of such Notes in accordance with this Indenture. Payment of principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued interest on, a Global Note shall be made to the Holder of such Note on the date of payment, unless a record date or other means of determining Holders eligible to receive payment is provided for herein.
Section 2.03 Date and Denomination of Notes; Payments of Interest and Defaulted Amounts.
(a) The Notes shall be issuable in registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of $1.00 principal amount and integral multiples thereof. PIK Interest on the Notes shall be paid in minimum denominations of $1.00 and integral multiples thereof, rounded up to the nearest $1.00. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication and shall bear interest from the date specified on the face of such Note. Accrued interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months and, for partial months, on the basis of the number of days actually elapsed in a 30-day month.
12
(b) The Person in whose name any Note (or its Predecessor Note) is registered on the Note Register at the close of business on any Regular Record Date with respect to any Interest Payment Date shall be entitled to receive the interest payable on such Interest Payment Date. The Capitalized Principal Amount of any Note (x) in the case of any Physical Note, shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company maintained by the Company for such purposes in the continental United States of America, which shall initially be the Corporate Trust Office, or by check mailed to the Holders of these Notes at their address as it appears in the Note Register or such other means as agreed between the Company and such Holder, and (y) in the case of any Global Note, shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the Depositary or its nominee. The Company shall pay, or cause the Paying Agent to pay, cash interest when due (i) on any Physical Notes (A) to Holders holding Physical Notes having an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or less, by check mailed to the Holders of these Notes at their address as it appears in the Note Register and (B) to Holders holding Physical Notes having an aggregate principal amount of more than $5,000,000 (or such other amount as the Company shall determine in its discretion), either by check mailed to each Holder or, upon application by such a Holder to the Note Registrar not later than the relevant Regular Record Date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to that Holder’s account within the United States if such Holder has provided the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent (if other than the Trustee) with the requisite information necessary to make such wire transfer prior to the relevant Regular Record Date, which application shall remain in effect until the Holder notifies, in writing, the Note Registrar to the contrary or (ii) on any Global Note by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account of the Depositary or its nominee. PIK Interest shall be paid in accordance with Section 2.03(d).
(c) Any Defaulted Amounts shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant payment date but shall accrue interest per annum at the Interest Rate borne by the Notes, subject to the enforceability thereof under applicable law, from, and including, such relevant payment date, and such Defaulted Amounts together with such interest thereon shall be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (i) or (ii) below:
(i) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Amounts to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Amounts, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of the Defaulted Amounts proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment (which shall be not less than 25 days after the receipt by the Trustee of such notice, unless the Trustee shall consent to an earlier date), and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Amounts or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Amounts as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Company shall fix a special record date for the payment of such Defaulted Amounts which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment, and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of such special record date and the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Amounts and the special record date therefor to be delivered to each Holder not less than 10 days prior to such special record date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Amounts and the special record date therefor having been so delivered, such Defaulted Amounts shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on such special record date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (ii) of this Section 2.03(c).
13
(ii) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Amounts in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange or automated quotation system on which the Notes may be listed or designated for issuance, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange or automated quotation system, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.
(d)
(i) The Company shall pay interest on the Notes on each Interest Payment Date by payment-in-kind, in the case of Global Notes, by increasing the Capitalized Principal Amount of the Global Notes by the Capitalization Amount for such Interest Payment Date, or, in the case of Physical Notes, by issuing PIK Notes in the form of Physical Notes (the “Capitalization Method”); provided that the Capitalized Principal Amount shall be rounded up to the nearest $1.00; and provided further that for any Notes (1) surrendered for conversion after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the corresponding Interest Payment Date; (2) redeemed in connection with a Redemption Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the corresponding Interest Payment Date; or (3) repurchased on a Fundamental Change Repurchase Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the corresponding Interest Payment Date, any Capitalization Amount by which the Capitalized Principal Amount for such Notes would have been increased on such corresponding Interest Payment Date shall instead be paid in cash to the relevant Holder(s) of such Notes as of such Regular Record Date, and no such increase shall be made to the Capitalized Principal Amount of such Notes. All interest payable in respect of the Interest Payment Date scheduled to occur on the Maturity Date shall be paid in cash.
(ii) If the Notes are represented by one or more Physical Notes, the Company shall pay interest due and payable on such Physical Notes by issuing additional Physical Notes to the relevant record Holder (or a custodian designated on behalf of any such Holder) on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “PIK Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the relevant Capitalization Amount (rounded up to the nearest $1.00) and the Trustee will, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate and deliver such PIK Notes in the form of Physical Notes for original issuance to the Holders on the relevant Regular Record Date, as shown by the records of the register of Holders. The issuance of any PIK Notes shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by a Holder. If the Notes are represented by one or more Global Notes registered in the name of, or held by, the Depositary or its nominee on the relevant Regular Record Date, the Company shall pay interest by increasing the principal amount of the outstanding Global Note by an amount equal to the amount of PIK Interest for the applicable interest period (rounded up to the nearest $1.00), and the Trustee will, upon receipt of a Company Order, increase the principal amount of the outstanding Global Note by such amount. Following an increase in the principal amount of the outstanding Global Notes as a result of a PIK Payment, the Global Notes shall bear interest on such increased principal amount from and after the date of such PIK Payment. Any PIK Notes issued as Physical Notes shall be dated as of the applicable Interest Payment Date and shall bear interest from and after such date. All PIK Notes issued pursuant to a PIK Payment shall be governed by, and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of, this Indenture and shall have the same rights and benefits as the Notes issued on the Issue Date. Any PIK Notes shall be issued with the description PIK on the face of such Note, and references to the “principal amount” of the Notes shall include any increase in the principal amount of the outstanding Notes as a result of any PIK Payment. The Notes issued on the Issue Date and any PIK Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.
14
Section 2.04 Execution, Authentication and Delivery of Notes. The Notes shall be signed in the name and on behalf of the Company by the manual, electronic or facsimile signature of its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary or any of its Executive or Senior Vice Presidents.
At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Notes executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Notes, and the Trustee in accordance with such Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Notes, without any further action by the Company hereunder.
Only such Notes as shall bear thereon a certificate of authentication substantially in the form set forth on the Form of Note attached as Exhibit A hereto, executed manually by an authorized officer of the Trustee (or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee as provided by Section 17.10), shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose. Such certificate by the Trustee (or such an authenticating agent) upon any Note executed by the Company shall be conclusive evidence that the Note so authenticated has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and that the Holder is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.
In case any Officer of the Company who shall have signed any of the Notes shall cease to be such Officer before the Notes so signed shall have been authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, or disposed of by the Company, such Notes nevertheless may be authenticated and delivered or disposed of as though the person who signed such Notes had not ceased to be such Officer of the Company; and any Note may be signed on behalf of the Company by such persons as, at the actual date of the execution of such Note, shall be the Officers of the Company, although at the date of the execution of this Indenture any such person was not such an Officer.
15
Section 2.05 Exchange and Registration of Transfer of Notes; Restrictions on Transfer; Depositary.
(a) The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office a register (the register maintained in such office or in any other office or agency of the Company designated pursuant to Section 4.02, the “Note Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Notes and of transfers of Notes. Such register shall be in written form or in any form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable period of time. The Trustee is hereby initially appointed the “Note Registrar” for the purpose of registering Notes and transfers of Notes as herein provided. The Company may appoint one or more co-Note Registrars in accordance with Section 4.02.
Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note to the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar, and satisfaction of the requirements for such transfer set forth in this Section 2.05, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and bearing such restrictive legends as may be required by this Indenture.
Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at any such office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive, bearing registration numbers not contemporaneously outstanding.
All Notes presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange, repurchase or conversion shall (if so required by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and duly executed, by the Holder thereof or its attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing.
No service charge shall be imposed by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar, any co-Note Registrar or the Paying Agent for any exchange or registration of transfer of Notes, but the Company may require a Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax required in connection therewith as a result of the name of the Holder of new Notes issued upon such exchange or registration of transfer being different from the name of the Holder of the old Notes surrendered for exchange or registration of transfer.
None of the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar or any co-Note Registrar shall be required to exchange or register a transfer of (i) any Notes surrendered for conversion or, if a portion of any Note is surrendered for conversion, such portion thereof surrendered for conversion, (ii) any Notes, or a portion of any Note, surrendered for repurchase (and not withdrawn) in accordance with Article 15, or (iii) any Notes selected for redemption in accordance with Article 16, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part.
16
All Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes in accordance with this Indenture shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.
(b) The Notes shall be issued initially in the form of Physical Notes. At the Company’s sole discretion, so long as the Notes are eligible for book-entry settlement with the Depositary and the restrictions on transfer described in Section 2.05(c) no longer apply to such Note, subject to the fourth paragraph from the end of Section 2.05(c) the Notes may be represented by one or more Notes in global form (each, a “Global Note”) registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary. The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in a Global Note that does not involve the issuance of a Physical Note shall be effected through the Depositary (but not the Trustee or the Custodian) in accordance with this Indenture (including the restrictions on transfer set forth herein) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.
(c) Every Note shall bear the legend set forth in this Section 2.05(c) (together with any Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Notes that is required to bear the legend set forth in Section 2.05(d), collectively, the “Restricted Securities”) and shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in this Section 2.05(c) (including the legend set forth below), unless such restrictions on transfer shall be eliminated or otherwise waived by written consent of the Company, and the Holder of each such Restricted Security, by such Holder’s acceptance thereof, agrees to be bound by all such restrictions on transfer. As used in this Section 2.05(c) and Section 2.05(d), the term “transfer” encompasses any sale, pledge, transfer or other disposition whatsoever of any Restricted Security.
Any certificate evidencing a Note (and all securities issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof, other than Common Stock, if any, issued upon conversion thereof, which shall bear the legend set forth in Section 2.05(d), if applicable) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (unless otherwise agreed by the Company in writing, with notice thereof to the Trustee):
THIS SECURITY AND THE COMMON STOCK, IF ANY, ISSUABLE UPON CONVERSION OF THIS SECURITY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. (THE “COMPANY”) THAT IT WILL NOT OFFER, SELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN EXCEPT:
(A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, OR
17
(B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR
(C) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
PRIOR TO THE REGISTRATION OF ANY TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE (C) ABOVE, THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH LEGAL OPINIONS, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY REASONABLY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AS SET FORTH IN AN INVESTMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 18, 2023 (AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME), BY AND AMONG THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OTHER PARTIES THERETO, COPIES OF WHICH ARE PUBLICLY FILED OR ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY, AND THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
No transfer of any Note will be registered by the Note Registrar unless the applicable box on the Form of Assignment and Transfer has been checked.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture (other than the provisions set forth in this Section 2.05(c)), a Global Note may not be transferred as a whole or in part except (i) by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary and (ii) for exchange of a Global Note or a portion thereof for one or more Physical Notes in accordance with the second immediately succeeding paragraph.
The Depositary shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act appointed by the Company and may be The Depository Trust Company. Each Global Note for which The Depository Trust Company is Depositary may be issued to the Depositary, registered in the name of Cede & Co., as the nominee of the Depositary, and deposited with the Trustee as custodian for Cede & Co.
18
If (i) the Depositary notifies the Company at any time that the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days, (ii) the Depositary ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days or (iii) an Event of Default with respect to the Notes has occurred and is continuing and a beneficial owner of any Note requests that its beneficial interest therein be issued as a Physical Note, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officer’s Certificate and a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of Notes, shall authenticate and deliver (x) in the case of clause (iii), a Physical Note to such beneficial owner in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Note corresponding to such beneficial owner’s beneficial interest and (y) in the case of clause (i) or (ii), Physical Notes to each beneficial owner of the related Global Notes (or a portion thereof) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such Global Notes in exchange for such Global Notes, and upon delivery of the Global Notes to the Trustee such Global Notes shall be canceled.
Physical Notes issued in exchange for all or a part of the Global Note pursuant to this Section 2.05(c) shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, or, in the case of clause (iii) of the immediately preceding paragraph, the relevant beneficial owner, shall instruct the Trustee. Upon execution and authentication, the Trustee shall deliver such Physical Notes to the Persons in whose names such Physical Notes are so registered.
At such time as all interests in a Global Note have been converted, canceled, repurchased, redeemed or transferred, such Global Note shall be, upon receipt thereof, canceled by the Trustee in accordance with standing procedures and existing instructions between the Depositary and the Custodian. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Physical Notes, converted, canceled, repurchased, redeemed or transferred to a transferee who receives Physical Notes therefor or any Physical Note is exchanged or transferred for part of such Global Note, the principal amount of such Global Note shall, in accordance with the standing procedures and instructions existing between the Depositary and the Custodian, be appropriately reduced or increased, as the case may be, and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction or increase.
None of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Note or maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
(d) Any stock certificate or book-entry representing Common Stock issued upon conversion of a Note shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (unless such Common Stock has been transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer, or pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, or such Common Stock has been issued upon conversion of a Note that has transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer, or pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, or unless otherwise agreed by the Company with written notice thereof to the Trustee and any transfer agent for the Common Stock):
19
THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF OR OF A BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN, THE ACQUIRER AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF EOS ENERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. (THE “COMPANY”) THAT IT WILL NOT OFFER, SELL, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS SECURITY OR ANY BENEFICIAL INTEREST HEREIN EXCEPT:
(A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, OR
(B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BECOME EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR
(C) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION PROVIDED BY RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
PRIOR TO THE REGISTRATION OF ANY TRANSFER IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE (C) ABOVE, THE COMPANY AND THE TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF SUCH LEGAL OPINIONS, CERTIFICATIONS OR OTHER EVIDENCE AS MAY REASONABLY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THAT THE PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF ANY EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.
THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AS SET FORTH IN AN INVESTMENT AGREEMENT DATED AS OF JANUARY 18, 2023 (AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME), BY AND AMONG THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN OTHER PARTIES THERETO, COPIES OF WHICH ARE PUBLICLY FILED OR ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY, AND THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE THEREWITH.
Any such Common Stock (i) as to which such restrictions on transfer shall have expired in accordance with their terms, (ii) that has been transferred pursuant to a registration statement that has become or been declared effective under the Securities Act and that continues to be effective at the time of such transfer or (iii) that has been sold pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 or any similar provision then in force under the Securities Act, may, upon surrender of the certificates representing such shares of Common Stock for exchange in accordance with the procedures of the transfer agent for the Common Stock, be exchanged for a new certificate or certificates for a like aggregate number of shares of Common Stock, which shall not bear the restrictive legend required by this Section 2.05(d).
20
(e) The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among DTC participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof. Neither the Trustee nor any of its agents shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by DTC.
Section 2.06 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Notes. In case any Note shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company in its discretion may execute, and upon its written request the Trustee or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a new Note, bearing a registration number not contemporaneously outstanding, in exchange and substitution for the mutilated Note, or in lieu of and in substitution for the Note so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case the applicant for a substituted Note shall furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless from any loss, liability, cost or expense caused by or connected with such substitution, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, the applicant shall also furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and of the ownership thereof.
The Trustee or such authenticating agent may authenticate any such substituted Note and deliver the same upon the receipt of such security or indemnity as the Trustee, the Company and, if applicable, such authenticating agent may require. No service charge shall be imposed by the Company, the Trustee, the Note Registrar, any co-Note Registrar or the Paying Agent upon the issuance of any substitute Note, but the Company may require a Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax required in connection therewith as a result of the name of the Holder of the new substitute Note being different from the name of the Holder of the old Note that became mutilated or was destroyed, lost or stolen. In case any Note that has matured or is about to mature or has been surrendered for required repurchase or is about to be converted in accordance with Article 14 shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the Company may, in its sole discretion, instead of issuing a substitute Note, pay or authorize the payment of or convert or authorize the conversion of the same (without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Note), as the case may be, if the applicant for such payment or conversion shall furnish to the Company, to the Trustee and, if applicable, to such authenticating agent such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless for any loss, liability, cost or expense caused by or connected with such substitution, and, in every case of destruction, loss or theft, evidence satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and, if applicable, any Paying Agent or Conversion Agent evidence of their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of such Note and of the ownership thereof.
21
Every substitute Note issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section 2.06 by virtue of the fact that any Note is destroyed, lost or stolen shall constitute an additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be found at any time, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of (but shall be subject to all the limitations set forth in) this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Notes duly issued hereunder. To the extent permitted by law, all Notes shall be held and owned upon the express condition that the foregoing provisions are exclusive with respect to the replacement, payment, redemption, conversion or repurchase of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and shall preclude any and all other rights or remedies notwithstanding any law or statute existing or hereafter enacted to the contrary with respect to the replacement, payment, redemption, conversion or repurchase of negotiable instruments or other securities without their surrender.
Section 2.07 Temporary Notes. Pending the preparation of Physical Notes, the Company may execute and the Trustee or an authenticating agent appointed by the Trustee shall, upon written request of the Company, authenticate and deliver temporary Notes in registered form (printed or lithographed). Temporary Notes shall be issuable in any authorized denomination, and substantially in the form of the Physical Notes but with such omissions, insertions and variations as may be appropriate for temporary Notes, all as may be determined by the Company. Every such temporary Note shall be executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee or such authenticating agent upon the same conditions and in substantially the same manner, and with the same effect, as the Physical Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Trustee or such authenticating agent Physical Notes (other than any Global Note) and thereupon any or all temporary Notes (other than any Global Note) may be surrendered in exchange therefor, at each office or agency maintained by the Company pursuant to Section 4.02 and the Trustee or such authenticating agent shall authenticate and deliver in exchange for such temporary Notes an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Notes. Such exchange shall be made by the Company at its own expense and without any charge therefor. Until so exchanged, the temporary Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits and subject to the same limitations under this Indenture as Physical Notes authenticated and delivered hereunder.
Section 2.08 Cancellation of Notes Paid, Converted, Etc. The Company shall cause all Notes surrendered for the purpose of payment at maturity, repurchase upon a Fundamental Change, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or conversion (other than any Notes exchanged pursuant to Section 14.11), if surrendered to the Company or any of the Company’s agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates that the Company controls, to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. All Notes delivered to the Trustee shall be canceled promptly by it. Except for any Notes surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, or as otherwise expressly permitted by any of the provisions of this Indenture, no Notes shall be authenticated in exchange for any Notes surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. The Trustee shall dispose of canceled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures and, after such cancellation, shall deliver a certificate of such cancellation to the Company, at the Company’s written request in a Company Order.
Section 2.09 CUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use “CUSIP” numbers in all notices issued to Holders as a convenience to such Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or on such notice and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the “CUSIP” numbers.
22
Section 2.10 Additional Notes; Repurchases. The Company may, without the consent of the Holders and notwithstanding Section 2.01, reopen this Indenture and issue additional Notes hereunder with the same terms as the Notes initially issued hereunder (other than differences in the issue date, the issue price, interest accrued prior to the issue date of such additional Notes and Conversion Rate) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 for all Notes issued hereunder, exclusive of any notes issued pursuant to the Capitalization Method; provided that if any such additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes initially issued hereunder for U.S. federal income tax purposes, securities laws purposes or due to different terms, such additional Notes shall have a separate CUSIP number (if any). Prior to the issuance of any such additional Notes, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a Company Order, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, such Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel to cover such matters, in addition to those required by Section 17.05, as the Trustee shall reasonably request. The Company may, to the extent permitted by law, and directly or indirectly (regardless of whether such Notes are surrendered to the Company), repurchase Notes in the open market or otherwise, whether by the Company or its Subsidiaries or through a private or public tender or exchange offer or through counterparties to private agreements, including by cash-settled swaps or other derivatives. The Company shall cause any Notes so repurchased (other than Notes repurchased pursuant to cash-settled swaps or other derivatives) to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation in accordance with Section 2.08 and, subject to Section 8.04, such Notes shall no longer be considered outstanding under this Indenture upon such cancellation.
Article
3
Satisfaction and Discharge
Section 3.01 Satisfaction and Discharge. This Indenture shall upon request of the Company contained in an Officer’s Certificate cease to be of further effect, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute such instruments as may be reasonably requested by the Company acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when (a) all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than Notes which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced, paid or converted as provided in Section 2.06) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (b) the Company has deposited with the Trustee or delivered to Holders, as applicable, after the Notes have become due and payable, on (i) the Maturity Date, cash or (ii) any Redemption Date, any Fundamental Change Repurchase Date, upon conversion or otherwise, cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof, as applicable, solely, as the case may be, to satisfy the Company’s Conversion Obligation, sufficient to pay all of the outstanding Notes and all other sums due and payable under this Indenture by the Company; and (b) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with. Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 7.06 shall survive.
Article
4
Particular Covenants of the Company
Section 4.01 Payment of Principal and Interest. The Company covenants and agrees that it will cause to be paid the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and capitalize accrued interest that has not been capitalized on, each of the Notes at the places, at the respective times and in the manner provided herein and in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest payable in cash shall be considered paid on the date due if by 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and cash interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture. Payments of interest by the Capitalization Method shall be considered paid if the Trustee has received the Company Order required by Section 2.03(d) and, in the case of Notes in Physical Form, PIK Notes in Physical Form executed by a proper Officer of the Company.
23
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Company will maintain in the continental United States of America an office or agency where the Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment or repurchase (“Paying Agent”) or for conversion (“Conversion Agent”) and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office or such other office or agency of the Trustee specified by the Trustee and located in the continental United States of America.
The Company may also from time to time designate as co-Note Registrars one or more other offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an office or agency in the continental United States of America for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency. The terms “Paying Agent” and “Conversion Agent” include any such additional or other offices or agencies, as applicable.
The Company hereby initially designates the Trustee as the Paying Agent, Note Registrar, Custodian and Conversion Agent and the Corporate Trust Office as the office or agency in the continental United States of America where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for payment or repurchase or for conversion and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 4.02 to the contrary, no office of the Trustee shall be an office or agency for service of legal process on the Company.
Section 4.03 Appointments to Fill Vacancies in Trustee’s Office. The Company, whenever necessary to avoid or fill a vacancy in the office of Trustee, will appoint, in the manner provided in Section 7.09, a Trustee, so that there shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder.
Section 4.04 Provisions as to Paying Agent.
(a) If the Company shall appoint a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, the Company will cause such Paying Agent to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 4.04:
(i) that it will hold all sums held by it as such agent for the payment of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes in trust for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes;
24
(ii) that it will give the Trustee prompt notice of any failure by the Company to make any payment of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes when the same shall be due and payable; and
(iii) that at any time during the continuance of an Event of Default, upon request of the Trustee, it will forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust.
Subject to Section 2.03(d), the Company shall, on or before each due date of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes, deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) or accrued and unpaid interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of any failure to take such action; provided that if such deposit is made on the due date, such deposit must be received by the Paying Agent by 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such date.
(b) If the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent, subject to Section 2.03(d), it will, on or before each due date of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes, set aside, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes a sum sufficient to pay such principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) and accrued and unpaid interest so becoming due and will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any failure to take such action and of any failure by the Company to make any payment of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes when the same shall become due and payable. Upon any Event of Default under Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) the Trustee shall automatically become the Paying Agent.
(c) Anything in this Section 4.04 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may, at any time, for the purpose of obtaining a satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, or for any other reason, pay, cause to be paid or deliver to the Trustee all sums or amounts held in trust by the Company or any Paying Agent hereunder as required by this Section 4.04, such sums or amounts to be held by the Trustee upon the trusts herein contained and upon such payment or delivery by the Company or any Paying Agent to the Trustee, the Company or such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability but only with respect to such sums or amounts.
(d) Any money and shares of Common Stock deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, accrued and unpaid interest on and the consideration due upon conversion of any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable), interest or consideration due upon conversion has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on request of the Company contained in an Officer’s Certificate, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money and shares of Common Stock, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.
25
Section 4.05 Rule 144A Information Requirement and Annual Reports. At any time the Company is not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall, so long as any of the Notes or any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall, at such time, constitute “restricted securities” within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Securities Act, promptly provide to the Trustee and, upon written request, any Holder, beneficial owner or prospective purchaser of such Notes or any shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Notes, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act to facilitate the resale of such Notes or shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144A.
Section 4.06 Reports. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 15 days after the same are required to be filed with the Commission (giving effect to any grace period provided by Rule 12b-25 (or any successor rule) under the Exchange Act), copies of any documents or reports that the Company is required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (excluding any such information, documents or reports, or portions thereof, subject to confidential treatment and any correspondence with the Commission). Any such document or report that the Company files with the Commission via the Commission’s EDGAR system (or any successor thereto) shall be deemed to be filed with the Trustee for purposes of this Section 4.06 at the time such documents are filed via the EDGAR system (or any successor thereto), it being understood that the Trustee shall not be responsible for determining whether such filings have been made. Delivery of the reports and documents described in this Section 4.06 to the Trustee is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to conclusively rely on an Officer’s Certificate). To the extent the Trust Indenture Act then applies to this Indenture, the Company shall comply with Trust Indenture Act §314(a).
Section 4.07 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law that would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of or interest on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
Section 4.08 Compliance Certificate; Statements as to Defaults. The Company shall deliver to the Trustee within 150 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2022) an Officer’s Certificate stating whether the signers thereof have knowledge of any Event of Default that occurred during the previous year and, if so, specifying each such Event of Default and the nature thereof.
In addition, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the Company obtains knowledge of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Default, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default, its status and the action that the Company is taking or proposing to take in respect thereof; provided that the Company is not required to deliver such notice if such Event of Default or Default has been cured or is no longer continuing.
26
Article
5
Lists of Holders and Reports by the Company and the Trustee
Section 5.01 Lists of Holders. The Company covenants and agrees that, upon written request, it will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee, semi-annually, not more than 5 days after each June 15 and December 15 in each year, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after receipt by the Company of any such request (or such lesser time as the Trustee may reasonably request in order to enable it to timely provide any notice to be provided by it hereunder), a list in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than 15 days (or such other date as the Trustee may reasonably request in order to so provide any such notices) prior to the time such information is furnished, except that no such list need be furnished so long as the Trustee is acting as Note Registrar.
Section 5.02 Preservation and Disclosure of Lists. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, all information as to the names and addresses of the Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 or maintained by the Trustee in its capacity as Note Registrar, if so acting. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 5.01 upon receipt of a new list so furnished. Every Holder, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.
Article
6
Defaults and Remedies
Section 6.01 Events of Default. Each of the following events shall be an “Event of Default” with respect to the Notes:
(a) default in any payment of interest on any Note when due and payable, and the default continues for a period of 30 days;
(b) default in the payment of principal of any Note when due and payable on the Maturity Date, upon Optional Redemption, upon any required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(c) failure by the Company to comply with its obligation to convert the Notes in accordance with this Indenture upon exercise of a Holder’s conversion right and such failure continues for a period of five Business Days;
27
(d) failure by the Company to issue a Fundamental Change Company Notice in accordance with Section 15.02(c) when due and such failure continues for a period of five Business Days;
(e) failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under Article 11;
(f) failure by the Company for 60 days after written notice from the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding has been received by the Company to comply with any of its other agreements contained in the Notes or this Indenture;
(g) default by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary of the Company with respect to any mortgage, agreement or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, or by which there may be secured or evidenced, any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $25,000,000 (or its foreign currency equivalent) in the aggregate of the Company and/or any such Significant Subsidiary, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created (i) resulting in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to its stated maturity date or (ii) constituting a failure to pay the principal of any such debt when due and payable (after the expiration of all applicable grace periods) at its stated maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise, and in the cases of clauses (i) and (ii), such acceleration shall not have been rescinded or annulled or such failure to pay or default shall not have been cured or waived, or such indebtedness is not paid or discharged, as the case may be, within 30 days after written notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of Notes then outstanding in accordance with this Indenture;
(h) one or more final, non-appealable judgments or orders is rendered against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, which requires the payment in money by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, individually or in the aggregate, of an amount (net of amounts covered by insurance or bonded) in excess of $25,000,000, and such judgment or judgments have not been satisfied, stayed, paid, discharged, vacated, bonded, annulled or rescinded within 60 days after (i) the date on which the right to appeal thereof has expired if no such appeal has commenced, or (ii) the date on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished;
(i) the Company shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Company or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due; or
(j) an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Company seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Company or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of the Company or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 30 consecutive days.
28
Section 6.02 Acceleration; Rescission and Annulment. If one or more Events of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body), then, and in each and every such case (other than an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j)), unless the principal of all of the Notes shall have already become due and payable, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04, by notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders) may declare 100% of the Capitalized Principal Amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all the Notes to be due and payable immediately, and upon any such declaration the same shall become and shall automatically be immediately due and payable, anything contained in this Indenture or in the Notes to the contrary notwithstanding. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or Section 6.01(j) occurs and is continuing, 100% of the Capitalized Principal Amount of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, all Notes shall become and shall automatically be immediately due and payable.
The immediately preceding paragraph, however, is subject to the conditions that if, at any time after the principal of the Notes shall have been so declared due and payable, and before any judgment or decree for the payment of the monies due shall have been obtained or entered as hereinafter provided, the Company shall pay or shall deposit with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay installments of accrued and unpaid interest upon all Notes and the principal of any and all Notes that shall have become due otherwise than by acceleration (with interest on overdue installments of accrued and unpaid interest to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law, and on such principal at the Interest Rate borne by the Notes at such time) and amounts due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.06, and if (1) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) any and all existing Events of Default under this Indenture, other than the nonpayment of the principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on Notes that shall have become due solely by such acceleration, shall have been cured or waived pursuant to Section 6.08, then and in every such case (except as provided in the immediately succeeding sentence) the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, by written notice to the Company and to the Trustee, may waive all Defaults or Events of Default with respect to the Notes and rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences and such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default, or shall impair any right consequent thereon. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no such waiver or rescission and annulment shall extend to or shall affect any Default or Event of Default resulting from (i) the nonpayment of the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, or accrued and unpaid interest on, any Notes, (ii) a failure to repurchase any Notes when required or (iii) a failure to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due upon conversion of the Notes.
29
Section 6.03 Payments of Notes on Default; Suit Therefor. If an Event of Default described in clause (a) or (b) of Section 6.01 shall have occurred and be continuing, the Company shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, the whole amount then due and payable on the Notes for principal and interest, if any, with interest on any overdue principal and interest, if any, at the Interest Rate borne by the Notes at such time, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06. If the Company shall fail to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon the Notes, wherever situated.
In the event there shall be pending proceedings for the bankruptcy or for the reorganization of the Company or any other obligor on the Notes under Title 11 of the United States Code, or any other applicable law, or in case a receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, sequestrator or similar official shall have been appointed for or taken possession of the Company or such other obligor, the property of the Company or such other obligor, or in the event of any other judicial proceedings relative to the Company or such other obligor upon the Notes, or to the creditors or property of the Company or such other obligor, the Trustee, irrespective of whether the principal of the Notes shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand pursuant to the provisions of this Section 6.03, shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceedings or otherwise, to file and prove a claim or claims for the whole amount of principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, in respect of the Notes, and, in case of any judicial proceedings, to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents and to take such other actions as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceedings relative to the Company or any other obligor on the Notes, its or their creditors, or its or their property, and to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims, and to distribute the same after the deduction of any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06; and any receiver, assignee or trustee in bankruptcy or reorganization, liquidator, custodian or similar official is hereby authorized by each of the Holders to make such payments to the Trustee, as administrative expenses, and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for reasonable compensation, expenses, advances and disbursements, including agents and counsel fees, and including any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.06, incurred by it up to the date of such distribution. To the extent that such payment of reasonable compensation, expenses, advances and disbursements out of the estate in any such proceedings shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, monies, securities and other property that the Holders of the Notes may be entitled to receive in such proceedings, whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting such Holder or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
30
All rights of action and of asserting claims under this Indenture, or under any of the Notes, may be enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Notes, or the production thereof at any trial or other proceeding relative thereto, and any such suit or proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.
In any proceedings brought by the Trustee (and in any proceedings involving the interpretation of any provision of this Indenture to which the Trustee shall be a party) the Trustee shall be held to represent all the Holders of the Notes, and it shall not be necessary to make any Holders of the Notes parties to any such proceedings.
In case the Trustee shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Indenture and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned because of any waiver pursuant to Section 6.08 or any rescission and annulment pursuant to Section 6.02 or for any other reason or shall have been determined adversely to the Trustee, then and in every such case the Company, the Holders and the Trustee shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored respectively to their several positions and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Company, the Holders and the Trustee shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
Section 6.04 Application of Monies Collected by Trustee. Any monies collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article 6 with respect to the Notes shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee for the distribution of such monies, upon presentation of the several Notes, and stamping thereon the payment, if only partially paid, and upon surrender thereof, if fully paid:
First, to the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.06;
Second, in case the principal of the outstanding Notes shall not have become due and be unpaid, to the payment of interest on, and any cash due upon conversion of, the Notes in default in the order of the date due of the payments of such interest and cash due upon conversion, as the case may be, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee) upon such overdue payments at the Interest Rate borne by the Notes at such time, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto;
Third, in case the principal of the outstanding Notes shall have become due, by declaration or otherwise, and be unpaid to the payment of the whole amount (including, if applicable, the payment of the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and any cash due upon conversion) then owing and unpaid upon the Notes for principal and interest, if any, with interest on the overdue principal and, to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee, upon overdue installments of interest at the Interest Rate borne by the Notes at such time, and in case such monies shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amounts so due and unpaid upon the Notes, then to the payment of such principal (including, if applicable, the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and any cash due upon conversion) and interest without preference or priority of principal over interest, or of interest over principal or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Note over any other Note, ratably to the aggregate of such principal (including, if applicable, the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price and any cash due upon conversion) and accrued and unpaid interest; and
31
Fourth, to the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company.
Section 6.05 Proceedings by Holders. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal (including, if applicable, the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price) or interest when due, or the right to receive payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, no Holder of any Note shall have any right by virtue of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law upon or under or with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee, liquidator, custodian or other similar official, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
(a) such Holder previously shall have given to the Trustee written notice of an Event of Default and of the continuance thereof, as herein provided;
(b) Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding shall have made written request upon the Trustee to institute such action, suit or proceeding in its own name as Trustee hereunder;
(c) such Holders shall have offered, and if requested, provided to the Trustee such security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense to be incurred therein or thereby;
(d) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of such security or indemnity, shall have neglected or refused to institute any such action, suit or proceeding; and
(e) no direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such written request shall have been given to the Trustee by the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding within such 60-day period pursuant to Section 6.08, it being understood and intended, and being expressly covenanted by the Holder of every Note with every other Holder and the Trustee that no one or more Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of or by availing of any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holder, or to obtain or seek to obtain priority over or preference to any other such Holder, or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal, ratable and common benefit of all Holders (except as otherwise provided herein). For the protection and enforcement of this Section 6.05, each and every Holder and the Trustee shall be entitled to such relief as can be given either at law or in equity.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture and any provision of any Note, each Holder shall have the right to receive payment or delivery, as the case may be, of (x) the principal (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) of, (y) accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, and (z) the consideration due upon conversion of, such Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in such Note or in this Indenture, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment or delivery, as the case may be.
32
Section 6.06 Proceedings by Trustee. In case of an Event of Default, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce the rights vested in it by this Indenture by such appropriate judicial proceedings as are necessary to protect and enforce any of such rights, either by suit in equity or by action at law or by proceeding in bankruptcy or otherwise, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement contained in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this Indenture, or to enforce any other legal or equitable right vested in the Trustee by this Indenture or by law.
Section 6.07 Remedies Cumulative and Continuing. Except as provided in the last paragraph of Section 2.06, all powers and remedies given by this Article 6 to the Trustee or to the Holders shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed cumulative and not exclusive of any thereof or of any other powers and remedies available to the Trustee or the Holders of the Notes, by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to enforce the performance or observance of the covenants and agreements contained in this Indenture, and no delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any of the Notes to exercise any right or power accruing upon any Default or Event of Default shall impair any such right or power, or shall be construed to be a waiver of any such Default or Event of Default or any acquiescence therein; and, subject to the provisions of Section 6.05, every power and remedy given by this Article 6 or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as shall be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders.
Section 6.08 Direction of Proceedings and Waiver of Defaults by Majority of Holders. The Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04 shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Notes; provided, however, that such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction. The Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that it determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability; it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to determine whether any action is prejudicial to any Holder. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04 may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes waive any past Default or Event of Default hereunder and its consequences except a default in the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on, or the principal (including any Redemption Price and any Fundamental Change Repurchase Price) of, the Notes when due that has not been cured pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.01, a failure by the Company to pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due upon conversion of the Notes or a default in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article 10 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected. Upon any such waiver the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon. Whenever any Default or Event of Default hereunder shall have been waived as permitted by this Section 6.08, said Default or Event of Default shall for all purposes of the Notes and this Indenture be deemed to have been cured and to be not continuing; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
33
Section 6.09 Notice of Defaults. The Trustee shall, within the later of 90 days after the occurrence and continuance of a Default of which a Responsible Officer has actual knowledge or the date on which a Responsible Officer obtains actual knowledge, deliver to all Holders notice of all Defaults known to a Responsible Officer, unless such Defaults shall have been cured or waived before the giving of such notice; provided that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of (including the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable), or accrued and unpaid interest on, any of the Notes or a Default in the payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as a committee of Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders.
Section 6.10 Undertaking to Pay Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Note by its acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may, in its discretion, require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; provided that the provisions of this Section 6.10 (to the extent permitted by law) shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined in accordance with Section 8.04, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on any Note (including, but not limited to, the Redemption Price and the Fundamental Change Repurchase Price, if applicable) on or after the due date expressed or provided for in such Note or to any suit for the enforcement of the right to convert any Note, or receive the consideration due upon conversion, in accordance with the provisions of Article 14.
Article
7
Concerning the Trustee
Section 7.01 Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee. The Trustee, prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiver of all Events of Default that may have occurred, undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture. In the event an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs; provided that, regardless of whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have offered, and, if requested, provided to the Trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.
No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:
(a) prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default and after the curing or waiving of all Events of Default that may have occurred:
(i) the duties and obligations of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture, and the Trustee shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and
34
(ii) in the absence of bad faith and willful misconduct on the part of the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon any certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but, in the case of any such certificates or opinions that by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of any mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein);
(b) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
(c) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding determined as provided in Section 8.04 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture;
(d) whether or not therein provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of, or affording protection to, the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section;
(e) the Trustee shall not be liable in respect of any payment (as to the correctness of amount, entitlement to receive or any other matters relating to payment) or notice effected by the Company or any Paying Agent or any records maintained by any co-Note Registrar with respect to the Notes;
(f) if any party fails to deliver a notice relating to an event the fact of which, pursuant to this Indenture, requires notice to be sent to the Trustee, the Trustee may conclusively rely on its failure to receive such notice as reason to act as if no such event occurred, unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee had actual knowledge of such event;
(g) in the absence of written investment direction from the Company, all cash received by the Trustee shall be placed in a non-interest bearing trust account, and in no event shall the Trustee be liable for the selection of investments or for investment losses incurred thereon or for losses incurred as a result of the liquidation of any such investment prior to its maturity date or the failure of the party directing such investments prior to its maturity date or the failure of the party directing such investment to provide timely written investment direction, and the Trustee shall have no obligation to invest or reinvest any amounts held hereunder in the absence of such written investment direction from the Company; and
(h) in the event that the Trustee is also acting as Custodian, Note Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent or transfer agent hereunder, the rights and protections afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Article 7 or elsewhere in this Indenture shall also be afforded to such Custodian, Note Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion Agent or transfer agent.