Aditxt, Inc PRE 14A, filed Jul 10, 2023
Aditxt, Inc. (ADTX)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Schedule 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant |
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| Filed by a party other than the Registrant | ☐ |
Check the appropriate box:
| ☒ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
| ☐ | Definitive Proxy Statement | |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials | |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
Aditxt, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
|
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply): | ||
| ☒ | No fee required | |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a- 6(i)(1) and 0-11 | |
737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23219
, 2023
NOTICE OF 2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on , 2023
Dear Stockholder:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Aditxt, Inc. (the “Company”), which will be held on , 2023 at [*].
Due to the continuing public health impact of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and to support the health and well-being of our employees and stockholders, the Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual-only meeting format at [*]
In addition to voting by submitting your proxy prior to the Annual Meeting, you also will be able to vote your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting. Further details regarding the virtual meeting are included in the accompanying proxy statement. At the Annual Meeting, the holders of our outstanding common stock will act on the following matters:
| 1. | To elect five (5) members to our board of directors; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023; |
| 3. | To approve, for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022; |
| 4. | To approve, for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying secured promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023; |
| 5. | To seek authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d); |
| 6. | To approve any change of control under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635 that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings; |
| 7. | To grant discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-[*] (1:[*]) to a maximum of a one-for-[*] (1:[*]) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders; |
| 8. | To approve an amendment to our 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder to [*] shares from 60,000 shares; |
| 9. | To authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate, including to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or adjournment or postponement thereof to approve any of the foregoing proposals; and |
| 10. | To transact such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
Our board of directors has fixed , 2023 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND:
To be admitted to the Annual Meeting at you must have your control number available and follow the instructions found on your proxy card or voting instruction form. You may vote during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting. Please allow sufficient time before the Annual Meeting to complete the online check-in process. Your vote is very important.
If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please call Kingsdale Advisors at:
Strategic Stockholder Advisor and Proxy Solicitation Agent
745 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10151
North American Toll Free Phone:
+1 (888) 564-7333
Email: contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com
Call Collect Outside North America: +1 (416) 867-2272
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
, 2023 |
/s/ Amro Albanna |
Amro Albanna Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting virtually, we urge you to vote your shares via proxy at your earliest convenience. This will ensure the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Promptly voting your shares will save the Company the expenses and extra work of additional solicitation. Submitting your proxy now will not prevent you from voting your shares electronically at the Annual Meeting if you desire to do so, as your proxy is revocable at your option. Your vote is important, so please act today!
737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23219
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
2023 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on , 2023
The board of directors of Aditxt, Inc. (“Aditxt” or the “Company”) is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on , 2023, at [*], in a virtual-only format online by accessing [*] and at any adjournment thereof.
This proxy statement contains information relating to the Annual Meeting. This year’s Annual Meeting of stockholders will be held as a virtual meeting. Stockholders attending the virtual meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting.
You will be able to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting online via a live webcast by visiting [*]. In addition to voting by submitting your proxy prior to the Annual Meeting, you also will be able to vote your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials
The Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement, and 2022 Annual Report
on Form 10-K are available at: |
ADITXT, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTING
What is a proxy?
A proxy is the legal designation of another person to vote the stock you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a proxy or a proxy card. By completing, signing and returning the accompanying proxy card, you are designating Amro Albanna, Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas J. Farley, Chief Financial Officer, as your proxies for the Annual Meeting and you are authorizing Mr. Albanna and Mr. Farley to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting as you have instructed on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we urge you to vote in one of the ways described below so that your vote will be counted even if you are unable or decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
What is a proxy statement?
A proxy statement is a document that we are required by regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or “SEC,” to give you when we ask you to sign a proxy card designating Amro Albanna and Mr. Farley as proxies to vote on your behalf.
Why did you send me this proxy statement?
We sent you this proxy statement and proxy card because our board of directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment and postponement thereof. This proxy statement summarizes information related to your vote at the Annual Meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting virtually. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the proxy card or vote over the Internet, by phone, or by fax.
What Does it Mean if I Receive More than one set of proxy materials?
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more than one name or in different accounts. Please complete, sign, and return each proxy card to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
How do I attend the Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting will be held on , 2023, at [*] in a virtual format online by accessing [*]. Information on how to vote in person at the Annual Meeting is discussed below.
Who is Entitled to Vote?
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on , 2023 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. On the Record Date, there were [*] shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock represents one vote that may be voted on each proposal that may come before the Annual Meeting.
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What is the Difference Between Holding Shares as a Record Holder and as a Beneficial Owner (Holding Shares in Street Name)?
If your shares are registered in your name with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, you are the “record holder” of those shares. If you are a record holder, these proxy materials have been provided directly to you by the Company.
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, a bank or other holder of record, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in “street name.” If your shares are held in street name, the Notice has been forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct this organization on how to vote your shares. See “How Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?” below for information on how shares held in street name will be voted without instructions provided.
Who May Attend the Annual Meeting?
Only record holders and beneficial owners of our common stock, or their duly authorized proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting. If your shares of common stock are held in street name, you will need to provide a copy of a brokerage statement or other documentation reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record Date.
What am I Voting on?
There are nine (9) matters scheduled for a vote:
| 1. | To elect five (5) members to our board of directors; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023; |
| 3. | To approve, for the purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022; |
| 4. | To approve, for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying secured promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023; |
| 5. | To seek authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d); |
| 6. | To approve any change in control under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings; |
| 7. | To grant discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-[*] (1:[*]) to a maximum of a one-for-[*] (1:[*]) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders. |
| 8. | To approve an amendment to our 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder to [*] shares from 60,000 shares; |
| 9. | To authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate, including to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or adjournment or postponement thereof to approve any of the foregoing proposals; |
What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?
The board of directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The proxies also have discretionary authority to vote to adjourn the Annual Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting votes in accordance with our Board’s recommendations. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the person named in the accompanying proxy to vote on those matters in accordance with his best judgment.
How Do I Vote?
 |
 |
 |
 | |||
| INTERNET | PHONE | ONLINE AT THE MEETING | ||||
| Mailing your signed proxy card or voter instruction card to: Vote Processing c/o Broadridge 51 Mercedes Way Edgewood, NY 11717 |
Using the Internet at: www.proxyvote.com | 1-800-690-6903 | You can vote at the meeting at: |
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Stockholders of Record
If you are a registered stockholder, you may vote by mail, fax, Internet, phone or online at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions in the Notice. You also may submit your proxy by mail by following the instructions included with your proxy card. The deadline for submitting your proxy by Internet is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on , 2023. Our Board’s designated proxies, Mr. Albanna and Mr. Farley, will vote your shares according to your instructions. If you attend the live webcast of the Annual Meeting you also will be able to vote your shares electronically at the meeting up until the time the polls are closed.
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name
If you are a street name holder, your broker or nominee firm is the legal, registered owner of the shares, and it may provide you with the Notice. Follow the instructions on the Notice to access our proxy materials and vote or to request a paper or email copy of our proxy materials. The materials include a voting instruction card so that you can instruct your broker or nominee how to vote your shares. Please check the Notice or voting instruction card or contact your broker or other nominee to determine whether you will be able to deliver your voting instructions by Internet in advance of the meeting and whether, if you attend the live webcast of the Annual Meeting, you will be able to vote your shares electronically at the meeting up until the time the polls are closed.
All shares entitled to vote and represented by a properly completed and executed proxy received before the Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting as instructed in a proxy delivered before the Annual Meeting. We provide Internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be aware that you must bear any costs associated with your Internet access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies.
How Many Votes do I Have?
Holders of record of shares of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by them on the Record Date and have the right to vote on all matters brought before the Annual Meeting. The holder of record of the one outstanding share of our Series C preferred stock will be entitled to [*] votes for each share of our Series C preferred stock held on the Record Date, and has the right to vote only on the Reverse Stock Split proposal (“Proposal 7”), provided that such votes must be counted in the same proportion as the shares of common stock voted on Proposal 7. As an example, if 50.5% of the shares of common stock are voted FOR Proposal 7, 50.5% of the votes cast by the holder of the Series C preferred stock will be cast as votes FOR Proposal 7. Holders of common stock and Series C preferred stock will vote on Proposal 7 as a single class.
Is My Vote Confidential?
Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspector of elections, individuals who help with processing and counting your votes and persons who need access for legal reasons will have access to your vote. This information will not be disclosed, except as required by law.
What Constitutes a Quorum?
To carry on business at the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum. A quorum is present when one-third of the shares entitled to vote, as of the Record Date, are represented in person or by proxy. Thus, [*] shares must be represented in person or by proxy to have a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. Shares owned by the Company are not considered outstanding or considered to be present at the Annual Meeting. If there is not a quorum at the Annual Meeting, either the chairperson of the Annual Meeting or our stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting may adjourn the Annual Meeting.
How Will my Shares be Voted if I Give No Specific Instruction?
We must vote your shares as you have instructed. If there is a matter on which a stockholder of record has given no specific instruction but has authorized us generally to vote the shares, they will be voted as follows:
| 1. | “For” the election of five (5) members to our board of directors; |
| 2. | “For” the ratification of the appointment of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023; |
| 3. | “For” the approval, for purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022; |
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| 4. | “For” for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying secured promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023; |
| 5. | “For” authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d); |
| 6. | “For” approval of any change in control under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings; |
| 7. | “For” the grant of discretionary authority to our board of directors to (i) amend our certificate of incorporation to combine outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares, or a “reverse stock split,” at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-[*] (1:[*]) to a maximum of a one-for-[*] (1:[*]) split, with the exact ratio to be determined by our board of directors in its sole discretion; and (ii) effect the reverse stock split, if at all, within one year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders; and |
| 8. | “For” the approval of an amendment to our 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder to [*] shares from 60,000 shares. |
| 9. | “For” the authorization to adjourn the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate, including to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or adjournment or postponement thereof to approve any of the foregoing proposals. |
This authorization would exist, for example, if a stockholder of record merely signs, dates and returns the proxy card but does not indicate how its shares are to be voted on one or more proposals. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting and you do not provide specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted at the discretion of Amro Albanna and Thomas J. Farley, the board of directors’ designated proxies.
If your shares are held in street name, see “What is a Broker Non-Vote?” below regarding the ability of banks, brokers and other such holders of record to vote the uninstructed shares of their customers or other beneficial owners in their discretion.
How are Votes Counted?
Votes will be counted by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will separately count, for the election of directors, “For,” “Withhold” and broker non-votes; and, with respect to the other proposals, votes “For” and “Against,” abstentions and broker non-votes. Broker non-votes will not be included in the tabulation of the voting results of any of the proposals and, therefore, will have no effect on such proposals.
What is a Broker Non-Vote?
A “broker non-vote” occurs when shares held by a broker in “street name” for a beneficial owner are not voted with respect to a proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the stockholder who beneficially owns the shares and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote the shares at their discretion.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. However, under current New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules and interpretations that govern broker non-votes: (i) Proposal No. 1 for the election of directors is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will lack the authority to vote uninstructed shares at their discretion on such proposal; (ii) Proposal No. 2 for the ratification of the appointment of dbbmckennon as our independent registered public accounting firm is considered a discretionary matter, and a broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (iii) Proposal No. 3 for the approval, for purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), of the issuance of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022 is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (iv) Proposal No. 4 for the approval, for purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), of the issuance of shares of common stock that may be issued upon conversion of promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023 is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (v) Proposal No. 5 for the authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (vi) Proposal No. 6 for the approval of any change of control under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (vii) Proposal No. 7 for the approval of the reverse stock split is considered a discretionary matter, and a broker will be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal; (viii) Proposal No. 8 for the approval of an amendment our 2021 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder, is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will lack the authority to vote uninstructed shares at their discretion on such proposal; and (ix) Proposal No. 9 for the authorization to adjourn the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate, including to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or adjournment or postponement thereof to approve any of the foregoing proposals is considered a non-discretionary matter, and a broker will not be permitted to exercise its discretion to vote uninstructed shares on the proposal. Because NYSE rules apply to all brokers that are members of the NYSE, this prohibition applies to the Annual Meeting even though our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
What is an Abstention?
An abstention is a stockholder’s affirmative choice to decline to vote on a proposal. Under Delaware law, abstentions are counted as shares present and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Generally, unless provided otherwise by applicable law, our amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that an action of our stockholders (other than the election of directors) is approved if a majority of the number of shares of stock entitled to vote thereon and present (either in person or by proxy) vote in favor of such action. Therefore, abstentions will have no effect with respect to Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote “against” Proposal 7.
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How many votes are required to approve each proposal?
The table below summarizes the proposals that will be voted on, the vote required to approve each item and how votes are counted:
| Proposal | Votes Required | Voting Options | Impact
of “Withhold” or “Abstain” Votes |
Broker
Discretionary Voting Allowed |
||||
Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors |
The plurality of the votes cast. This means that the nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative “FOR” votes will be elected as directors. | “FOR” “WITHHOLD” | None(1) | No(3) | ||||
Proposal No. 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | Yes(4) | ||||
Proposal No. 3: Approval of, for purposes of Nasdaq Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022 |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) | ||||
Proposal No. 4: Approval of, for purposes of Nasdaq Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock that may be issued upon conversion of promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023 |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) | ||||
| Proposal No. 5: Authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) | The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) |
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| Proposal | Votes Required | Voting Options | Impact
of “Withhold” or “Abstain” Votes |
Broker
Discretionary Voting Allowed |
||||
| Proposal No. 6: Approval of any change in control under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings; | The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) | ||||
|
Proposal No. 7: Authorization of the reverse stock split |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | (5) | No(3) | ||||
|
Proposal No. 8: Approval of an increase in number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2021 Plan |
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) | ||||
| Proposal No. 9: To authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate | The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively (excluding abstentions) at the Annual Meeting by the holders entitled to vote thereon. | “FOR” “AGAINST” “ABSTAIN” | None(2) | No(3) |
| (1) | Votes that are “withheld” will have the same effect as an abstention and will not count as a vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” a director, because directors are elected by plurality voting. |
| (2) | A vote marked as an “Abstention” is not considered a vote cast and will, therefore, not affect the outcome of this proposal. |
| (3) | As this proposal is not considered a discretionary matter, brokers lack authority to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed shares on this proposal. |
| (4) | As this proposal is considered a discretionary matter, brokers are permitted to exercise their discretion to vote uninstructed shares on this proposal. |
| (5) | Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against this proposal. |
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What Are the Voting Procedures?
In voting by proxy with regard to the election of directors, you may vote in favor of all nominees, withhold your votes as to all nominees, or withhold your votes as to specific nominees. With regard to other proposals, you may vote in favor of or against the proposal, or you may abstain from voting on the proposal. You should specify your respective choices on the accompanying proxy card or your vote instruction form.
Is My Proxy Revocable?
You may revoke your proxy and reclaim your right to vote at any time before your proxy is voted by giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company by delivering a properly completed, later-dated proxy card or vote instruction form or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other communications with respect to revocations of proxies should be addressed to: Aditxt, Inc., 737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219. Attention: Corporate Secretary. Your most current proxy card or Internet proxy is the one that will be counted.
Who is Paying for the Expenses Involved in Preparing and Mailing this Proxy Statement?
All of the expenses involved in preparing, assembling and mailing these proxy materials and all costs of soliciting proxies will be paid by us. In addition to the solicitation by mail, proxies may be solicited by our officers and other employees by telephone or in person. Such persons will receive no compensation for their services other than their regular salaries. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of the shares held of record by such persons, and we may reimburse such persons for reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding solicitation materials. We have retained Kingsdale Advisors as our strategic stockholder advisor and proxy solicitation agent in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting. If you have any questions or require any assistance with completing your proxy, please contact Kingsdale Advisors by telephone [(toll-free within North America) at +1 (866) 581-1489 or (call collect outside North America) at +1 (416) 867-2272 or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.
Do I Have Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal?
Stockholders do not have appraisal rights under Delaware law or under the Company’s governing documents with respect to the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
How can I Find out the Results of the Voting at the Annual Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Annual Meeting. In addition, final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us, file an amended Form 8-K to publish the final results.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Board Size and Structure
Our amended and restated Certificate of incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and our Bylaws provide that our business is to be managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors is required to consist of not less than one (1) director but not more than nine (9) directors. The number of directors is currently fixed at five (5) by resolution of the board of directors.
Our board of directors currently consists of five (5) directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors on our board of directors shall be fixed exclusively by resolution adopted by our board of directors or by our stockholders. At each annual meeting, directors shall be elected by the stockholders for a term of one (1) year. Each director shall serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until the director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
When considering whether directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our board of directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the board of directors focuses primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth below. We believe that our directors provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business.
Pursuant to Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation, directors may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
Nominees for Election
Amro Albanna, Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D., Brian Brady, Namvar Kiaie, and Jeffrey Runge, M.D. have been nominated by the board of directors to stand for election at the Annual Meeting. If elected by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting, Messrs. Albanna, Brady, Kiaie, Dr. Shabahang, and Dr. Runge will serve for a term expiring at the annual meeting to be held in 2024 (the “2024 Annual Meeting”) and the election and qualification of their successors or until their earlier death, resignation or removal.
Each person nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. If, however, prior to the Annual Meeting, the board of directors should learn that any nominee will be unable to serve for any reason, the proxies that otherwise would have been voted for this nominee will be voted for a substitute nominee as selected by the board of directors. Alternatively, the proxies, at the board of directors’ discretion, may be voted for that fewer number of nominees as results from the inability of any nominee to serve. The board of directors has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve.
Information About Board Nominees
The following pages contain certain biographical information for the nominees for director, including all positions currently held, their principal occupation and business experience for the past five years, and the names of other publicly-held companies of which such nominee currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years.
Amro Albanna. Mr. Albanna has been our Chief Executive Officer and a Director since we were formed in 2017. He also served as our President from our inception through September 2021. In 2010, Mr. Albanna co-founded Innovation Economy Corporation (“IEC”), formed to license and commercialize innovations and create a group of life and health subsidiaries. From 2010 until 2017, Mr. Albanna was Chief Executive Officer and a Director of IEC and Olfactor Laboratories, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of IEC. From 2010 to August 2016, he was the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Nano Engineered Applications, Inc., another majority-owned subsidiary of IEC. In 2003, Mr. Albanna founded Qmotions, Inc. (subsequently renamed Deal A Day Group Corp.). He served as its Chief Executive Officer and a Director until 2011. Qmotions, Inc. used 3-D spatial tracking and pattern recognition technologies to develop motion-capturing video game controllers. In 2002, Mr. Albanna was a co-founder of Digital Angel Corporation — a company formed via the merger of three private companies (one being TTC below) into a fourth publicly traded company (American Stock Exchange) and was placed in charge of commercializing its GPS/wireless technologies. Around that time, Mr. Albanna co-founded an incubator for startups at the University of California, Riverside Research Park which was acquired in 2007. In 1997, he founded Timely Technology Corporation (“TTC”), which designed and developed e-commerce software for education, retail and finance. TTC was acquired in 2000 by a Nasdaq-listed company. Mr. Albanna graduated from California State University San Bernardino in 1991 with a B.S. in Business Administration with concentration in Computer Information Systems. He completed graduate coursework in Computer Science and Engineering at California State University, Long Beach from 1992 to 1993. In 2019, Mr. Albanna completed coursework in Immunology and Genetics at Harvard Medical School HMX online learning platform. We believe that Mr. Albanna’s expertise leading technology companies across various sectors, leading private and public financing, and in positioning companies for mergers and acquisitions, qualifies him to serve as a director of our Company.
Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. Dr. Shabahang has been our Chief Innovation Officer and Director since our inception. In 2009, Dr. Shabahang co-founded Sekris Biomedical Inc. to incubate immunotherapy technologies. He served as its Chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer since its inception. In 2004, Dr. Shabahang joined Genelux Corporation (“Genelux”) to lead its clinical development program and to serve as board secretary. Genelux developed an oncolytic virus technology for treatment of cancer, co-invented by Dr. Shabahang. During his tenure from 2004-2007, Genelux raised $20M+ and obtained regulatory approval to initiate First-In-Human clinical studies in Europe with patients who had not responded to chemotherapy. In 2001, Dr. Shabahang became the Director of the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Lab at Loma Linda University (“LLU”). He led the research and development of an antimicrobial therapeutic agent for treatment of dental infections, which was licensed and marketed by one of the largest dental distribution companies. Dr. Shabahang attended the University of California, Santa Barbara from 1982 to 1984 and later received his D.D.S. from the University of the Pacific in 1987. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at LLU in 2001. During the same year, he established his laboratory at LLU to study infectious diseases and host immune responses. We believe that Dr. Shabahang’s experience leading biotech startups, leading clinical development programs, and his expertise in immunology and immune tolerance qualifies him to serve as a director of our Company.
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Brian Brady. Mr. Brady has served as a Director since December 1, 2018. Mr. Brady has also been the Director of Investments at a large hospital system since March 2016, where he is responsible for the management of investment activity related to the organization and personal investments of the family that owns that company. From December 2011 to March 2016, Mr. Brady was the Vice President/Portfolio Manager at a wealth advisory firm, where he served in an investment advisory role, including asset and portfolio management. Mr. Brady graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago and in 2014 with a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago. We believe that Mr. Brady’s extensive experience with financial markets and management of investment activities qualifies him to serve as a director of our Company.
Namvar Kiaie. Mr. Kiaie has served as a director since July 2020. Mr. Kiaie has been associated with Abbott Diabetes Care since December 2005 (Director of Engineering 2005-2007; R&D Director 2007-2010; and Senior Director of R&D 2010-present), where he is responsible for the development of diabetes management related products and accessories, including blood glucose monitoring devices and data management software. Mr. Kiaie graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and in 1986 with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, both from the University of California Santa Barbara. We believe that Mr. Kiaie’s extensive experience leading research and development efforts in the biotech industry qualifies him to serve as a director of our Company.
Jeffrey Runge, M.D. Dr. Runge has served as a director since July 2020. From 2008 to the present, Dr. Runge has been the President and founder of Biologue, Inc., which provides consulting in biodefense, medical preparedness and injury control. From 2001 through August of 2008, Dr. Runge served in the Bush administration, first as the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and, beginning in September 2005, as the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) first Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Runge founded the DHS Office of Health Affairs and was confirmed by the United States Senate as DHS’ first Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs in December of 2007. Dr. Runge also served as Acting DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology from February through August 2006. In his role at DHS, Dr. Runge oversaw the operations of the department’s biodefense activities, medical preparedness and workforce health protection, as well as fulfilling DHS’ responsibilities in medical countermeasure development. Prior to his government service, Dr. Runge was Assistant Chairman and Director of Clinical Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, from 1984 through 2001. Additionally, Dr. Runge is a Senior Advisor at The Chertoff Group, a firm providing advisory services in business risk management, security and homeland defense. Since 2010, Dr. Runge has served on the boards of two public companies, including their Audit and Compensation committees, both of which underwent strategic acquisitions. He has also served as President and CEO of a SEC-regulated startup company in the health sector. Dr. Runge earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and his undergraduate degree from the University of the South. We believe that Dr. Runge’s experience in medicine, medical research, public service, business and his prior service on public corporate boards qualifies him to serve as a director of our Company.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Board oversees our business and considers the risks associated with our business strategy and decisions. The Board currently implements its risk oversight function as a whole. Each of the Board committees, when established, will also provide risk oversight in respect of its areas of concentration and reports material risks to the Board for further consideration.
Term of Office
Officers hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Directors are appointed to serve for one year until the meeting of the Board following the annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors have been elected and qualified.
Director Independence
We use the definition of “independence” of The Nasdaq Stock Exchange LLC (“Nasdaq”) listing rules to make this determination. Nasdaq listing rules provide that an “independent director” is one who the board “affirmatively determines” has no “material relationship” with the company “either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company. Nasdaq listing rules provide that a director cannot be considered independent if:
| ● | the director is, or has been within the last three (3) years, an employee of the Company or an immediate family member of director is, or has been within the last three (3) years, an executive officer of the Company; |
| ● | the director has received, or has an immediate family member who is an executive officer of the Company and has received, during any twelve-month period within the last three (3) years, more than $120,000 compensation directly from the Company (not including compensation received for director service, pension plan payments or deferred compensation for prior service not contingent on continued service); |
| ● | the director or an immediate family member is a current partner of the Company’s internal or external auditor; the director is a current employee of the auditor; an immediate family member is a current employee of the auditor and personally works on the Company’s audit; or the director or an immediate family member was within the last three (3) years a partner or employee of the auditor and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time; |
| ● | the director or an immediate family member is, or has been within the last three (3) years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee; or |
| ● | the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of an organization that has made to or received from the Company payments for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal (3) years, exceeds greater of 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues or $1 million. Charitable contributions not considered “payments” for purposes of this prohibition but contributions meeting these thresholds must be disclosed on the Company’s website or in its annual proxy statement or its Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
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Under such definitions, we consider Mr. Kiaie, Mr. Brady, and Dr. Runge to be “independent.” Nasdaq listing rules permits a phase-in period of up to one year for an issuer registering securities in an initial public offering to comply with its requirement that a majority of the board of directors be made up of independent directors. However, our common stock is not currently quoted or listed on any national exchange or interdealer quotation system with a requirement that a majority of our Board be independent and, therefore, the Company is not subject to any director independence requirements. We are subject to Nasdaq’s director independence requirements and are required to structure our board of directors accordingly.
Committees of the Board
Our board of directors has established three standing committees: Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance. Each of these standing committees operate pursuant to its respective charter. The committee charters are reviewed annually by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. If appropriate, and in consultation with the chairs of the other committees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may propose revisions to the charters. The responsibilities of each committee are described in more detail below.
Nasdaq listing rules permits a phase-in period for an issuer registering securities in an initial public offering to meet the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee independence requirements. Under the initial public offering phase-in period, only one member of each committee is required to satisfy the heightened independence requirements at the time our registration statement becomes effective, a majority of the members of each committee must satisfy the heightened independence requirements within 90 days following the effectiveness of our registration statement, and all members of each committee must satisfy the heightened independence requirements within one year from the effectiveness of our registration statement.
The composition and functions of each committee are described below.
| Name | Independent | Audit | Compensation | Nominating and Corporate Governance | ||||
| Amro Albanna | ||||||||
| Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. | ||||||||
| Brian Brady | X | X* | X | X | ||||
| Namvar Kiaie | X | X | X* | X | ||||
| Jeffrey Runge, M.D. | X | X | X | X* |
| * | Chairman of the committee |
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee, among other things, is responsible for:
| ● | appointing; approving the compensation of; overseeing the work of; and assessing the independence, qualifications, and performance of the independent auditor; |
| ● | reviewing the internal audit function, including its independence, plans, and budget; |
| ● | approving, in advance, audit and any permissible non-audit services performed by our independent auditor; |
| ● | reviewing our internal controls with the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management; |
| ● | reviewing the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls as reported by the independent auditor, the internal auditor, and management; |
| ● | overseeing our financial compliance system; and |
| ● | overseeing our major risk exposures regarding the Company’s accounting and financial reporting policies, the activities of our internal audit function, and information technology. |
The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the additional independence criteria applicable to audit committee members under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing rules. The Board has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate, and that Mr. Brady meets the qualifications of an Audit Committee financial expert.
The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Brady, Mr. Kiaie, and Dr. Runge. Mr. Brady chairs the Audit Committee.
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Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is responsible for:
| ● | reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of our officers and directors, including the CEO; |
| ● | overseeing and administering the Company’s executive compensation plans, including equity-based awards; |
| ● | negotiating and overseeing employment agreements with officers and directors; and |
| ● | overseeing how the Company’s compensation policies and practices may affect the Company’s risk management practices and/or risk-taking incentives. |
The Board has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Brady, Mr. Kiaie, and Dr. Runge. Mr. Kiaie serves as chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has affirmatively determined that each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence criteria applicable to compensation committee members under SEC rules and Nasdaq listing rules.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, among other things, is responsible for:
| ● | reviewing and assessing the development of the executive officers and considering and making recommendations to the Board regarding promotion and succession issues; |
| ● | evaluating and reporting to the Board on the performance and effectiveness of the directors, committees and the Board as a whole; |
| ● | working with the Board to determine the appropriate and desirable mix of characteristics, skills, expertise and experience, including diversity considerations, for the full Board and each committee; |
| ● | annually presenting to the Board a list of individuals recommended to be nominated for election to the Board; |
| ● | reviewing, evaluating, and recommending changes to the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and Committee Charters; |
| ● | recommending to the Board individuals to be elected to fill vacancies and newly created directorships; |
| ● | overseeing the Company’s compliance program, including the Code of Conduct; and |
| ● | overseeing and evaluating how the Company’s corporate governance and legal and regulatory compliance policies and practices, including leadership, structure, and succession planning, may affect the Company’s major risk exposures. |
The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter setting forth the authority and responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Dr. Runge, Mr. Brady, and Mr. Kiaie. Dr. Runge serves as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent within the meaning of the independent director guidelines of Nasdaq listing rules.
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the Company’s executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of the Company’s board of directors or its compensation committee. None of the members of the Company’s compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of the Company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company’s board of directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to its employees, directors and officers, in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market. The code of business conduct and ethics is publicly available on the Company’s website. Any substantive amendments or waivers of the code of business conduct and ethics or code of ethics for senior financial officers may be made only by the Company’s board of directors and will be promptly disclosed as required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Company’s board of directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, none of our current directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:
| ● | been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
| ● | had any bankruptcy petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership, corporation or business association of which he or she was a general partner or executive officer, either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; |
| ● | been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; |
| ● | been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
| ● | been the subject of, or a party to, any federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated (not including any settlement of a civil proceeding among private litigants), relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
| ● | been the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
Except as set forth above and in our discussion below in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” none of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
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Other than as set forth below, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which, individually or in the aggregate, we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
The Company, Amro Albanna, our Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Shahrokh Shabahang, our Chief Innovation Officer, have been named as cross-defendants in a counterclaim filed by Christopher Sechrist in an action entitled Shahrokh Shabahang v. Christopher Sechrist, San Bernardino County Superior Court Case No. CIVDS1831323. In a cross-complaint, Mr. Sechrist contends that he was a partner in a dental practice with Dr. Shabahang, and that disputes arose as between those partners. Neither the Company nor Mr. Albanna were partners in, or otherwise have an interest in, the dental practice. Notwithstanding, and seemingly based solely on the fact that Dr. Shabahang became the Chief Innovation Officer for the Company, Mr. Sechrist has brought claims against the Company and Mr. Albanna. Both the Company and Mr. Albanna believe that the Counterclaims filed by Mr. Sechrist have no factual or legal merit, and they intend to vigorously defend themselves in the action and to seek a dismissal of the case as against them as soon as possible. On May 26, 2020, Mr. Sechrist filed a request for dismissal as to the Company and Mr. Albanna with the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, San Bernardino District. The clerk of the court entered the dismissal with prejudice on May 26, 2020.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Amro Albanna, is a party to litigation matters unrelated to the Company or any of its properties. Such litigations relate to Innovation Economy Corporation (IEC), a company in which Mr. Albanna served as the CEO and a Director from 2010 until 2017, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (Innovation Economy Corporation d/b/a ieCrowd). The first litigation (ieCrowd v. Kim, et. al, Superior Court, Riverside County) was originally commenced by IEC and its subsidiary after Mr. Albanna was no longer affiliated with IEC, against certain third-party defendants based upon claims related to their misconduct and mismanagement. Such defendants subsequently brought a countersuit against IEC and its subsidiary, in which they named Mr. Albanna and others as defendants, alleging that they were misled to invest in IEC and its subsidiary based upon misrepresentations by, among others, Mr. Albanna. The cases have now been consolidated. Mr. Albanna believes that the counteraction commenced by the third parties against him is without merit and intends to defend himself. The second matter (Calabria v. ieCrowd) was commenced by Calabria Ventures (the “Calabria Action”) more than 2 years after Mr. Albanna was no longer affiliated with IEC, related to uncollected rent. Mr. Albanna believes that the action commenced against him is without merit and intends to defend himself. IEC (either directly or through its Director and officer insurance policy) has covered all related legal costs to date. On August 5, 2020, the plaintiff in the Calabria Action filed a request for dismissal as to Mr. Albanna with the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. The clerk of the court entered the dismissal without prejudice on August 5, 2020.
Director Compensation
The Company accrued or paid compensation to its directors for serving in such capacity, as shown in the table below.
| Director | Year | Option Awards | Restricted Stock Unit Awards | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Amro Albanna | 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||
| Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. | 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||
| Brian Brady | 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,000 | |||||||||||
| Namvar Kiaie | 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,000 | |||||||||||
| Jeffrey Runge, M.D. | 2022 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 15,000 | $ | 15,000 | |||||||||||
Option awards represent granted options at the fair market value as of the date of grant. Restricted stock unit awards represent granted restricted stock unit awards at the fair market value as of the grant date.
On September 18, 2021, the Board of Directors adopted a director compensation program for the Company’s independent directors consisting of both cash and equity compensation, beginning in October 2021. The program consists of the following compensation for directors:
Cash Compensation (payable quarterly)
| ● | Board service — $11,000 per year |
| ● | Chairperson of the Audit Committee — additional $4,000 per year |
| ● | Chairperson of the Compensation Committee — additional $4,000 per year |
| ● | Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee — additional $4,000 per year |
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Required Vote for Approval
A plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to elect a nominee as a director.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of Amro Albanna, Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D., Brian Brady, Namvar Kiaie, and Jeffrey Runge, M.D. as directors of the Company.
The table below identifies and sets forth certain biographical and other information regarding our executive officers as of date of this proxy statement. Other than as disclosed below, there are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors.
| Name | Age | Positions | ||||
| Amro Albanna | 53 | Chief Executive Officer, Director | ||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 56 | Chief Commercialization Officer | ||||
| Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. | 60 | Chief Innovation Officer, Director | ||||
| Rowena Albanna | 57 | Chief Operating Officer | ||||
| Thomas J. Farley | 50 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
| Matthew Shatzkes | 36 | Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel | ||||
See “Proposal No. 1 — Election of Directors” for biographical and other information regarding Mr. Albanna and Dr. Shabahang.
Corinne Pankovcin — Chief Commercialization Officer
Ms. Pankovcin has been our Chief Commercialization Officer since April 12, 2023. Ms. Pankovcin served as our President from September 2021 through April 2023. Ms. Pankovcin served as our Chief Financial Officer from July 2020 through August 2021. From December 2015 to July 2019, Ms. Pankovcin was the Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director and Treasurer of Business Development Corporation of America (“BDCA”), a business development company. Prior thereto, from January 2011 to August 2015, Ms. Pankovcin was the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Blackrock Capital Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: BKCC), and a Managing Director of Finance at BlackRock Investment Management LLC. Prior to joining BlackRock, Ms. Pankovcin was a senior member of Finance & Accounting of Alternative Investments and served as Chief Financial Officer for the Global Emerging Markets products group at AIG Capital Partners. Ms. Pankovcin began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where she ultimately held the role of Senior Manager of Business Assurance for Consumer Products, Manufacturing, and Middle Market industries from 1991 to 2001. Ms. Pankovcin earned her B.S. in Accounting from Dowling College and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University. She is a Certified Public Accountant.
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Rowena Albanna — Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Albanna has been our Chief Operating Officer since July 2020. From 2017 to immediately prior to her appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Albanna was an independent operations consultant for the Company. Prior thereto, from 2013 to 2017, Ms. Albanna was the Chief Operating Officer of Innovation Economy Corporation (“IEC”), formed to license and commercialize innovations and create a group of life and health subsidiaries. From 2010 to 2013, Ms. Albanna was Senior Vice President of IEC. From 2004 to 2009, Ms. Albanna was the founder and principal of Weezies, an online-based business focused on building and operating e-commerce stores and affiliate marketing sites. From 2003 to 2004, Ms. Albanna was the head of Product Development and Engineering of Qmotions Inc. Qmotions, Inc. used 3-D spatial tracking and pattern recognition technologies to develop motion-capturing video game controllers. In 2002, Ms. Albanna was VP of Product Development at Digital Angel Systems where she led the development of devices which combined GPS, wireless, and biosensing. Prior to that, Ms. Albanna held multiple product development roles with increasing responsibilities for various technology companies in the areas of financial, medical, telecommunications, integrated circuit layout design, and defense. Ms. Albanna is a co-inventor of two patents related to systems for localizing, monitoring, and sensing objects. Ms. Albanna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from California State University, San Bernardino in 1988. Ms. Albanna is the wife of Amro Albanna, our Chief Executive Officer.
Thomas J. Farley, CPA — Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Farley has been the Chief Financial Officer since September 2021. Prior to this, Mr. Farley was the Principal Accounting Officer and Controller from October of 2020 to September 2021. From December 2015 to June 2020, Mr. Farley was the Controller of Business Development Corporation of America (“BDCA”), a publicly listed business development company. Prior thereto, from January 2011 to August 2015, Mr. Farley was the Senior Controller of Blackrock Capital Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: BKCC). Prior to joining BlackRock Capital Investment Corporation, Mr. Farley was a Senior Controller for PineBridge Investments Emerging Markets practice. Mr. Farley was also an Accounting Manager for Bessemer Venture Partners prior to his tenure at PineBridge. Mr. Farley began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Farley earned his B.S. in Accounting from Long Island University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Matthew Shatzkes, Esq. – Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Mr. Shatzkes has been the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of Aditxt since January 2022. Prior to this role, Mr. Shatzkes was a partner at an international AM Law 50 law firm where he advised a wide variety of healthcare related entities, including biotech companies, on corporate, regulatory, and strategic business matters. In his current role, Mr. Shatzkes oversees all aspects of the legal functions at Aditxt, including, providing advice and counsel on governance, regulatory matters, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial transactions.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table represents information regarding the total compensation for the named executive officers of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | Stock Awards ($) | Option Awards ($) | Restricted Stock Units ($) | All Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amro Albanna | 2022 | 500,000 | - | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| President, and Director, Former President(1) | 2021 | 280,000 | 470,000 | 938,250 | - | - | - | 1,688,250 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. | 2022 | 325,000 | - | - | - | - | - | 325,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Innovation Officer | 2021 | 210,000 | 245,000 | - | - | 210,100 | - | 665,100 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 2022 | 385,000 | - | - | - | - | - | 385,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Commercialization Officer, Former President(2), Former Chief Financial Officer(3) | 2021 | 250,000 | 333,250 | 505,450 | - | - | - | 1,088,700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thomas J. Farley | 2022 | 360,833 | - | - | - | - | - | 360,833 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer(4) | 2021 | 225,000 | 297,000 | - | - | 304,850 | 826,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matthew Shatzkes | 2022 | 368,958 | 246,697 | 218,064 | 833,719 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel(5) | 2021 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Option awards represent granted options at the fair market value as of the date of grant. Restricted stock units represent granted restricted stock units at the fair market value as of the date of grant.
| (1) | Mr. Albanna served as the Company’s President through September 25, 2021 |
| (2) | In January 2023, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Pearsanta, Inc. in order to accelerate the growth of the Company’s AditxtScoreTM program through future strategic revenue and growth oriented transactions. In connection with the formation of Pearsanta, Inc. and Ms. Pankovcin’s anticipated role in driving such strategic revenue and growth oriented transactions, Ms. Pankovcin’ s title was changed from President to Chief Commercialization Officer, effective April 12, 2023. |
| (3) | Ms. Pankovcin served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer from July 2020 through September 25, 2021. She was appointed as our President on September 25, 2021. Ms. Pankovcin’s title was changed from President to Chief Commercialization Officer effective April 12, 2023. |
| (4) | Mr. Farley was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer on September 25, 2021. |
| (5) | Mr. Shatzkes joined Aditxt in January of 2022. |
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Employment Agreements
Amro Albanna, Chief Executive Officer
On November 14, 2021, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Mr. Amro Albanna, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “Amro Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Amro Employment Agreement, Mr. Albanna will receive (i) a base salary at the annual rate of $280,000 for the remainder of calendar year 2021, and effective January 1, 2022, $500,000 (prorated for any partial year) payable in bimonthly installments (ii) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus of 2% of the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) with respect to an applicable year for which the bonus is payable, provided that such bonus will not exceed two (2) times Mr. Albanna’s base salary, and (iii) eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus as determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee in their sole discretion. In addition, for calendar year 2021, Mr. Albanna will be eligible to earn an additional discretionary bonus as determined by the Company.
The term of Mr. Albanna’s engagement under the Amro Employment Agreement commences as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Amro Employment Agreement) and continues until November 14, 2023, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Amro Employment Agreement. The term of Mr. Albanna’s Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until terminated by Mr. Albanna or the Company.
Under the Amro Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Albanna by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Amro Employment Agreement), or resignation by Mr. Albanna without “Good Reason” (as defined in the Amro Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Albanna. Upon any such termination, Mr. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Amro Employment Agreement), which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Mr. Albanna for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus; provided, however, if termination of Mr. Albanna by the Company without “Cause” or resignation by Mr. Albanna for “Good Reason,” then under the Amro Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Albanna. Upon any such termination, Mr. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Mr. Albanna’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive (i) on the sixtieth day (60th) day following termination, a lump sum amount equal to twelve (12) months base salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Albanna’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) cause any equity awards granted prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Amro Employment Agreement), that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, under the Amro Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Albanna by the Company without Cause or resignation by Mr. Albanna for Good Reason and a Change of Control (as defined in the Amro Employment Agreement) of the Company occurs within six (6) months after such termination, or within twenty-four (24) months prior to such termination, the Company will pay severance to Mr. Albanna in connection to such termination. Upon such termination, Mr. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation, and subject to Mr. Albanna’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive (i) on the sixtieth (60th) day of termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the product of three times Mr. Albanna’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Albanna’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to the that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable for twenty-four (24) months (but not later than when the award would otherwise expire).
The Amro Employment Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, which covenants remain in effect for twelve (12) months following any cessation of employment with respect to Mr. Albanna. To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Amro Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Mr. Albanna and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Mr. Albanna the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
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Corinne Pankovcin, Chief Commercialization Officer
On November 14, 2021, the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Pankovcin Employment Agreement”) with the Company’s President, Corinne Pankovcin, pursuant to which Ms. Pankovcin will continue to serve as the Company’s President and Secretary until the date upon which Ms. Pankovcin’s employment may be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Pankovcin Employment Agreement. In February 2023, the Company formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Pearsanta, Inc. in order to accelerate the growth of the Company’s AditxtScore program through future strategic revenue and growth oriented transactions. In connection with the formation of Pearsanta, Inc. and Ms. Pankovcin’s anticipated role in driving such strategic revenue and growth oriented transactions, Ms. Pankovcin’ s title was changed from President to Chief Commercialization Officer, effective April 12, 2023.
The term of Ms. Pankovcin’s engagement under the Pankovcin Employment Agreement commences as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement) and continues until November 14, 2023, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Pankovcin Employment Agreement. The term of Ms. Pankovcin’s Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until terminated by Ms. Pankovcin or the Company.
Pursuant to the Pankovcin Employment Agreement, Ms. Pankovcin will receive: (i) a base salary at the annual rate of $250,000 for the remainder of calendar year 2021, and effective January 1, 2022, $385,000 (prorated for any partial year) payable in bimonthly installments and (ii) eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus with a target amount of 45% of Base Compensation, which is based on the achievement of performance objectives, which will be determined by the Board and Compensation Committee. In addition, for calendar year 2021, Ms. Pankovcin shall be eligible to earn an additional discretionary bonus as determined by the Company.
Under the Pankovcin Employment Agreement, termination of Ms. Pankovcin by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement), or resignation by Ms. Pankovcin for “Good Reason” (as defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Ms. Pankovcin. Upon any such termination, Ms. Pankovcin will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement), which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Ms. Pankovcin for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus; provided, however, if termination of Ms. Pankovcin by the Company without “Cause” or resignation by Ms. Pankovcin for “Good Reason,” then under the Pankovcin Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Ms. Pankovcin. Upon any such termination, Ms. Pankovcin will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Ms. Pankovcin’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive: (i) on the sixtieth day (60th) day following termination, a lump sum amount equal to twelve (12) months base salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Ms. Pankovcin’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) cause any equity awards granted prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement), that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, under the Pankovcin Employment Agreement, termination of Ms. Pankovcin by the Company without Cause or resignation by Ms. Pankovcin for Good Reason and a Change of Control (as defined in the Pankovcin Employment Agreement) of the Company occurs within six (6) months after such termination, or within twenty-four (24) months prior to such termination, the Company will pay severance to Ms. Pankovcin in connection to such termination. Upon such termination, Ms. Pankovcin will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation, and subject to Ms. Pankovcin’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive (i) on the sixtieth (60th) day of termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the sum of (A) the product of two times Ms. Pankovcin’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings, and (B) the product of two times Ms. Pankovcin’s Target Bonus; (ii) provide reimbursement to Ms. Pankovcin’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to the that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable for twenty-four (24) months (but not later than when the award would otherwise expire).
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The Pankovcin Employment Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, which covenants remain in effect for twelve (12) months following any cessation of employment with respect to Ms. Pankovcin. To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Pankovcin Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Ms. Pankovcin and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Ms. Pankovcin the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
Thomas J. Farley, Chief Financial Officer
On November 14, 2021, Aditxt, Inc. the Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Farley Employment Agreement”) with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Thomas Farley, pursuant to which Mr. Farley will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer until the date upon which Mr. Farley’s employment may be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Farley Employment Agreement.
The term of Mr. Farley’s engagement under the Farley Employment Agreement commences as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement) and continues until November 14, 2023, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Farley Employment Agreement. The term of Mr. Farley’s Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until terminated by Mr. Farley or the Company.
Pursuant to the Farley Employment Agreement, Mr. Farley will receive: (i) a base salary at the annual rate of $225,000 for the remainder of calendar year 2021, and effective January 1, 2022, $355,000 (prorated for any partial year) payable in bimonthly installments and, (ii) eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus with a target amount of 40% of Base Compensation, which is based on the achievement of performance objectives, which will be determined by the Board and Compensation Committee. In addition, for calendar year 2021, Mr. Farley will be eligible to earn an additional discretionary bonus as determined by the Company.
Under the Farley Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Farley by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Farley Employment Agreement), or resignation by Mr. Farley without “Good Reason” (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Farley. Upon any such termination, Mr. Farley will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Mr. Farley for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus; provided, however, if termination of Mr. Farley by the Company without “Cause” or resignation by Mr. Farley for “Good Reason,” then under the Farley Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Farley. Upon any such termination, Mr. Farley will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Mr. Farley’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive (i) on the sixtieth day (60th) day following termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the sum of (A) the product of two times Mr. Farley’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings, and (B) the product of two times Mr. Farley’s Target Bonus (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement); (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Farley’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) cause any equity awards granted prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement), that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, under the Farley Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Farley by the Company without Cause or resignation by Mr. Farley for Good Reason and a Change of Control (as defined in the Farley Employment Agreement) of the Company occurs within six (6) months after such termination, or within twenty-four (24) months prior to such termination, the Company will pay severance to Mr. Farley in connection to such termination. Upon such termination, Mr. Farley will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation, and subject to Mr. Farley’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive (i) on the sixtieth (60th) day of termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the product of two times Mr. Farley’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Farley’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to the that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable (but not later than when the award would otherwise expire).
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The Farley Employment Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, which covenants remain in effect for twelve (12) months following any cessation of employment with respect to Mr. Farley. To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Farley Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Mr. Farley and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Mr. Farley the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
Shahrokh Shabahang, Chief Innovation Officer
On November 14, 2021, the “Company entered into a new employment agreement (the “Shabahang Employment Agreement”) with the Company’s Chief Innovation Officer, Shahrokh Shabahang, pursuant to which Mr. Shabahang will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Innovation Officer until the date upon which Mr. Shabahang’s employment may be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Shabahang Employment Agreement.
The term of Mr. Shabahang’s engagement under the Shabahang Employment Agreement commences as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement) and continues until November 14, 2023, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Shabahang Employment Agreement. The term of Mr. Shabahang’s Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until terminated by Mr. Shabahang or the Company.
Pursuant to the Shabahang Employment Agreement, Mr. Shabahang will receive: (i) a base salary at the annual rate of $210,000 for the remainder of calendar year 2021, and effective January 1, 2022, $325,000 (prorated for any partial year) payable in bimonthly installments, and (ii) eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus with a target amount of 40% of Base Compensation, which is based on the achievement of performance objectives, which will be determined by the Board and Compensation Committee. In addition, for calendar year 2021, Mr. Shabahang will be eligible to earn an additional discretionary bonus as determined by the Company.
Under the Shabahang Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Shabahang by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement), or resignation by Mr. Shabahang without “Good Reason” (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Shabahang. Upon any such termination, Mr. Shabahang will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement), which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Mr. Shabahang for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus; provided, however, if termination of Mr. Shabahang by the Company without “Cause” or resignation by Mr. Shabahang for “Good Reason,” then under the Shabahang Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Shabahang. Upon any such termination, Mr. Shabahang will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Mr. Shabahang’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive: (i) on the sixtieth day (60th) day following termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the sum of (A) the product of two times Mr. Shabahangs’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings, and (B) the product of two times Mr. Shabahang’s Target Bonus (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement); (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Shabahang’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) cause any equity awards granted prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement), that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, under the Shabahang Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Shabahang by the Company for without Cause or resignation by Mr. Shabahang for Good Reason and a Change of Control (as defined in the Shabahang Employment Agreement) of the Company occurs within six (6) months after such termination, or within twenty-four (24) months prior to such termination, the Company will pay severance to Mr. Shabahang in connection to such termination. Upon such termination, Mr. Shabahang will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation, and subject to Mr. Shabahang’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive: (i) on the sixtieth (60th) day of termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the product of two times Mr. Shabahang’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Shabahang’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to the that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable for twenty-four (24) months (but not later than when the award would otherwise expire).
The Shabahang Employment Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, which covenants remain in effect for twelve (12) months following any cessation of employment with respect to Mr. Shabahang. To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Shabahang Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Mr. Shabahang and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Mr. Shabahang the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
Rowena Albanna, Chief Operating Officer
On November 14, 2021, Aditxt, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a new employment agreement (the “Rowena Employment Agreement”) with the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Rowena Albanna, pursuant to which Ms. Albanna will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer until the date upon which Ms. Albanna’s employment may be terminated in accordance with the terms of the Rowena Employment Agreement.
The term of Ms. Albanna’s engagement under the Rowena Employment Agreement commences as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement) and continues until November 14, 2023, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Rowena Employment Agreement. The term of Ms. Albanna’s Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods until terminated by Ms. Albanna or the Company.
Pursuant to the Rowena Employment Agreement, Ms. Albanna will receive: (i) a base salary at the annual rate of $210,000 for the remainder of calendar year 2021 and effective January 1, 2022, $325,000 (prorated for any partial year) payable in bimonthly installments, and (ii) eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus with a target amount of 40% of Base Compensation, which is based on the achievement of performance objectives, which will be determined by the Board and Compensation Committee. In addition, for calendar year 2021, Ms. Albanna will be eligible to earn an additional discretionary bonus as determined by the Company.
Under the Rowena Employment Agreement, termination of Ms. Albanna by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement), or resignation by Ms. Albanna for “Good Reason” (as defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Ms. Albanna. Upon any such termination, Ms. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement), which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Ms. Albanna for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus; provided, however, if termination of Ms. Albanna by the Company without “Cause” or resignation by Ms. Albanna for “Good Reason” (as such terms are defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement), then under the Rowena Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Ms. Albanna. Upon any such termination, Ms. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Ms. Albanna’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive: (i) on the sixtieth day (60th) day following termination, a lump sum amount equal to twelve (12) months base salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings; (ii) provide reimbursement to Ms. Albanna’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination; and (iii) cause any equity awards granted prior to the Effective Date (as defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement), that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, under the Rowena Employment Agreement, termination of Ms. Albanna by the Company without Cause or resignation by Ms. Albanna for Good Reason and a Change of Control (as defined in the Rowena Employment Agreement) of the Company occurs within six (6) months after such termination, or within twenty-four (24) months prior to such termination, the Company will pay severance to Ms. Albanna in connection to such termination. Upon such termination, Ms. Albanna will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation, and subject to Ms. Albanna’s execution of an irrevocable release, receive: (i) on the sixtieth (60th) day of termination, a lump sum cash-payment equal to the sum of (A) the product of two times Ms. Albanna’s salary then in effect as of the date of termination, less applicable taxes and withholdings, and (B) the product of two times Ms. Albanna’s Target Bonus; (ii) provide reimbursement to Ms. Albanna’s medical insurance premiums for a period of twenty-four (24) months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to the that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable for twenty-four (24) months (but not later than when the award would otherwise expire).
The Rowena Employment Agreement also contains customary non-solicitation and non-competition covenants, which covenants remain in effect for twelve (12) months following any cessation of employment with respect to Ms. Albanna. To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Rowena Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Ms. Albanna and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Ms. Albanna the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
Matthew Shatzkes, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
On January 28, 2022, Aditxt, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Matthew Shatzkes, the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel of the Company. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Shatzkes will (i) receive a base salary at the annual rate of $385,000 (the “Base Compensation”) payable in bimonthly installments, (ii) receive a one-time sign-on bonus (the “Sign-on Bonus”), (iii) a minimum 2022 quarterly bonus (the “Minimum 2022 Bonus”), and (iv) will be entitled to earn an annual discretionary bonus beginning in fiscal year 2022.
Following the first anniversary of the Employment Agreement (the “Anniversary Date”), in addition to Mr. Shatzkes’ Base Compensation, Mr. Shatzkes will be entitled to a minimum quarterly bonus (the “Subsequent Year Minimum Bonus”). Following the Anniversary Date, in addition to Mr. Shatzkes’ Base Compensation and Subsequent Year Minimum Bonus, Mr. Shatzkes will also be eligible to earn an annual discretionary bonus.
Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Shatzkes will also receive (i) a restricted stock unit award that will entitle Mr. Shatzkes to receive 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock which shall vest immediately, and (ii) a restricted stock unit award of an additional 330,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, which shall vest ratably over eight successive equal quarterly installments over a two-year period commencing on March 1, 2022 and ending on December 1, 2023.
The term of Mr. Shatzkes engagement under the Employment Agreement commences on the Effective Date (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and continues until January 16, 2024, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement. The term of Mr. Shatzkes’ Employment Agreement is automatically renewed for successive one-year periods until terminated by Mr. Shatzkes or the Company.
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Under the Employment Agreement, termination of Mr. Shatzkes by the Company for “Cause,” “Death,” or “Disability,” (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement), or resignation by Mr. Shatzkes without “Good Reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement), will not require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Shatzkes. Upon any such termination, Mr. Shatzkes will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation (as defined in the Employment Agreement), which in the case of termination by the Company for Cause or resignation by Mr. Shatzkes for Good Reason will not include payment of pro rata bonus. If, however, termination of Mr. Shatzkes by the Company without “Cause”, resignation by Mr. Shatzkes for “Good Reason” or and a Change of Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) event occurs, then the Employment Agreement will require the Company to pay severance to Mr. Shatzkes. Upon any such termination, Mr. Shatzkes will be entitled to receive any Accrued Compensation and, subject to Mr. Shatzkes’ execution of an irrevocable release, (i) on the sixtieth day following termination, a lump sum amount equal (a) twelve months of his Base Compensation, Sign-on Bonus and Minimum 2022 Bonus if his Employment Agreement is terminated prior to December 31, 2022, or (b) his Base Compensation and Subsequent Year Minimum Bonus if his Employment Agreement is terminated after December 31, 2022; (ii) provide reimbursement to Mr. Shatzkes’ medical insurance premiums for a period of twelve months following the date of termination; and (iii) notwithstanding any provision of any stock incentive plan, stock option agreement, realization bonus, restricted stock agreement or other agreement relating to capital stock of the Company, cause any equity awards granted prior to that termination that are then outstanding and unvested to immediately vest and, with respect to all options and stock appreciation rights, to become fully exercisable.
To the extent any of the payments or benefits provided for under the Employment Agreement or any other agreement or arrangement between Mr. Shatzkes and the Company (collectively, the “Payments”), (a) constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G (“Section 280G”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and restated (the “Code”), and (b) would otherwise be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (“Section 4999”), then the Company will pay or provide the greater (whichever gives Mr. Shatzkes the highest net after-tax amount) of (i) all of the Payments or (ii) the portion of Payments not in excess of the greatest amount of Payments that can be paid that would not result in the imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table presents information concerning unexercised options and unvested restricted stock awards for each Named Executive Officer outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
| Option Awards | Restricted Stock Awards | Restricted Stock Units | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Name | Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) exercisable |
Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of securities underlying unexercised restricted stock awards (#) exercisable |
Number of securities underlying unexercised restricted stock awards (#) unexercisable |
Number of securities underlying unexercised restricted stock units (#) exercisable |
Number of securities underlying unexercised restricted stock units (#) unexercisable |
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amro Albanna | 4,000 | — | $ | 200.00 | March 6, 2023 | — | 2,000 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amro Albanna | 8,000 | — | $ | 200.00 | April 17, 2024 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 3,300 | — | $ | 201.00 | March 20, 2025 | — | 1,100 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 150 | — | $ | 550.00 | October 5, 2027 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 2,475 | 825 | $ | 96.00 | November 2, 2030 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Corinne Pankovcin | 300 | — | $ | 96.00 | November 2, 2030 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Thomas J. Farley | 1,200 | — | $ | 96.00 | November 2, 2030 | — | — | — | 712 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock as of July [*], 2023, based on 6,760,064 shares issued and outstanding by (i) each person known to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) our executive officers and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group. Shares are beneficially owned when an individual has voting and/or investment power over the shares or could obtain voting and/or investment power over the shares within 60 days of April 26, 2023. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed below is c/o Aditxt, Inc., 737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219.
| Number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned | Percentage | |||||||
| Directors and Officers: | ||||||||
| Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. (1) | 29,005 | * | % | |||||
| Amro Albanna (2) | 27,873 | * | % | |||||
| Corinne Pankovcin (3) | 10,160 | * | % | |||||
| Rowena Albanna (4) | 10,135 | * | % | |||||
| Brian Brady (5) | 680 | * | % | |||||
| Namvar Kiaie (6) | 498 | * | % | |||||
| Jeffrey Runge, M.D. (7) | 480 | * | % | |||||
| Thomas J. Farley (8) | 4,350 | * | % | |||||
| Matthew Shatzkes (9) | 8,775 | * | % | |||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) | 91,956 | 1.23 | % | |||||
| * | Less than 1% |
| (1) | Includes (i) 20,301 beneficially owned by Shabahang-Hatami Family Trust, of which Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. is the Trustee; (ii) warrants to purchase 4,404 shares, including 945 Series A Warrants issued as part of the conversion of outstanding accrued compensation through March 31, 2020, and 3,459 warrants beneficially owned by the Shabahang-Hatami Family Trust; (iii) 2,200 shares issuable pursuant to options that are fully vested or will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023; (iv) 125 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023; and (v) 1,975 shares directly owned by Mr. Shabahang. |
| (2) | Includes (i) 12,000 shares issuable pursuant to options that are fully vested or will vest within 60 days of April 26, 2023; (ii) 6,000 shares beneficially owned by the Albanna Family Trust, of which Mr. Albanna is the Trustee; (iii) 9,111 shares directly owned by Mr. Albanna; and (iv) 762 Series A Warrants issued as part of the conversion of outstanding accrued compensation through March 31, 2020. Mr. Albanna may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by his wife Rowena Albanna, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. |
| (3) | Includes (i) 3,385 shares held directly by Ms. Pankovcin; and (ii) 6,775 shares issuable pursuant to options that are fully vested or will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023. |
| (4) | Includes (i) 3,298 shares held directly by Ms. Albanna; (ii) 6,000 shares issuable pursuant to options that are fully vested or will vest within 60 days of April 26, 2023; (iii) 125 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023; and (iv) 712 Series A Warrants issued as part of the conversion of outstanding accrued compensation through March 31, 2020. Ms. Albanna may be deemed to beneficially own the securities held by her husband Amro Albanna, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. |
| (5) | Includes (i) 480 shares held directly by Mr. Brady; and (ii) 200 shares issuable pursuant to options that have vested as of July [*], 2023. |
| (6) | Includes (i) 275 shares held directly by Mr. Kiaie; (ii) 23 shares issuable upon exercise of Series A Warrants; and (iii) 200 shares issuable pursuant to options that have vested as of July [*], 2023. |
| (7) | Includes (i) 50 shares held by Biologue, Inc., over which Dr. Runge has voting and dispositive control; (ii) 230 shares held directly by Dr. Runge; and (iii) 200 shares issuable pursuant to options that have vested as of July [*], 2023. |
| (8) | Includes (i) 2,912 shares held directly by Mr. Farley; (ii) 1,200 shares issuable pursuant to options that have vested or will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023; and (iii) 238 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023. |
| (9) | Includes (i) 7,950 shares held directly by Mr. Shatzkes; and (ii) 825 restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of July [*], 2023. |
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DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in the ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Such persons are required to furnish us copies of all Section 16(a) filings. Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, we believe that our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Except as described below and except for employment arrangements which are described under “executive compensation,” since January 1, 2018, there has not been, nor is there currently proposed, any transaction in which we are or were a participant, the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of the total assets at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and any of our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our common stock or any immediate family member of any of the foregoing had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, Rowena Albanna, the wife of Amro Albanna, our Chief Executive Officer, provided the Company with operations consulting services. In July 2020, Ms. Albanna joined the Company as its Chief Operating Officer. As of December 31, 2018, $112,000 was accrued as compensation. An additional $180,000 was expensed as compensation during the year ended December 31, 2019, and $17,000 was paid on the accrued balance. As of December 31, 2019, $275,000 remained accrued and outstanding.
On January 22, 2018, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to Sekris for $40,000 that accrued interest of 4% annually. The note was due on the earlier of July 22, 2018 or in the event of default, as defined in the agreement. This note has been repaid as of December 31, 2019.
On February 12, 2018, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to Sekris for $50,000 that accrued interest of 4% annually. The note was due on the earlier of August 12, 2018 or in the event of default, as defined in the agreement. This note has been repaid as of December 31, 2019.
On March 2, 2018, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to Sekris for $10,000 that accrued interest of 4% annually. The note was due on the earlier of September 2, 2018 or in the event of default, as defined in the agreement. This note has been repaid as of December 31, 2019.
On March 8, 2018, we entered into an Assignment Agreement (the “Assignment Agreement”) with Sekris. See “Summary — Overview — License Agreement with Loma Linda University.” Dr. Shabahang, our Chief Innovative Officer, was the Chief Executive Officer of Sekris. Sekris was subsequently dissolved in 2019.
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On March 8, 2018, we issued a warrant to purchase up to 10,000 shares of our common stock to Sekris. On March 2, 2018, we issued a 4% unsecured promissory note to Sekris in the principal amount of $10,000. Principal and interest was due on September 2, 2018 or immediately upon an event of default. On February 12, 2018, we issued a 4% unsecured promissory note to Sekris in the principal amount of $50,000. Principal and interest was due on August 12, 2018 or immediately upon an event of default. On January 22, 2018, we issued a 4% unsecured promissory note to Sekris in the principal amount of $40,000. Principal and interest was due on July 22, 2018 or immediately upon an event of default.
On June 18, 2018, the Company issued an unsecured promissory note to Sekris for $17,502 that accrued interest of 4% annually. The note was due on the earlier of December 18, 2018 or in the event of default, as defined in the agreement. This note has been repaid as of December 31, 2019.
On January 1, 2019, we entered into a consulting agreement with Rowena Albanna, the wife of Amro Albanna, our Chief Executive Officer, to perform operations consulting services. As part of this agreement, we pay Ms. Albanna $15,000 per month for her services. This agreement terminated on June 30, 2020. In July 2020, Ms. Albanna joined the Company as its Chief Operating Officer.
On March 21, 2019, we issued a promissory note to Dr. Shabahang, our Chief Innovative Officer. The note has a principal amount of $10,000, was due on September 21, 2019, and bears an interest rate of 4% per year. This note remains outstanding.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we assumed an aggregate of $189,625 of liabilities from Sekris in exchange for the return of 94,813 shares of our common stock.
On January 20, 2020, we issued a promissory note to Brian Brady, a member of our board of directors. The note has a principal amount of $50,000, was due on the earlier of April 19, 2020 or within 10 days of the closing of our initial public offering. This note carried an original issue discount of $25,000. The note was amended on April 23, 2020 to extend the maturity date to the earlier of June 30, 2020 or within 10 days of the closing of our initial public offering. This note was repaid in July 2020.
In July 2020, we issued units of securities to the related parties listed below in conversion of their outstanding accrued compensation through March 31, 2020. The units were the same type and form of the units offered in the IPO.
| ● | 762 units to Amro Albanna, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in conversion of $342,500 in accrued compensation through March 31, 2020; |
| ● | 945 units to Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D., our Chief Innovation Officer and Director, in conversion of $425,000 in accrued compensation through March 31, 2020; and |
| ● | 712 units to Rowena Albanna, the wife of our Chief Executive Officer and an independent contractor providing services to the Company, in conversion of $320,000 in accrued compensation through March 31, 2020. In July 2020, Ms. Albanna joined the Company as its Chief Operating Officer. |
Review, Approval and Ratification of Related Party Transactions
Given our small size and limited financial resources, we have not adopted formal policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions, such as those described above, with our executive officer(s), Director(s) and significant stockholders. We intend to establish formal policies and procedures in the future, once we have sufficient resources and have appointed additional Directors, so that such transactions will be subject to the review, approval or ratification of our Board of Directors, or an appropriate committee thereof. On a moving forward basis, our Directors will continue to approve any related party transaction.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material,” deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act that might incorporate by reference future filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the following Audit Committee Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any such filings.
The Audit Committee is comprised of three independent directors (as defined under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2)). The Audit Committee operates under a written charter, which is available on our website at https://aditxt.com/investor-relations/2325-2/.
We have reviewed and discussed with management and the Company’s auditors, the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
We have discussed with dbbmckennon, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the matters as required to be discussed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 1301 (Communications with Audit Committees).
We have received the written disclosures and the letter from dbbmckennon required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding dbbmckennon’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and have discussed with dbbmckennon, their independence from management and the Company.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, we recommended to the Board that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.
| Submitted by the Audit Committee | ||
| Brian Brady, Chairman | ||
| Namvar Kiaie | ||
| Jeffrey Runge, M.D. |
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RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Our board of directors has selected dbbmckennon to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. dbbmckennon has audited our financial statements since fiscal year 2018.
Although stockholder approval of the selection of dbbmckennon is not required by law, our board of directors believes it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this selection. If this proposal is not approved at the Annual Meeting, the board of directors may reconsider its selection of dbbmckennon.
Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
dbbmckennon acted as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the interim periods in such fiscal years. The following table shows the fees that were incurred by the Company for audit and other services provided by dbbmckennon for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Audit Fees(a) | $ | 111,250 | $ | 99,065 | ||||
| Tax Fees(b) | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Other Fees(c) | $ | 7,400 | $ | 35,518 | ||||
| Total | $ | 118,650 | $ | 134,538 | ||||
| (a) | Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and the review of its financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory or regulatory filings. |
| (b) | Tax fees represent fees for professional services related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
| (c) | Other fees represent fees related to our filing of certain Registration Statements. |
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
All audit related services, tax services and other services rendered by dbbmckennon were pre-approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Commencing in 2020, the Audit Committee was charged with all pre-approval activities with respect to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy that provides for the pre-approval of all services performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval policy, and the fees for the services performed to date.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Our officers and directors do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 2.
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THE AUGUST 2022 TRANSACTION PROPOSAL
Background
On August 4, 2022, August 11, 2022 and September 12, 2022, we entered into Securities Purchase Agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) with certain accredited investors (the “Investors”) for the offering, sale, and issuance (the “Offering”) of an aggregate of $2,388,888 in principal amount of Senior Secured Promissory Notes (the “Notes”). Concurrently with the sale of the Notes, pursuant to the Purchase Agreements, we also issued an aggregate of 47,780 shares of our common stock as commitment fees and warrants (the “August Warrants”) to purchase up to 229,773 shares of our common stock to the Investors.
Furthermore, on August 31, 2022, we entered into an Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Future Receipts (the “Agreement”) with a commercial funding source (the “Funder”) pursuant to which we, among other things, issued the Funder a warrant (the “Funder Warrant” and together with the August Warrants, the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 26,667 shares of our common stock.
The Purchase Agreements require that we call and hold a meeting of our stockholders for the purpose of requesting approval (“Stockholder Approval”) of the issuance of shares of common stock underlying the Notes and the Warrants pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d).
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) provides that stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by the Company of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction. See “— Reasons for Stockholder Approval” below.
In light of this rule, the Purchase Agreements, the Notes and the Warrants provide that, unless we obtain the approval of our stockholders as required by Nasdaq, the Company is prohibited from issuing any shares of common stock pursuant to the terms of the Notes and Warrants, if (i) the issuance of such shares of common stock pursuant to the Notes and Warrants would exceed 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock as of August 4, 2022, or, (ii) if such issuance would otherwise exceed the aggregate number of shares of common stock which the Company may issue without breaching its obligations under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.
On or about September 30, 2022, prior to the issuance of any shares of common stock upon conversion of the Notes, we repaid the outstanding balance of the Notes, including all accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
Accordingly, at the Annual Meeting, stockholders will vote on the approval of the issuance of securities in the transaction contemplated by the Purchase Agreements and the Warrants, including the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
The following is a summary of the material features of the Warrants. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Form of Warrant, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A.
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The Warrants
The Warrants are exercisable for a period of five years commencing on the Commencement Date (as defined in the Warrants) at an initial exercise price of $11.78 per share, which was subsequently adjusted to $7.50, and may be subject to additional adjustment (including cashless exercise).
The Company is prohibited from effecting an exercise of the Warrants to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, the holder of the Warrant together with the holder’s affiliates, would beneficially own more than 4.99% of the number of shares of common stock of the Company outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such shares.
Effect on Current Stockholders
The issuance of securities pursuant to the Warrants will not affect the rights of the holders of outstanding common stock, but such issuances will have a dilutive effect on the existing stockholders, including the voting power and economic rights of the existing stockholders.
The Warrant provides that the holder is prohibited from exercising the warrant to the extent the holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock after such conversion or exercise.
Unlike Nasdaq Rule 5635(d), which limits the aggregate number of shares the Company may issue to the holder of the Warrant, this beneficial ownership limitation limits the number of shares the holder may beneficially own at any one time. Consequently, the number of shares the holder may beneficially own in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation may increase over time as the number of outstanding shares of common stock increases over time. In addition, the holder may sell some or all of the shares it receives under the Warrant, permitting it to acquire additional shares in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation.
Description of Common Stock
The Company is currently authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001, and 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001.
Common Stock
Voting
The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by the Company’s stockholders. There is no cumulative voting.
Liquidation
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the net assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of or provision for all of our debts and other liabilities.
Fully Paid and Non-assessable
All outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Dividends
The Company has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock to date. Any future decisions regarding dividends will be made by its board of directors. The Company does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future but expect to retain earnings to finance the growth of its business. The Company’s board of directors has complete discretion on whether to pay dividends. Even if the Company’s board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon the Company’s future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant.
Market
The Company’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ADTX.”
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
Provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”) and the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could make it more difficult to acquire the Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and takeover bids that the Company’s board of directors may consider inadequate and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the Company to first negotiate with its board of directors. The Company believes that the benefits of increased protection of its ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure the Company outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover or acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in improved terms for its stockholders.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. We may become subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits persons deemed to be “interested stockholders” from engaging in a “business combination” with a publicly-held Delaware corporation for three years following the date these persons become interested stockholders unless the business combination is, or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder was, approved in a prescribed manner or another prescribed exception applies. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. The existence of this provision may have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by the board of directors. A Delaware corporation may “opt out” of these provisions with an express provision in its original certificate of incorporation or an express provision in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws resulting from a stockholders’ amendment approved by at least a majority of the outstanding voting shares. We have not opted out of these provisions. As a result, mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts of us may be discouraged or prevented.
Vacancies in the Board of Directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that, subject to limitations, any vacancy occurring in its board of directors for any reason may be filled by a majority of the remaining members of its board of directors then in office. Each director elected to fill a vacancy resulting from the death, resignation or removal of a director shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the director whose death, resignation or removal created the vacancy.
Advance Notice of Nominations and Stockholder Proposals. Our Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors. At an annual meeting, stockholders may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of our board of directors. Stockholders may also consider a proposal or nomination by a person who was a stockholder at the time of giving notice and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the notice requirements of our Bylaws in all respects. Our Bylaws do not give our board of directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting of our stockholders. However, our Bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed. These provisions may also 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 our company.
No Cumulative Voting. The DGCL provides that stockholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.
Calling of a Stockholder Meeting. Our Bylaws provide that a special meeting of our stockholders may be called only by our Chairman or by resolution adopted by a majority of our board of directors. Because our stockholders do not have the right to call a special meeting, a stockholder could not force stockholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors by calling a special meeting of stockholders prior to such time as a majority of our board of directors, the chairperson of our board of directors, the president or the chief executive officer believed the matter should be considered or until the next annual meeting provided that the requestor met the notice requirements. The restriction on the ability of stockholders to call a special meeting means that a proposal to replace our board of directors also could be delayed until the next annual meeting.
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Exclusive Forum. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the us, our directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us, our directors, officers, employees or agents governed by the internal affairs doctrine, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim as to which the Court of Chancery 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 ten days following such determination), which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction.
Additionally, our Bylaws provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock are deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. The Supreme Court of Delaware has held that this type of exclusive federal forum provision is enforceable. There may be uncertainty, however, as to whether courts of other jurisdictions would enforce such a provision, if applicable.
Reasons for Stockholder Approval
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and, as such, we are subject to the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction.
The board has determined that the ability to issue securities pursuant to the Warrants is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders in order to comply with the terms of the Purchase Agreements and to receive the economic benefits of the Warrants upon exercise thereof.
Effect of Failure to Obtain Stockholder Approval
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement we are obligated to cause stockholder meetings to be held until Stockholder Approval is obtained.
Effect of Approval
Upon obtaining Stockholder Approval requested in this proposal, we would no longer be bound by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)’s restriction on the number or shares of common stock we are able to issue under the Warrants. As the exercise price of the Warrants could be adjusted downwards upon the occurrence of certain events in the future, we are unable to accurately predict how many shares may be issuable upon full exercise of the Warrants. As such, the additional shares that the Company could issue to the holder of the Warrants may result in significant dilution to existing stockholders, a decline in our share price, or greater price volatility.
Each additional common share that would be issuable to the holders of the Warrants would have the same rights and privileges as each of our currently authorized common shares. See “— Description of Common Stock” above.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Our officers and directors do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 3.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 3.
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THE JULY 2023 TRANSACTION PROPOSAL
Background
On July 3, 2023, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Securities Purchase Agreement”) with an accredited investor pursuant to which we issued and sold a secured promissory note in the principal amount of $375,000 (the “Note”) resulting in gross proceeds of $250,000. In connection with the issuance of the Note, we issued 156,250 shares of its common stock (the “Commitment Shares”) as a commitment fee to the investor. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, we are obligated to obtain approval of its shareholders with respect to the issuance of any securities in connection with the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Note in excess of 19.99% of our issued and outstanding shares on the closing date. The Note has a maturity date of December 31, 2023 and is convertible following shareholder approval and the occurrence of an Event of Default (as defined in the Note) at a conversion price of $0.45 per share. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Form of Note, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix B.
Reasons for Stockholder Approval
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and, as such, we are subject to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) requires stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction.
The board has determined that the ability to issue securities pursuant to the promissory notes is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders in order to comply with the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement and to conserve cash upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.
Effect of Failure to Obtain Stockholder Approval
Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement we are obligated to cause stockholder meetings to be held until stockholder approval is obtained.
Effect of Approval
Upon obtaining stockholder approval requested in this proposal, we would no longer be bound by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)’s restriction on the number or shares of common stock we are able to issue under the Notes.
Each additional common share that would be issuable to the holders of the Notes would have the same rights and privileges as each of our currently authorized common shares. See “— Description of Common Stock” under Proposal No. 3 above.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Our officers and directors do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 4.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 4.
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AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUE SECURITIES IN ONE OR MORE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(D)
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, and, as such, we are subject to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) requires stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction.
We may seek to raise additional capital to implement our business strategy and enhance our overall capitalization. We have not determined the particular terms for such prospective offerings. Because we may seek additional capital that triggers the requirements of Rule 5635(d), we are seeking stockholder approval now, so that we will be able to move quickly to take full advantage of any opportunities that may develop in the equity markets.
We are seeking stockholder approval for the potential issuance of shares of our common stock, or securities convertible into our common stock, in one or more capital-raising transactions, or offerings, subject to the following limitations:
| ● | The aggregate number of shares issued in the offerings will not exceed [*] million shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split effected prior to the offerings (including pursuant to preferred stock, options, warrants, convertible debt or other securities exercisable for or convertible into Common Stock); |
| ● | The total aggregate consideration will not exceed $[*] in cash; |
| ● | Such offerings will occur, if at all, on or before [*], 2024; and | |
| ● | Such other terms as our Board of Directors shall deem to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, not inconsistent with the foregoing. |
The issuance of shares of our common stock, or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock, in accordance with any offerings would dilute, and thereby reduce, each existing stockholder’s proportionate ownership in our common stock.
The issuance of shares of common stock in one or more non-public offerings could have an anti-takeover effect. Such issuance could dilute the voting power of a person seeking control of the Company, thereby deterring or rendering more difficult a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or an extraordinary corporate transaction opposed by the Company.
Our Board of Directors has not yet determined the terms and conditions of any offerings. As a result, the level of potential dilution cannot be determined at this time, but as discussed above, we may not issue more than [*] million shares of common stock in the aggregate pursuant to the authority requested from stockholders under this proposal (subject to adjustment for any reverse stock split). It is possible that if we conduct a non-public stock offering, some of the shares we sell could be purchased by one or more investors who could acquire a large block of our common stock. This would concentrate voting power in the hands of a few stockholders who could exercise greater influence on our operations or the outcome of matters put to a vote of stockholders in the future.
We cannot determine what the actual net proceeds of the offerings will be until they are completed, but as discussed above, the aggregate dollar amount of the non-public offerings will be no more than $[*] million. If all or part of the offerings is completed, the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including our strategic M&A initiatives. We currently have no arrangements or understandings regarding any specific transaction with investors, so we cannot predict whether we will be successful should we seek to raise capital through any offerings.
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Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The full text of our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the interim unaudited financial statements as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 are incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 accompanying this Proxy Statement and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 and May 15, 2023, respectively.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
For “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, please see Item 7 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 and accompanying this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
For “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, please see Item 2 in our quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
For “Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure”, please see Item 9 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on April 17, 2023 and accompanying this Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not required for Smaller Reporting Companies.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 5.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal 5.
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APPROVAL OF ANY CHANGE IN CONTROL UNDER NASDAQ MARKETPLACE RULE 5635(D) THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE NON-PUBLIC OFFERINGS
Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(b) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to certain issuances with respect to common stock or securities convertible into common stock which will result in a change of control of the issuer. This rule does not specifically define when a change in control of an issuer may be deemed to occur; however, Nasdaq suggests in its guidance that a change of control would occur, subject to certain limited exceptions, if after a transaction a person or an entity will hold 20% or more of the issuer’s then outstanding capital stock. For the purpose of calculating the holdings of such person or entity, Nasdaq would take into account, in addition to the securities received by such person or entity in the transaction, all of the shares owned by such person or entity unrelated to the transaction and would assume the conversion of any convertible securities held by such person or entity. We are seeking the stockholders approval on any change in control as used in Rule 5635(b) in the event that potential issuance of securities in the offerings proposed in Proposal No. 5 would result in a change in control.
Stockholders should note that a change of control as described under Rule 5635(b) applies only with respect to the application of such rule. Neither Delaware law nor our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws require us to obtain stockholder approval of such change in control as used in Rule 5635 (b).
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 6.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 6.
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THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
Our board of directors has approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to combine the outstanding shares of our common stock into a lesser number of outstanding shares (a “Reverse Stock Split”). If approved by the stockholders as proposed, the board of directors would have the sole discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split, if at all, within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders and to fix the specific ratio for the combination within a range of one-for-[*] (1:[*]) to a maximum of a one-for-[*] (1:[*]) split. The board of directors has the discretion to abandon the amendment and not implement the Reverse Stock Split.
If approved by our stockholders, this proposal would permit (but not require) the board of directors to effect a Reverse Stock Split of the outstanding shares of our common stock within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders, at a specific ratio within a range of one-for-[*] (1:[*]) to a maximum of a one-for-[*] (1:[*]) split, with the specific ratio to be fixed within this range by the board of directors in its sole discretion without further stockholder approval. We believe that enabling the board of directors to fix the specific ratio of the Reverse Stock Split within the stated range will provide us with the flexibility to implement it in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits for our stockholders.
In fixing the ratio, the board of directors may consider, among other things, factors such as: the initial and continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market; the number of shares of our common stock outstanding; potential financing opportunities; and prevailing general market and economic conditions.
The Reverse Stock Split, if approved by our stockholders, would become effective upon the filing of the amendment to our certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at the later time set forth in the amendment. The exact timing of the amendment will be determined by the board of directors based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to our Company and our stockholders. In addition, the board of directors reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by the stockholders, to abandon the amendment and the Reverse Stock Split if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, the board of directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders to proceed.
The proposed form of amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Appendix C to this Proxy Statement. Any amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split will include the Reverse Stock Split ratio fixed by the board of directors, within the range approved by our stockholders.
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
The Company’s primary reasons for approving and recommending the Reverse Stock Split are to make our common stock more attractive to certain institutional investors, which would provide for a stronger investor base and to increase the per share price and bid price of our common stock to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq.
On January 18, 2022, we received a notification from Nasdaq related to our failure to maintain a minimum bid price of $1 per share. Based upon the closing bid price for the prior 30 consecutive business days, we no longer met this requirement. However, under the Nasdaq Listing Rules, we were entitled to a compliance period of 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance. In order to regain compliance, we attempted to obtain stockholder approval for a reverse stock split at our 2022 Annual Meeting of stockholders (the “2022 Reverse Stock Split”), originally scheduled for June 24, 2022, and further adjourned to and reconvened on July 8, 2022 and July 15, 2022. At such reconvened meeting, although we received the affirmative vote of more than a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy, there were not sufficient votes to approve the 2022 Reverse Stock Split proposal because of the voting standard of approval by a majority of outstanding shares.
On July 20, 2022, we received a notification from Nasdaq that we had not regained compliance with the minimum bid price rule within the compliance period and that our common stock would be suspended from trading on Nasdaq unless we requested a hearing before a hearings panel no later than July 26, 2022. We timely requested a hearing with the panel, which request stayed any trading suspension of our common stock until the completion of the Nasdaq hearing process and the expiration of any additional extension period granted by the panel following the hearing. The hearing was held on September 8, 2022.
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In order to procure the vote necessary to effect the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, we created a supermajority voting class of preferred stock, which we designated as Series B preferred stock. we issued one share of our Series B preferred stock to our Chief Executive Officer, Amro Albanna in a private placement transaction. With respect to the 2022 Reverse Stock Split proposal, the outstanding share of Series B preferred stock was entitled to 250,000,000 votes on such proposal, which is referred to as supermajority voting; however the votes by the holder of Series B preferred stock were counted in the same “mirrored” proportion as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of common stock who vote on this proposal. On September 7, 2022, the holders of our outstanding shares of common stock and Series B preferred stock approved the 2022 Reverse Stock Split and our Board of Directors subsequently approved a one-for-fifty (1-for-50) reverse split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock and our common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on September 14, 2022. On September 20, 2022, we completed a public offering resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $20 million, which brought the Company back into compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement.
On September 28, 2022, we received the determination from Nasdaq that we had regained compliance with the requirements to remain listed in The Nasdaq Capital Market subject to a Panel Monitor of the Company’s ongoing compliance with such requirements as set forth in Listing Rule 5815(d)(4)(A) until March 28, 2023, which, on April 24, 2023, was subsequently extended to September 28, 2023. If, within that monitoring period, the Listing Qualifications staff (“Staff”) finds the Company out of compliance with one or more listing standards during that period notwithstanding Rule 5810(c)(2), we will not be permitted to provide the Staff with a plan of compliance with respect to that deficiency and Staff will not be permitted to grant additional time for the Company to regain compliance with respect to that deficiency, nor will the company be afforded an applicable cure or compliance period pursuant to Rule 5810(c)(3). Instead, Staff will issue a Staff Delist Determination and the Company will have an opportunity to request a new hearing with the initial Hearings Panel or a newly convened Hearings Panel if the initial Hearings Panel is unavailable. On April 28, 2023, we received a written notice (the “Notice”) from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), ( the “Rule”) as the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. On May 23, 2023, we received written notice from Nasdaq that, based upon the stockholders equity reported by the Company in its Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, and as of March 31, 2023, the Company was no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1), which requires a company to maintain a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity, a market value of listed securities of at least $35 million, or net income from continuing operations of $500,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years (the “Continued Listing Requirements”). On June 28, 2023, we received a letter from Nasdaq notifying us that we have failed to maintain compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement in Listing Rule 5550(b)(1). and the minimum bid price rule in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) as the closing price of Company’s common stock has remained below $1.00 for over 30 consecutive trading days. On July 5, 2023, we submitted an appeal to Nasdaq, which will stay the suspension of our common stock pending a final decision by the Panel. On July 5, 2023, we received notice from Nasdaq that the hearing will be held on August 31, 2023. We will monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and will consider all of our options to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement and the stockholders’ equity requirement. At the hearing, we intend to present our views and plans to regain compliance with the particular deficiencies noted by the Staff, as well as our ability to sustain long-term compliance with all applicable maintenance criteria. There can be no assurance that the Company will regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, the stockholders’ equity requirement or maintain compliance with any of the other Nasdaq continued listing requirements.
In order to attempt to procure the vote necessary to effect the current Reverse Stock Split proposal, on July 10, 2023, we issued one share of our Series C preferred stock to our Chief Executive Officer, Amro Albanna. The terms of the Series C preferred stock are set forth in a Certificate of Designation of Series C preferred stock, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and effective on July 10, 2023. The Series C preferred stock does not have any voting rights except with respect to a reverse stock split proposal, or otherwise as required by law. With respect to the Reverse Stock Split proposal, the outstanding share of Series C preferred stock is entitled to [*] votes on such proposal, which is referred to as supermajority voting; however the votes by the holder of Series C preferred stock will be counted in the same “mirrored” proportion as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of common stock who vote on this proposal. For example, if 50.5% of the shares of common stock voted in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting are voted FOR Proposal 7, then we will count 50.5% of the votes cast (or votes) by the holder of the Series B preferred stock as votes FOR Proposal 7. Holders of common stock and Series C preferred stock will vote on the Reverse Stock Split proposal as a single class. If the Reverse Stock Split proposal is approved, the outstanding share of Series C preferred stock will be automatically redeemed upon the effectiveness of the amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation implementing the Reverse Stock Split.
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In evaluating whether to seek stockholder approval for the Reverse Stock Split, our Board took into consideration negative factors associated with reverse stock splits. These factors include: the negative perception of reverse stock splits that investors, analysts and other stock market participants may hold; the fact that the stock prices of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits have subsequently declined, sometimes significantly, following their reverse stock splits; the possible adverse effect on liquidity that a reduced number of outstanding shares could cause; and the costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split. Even if our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split, our Board reserves the right not to effect the Reverse Stock Split if in our Board’s opinion it would not be in the best interests of the Company or our stockholders to effect such Reverse Stock Split.
Reducing the number of outstanding shares of our common stock through the Reverse Stock Split is intended, absent other factors, to increase the per share market price of our common stock. However, other factors, such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Reverse Stock Split, if completed, will result in the intended benefits described above, that the market price of our common stock will increase following the Reverse Stock Split, that as a result of the Reverse Stock Split we will be able to meet or maintain a bid price over the minimum bid price requirement of Nasdaq or that the market price of our common stock will not decrease in the future. Additionally, we cannot assure you that the market price per share of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the Reverse Stock Split. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the Reverse Stock Split.
In addition, the Company believes the Reverse Stock Split will make its common stock more attractive to a broader range of investors, as it believes that the current market price of the common stock may prevent certain institutional investors, professional investors and other members of the investing public from purchasing stock. Many brokerage houses and institutional investors have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers. Furthermore, some of those policies and practices may function to make the processing of trades in low-priced stocks economically unattractive to brokers. Moreover, because brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were higher. The Company believes that the Reverse Stock Split will make our common stock a more attractive and cost effective investment for many investors, which in turn would enhance the liquidity of the holders of our common stock.
Potential Effects of the Proposed Amendment
If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split and the board of directors effects it, the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding will be reduced, depending upon the ratio determined by the board of directors. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company, except that as described below in “Fractional Shares,” record holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Stock Split because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a share of common stock to round up to the next whole share. In addition, the Reverse Stock Split will not affect any stockholder’s proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment of fractional shares).
The Reverse Stock Split will not change the terms of the common stock. Additionally, the Reverse Stock Split will have no effect on the number of common stock that we are authorized to issue. After the Reverse Stock Split, the shares of common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now authorized. The common stock will remain fully paid and non-assessable.
After the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, we will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act.
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Registered “Book-Entry” Holders of Common Stock
Our registered holders of common stock hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent. These stockholders do not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with statements reflecting the number of shares registered in their accounts.
Stockholders who hold shares electronically in book-entry form with the transfer agent will not need to take action to receive evidence of their shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock.
Holders of Certificated Shares of Common Stock
Stockholders holding shares of our common stock in certificated form will be sent a transmittal letter by the transfer agent after the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split. The letter of transmittal will contain instructions on how a stockholder should surrender his, her or its certificate(s) representing shares of our common stock (the “Old Certificates”) to the transfer agent. Unless a stockholder specifically requests a new paper certificate or holds restricted shares, upon the stockholder’s surrender of all of the stockholder’s Old Certificates to the transfer agent, together with a properly completed and executed letter of transmittal, the transfer agent will register the appropriate number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock electronically in book-entry form and provide the stockholder with a statement reflecting the number of shares registered in the stockholder’s account. No stockholder will be required to pay a transfer or other fee to exchange his, her or its Old Certificates. Until surrendered, we will deem outstanding Old Certificates held by stockholders to be cancelled and only to represent the number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock to which these stockholders are entitled. Any Old Certificates submitted for exchange, whether because of a sale, transfer or other disposition of stock, will automatically be exchanged for appropriate number of shares of post-Reverse Stock Split common stock. If an Old Certificate has a restrictive legend on its reverse side, a new certificate will be issued with the same restrictive legend on its reverse side.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO.
Fractional Shares
We will not issue fractional shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares because they hold a number of shares not evenly divisible by the Reverse Stock Split ratio will automatically be entitled to receive an additional fraction of a share of common stock to round down to the next whole share. In any event, cash will not be paid for fractional shares.
Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Stock Options and Warrants
Based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio, proportionate adjustments are generally required to be made to the per share exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants. This would result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid under such options or warrants upon exercise, and approximately the same value of shares of common stock being delivered upon such exercise immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as was the case immediately preceding the Reverse Stock Split. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to these securities will be reduced proportionately based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio.
Accounting Matters
The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation will not affect the par value of our common stock. As a result, at the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced in the same proportion as the Reverse Stock Split ratio, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net income or loss will be restated for prior periods to conform to the post-Reverse Stock Split presentation.
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Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The following summary describes, as of the date of this proxy statement, certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to holders of our common stock. This summary addresses the tax consequences only to a U.S. holder, which is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is either:
| ● | an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
| ● | a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| ● | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| ● | a trust, if: (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons has the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or (ii) it was in existence before August 20, 1996 and a valid election is in place under applicable Treasury regulations to treat such trust as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes |
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. Subsequent developments in U.S. federal income tax law, including changes in law or differing interpretations, which may be applied retroactively, could have a material effect on the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.
This summary does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to any particular investor, including tax considerations that arise from rules of general application to all taxpayers or to certain classes of taxpayers or that are generally assumed to be known by investors. This summary also does not address the tax consequences to (i) persons that may be subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, U.S. expatriates, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, partnerships or other pass-through entities, traders in securities that elect to mark to market and dealers in securities or currencies, (ii) persons that hold our common stock as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging transaction,” “conversion transaction” or other integrated investment transaction for federal income tax purposes or (iii) persons that do not hold our common stock as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment). This summary does not address backup withholding and information reporting. This summary does not address U.S. holders who beneficially own common stock through a “foreign financial institution” (as defined in Code Section 1471(d)(4)) or certain other non-U.S. entities specified in Code Section 1472. This summary does not address tax considerations arising under any state, local or foreign laws, or under federal estate or gift tax laws.
If a partnership (or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.
Each holder should consult his, her or its own tax advisors concerning the particular U.S. federal tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split, as well as the consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction, including any foreign, state, or local income tax consequences.
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General Tax Treatment of the Reverse Stock Split
The Reverse Stock Split is intended to qualify as a “reorganization” under Section 368 of the Code that should constitute a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Assuming the Reverse Stock Split qualifies as a reorganization, a U.S. holder generally will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of our ordinary shares for a lesser number of ordinary shares, based upon the Reverse Stock Split ratio. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the lesser number of ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will be the same such U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the shares of our common stock that such U.S. holder owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split. The holding period for the ordinary shares received in the Reverse Stock Split will include the period during which a U.S. holder held the shares of our common stock that were surrendered in the Reverse Stock Split. The United States Treasury regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of our common stock surrendered to the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.
THE FOREGOING IS INTENDED ONLY AS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A TAX OPINION. EACH HOLDER OF OUR COMMON SHARES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO THEM AND FOR REFERENCE TO APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Our officers and directors do not have any substantial interest, direct or indirect, in in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock is required to approve this proposal.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 7.
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APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE TO THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES ISSUABLE UNDER THE 2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Our board of directors adopted the 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) in February 2021 and the 2021 Plan was approved by our stockholders in May 2021. Our board of directors initially authorized the issuance of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock under the 2021 Plan. On September 13, 2022, we filed a certificate of amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-fifty (1:50) reverse stock split (the “2022 Reverse Stock Split”). Following the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, up to 60,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
As of the Record Date, excluding the requested share increase, there were [*] shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
Reasons for the Proposed Amendment
Sufficient Shares Are Required to Attract, Motivate and Retain Key Employees and Non-Employee Directors
In connection with the 2022 Reverse Stock Split, the authorized number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan was decreased such that 60,000 shares of common stock are currently authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan. Our board of directors believes that it is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to increase the number of shares reserved under the 2021 Plan from 60,000 shares of common stock to [*] shares of common stock to attract, motivate and retain key employees and non-employee directors.
Executive Compensation is an Important Part of Our Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee established long-term equity-based compensation as an important element of our compensation program. The Compensation Committee emphasizes long-term equity-based compensation in order to (i) align participants’ interests with the interests of the Company’s stockholders in the long-term success of the Company; (ii) provide management with an equity ownership in the Company tied to Company performance; (iii) attract, motivate and retain key employees and non-employee directors; and (iv) provide incentive to management for continuous employment with the Company. The 2021 Plan is designed to advance these interests of the Company and its stockholders. Equity-based compensation under the 2021 Plan encourages executives to act as owners with an equity stake in the Company, discourages inappropriate risk-taking and contributes to the continuity and stability within the Company’s leadership.
The purpose of this requested increase in the number of authorized shares under the 2021 Plan is to continue to be able to attract, retain and motivate executive officers and other employees, non-employee directors and certain consultants. Upon stockholder approval of the amendment, additional shares of common stock will be reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan, which will enable us to continue to grant equity awards to our officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors at levels determined by the board of directors to be necessary to attract, retain and motivate the individuals who will be critical to our success in achieving its business objectives and thereby creating greater value for all our stockholders.
As described above, we are seeking stockholder approval of an amendment to increase the number of shares issuable under the 2021 Plan by [*] shares. Such amendment was adopted and approved by our board of directors on [*], 2023. We believe that equity awards have been critical in attracting and retaining talented employees and officers, aligning their interests with those of stockholders, and focusing key employees on our long-term growth. We anticipate that option grants and other forms of equity awards such as restricted stock awards may become an increasing component in similarly motivating our consultants.
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In determining the amount of the increase contemplated by the proposed amendment to the 2021 Plan, our board of directors has taken into consideration the fact that, excluding the requested share increase, as of the Record Date, there were approximately [*] shares of our common stock outstanding on a fully-diluted basis, and the board of directors believes that this fully-diluted number, rather than the number of outstanding shares of the Company, is the relevant number in determining the appropriate number of shares available under the 2021 Plan. Additionally, the Company believes the increase is appropriate following the 2022 Reverse Stock Split. When approved by our stockholders in May 2021, the 3,000,000 (pre-split) shares initially authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan represented approximately 21% of our common stock. Assuming the approval of this increase, the total number of shares of our common stock available for issuance under the 2021 Plan will be [*] shares, which will represent approximately [*]% of our common stock.
Approval of the amendment to the 2021 Plan will permit us to continue to use stock-based compensation to align stockholder and employee interests and to motivate employees and others providing services to us.
Description of 2021 Plan
The following is a summary of the material features of the 2021 Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2021 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix D.
Types of Awards. The 2021 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other stock-based awards. Items described above in the Section called “Shares Available” are incorporated herein by reference.
Administration. The 2021 Plan will be administered by our board of directors, or if our board of directors does not administer the 2021 Plan, a committee or subcommittee of our board of directors that complies with the applicable requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other applicable legal or stock exchange listing requirements (each of our board of directors or such committee or subcommittee, the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator may interpret the 2021 Plan and may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and make all other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2021 Plan, provided that, subject to the equitable adjustment provisions described below, the plan administrator will not have the authority to reprice or cancel and re-grant any award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price or cancel any award with an exercise, base or purchase price in exchange for cash, property or other awards without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders.
The 2021 Plan permits the plan administrator to select the eligible recipients who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of those awards, including but not limited to the exercise price or other purchase price of an award, the number of shares of common stock or cash or other property subject to an award, the term of an award and the vesting schedule applicable to an award, and to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock and RSUs may be granted under the 2021 Plan. The plan administrator will determine the purchase price, vesting schedule and performance goals, if any, and any other conditions that apply to a grant of restricted stock and RSUs. If the restrictions, performance goals or other conditions determined by the plan administrator are not satisfied, the restricted stock and RSUs will be forfeited. Subject to the provisions of the 2021 Plan and the applicable award agreement, the plan administrator has the sole discretion to provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments.
Unless the applicable award agreement provides otherwise, participants with restricted stock will generally have all of the rights of a stockholder; provided that dividends will only be paid if and when the underlying restricted stock vests. RSUs will not be entitled to dividends prior to vesting, but may be entitled to receive dividend equivalents if the award agreement provides for them. The rights of participants granted restricted stock or RSUs upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the award agreement.
Options. Incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the 2021 Plan. An “incentive stock option” means an option intended to qualify for tax treatment applicable to incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. A “non-statutory stock option” is an option that is not subject to statutory requirements and limitations required for certain tax advantages that are allowed under specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. A non-statutory stock option under the 2021 Plan is referred to for federal income tax purposes as a “non-qualified” stock option. Each option granted under the Plan will be designated as a non-qualified stock option or an incentive stock option. At the discretion of the administrator, incentive stock options may be granted only to our employees, employees of our “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or employees of our subsidiaries.
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The exercise period of an option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted (110% of fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to ten percent stockholders). The exercise price for shares of common stock subject to an option may be paid in cash, or as determined by the administrator in its sole discretion, (i) through any cashless exercise procedure approved by the administrator (including the withholding of shares of common stock otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) by tendering unrestricted shares of common stock owned by the participant, (iii) with any other form of consideration approved by the administrator and permitted by applicable law or (iv) by any combination of these methods. The option holder will have no rights to dividends or distributions or other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to an option until the option holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.
In the event of an participant’s termination of employment or service, the participant may exercise his or her option (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her option agreement.
Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs may be granted either alone (a “free-standing SAR”) or in conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the 2021 Plan (a “tandem SAR”). A free-standing SAR will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the base price of the free-standing SAR (which shall be no less than 100% of the fair market value of the related shares of common stock on the date of grant) multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. A tandem SAR will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise of the SAR and surrender of the applicable portion of the related option, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the exercise price of the related option multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. The exercise period of a free-standing SAR may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The exercise period of a tandem SAR will also expire upon the expiration of its related option.
The holder of a SAR will have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to the SAR until the holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.
In the event of a participant’s termination of employment or service, the holder of a SAR may exercise his or her SAR (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her SAR agreement.
Other Stock-Based Awards. The administrator may grant other stock-based awards under the 2021 Plan, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of common stock. The administrator will determine the terms and conditions of these awards, including the number of shares of common stock to be granted pursuant to each award, the manner in which the award will be settled, and the conditions to the vesting and payment of the award (including the achievement of performance goals). The rights of participants granted other stock-based awards upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the applicable award agreement. In the event that a bonus is granted in the form of shares of common stock, the shares of common stock constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Any dividend or dividend equivalent award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying award.
Equitable Adjustment and Treatment of Outstanding Awards Upon a Change in Control
Equitable Adjustments. In the event of a merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase, reorganization, special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of common shares, cash or other property), combination, exchange of shares, or other change in corporate structure affecting our common stock, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan, (ii) the kind and number of securities subject to, and the exercise price of, any outstanding options and SARs granted under the 2021 Plan, (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of shares of common stock, or the amount of cash or amount or type of property, subject to outstanding restricted stock, RSUs and other stock-based awards granted under the 2021 Plan and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards (including any applicable performance targets). Equitable substitutions or adjustments other than those listed above may also be made as determined by the plan administrator. In addition, the plan administrator may terminate all outstanding awards for the payment of cash or in-kind consideration having an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such awards over the aggregate exercise price, if any, of such awards, but if the exercise price of any outstanding award is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such award, the plan administrator may cancel the award without the payment of any consideration to the participant. With respect to awards subject to foreign laws, adjustments will be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the plan administrator, adjustments to incentive stock options will be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code.
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Change in Control. The 2021 Plan provides that, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator and evidenced in an award agreement, if a “change in control” (as defined below) occurs and a participant is employed by us or any of our affiliates immediately prior to the consummation of the change in control, then the plan administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may (i) provide that any unvested or unexercisable portion of an award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable; and (ii) cause the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any award granted under the 2021 Plan to lapse, and the awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels. The administrator shall have discretion in connection with such change in control to provide that all outstanding and unexercised options and SARs shall expire upon the consummation of such change in control.
For purposes of the 2021 Plan, a “change in control” means, in summary, the first to occur of the following events: (i) a person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of our voting power; (ii) an unapproved change in the majority membership of our board of directors; (iii) a merger or consolidation of us or any of our subsidiaries, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that results in our voting securities continuing to represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or its parent and our board of directors immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity or its parent or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization in which no person is or becomes the beneficial owner of our voting securities representing more than 50% of our combined voting power; or (iv) stockholder approval of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution or the consummation of an agreement for the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition to an entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition to an entity controlled by our board of directors. However, a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred as a result of any transaction or series of integrated transactions following which our stockholders, immediately prior thereto, hold immediately afterward the same proportionate equity interests in the entity that owns all or substantially all of our assets.
Tax Withholding
Each participant will be required to make arrangements satisfactory to the plan administrator regarding payment of up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to any award granted under the 2021 Plan, as determined by us. We have the right, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant. With the approval of the plan administrator, the participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either electing to have us withhold from delivery of shares of common stock, cash or other property, as applicable, or by delivering already owned unrestricted shares of common stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. We may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by applicable law, to satisfy our withholding obligation with respect to any award.
Amendment and Termination of the 2021 Plan
The 2021 Plan provides our board of directors with authority to amend, alter or terminate the 2021 Plan, but no such action impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent. The plan administrator may amend an award, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment may materially impair the rights of any participant without the participant’s consent. Stockholder approval of any such action will be obtained if required to comply with applicable law. The 2021 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date (although awards granted before that time will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms).
Clawback. If we are required to prepare a financial restatement due to the material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement, then the plan administrator may require any Section 16 officer to repay or forfeit to us that part of the cash or equity incentive compensation received by that Section 16 officer during the preceding three years that the plan administrator determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 16 officer would have received had such cash or equity incentive compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The plan administrator may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid cash or equity incentive compensation and how much of such compensation to recoup from each Section 16 officer (which need not be the same amount or proportion for each Section 16 officer). The amount and form of the incentive compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the administrator in its sole and absolute discretion.
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US Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of awards under the 2021 Plan. It does not purport to be a complete description of all applicable rules, and those rules (including those summarized here) are subject to change.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. A participant who has been granted a non-qualified stock option will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of such non-qualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock purchased over the exercise price. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount that the participant recognizes ordinary income. If shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of such exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.
Incentive Stock Options. In general, no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of an ISO. If shares of common stock are purchased by a participant, or option shares, pursuant to the exercise of an ISO granted under the 2021 Plan and the participant does not dispose of the option shares within the two-year period after the date of grant or within one year after the receipt of such option shares by the participant, such disposition a disqualifying disposition, then, generally (1) the participant will not realize ordinary income upon exercise and (2) upon sale of such option shares, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price paid for the option shares will be taxed to such participant as capital gain (or loss). The amount by which the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date of an ISO exceeds the purchase price generally will constitute an item which increases the participant’s “alternative minimum taxable income.” If option shares acquired upon the exercise of an ISO are disposed of in a disqualifying disposition, the participant generally would include in ordinary income in the year of disposition an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the option shares), over the exercise price paid for the option shares. Subject to certain exceptions, an option generally will not be treated as an ISO if it is exercised more than three months following termination of employment. If an ISO is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies as an ISO, such option will be treated as a nonqualified stock option as discussed above. In general, we will receive an income tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the participant recognizes ordinary income.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A participant who is granted an SAR generally will not recognize ordinary income upon receipt of the SAR. Rather, at the time of exercise of such SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the value of any cash received and the fair market value on the date of exercise of any shares of common stock received. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount, if any, that the participant recognizes as ordinary income. The participant’s tax basis in any shares of common stock received upon exercise of an SAR will be the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of exercise, and if the shares are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.
Restricted Stock. A participant generally will not be taxed upon the grant of restricted stock, but rather will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the earlier of the time the shares become transferable or are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (within the meaning of the Code). We generally will be entitled to a deduction at the time when, and in the amount that, the participant recognizes ordinary income on account of the lapse of the restrictions. A participant’s tax basis in the shares of common stock will equal their fair market value at the time the restrictions lapse, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. Any cash dividends paid on the shares of common stock before the restrictions lapse will be taxable to the participant as additional compensation and not as dividend income, unless the individual has made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83(b) of the Code, a participant may elect to recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted shares are awarded in an amount equal to their fair market value at that time, notwithstanding the fact that such stock is subject to restrictions or transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture. If such an election is made, no additional taxable income will be recognized by such participant at the time the restrictions lapse, the participant will have a tax basis in the shares of common stock equal to their fair market value on the date of their award, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the time when, and to the extent that, ordinary income is recognized by such participant.
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Restricted Stock Units. In general, the grant of RSUs will not result in income for the participant or in a tax deduction for us. Upon the settlement of such an award in cash or shares of common stock, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the aggregate value of the payment received, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.
Other Awards. With respect to other stock-based awards, generally when the participant receives payment in respect of the award, the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any shares of common stock or other property received will be ordinary income to the participant, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.
New Plan Benefits
Future grants under the 2021 Plan will be made at the discretion of the plan administrator and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. In addition, benefits under the 2021 Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the fair market value of our common stock on future dates and the exercise decisions made by participants. Consequently, at this time, it is not possible to determine the future benefits that might be received by participants receiving discretionary grants under the 2021 Plan.
Effects of Proposed Share Increase
The proposed share increase will not have any immediate effect on the rights of existing stockholders. However, our board of directors will have the authority to issue common stock without requiring future stockholder approval of such issuances, except as may be required by the Certificate of Incorporation, Nasdaq or applicable law. To the extent that the additional authorized shares of common stock are issued in the future, they could decrease the Company’s existing stockholders’ percentage equity ownership and could potentially have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, book value per share and the voting power and interest of current stockholders.
Interests of Officers and Directors in this Proposal
Members of our board of directors and the executive officers are eligible to receive awards under the terms of the 2021 Plan, and they therefore have a substantial interest in this proposal.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve the increase in the number of shares available under the 2021 Plan to [*] shares.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 8.
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AUTHORIZATION TO ADJOURN THE ANNUAL MEETING IF NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE
At the Annual Meeting, we may ask our stockholders to vote on a proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate in the sole discretion of our Board of Directors, including to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting to approve any of the other proposals.
If at the Annual Meeting the number of shares authorized to vote present or represented by proxy and voting in favor of a proposal is insufficient to approve such proposal, then our Board of Directors may hold a vote on each proposal that has garnered sufficient votes, if any, and then move to adjourn the Annual Meeting as to the remaining proposals in order to solicit additional proxies in favor of those remaining proposals.
Alternatively, even if there are sufficient shares authorized to vote present or represented by proxy voting in favor of all of the proposals, our Board of Directors may hold a vote on the adjournment proposal if, in its sole discretion, it determines that it is necessary or appropriate for any reason to adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later date and time. In that event, the Company will ask its stockholders to vote only upon the adjournment proposal and not any other proposal.
Any adjournment may be made without notice (if the adjournment is not for more than thirty days and a new record date is not fixed for the adjourned meeting), other than by an announcement made at the Annual Meeting of the time, date and place of the adjourned meeting.
Any adjournment of the Annual Meeting will allow our stockholders who have already sent in their proxies to revoke them at any time prior to their use at the Annual Meeting as adjourned.
If we adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later date, we will transact the same business and, unless we must fix a new record date, only the stockholders who were eligible to vote at the original meeting will be permitted to vote at the adjourned meeting.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 9.
Board Recommendation
The board of directors recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 9.
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The board of directors knows of no other business, which will be presented to the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxies. The proxies also have discretionary authority to vote to adjourn the Annual Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting votes in accordance with our board of director’s recommendations.
We will bear the cost of soliciting proxies in the accompanying form. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may also be solicited by our directors, officers or other employees, personally or by telephone, facsimile or email, none of whom will be compensated separately for these solicitation activities. We have engaged Kingsdale Advisors to assist in the solicitation of proxies. We will pay a fee of approximately $[*] plus reasonable out-of-pocket charges.
If you do not plan to attend the Annual Meeting, in order that your shares may be represented and in order to assure the required quorum, please sign, date and return your proxy promptly. In the event you are able to attend the Annual Meeting virtually, at your request, we will cancel your previously submitted proxy.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR
Stockholders who intend to have a proposal considered for inclusion in our proxy materials for presentation at our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must submit the proposal to us at our corporate headquarters no later than [ ], which proposal must be made in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Stockholders who intend to present a proposal at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders without inclusion of the proposal in our proxy materials are required to provide notice of such proposal to our Corporate Secretary so that such notice is received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices on or after [ ], 2024 but no later than [ ], 2024. We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and other Annual Meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a proxy statement or other Annual Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially provides extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to be able to access and receive separate proxy cards.
If you share an address with another stockholder and have received multiple copies of our proxy materials, you may write or call us at the address and phone number below to request delivery of a single copy of the notice and, if applicable, other proxy materials in the future. We undertake to deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the proxy materials, as requested, to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the proxy materials was delivered. If you hold stock as a record stockholder and prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy materials either now or in the future, please contact us at 737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, Attn: Corporate Secretary. If your stock is held through a brokerage firm or bank and you prefer to receive separate copies of our proxy materials either now or in the future, please contact your brokerage firm or bank.
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Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 may be obtained without charge by writing to the Company’s Secretary, Aditxt, Inc., 737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219. The Notice, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and this proxy statement are also available online at www.proxyvote.com.
| BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS | |
| /s/ Amro Albanna | |
| Amro Albanna | |
| [*], 2023 | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
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PROXY CARD
ADITXT, INC.
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON [*],
2023
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints, Amro Albanna and Thomas J. Farley, as proxies with full power of substitution, to represent and to vote all the shares of common stock of Aditxt, Inc. (the “Company”), which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on [*], 2023 and at any adjournments thereof, subject to the directions indicated on this Proxy Card.
In his discretion, the proxy is authorized to vote upon any other matter that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE, BUT IF NO CHOICES ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE PROXY HOLDERS FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES AND FOR THE PROPOSALS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND IN THEIR DISCRETION ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT ARE PROPERLY PRESENTED AT THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF.
IMPORTANT — This Proxy must be signed and dated below.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Aditxt, Inc. will be held on [*], 2023 at [*] at [*]
THIS IS YOUR PROXY
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
Dear Stockholder:
We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Aditxt, Inc. to be held at [*] on [*], 2023 beginning at [*.]
Please read the proxy statement which describes the proposals and presents other important information, and complete, sign and return your proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1-9.
| 1. Election of Director Nominees | FOR | WITHHOLD | ||||
| 01 – Amro Albanna 02 – Brian Brady 03 – Namvar Kiaie 04 – Jeffrey Runge, M.D. 05 – Shahrokh Shabahang, D.D.S., MS, Ph.D. |
☐ | ☐ | ||||
| 2. Proposal to ratify dbbmckennon as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 3. Proposal to approve, for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), the issuance of shares of common stock underlying warrants originally issued by the Company in August 2022. |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 4. Proposal to approve, for the purpose of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule, the issuance of shares of common stock underlying secured promissory notes originally issued by the Company in July 2023. |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 5. Proposal for authorization to issue securities in one or more non-public offerings in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d) |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 6. Proposal to approve any change of control under NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635 that may result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings; |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 7. Proposal to amend the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation to effect the reverse stock split. |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 8. Proposal to amend our 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock issuable thereunder to [*] shares from 60,000 shares |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ | |||
| 9. Proposal to authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting if necessary or appropriate |
FOR ☐ |
AGAINST ☐ |
ABSTAIN ☐ |
NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof will be voted on by the proxy holders in their discretion.
Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Important: Please sign exactly as name appears on this proxy. When signing as attorney, executor, trustee, guardian, corporate officer, etc., please indicate full title.
| Dated:________________, 2023 | |
| Signature | |
| Signature | |
| (Joint Owners) | |
| Name (printed) |
APPENDIX A
FORM OF WARRANT
NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR THE SECURITIES AS TO WHICH THIS SECURITY MAY BE EXERCISED 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 AS EVIDENCED BY A LEGAL OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE TRANSFEROR TO SUCH EFFECT, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHICH SHALL BE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY. THIS SECURITY AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THIS SECURITY MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN SECURED BY SUCH SECURITIES.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT
ADITXT, INC.
Warrant Shares: ________
Date of Issuance: ________, 2022 (“Issuance Date”)
This COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received (in connection with the issuance of the senior secured promissory note in the principal amount of $________ to the Holder (as defined below) of even date) (the “Note”), ______________, a _____________ (including any permitted and registered assigns, the “Holder”), is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time during the Exercise Period, to purchase from ADITXT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), _________ shares of Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares”) (whereby such number may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Warrant) at the Exercise Price per share then in effect. This Warrant is issued by the Company as of the date hereof in connection with that certain securities purchase agreement dated ________, 2022, by and among the Company and the Holder (the “Purchase Agreement”). In the event the Exercise Price (as defined in this Warrant) is reduced for any reason, including but not limited to pursuant to Section 2 of this Warrant, the number of Warrant Shares issuable hereunder shall be increased such that the aggregate Exercise Price payable hereunder, after taking into account the decrease in the Exercise Price, shall be equal to the aggregate Exercise Price prior to such adjustment.
Capitalized terms used in this Warrant shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement unless otherwise defined in the body of this Warrant or in Section 12 below. For purposes of this Warrant, the term “Exercise Price” shall mean $0.15, subject to adjustment as provided herein (including but not limited to cashless exercise), and the term “Exercise Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Commencement Date (as defined in this Warrant) and ending on 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on the date that is five (5) years after the Issuance Date. “Commencement Date” shall mean the date on which the Company obtains approval by from the shareholders of the Company with respect to the issuance of any Warrant Shares.
1. EXERCISE OF WARRANT.
(a) Mechanics of Exercise. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the rights represented by this Warrant may be exercised in whole or in part at any time or times during the Exercise Period by delivery of a written notice, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Exercise Notice”), of the Holder’s election to exercise this Warrant. The Holder shall not be required to deliver the original Warrant in order to effect an exercise hereunder. 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. On or before the second Trading Day (the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”) following the date on which the Holder sent the Exercise Notice to the Company or the Company’s transfer agent, and upon receipt by the Company of payment to the Company of an amount equal to the applicable Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Warrant Shares as to which all or a portion of this Warrant is being exercised (the “Aggregate Exercise Price” and together with the Exercise Notice, the “Exercise Delivery Documents”) in cash or by wire transfer of immediately available funds (or by cashless exercise, in which case there shall be no Aggregate Exercise Price provided), the Company shall (or direct its transfer agent to) issue and deliver by overnight courier to the address as specified in the Exercise Notice, a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise (or deliver such shares of Common Stock in electronic format if requested by the Holder). Upon delivery of the Exercise Delivery Documents, 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 certificates evidencing such Warrant Shares. If this Warrant is submitted in connection with any exercise and the number of Warrant Shares represented by this Warrant submitted for exercise is greater than the number of Warrant Shares being acquired upon an exercise, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three business days after any exercise and at its own expense, issue a new Warrant (in accordance with Section 6) representing the right to purchase the number of Warrant Shares purchasable immediately prior to such exercise under this Warrant, less the number of Warrant Shares with respect to which this Warrant is exercised.
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If the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to issue to the Holder the respective shares of Common Stock by the respective Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise in Holder’s sole discretion in addition to all other rights and remedies at law, under this Warrant, or otherwise, and such failure shall also be deemed an event of default under the Note, a material breach under this Warrant, and a material breach under the Purchase Agreement.
If the Market Price of one share of Common Stock is greater than the Exercise Price, then, unless there is an effective non-stale registration statement of the Company which contains a prospectus that complies with Section 5(b) and Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933 at the time of exercise and covers the Holder’s immediate resale of all of the Warrant Shares at prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) without any limitation, the Holder may elect to receive Warrant Shares pursuant to a cashless exercise, in lieu of a cash exercise, equal to the value of this Warrant determined in the manner described below (or of any portion thereof remaining unexercised) by surrender of this Warrant and an Exercise Notice, in which event the Company shall issue to Holder a number of Common Stock computed using the following formula:
| X = | Y (A-B) | |
| A |
| Where X = | the number of Shares to be issued to Holder. |
| Y = | the number of Warrant Shares that the Holder elects to purchase under this Warrant (at the date of such calculation). |
| A = | the Market Price (at the date of such calculation). |
| B = | Exercise Price (as adjusted to the date of such calculation). |
(b) No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant as a consequence of any adjustment pursuant hereto. All Warrant Shares (including fractions) issuable upon exercise of this Warrant may be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the exercise would result in the issuance of any fractional share. If, after aggregation, the exercise would result in the issuance of a fractional share, the Company shall, in lieu of issuance of any fractional share, pay the Holder otherwise entitled to such fraction a sum in cash equal to the product resulting from multiplying the then-current fair market value of a Warrant Share by such fraction.
(c) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, 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 1 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Exercise Notice, the Holder (together with the Holder’s affiliates (the “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 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 1(c), 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 Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. 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 1(c), 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 Company’s 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 two Trading Days 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% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding at the time of the respective calculation hereunder. In addition to the beneficial ownership limitations provided in this Warrant, the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the August 2022 Securities (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), which includes the Warrant Shares under this Warrant, shall be limited to 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the Issuance Date (the “Exchange Cap”), unless Shareholder Approval (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) is obtained by the Company to issue more than the Exchange Cap. The Exchange Cap shall be appropriately adjusted for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split (including forward and reverse), or other similar transaction. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.
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(d) 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 Company’s transfer agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Warrant (including but not limited to Section 1(a) above pursuant to an exercise on or before the respective 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, within one (1) business day of Holder’s request, 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 product of (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 within one (1) business day of Holder’s request 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, or effectuates a cashless exercise hereunder for, 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.
2. ADJUSTMENTS. The Exercise Price and the number of Warrant Shares shall be adjusted from time to time as follows:
(a) Distribution of Assets. 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 or other similar transaction) (a “Distribution”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case:
(i) any Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for the determination of holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to receive the Distribution shall be reduced, effective as of the close of business on such record date, to a price determined by multiplying such Exercise Price by a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall be the Closing Sale Price of the shares of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding such record date minus the value of the Distribution (as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors) applicable to one share of Common Stock, and (ii) the denominator of which shall be the Closing Sale Price of the shares of Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding such record date; and
(ii) the number of Warrant Shares shall be increased to a number of shares equal to the number of shares of Common Stock obtainable immediately prior to the close of business on the record date fixed for the determination of holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to receive the Distribution multiplied by the reciprocal of the fraction set forth in the immediately preceding clause (i); provided, however, that in the event that the Distribution is of shares of common stock of a company (other than the Company) whose common stock is traded on a national securities exchange or a national automated quotation system (“Other Shares of Common Stock”), then the Holder may elect to receive a warrant to purchase Other Shares of Common Stock in lieu of an increase in the number of Warrant Shares, the terms of which shall be identical to those of this Warrant, except that such warrant shall be exercisable into the number of shares of Other Shares of Common Stock that would have been payable to the Holder pursuant to the Distribution had the Holder exercised this Warrant immediately prior to such record date and with an aggregate exercise price equal to the product of the amount by which the exercise price of this Warrant was decreased with respect to the Distribution pursuant to the terms of the immediately preceding clause (i) and the number of Warrant Shares calculated in accordance with the first part of this clause (ii).
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(b) Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Exercise Price. If the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, at any time beginning on the Issuance Date and continuing through the date that the second Subsequent Placement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) occurs after the date that the Note is extinguished in the entirety (for the avoidance of doubt, this shall include the second Subsequent Placement that occurs after the date that the Note is extinguished in the entirety), shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or securities (including but not limited to Common Stock Equivalents) entitling any person or entity (for purposes of clarification, including but not limited to the Holder pursuant to (i) any other security of the Company currently held by Holder, (ii) any other security of the Company issued to Holder on or after the Issuance Date (including but not limited to the Note), or (iii) any other agreement entered into between the Company and Holder) to acquire shares of Common Stock (upon conversion, exercise or otherwise), at an effective price per share less than the then Exercise Price (such lower price, the “Base Share Price” and such issuances collectively, a “Dilutive Issuance”) (if the holder of the Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents so issued shall at any time, whether by operation of purchase price adjustments, elimination of an applicable floor price for any reason in the future (including but not limited to the passage of time or satisfaction of certain condition(s)), reset provisions, floating conversion, exercise or exchange prices or otherwise, or due to warrants, options or rights per share which are issued in connection with such issuance, be entitled or potentially entitled to receive shares of Common Stock at an effective price per share which is less than the Exercise Price at any time while such Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents are in existence, such issuance shall be deemed to have occurred for less than the Exercise Price on such date of the Dilutive Issuance (regardless of whether the Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents are (i) subsequently redeemed or retired by the Company after the date of the Dilutive Issuance or (ii) actually converted or exercised at such Base Share Price), then the Exercise Price shall be reduced at the option of the Holder and only reduced to equal the Base Share Price. Such adjustment shall be made whenever such Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents are issued, regardless of whether the Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents are (i) subsequently redeemed or retired by the Company after the date of the Dilutive Issuance or (ii) actually converted or exercised at such Base Share Price by the holder thereof (for the avoidance of doubt, the Holder may utilize the Base Share Price even if the Company did not actually issue shares of its common stock at the Base Share Price under the respective Common stock Equivalents). The Company shall notify the Holder in writing, no later than the Trading Day following the issuance of any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents subject to this Section 2(b), indicating therein the applicable issuance price, or applicable reset price, exchange price, conversion price and other pricing terms (such notice the “Dilutive Issuance Notice”). For purposes of clarification, regardless of whether (i) the Company provides a Dilutive Issuance Notice pursuant to this Section 2(b) upon the occurrence of any Dilutive Issuance or (ii) the Holder accurately refers to the number of Warrant Shares or Base Share Price in the Exercise Notice, the Holder is entitled to receive the Base Share Price upon the occurrence of any Dilutive Issuance.
(c) Subdivision or Combination of Common Stock. If the Company at any time on or after the Issuance Date subdivides (by any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or otherwise) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a greater number of shares, the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision will be proportionately reduced and the number of Warrant Shares will be proportionately increased. If the Company at any time on or after the Issuance Date combines (by combination, reverse stock split or otherwise) one or more classes of its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such combination will be proportionately increased and the number of Warrant Shares will be proportionately decreased. Any adjustment under this Section 2(c) shall become effective at the close of business on the date the subdivision or combination becomes effective. Each such adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be calculated to the nearest one-hundredth of a cent. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any event covered by this Section 2(c) shall occur.
3. FUNDAMENTAL TRANSACTIONS. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company effects any merger of the Company with or into another entity and the Company is not the surviving entity (such surviving entity, the “Successor Entity”), (ii) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or by another individual or entity, and approved by the Company) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to tender or exchange their shares of Common Stock for other securities, cash or property and the holders of at least 50% of the Common Stock accept such offer, or (iv) the Company effects any reclassification 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 (other than as a result of a subdivision or combination of shares of Common Stock) (in any such case, a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive the number of shares of Common Stock of the Successor Entity or of the Company and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable upon or as a result of such reorganization, reclassification, merger, consolidation or disposition of assets by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event (disregarding any limitation on exercise contained herein solely for the purpose of such determination). 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. To the extent necessary to effectuate the foregoing provisions, any Successor Entity in such Fundamental Transaction shall issue to the Holder a new warrant consistent with the foregoing provisions and evidencing the Holder’s right to exercise such warrant into Alternate Consideration.
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4. NON-CIRCUMVENTION. The Company covenants and agrees that it will not, by amendment of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, 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, and will at all times in good faith carry out all the provisions of this Warrant and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company (i) shall not increase the par value of any shares of Common Stock receivable upon the exercise of this Warrant above the Exercise Price then in effect, (ii) shall take all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of this Warrant, and (iii) shall, beginning on the date that is sixty (60) calendar days after the Issuance Date and for so long as this Warrant is outstanding, have authorized and reserved, free from preemptive rights, two (2) times the number of shares of Common Stock into which the Warrants are then exercisable into to provide for the exercise of the rights represented by this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise).
5. WARRANT HOLDER NOT DEEMED A STOCKHOLDER. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, this Warrant, in and of itself, shall not entitle the Holder to any voting rights or other rights as a stockholder of the Company. In addition, nothing contained in this Warrant shall be construed as imposing any liabilities on the Holder to purchase any securities (upon exercise of this Warrant or otherwise) or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liabilities are asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.
6. REISSUANCE.
(a) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Warrant. If this Warrant is lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed, the Company will, on such terms as to indemnity or otherwise as it may reasonably impose (which shall, in the case of a mutilated Warrant, include the surrender thereof), issue a new Warrant of like denomination and tenor as this Warrant so lost, stolen, mutilated or destroyed.
(b) Issuance of New Warrants. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Warrant pursuant to the terms of this Warrant, such new Warrant shall be of like tenor with this Warrant, and shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Warrant which is the same as the Issuance Date.
7. TRANSFER. This Warrant shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to be the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the rights, interests or obligations of the Company hereunder may not be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company without the prior signed written consent of the Holder, which consent may be withheld at the sole discretion of the Holder (any such assignment or transfer shall be null and void if the Company does not obtain the prior signed written consent of the Holder). This Warrant or any of the severable rights and obligations inuring to the benefit of or to be performed by Holder hereunder may be assigned by Holder to a third party, in whole or in part, without the need to obtain the Company’s consent thereto.
8. NOTICES. Whenever notice is required to be given under this Warrant, unless otherwise provided herein, such notice shall be given in accordance with the notice provisions contained in the Purchase Agreement. The Company shall provide the Holder with prompt written notice (i) immediately upon any adjustment of the Exercise Price, setting forth in reasonable detail, the calculation of such adjustment and (ii) at least 20 days prior to the date on which the Company closes its books or takes a record (A) with respect to any dividend or distribution upon the shares of Common Stock, (B) with respect to any grants, issuances or sales of any stock or other securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or other property, pro rata to the holders of shares of Common Stock or (C) for determining rights to vote with respect to any Fundamental Transaction, dissolution or liquidation, provided in each case that such information shall be made known to the public prior to or in conjunction with such notice being provided to the Holder.
9. AMENDMENT AND WAIVER. The terms of this Warrant may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Holder.
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10. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE. This Warrant shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action brought by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Warrant shall be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or, to the extent that neither of the foregoing courts has jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware. The parties to this Warrant hereby irrevocably waive any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniens. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT ENTERED INTO IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS WARRANT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. In the event that any provision of this Warrant or any other agreement delivered in connection herewith is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of any agreement. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding in connection with this Warrant or any other transaction document entered into in connection with this Warrant by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under the Purchase Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
11. ACCEPTANCE. Receipt of this Warrant by the Holder shall constitute acceptance of and agreement to all of the terms and conditions contained herein.
12. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Warrant, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) [Intentionally Omitted].
(b) “Closing Sale Price” means, for any security as of any date, (i) the last closing trade price for such security on the Principal Market, as reported by Quotestream or other similar quotation service provider designated by the Holder, or, if the Principal Market begins to operate on an extended hours basis and does not designate the closing trade price, then the last trade price of such security prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, as reported by Quotestream or other similar quotation service provider designated by the Holder, or (ii) if the foregoing does not apply, the last trade price of such security in the over-the-counter market for such security as reported by Quotestream or other similar quotation service provider designated by the Holder, or (iii) if no last trade price is reported for such security by Quotestream or other similar quotation service provider designated by the Holder, the average of the bid and ask prices of any market makers for such security as reported by Quotestream or other similar quotation service provider designated by the Holder. If the Closing Sale Price cannot be calculated for a security on a particular date on any of the foregoing bases, the Closing Sale Price of such security on such date shall be the fair market value as mutually determined by the Company and the Holder. All such determinations to be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination or other similar transaction during the applicable calculation period.
(c) “Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.
(d) “Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company that would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including without limitation any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants 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.
(e) “Person” and “Persons” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any governmental entity or any department or agency thereof.
(f) “Principal Market” means the principal securities exchange or trading market where such Common Stock is listed or quoted, including but not limited to any tier of the OTC Markets, any tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market (including NASDAQ Capital Market), or the NYSE American, or any successor to such markets.
(g) “Market Price” means the highest traded price of the Common Stock during the one hundred and fifty Trading Days prior to the date of the respective Exercise Notice.
(h) “Trading Day” means any day on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted on its Principal Market, provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted on any Principal Market, then any calendar day.
* * * * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be duly executed as of the Issuance Date set forth above.
| ADITXT, INC. | ||
| Name: | Amro Albanna | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
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EXHIBIT A
EXERCISE NOTICE
(To be executed by the registered holder to exercise this Common Stock Purchase Warrant)
THE UNDERSIGNED holder hereby exercises the right to purchase of the shares of Common Stock (“Warrant Shares”) of ADITXT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), evidenced by the attached copy of the Common Stock Purchase Warrant (the “Warrant”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Warrant.
| 1. | Form of Exercise Price. The Holder intends that payment of the Exercise Price shall be made as (check one): |
| ☐ | a cash exercise with respect to Warrant Shares; or |
| ☐ | by cashless exercise pursuant to the Warrant. |
| 2. | Payment of Exercise Price. If cash exercise is selected above, the holder shall pay the applicable Aggregate Exercise Price in the sum of $ to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Warrant. |
| 3. | Delivery of Warrant Shares. The Company shall deliver to the holder ______________ Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms of the Warrant. |
| Date:__________________________ | ||
| (Print Name of Registered Holder) | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
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EXHIBIT B
ASSIGNMENT OF WARRANT
(To be signed only upon authorized transfer of the Warrant)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns, and transfers unto the right to purchase shares of common stock of ADITXT, INC., to which the within Common Stock Purchase Warrant relates and appoints , as attorney-in-fact, to transfer said right on the books of ADITXT, INC. with full power of substitution and re-substitution in the premises. By accepting such transfer, the transferee has agreed to be bound in all respects by the terms and conditions of the within Warrant.
| Dated: | |
| (Signature) * | |
| (Name) | |
| (Address) | |
| (Social Security or Tax Identification No.) |
| * | The signature on this Assignment of Warrant must correspond to the name as written upon the face of the Common Stock Purchase Warrant in every particular without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. When signing on behalf of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, please indicate your position(s) and title(s) with such entity. |
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APPENDIX B
FORM OF NOTE
NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH MAY BE THE LEGAL COUNSEL OPINION (AS DEFINED IN THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT)), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT OR OTHER APPLICABLE EXEMPTION. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.
| Principal Amount: $[*] | Issue Date: [*], 2023 |
| Actual Amount of Purchase Price: $[*] |
SECURED PROMISSORY NOTE
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ADITXT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Borrower” or the “Company”) (Trading Symbol: ADTX), hereby promises to pay to the order of [*], a [*], or registered assigns (the “Holder”), in the form of lawful money of the United States of America, the principal sum of $[*] (the “Principal Amount”) (subject to adjustment herein), of $[*] is the actual amount of the purchase price hereof plus an original issue discount in the amount of $[*] (the “OID”), and to pay interest on the unpaid Principal Amount hereof at the rate of ten percent (10%) (the “Interest Rate”) per annum from the date hereof (the “Issue Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or upon acceleration or by prepayment or otherwise, as further provided herein. The maturity date shall be December 31, 2023 (the “Maturity Date”), and is the date upon which the Principal Amount (which includes the OID) and any accrued and unpaid interest and other fees, shall be due and payable.
This Note may not be prepaid or repaid in whole or in part except as otherwise explicitly set forth herein.
Any Principal Amount or interest on this Note which is not paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of the lesser of (i) eighteen percent (18%) per annum and (ii) the maximum amount permitted by law from the due date thereof until the same is paid (“Default Interest”). Default Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.
All payments due hereunder (to the extent not converted into shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Borrower (the “Common Stock”) in accordance with the terms hereof) shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America. All payments shall be made at such address as the Holder shall hereafter give to the Borrower by written notice made in accordance with the provisions of this Note. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Note is due on any day which is not a business day, the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a business day.
Each capitalized term used herein, and not otherwise defined, shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in that certain Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Issue Date, pursuant to which this Note was originally issued (the “Purchase Agreement”). As used in this Note, the term “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the city of New York, New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed. As used herein, the term “Trading Day” means any day that shares of Common Stock are listed for trading or quotation on the Principal Market (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), provided, however, that if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted on any Principal Market, then any calendar day.
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This Note is free from all taxes, liens, claims and encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof and shall not be subject to preemptive rights or other similar rights of shareholders of the Borrower and will not impose personal liability upon the holder thereof.
The following terms shall also apply to this Note:
ARTICLE I. CONVERSION RIGHTS
1.1 Conversion Right. If (i) the Company has obtained the Shareholder Approval (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) an Event of Default (as defined in this Note) has occurred under the Note, then the Holder shall have the right, on any calendar day, at any time on or following the Commencement Date to convert all or any portion of the then outstanding and unpaid Principal Amount and interest (including any Default Interest) into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock, as such Common Stock exists on the Issue Date, or any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Borrower into which such Common Stock shall hereafter be changed or reclassified, at the Conversion Price (as defined below) determined as provided herein (a “Conversion”), by submitting to the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent a Notice of Conversion (as defined in this Note) by facsimile, e-mail or other reasonable means of communication dispatched on the Conversion Date prior to 11:59 p.m., New York, New York time; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the a Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note, pursuant to Section 1 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after conversion as set forth on the applicable Notice of Conversion, the Holder (together with the Holder’s affiliates (the “Affiliates”), and any other Persons (as defined below) 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 Attribution Parties shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note 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) conversion of the remaining, nonconverted portion of this Note 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 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 1.1, 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 Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. 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 1.1, 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 two Trading Days 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 Note, 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% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding at the time of the respective calculation hereunder. “Person” and “Persons” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any governmental entity or any department or agency thereof. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Note. The number of Conversion Shares to be issued upon each conversion of this Note shall be determined by dividing the Conversion Amount (as defined below) by the applicable Conversion Price then in effect on the date specified in the notice of conversion, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Notice of Conversion”), delivered to the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent by the Holder in accordance with Section 1.4 below; provided that the Notice of Conversion is submitted by facsimile or e-mail (or by other means resulting in, or reasonably expected to result in, notice) to the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent before 11:59 p.m., New York, New York time on such conversion date (the “Conversion Date”). The term “Conversion Amount” means, with respect to any conversion of this Note, the sum of (1) the Principal Amount of this Note to be converted in such conversion plus (2) at the Holder’s option, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on such Principal Amount at the Interest Rate to the Conversion Date, plus (3) at the Holder’s option, Default Interest, if any, on the amounts referred to in the immediately preceding clauses (1) and/or (2).
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1.2 Conversion Price.
(a) Calculation of Conversion Price. The per share conversion price into which Principal Amount and interest (including any Default Interest) under this Note shall be convertible into shares of Common Stock hereunder (the “Conversion Price”) shall equal to the Nasdaq official closing price of the Common Stock”) on the Issue Date according to Nasdaq’s official NOCP website (https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/reli/historical-nocp), subject to adjustment as provided in this Note. If at any time the Conversion Price as determined hereunder for any conversion would be less than the par value of the Common Stock, then at the sole discretion of the Holder, the Conversion Price hereunder may equal such par value for such conversion and the Conversion Amount for such conversion may be increased to include Additional Principal, where “Additional Principal” means such additional amount to be added to the Conversion Amount to the extent necessary to cause the number of conversion shares issuable upon such conversion to equal the same number of conversion shares as would have been issued had the Conversion Price not been adjusted by the Holder to the par value price. Holder shall be entitled to deduct $1,000.00 from the conversion amount in each Notice of Conversion to cover Holder’s fees associated with each Notice of Conversion. All such Conversion Price determinations are to be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, rights offerings, reclassification or similar transaction that proportionately decreases or increases the Common Stock. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions payable in shares of Common Stock on shares of Common Stock or any Common Stock Equivalents, (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of a reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares or (iv) issues, in the event of a reclassification of shares of the Common Stock, any shares of capital stock of the Company, then the Conversion Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding any treasury shares of the Company) outstanding immediately before such event, and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of shareholders 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. “Common Stock Equivalents” means any securities of the Company or the Company’s 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.
1.3 Authorized and Reserved Shares. The Borrower covenants that at all times beginning on the Issue Date and until the Note is satisfied in full, the Borrower will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares, free from preemptive rights, to provide for the issuance of a number of Conversion Shares equal to the greater of: (a) 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock or (b) the sum of (i) the number of Conversion Shares issuable upon the full conversion of this Note (assuming no payment of Principal Amount or interest) at the time of such calculation (taking into consideration any adjustments to the Conversion Price as provided in this Note) multiplied by (ii) two (2) (the “Reserved Amount”). The Borrower represents that upon issuance, the Conversion Shares will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The Borrower (i) acknowledges that it has irrevocably instructed its transfer agent to issue certificates for the Conversion Shares or instructions to have the Conversion Shares issued as contemplated by Section 1.4(f) hereof effective upon the Authorized Capital Adjustment Date, and (ii) agrees that its issuance of this Note shall constitute full authority to its officers and agents who are charged with the duty of executing stock certificates or cause the Company to electronically issue shares of Common Stock to execute and issue the necessary certificates for the Conversion Shares or cause the Conversion Shares to be issued as contemplated by Section 1.4(f) hereof in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Note.
1.4 Method of Conversion.
(a) Exchange Cap. In addition to the beneficial ownership limitations provided in this Note, the sum of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued to all July 2023 Buyers (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) under the July 2023 Securities (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), which includes the Conversion Shares under this Note, shall be limited to the Exchange Cap (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) as further provided in the Purchase Agreement.
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(b) Surrender of Note Upon Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Borrower unless the entire unpaid Principal Amount is so converted. The Holder and the Borrower shall maintain records showing the Principal Amount so converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Borrower, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon each such conversion. In the event of any dispute or discrepancy, such records of the Holder shall, prima facie, be controlling and determinative in the absence of manifest error. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any portion of this Note is converted as aforesaid, the Holder may not transfer this Note unless the Holder first physically surrenders this Note to the Borrower, whereupon the Borrower will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note of like tenor, registered as the Holder (upon payment by the Holder of any applicable transfer taxes) may request, representing in the aggregate the remaining unpaid Principal Amount of this Note. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following conversion of a portion of this Note, the unpaid and unconverted Principal Amount of this Note represented by this Note may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.
(c) Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities or property on conversion of this Note in a name other than that of the Holder (or in street name), and the Borrower shall not be required to issue or deliver any such shares or other securities or property unless and until the person or persons (other than the Holder or the custodian in whose street name such shares are to be held for the Holder’s account) requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Borrower the amount of any such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Borrower that such tax has been paid.
(d) Delivery of Common Stock Upon Conversion. Upon receipt by the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent from the Holder of a facsimile transmission or e-mail (or other reasonable means of communication) of a Notice of Conversion meeting the requirements for conversion as provided in this Section 1.4, the Borrower shall issue and deliver or cause to be issued and delivered to or upon the order of the Holder certificates for the Conversion Shares (or cause the electronic delivery of the Conversion Shares as contemplated by Section 1.4(f) hereof) within one (1) business day after such receipt (the “Deadline”) (and, solely in the case of conversion of the entire unpaid Principal Amount and interest (including any Default Interest) under this Note, surrender of this Note). If on or prior to the Deadline the Company shall fail to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder and register such Conversion Shares on the Company’s share register or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Conversion Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon the Holder’s exercise hereunder or pursuant to the Company’s obligation pursuant to clause (ii) below, and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of shares of Common Stock issuable upon such exercise that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company, then the Company shall, within two (2) Trading Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Conversion Shares) or credit such Holder’s balance account with DTC for such Conversion Shares shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Conversion Shares or credit such Holder’s balance account with DTC and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of shares of Common Stock, times (B) the closing sales price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise. Nothing shall limit the 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 certificates representing the Conversion Shares (or to electronically deliver such Conversion Shares) upon the conversion of this Note as required pursuant to the terms hereof.
(e) Obligation of Borrower to Deliver Common Stock. At the time that the Holder submits the Notice of Conversion to the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the Conversion Shares issuable upon such conversion, the outstanding Principal Amount and the amount of accrued and unpaid interest (including any Default Interest) under this Note shall be reduced to reflect such conversion, and, unless the Borrower defaults on its obligations under this Article I, all rights with respect to the portion of this Note being so converted shall forthwith terminate except the right to receive the Common Stock or other securities, cash or other assets, as herein provided, on such conversion. If the Holder shall have given a Notice of Conversion as provided herein, the Borrower’s obligation to issue and deliver the certificates for the Conversion Shares (or cause the electronic delivery of the Conversion Shares as contemplated by Section 1.4(f) hereof) shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the absence of any action by the Holder to enforce the same, any waiver or consent with respect to any provision thereof, the recovery of any judgment against any person or any action to enforce the same, any failure or delay in the enforcement of any other obligation of the Borrower to the holder of record, or any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, limitation or termination, or any breach or alleged breach by the Holder of any obligation to the Borrower, and irrespective of any other circumstance which might otherwise limit such obligation of the Borrower to the Holder in connection with such conversion. The Conversion Date specified in the Notice of Conversion shall be the Conversion Date so long as the Notice of Conversion is sent to the Borrower or Borrower’s transfer agent before 11:59 p.m., New York, New York time, on such date.
(f) Delivery of Conversion Shares by Electronic Transfer. In lieu of delivering physical certificates representing the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion hereof, provided the Borrower is participating in the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer or Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian programs, upon request of the Holder and its compliance with the provisions contained in Section 1.1 and in this Section 1.4, the Borrower shall use its best efforts to cause its transfer agent to electronically transmit the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion hereof to the Holder by crediting the account of Holder’s Prime Broker with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system.
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1.5 Concerning the Shares. The Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note may not be sold or transferred unless (i) such shares are sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the 1933 Act or (ii) the Borrower or its transfer agent shall have been furnished with an opinion of counsel (which opinion shall be the Legal Counsel Opinion (as defined in the Purchase Agreement)) to the effect that the shares to be sold or transferred may be sold or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration or (iii) such shares are sold or transferred pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption, or (iv) such shares are transferred to an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Borrower who agrees to sell or otherwise transfer the shares only in accordance with this Section 1.5 and who is an Accredited Investor (as defined in the Purchase Agreement). Except as otherwise provided in the Purchase Agreement (and subject to the removal provisions set forth below), until such time as the Conversion Shares have been registered under the 1933 Act or otherwise may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, each certificate for the Conversion Shares that has not been so included in an effective registration statement or that has not been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption that permits removal of the legend, shall bear a legend substantially in the following form, as appropriate:
“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH MAY BE THE LEGAL COUNSEL OPINION (AS DEFINED IN THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT)), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A, REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT, OR OTHER APPLICABLE EXEMPTION. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”
The legend set forth above shall be removed and the Company shall issue to the Holder a certificate for the applicable Conversion Shares without such legend upon which it is stamped or (as requested by the Holder) issue the applicable Conversion Shares by electronic delivery by crediting the account of such holder’s broker with DTC, if, unless otherwise required by applicable state securities laws: (a) such Conversion Shares are registered for sale under an effective registration statement filed under the 1933 Act or otherwise may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, or (b) the Company or the Holder provides the Legal Counsel Opinion (as contemplated by and in accordance with Section 4(m) of the Purchase Agreement) to the effect that a public sale or transfer of such Conversion Shares may be made without registration under the 1933 Act, which opinion shall be accepted by the Company so that the sale or transfer is effected. The Company shall be responsible for the fees of its transfer agent and all DTC fees associated with any such issuance. The Holder agrees to sell all Conversion Shares, including those represented by a certificate(s) from which the legend has been removed, in compliance with applicable prospectus delivery requirements, if any. In the event that the Company does not accept the opinion of counsel provided by the Holder with respect to the transfer of Conversion Shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, such as Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption, at the Deadline, notwithstanding that the conditions of Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption, as applicable, have been met, it will be considered an Event of Default under this Note.
1.6 Effect of Certain Events.
(a) Effect of Merger, Consolidation, Etc. At the option of the Holder, the sale, conveyance or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower, or the consolidation, merger or other business combination of the Borrower with or into any other Person (as defined below) or Persons when the Borrower is not the survivor shall either: (i) be deemed to be an Event of Default pursuant to which the Borrower shall be required to pay to the Holder upon the consummation of and as a condition to such transaction an amount equal to the Default Amount (as defined in this Note) or (ii) be treated pursuant to Section 1.6(b) hereof. “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity or organization.
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(b) Adjustment Due to Merger, Consolidation, Etc. If, at any time when this Note is issued and outstanding and prior to conversion of all of this Note, there shall be any merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar event, as a result of which shares of Common Stock of the Borrower shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of another class or classes of stock or securities of the Borrower or another entity, or in case of any sale or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower other than in connection with a plan of complete liquidation of the Borrower, then the Holder of this Note shall thereafter have the right to receive upon conversion of this Note, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified herein and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore issuable upon conversion, such stock, securities or assets which the Holder would have been entitled to receive in such transaction had this Note been converted in full immediately prior to such transaction (without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein), and in any such case appropriate provisions shall be made with respect to the rights and interests of the Holder of this Note to the end that the provisions hereof (including, without limitation, provisions for adjustment of the Conversion Price and of the number of shares issuable upon conversion of the Note) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be practicable in relation to any securities or assets thereafter deliverable upon the conversion hereof. The Borrower shall not effectuate any transaction described in this Section 1.6(b) unless (a) it first gives, to the extent practicable, at least thirty (30) days prior written notice (but in any event at least ten (10) days prior written notice) of the record date of the special meeting of shareholders to approve, or if there is no such record date, the consummation of, such merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar event or sale of assets (during which time the Holder shall be entitled to convert this Note) and (b) the resulting successor or acquiring entity (if not the Borrower) assumes by written instrument the obligations of this Section 1.6(b). The above provisions shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales, transfers or share exchanges.
(c) Adjustment Due to Distribution. If the Borrower shall declare or make any distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of Common Stock as a dividend, stock repurchase, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including any dividend or distribution to the Borrower’s shareholders in cash or shares (or rights to acquire shares) of capital stock of a subsidiary (i.e., a spin-off)) (a “Distribution”), then the Holder of this Note shall be entitled, upon any conversion of this Note after the date of record for determining shareholders entitled to such Distribution, to receive the amount of such assets which would have been payable to the Holder with respect to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon such conversion had such Holder been the holder of such shares of Common Stock on the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to such Distribution.
(d) Purchase Rights. If, at any time when all or any portion of this Note is issued and outstanding, the Borrower issues any convertible securities or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property (the “Purchase Rights”) pro rata to the record holders of any class of Common Stock, then the Holder of this Note will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which such Holder could have acquired if such Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete conversion of this Note (without regard to any limitations on conversion contained herein) 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 Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights.
(e) Reserved.
(f) Notice of Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price as a result of the events described in Section 1.6 of this Note, the Borrower shall, at its expense and within one (1) calendar day after the occurrence of each respective adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price, compute such adjustment or readjustment and prepare and furnish to the Holder a certificate setting forth (i) the Conversion Price in effect at such time based upon the Dilutive Issuance, (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount, if any, of other securities or property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Note, (iii) the detailed facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, and (iv) copies of the documentation (including but not limited to relevant transaction documents) that evidences the adjustment or readjustment. In addition, the Borrower shall, within one (1) calendar day after each written request from the Holder, furnish to such Holder a like certificate setting forth (i) the Conversion Price in effect at such time based upon the Dilutive Issuance, (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock and the amount, if any, of other securities or property which at the time would be received upon conversion of the Note, (iii) the detailed facts upon which such adjustment or readjustment is based, and (iv) copies of the documentation (including but not limited to relevant transaction documents) that evidences the adjustment or readjustment. For the avoidance of doubt, each adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Price as a result of the events described in Section 1.6 of this Note shall occur without any action by the Holder and regardless of whether the Borrower complied with the notification provisions in Section 1.6 of this Note.
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1.7 Reserved.
1.8 Status as Shareholder. Upon submission of a Notice of Conversion by a Holder, (i) the Conversion Shares covered thereby (other than the Conversion Shares, if any, which cannot be issued because their issuance would exceed such Holder’s allocated portion of the Reserved Amount or Maximum Share Amount) shall be deemed converted into shares of Common Stock and (ii) the Holder’s rights as a Holder of such converted portion of this Note shall cease and terminate, excepting only the right to receive certificates for such shares of Common Stock and to any remedies provided herein or otherwise available at law or in equity to such Holder because of a failure by the Borrower to comply with the terms of this Note. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Holder has not received certificates for all shares of Common Stock prior to the tenth (10th) business day after the expiration of the Deadline with respect to a conversion of any portion of this Note for any reason, then (unless the Holder otherwise elects to retain its status as a holder of Common Stock by so notifying the Borrower) the Holder shall regain the rights of a Holder of this Note with respect to such unconverted portions of this Note and the Borrower shall, as soon as practicable, return such unconverted Note to the Holder or, if the Note has not been surrendered, adjust its records to reflect that such portion of this Note has not been converted. In all cases, the Holder shall retain all of its rights and remedies for the Borrower’s failure to convert this Note.
1.9 Prepayment. At any time prior to the date that an Event of Default occurs under this Note, the Borrower shall have the right, exercisable on three (3) Trading Days prior written notice to the Holder of the Note, to prepay the outstanding Principal Amount and interest then due under this Note in accordance with this Section 1.9. Any notice of prepayment hereunder (an “Optional Prepayment Notice”) shall be delivered to the Holder of the Note at its registered addresses and shall state: (1) that the Borrower is exercising its right to prepay the Note, and (2) the date of prepayment which shall be three (3) Trading Days from the date of the Optional Prepayment Notice (the “Optional Prepayment Date”). If permissible under Section 1.1 of this Note, the Holder shall have the right, during the period beginning on the date of Holder’s receipt of the Optional Prepayment Notice and until the Holder’s actual receipt of the full prepayment amount on the Optional Prepayment Date (the “Prepayment Conversion Period”), to instead convert all or any portion of the Note pursuant to the terms of this Note, including the amount of this Note to be prepaid by the Borrower in accordance with this Section 1.9. On the Optional Prepayment Date, the Borrower shall make payment of the amounts designated below to or upon the order of the Holder as specified by the Holder in writing to the Borrower. If the Borrower exercises its right to prepay the Note in accordance with this Section 1.9, the Borrower shall make payment to the Holder of an amount in cash equal to the sum of: (w) 110% multiplied by the Principal Amount then outstanding plus (x) accrued and unpaid interest on the Principal Amount to the Optional Prepayment Date. If the Borrower delivers an Optional Prepayment Notice and fails to pay the applicable prepayment amount due to the Holder of the Note as provided in this Section 1.9, then the Borrower shall forever forfeit its right to prepay any part of the Note pursuant to this Section 1.9.
1.10 Repayment from Proceeds. If, at any time prior to the full repayment or full conversion of all amounts owed under this Note, the Company receives cash proceeds from any source or series of related or unrelated sources, including but not limited to, the issuance of equity or debt, the exercise of outstanding warrants of the Borrower, the issuance of securities pursuant to an Equity Line of Credit (as defined in this Note) of the Borrower, or the sale of assets, but excluding payments from customers, the Borrower shall, within two (2) business days of Borrower’s receipt of such proceeds, inform the Holder of or publicly disclose such receipt, following which the Holder shall have the right in its sole discretion to require the Borrower to immediately apply up to 25% of such proceeds to repay all or any portion of the outstanding Principal Amount and interest (including any Default Interest) then due under this Note. Failure of the Borrower to comply with this provision shall constitute an Event of Default. “Equity Line of Credit” shall mean any transaction involving a written agreement between the Company and an investor or underwriter whereby the Company has the right to “put” its Common Stock to the investor or underwriter over an agreed period of time and at an agreed price or price formula (such Common Stock must be registered pursuant to a registration statement of the Company for the investor’s or underwriter’s resale).
ARTICLE II. RANKING AND CERTAIN COVENANTS
2.1 Ranking and Security. This Note shall be a secured obligation of the Borrower, with priority over all existing and future indebtedness of the Borrower, as provided in that certain security agreement entered into between the Borrower and the Holder on the Issue Date (the “Security Agreement”), provided, however, that the Note shall be junior to (in priority of payment and performance) (i) the secured position in the Company’s accounts receivable in the aggregate amount of $2,880,000 pursuant to an agreement for the purchase and sale of future receipts by the holder thereof as further described in the Form 8-K filed by the Borrower on May 31, 2023 (the “First Senior Debt”), and (ii) the secured position the amount of $1,590,000 pursuant to the terms of that certain business loan and security agreement as further described in the Form 8-K filed by the Borrower on April 25, 2023, which amount may be increased by up to an additional $350,000 in the sole discretion of Holder (the “Second Senior Debt, and collectively with the First Senior Debt, the “Specified Secured Indebtedness”) and shall be pari passu with (in priority of payment and performance) the July 2023 Notes (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the “July 2023 Notes”).
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2.2 Other Indebtedness. In addition to all obligations under the Security Agreement, and so long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not (directly or indirectly through any Subsidiary or affiliate) incur or suffer to exist or guarantee any indebtedness that is senior to or pari passu with (in priority of payment and performance) the Borrower’s obligations hereunder (except with respect to the Specified Secured Indebtedness and July 2023 Notes as provided in Section 2.1 of this Note and the Security Agreement).
2.3 Distributions on Capital Stock. So long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not without the Holder’s written consent (a) pay, declare or set apart for such payment, any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, property or other securities) on shares of capital stock other than dividends on shares of Common Stock solely in the form of additional shares of Common Stock or (b) directly or indirectly or through any subsidiary make any other payment or distribution in respect of its capital stock except for distributions pursuant to any shareholders’ rights plan which is approved by a majority of the Borrower’s disinterested directors.
2.4 Reserved.
2.5 Sale of Assets. So long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not, without the Holder’s written consent, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any significant portion of its assets outside the ordinary course of business. Any consent by the Holder to the disposition of any assets may be conditioned on a specified use of the proceeds of disposition.
2.6 Advances and Loans; Affiliate Transactions. So long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not, without the Holder’s written consent, lend money, give credit, make advances to or enter into any transaction with any person, firm, joint venture or corporation, including, without limitation, officers, directors, employees, subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower, except loans, credits or advances (a) in existence or committed on the Issue Date and which the Borrower has informed Holder in writing prior to the Issue Date, (b) in regard to transactions with unaffiliated third parties, made in the ordinary course of business or (c) in regard to transactions with unaffiliated third parties, not in excess of $100,000. So long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not, without the Holder’s written consent, repay any affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Borrower in connection with any indebtedness or accrued amounts owed to any such party.
2.7 Reserved.
2.8 Preservation of Business and Existence, etc. So long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall not, without the Holder’s written consent, (a) change the nature of its business or (b) sell, divest, change the structure of any material assets other than in the ordinary course of business. In addition, so long as the Borrower shall have any obligation under this Note, the Borrower shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, its existence, rights and privileges, and become or remain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries (other than dormant Subsidiaries that have no or minimum assets) to become or remain, duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or in which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary.
2.9 Noncircumvention. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that the Company will not, by amendment of its Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, 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 Note, and will at all times in good faith carry out all the provisions of this Note and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holder.
2.10 Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note.
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ARTICLE III. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
It shall be considered an event of default if any of the following events listed in this Article III (each, an “Event of Default”) shall occur:
3.1 Failure to Pay Principal or Interest. The Borrower fails to pay the Principal Amount hereof or interest thereon when due on this Note, whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, or fails to fully comply with Section 1.10 of this Note.
3.2 Conversion and the Shares. The Borrower (i) fails to issue Conversion Shares to the Holder (or announces or threatens in writing that it will not honor its obligation to do so) upon exercise by the Holder of the conversion rights of the Holder in accordance with the terms of this Note, (ii) fails to transfer or cause its transfer agent to transfer (issue) (electronically or in certificated form) any certificate for the Conversion Shares issuable to the Holder upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note, (iii) fails to reserve the Reserved Amount at any time on or after the Issue Date, (iv) the Borrower directs its transfer agent not to transfer or delays, impairs, and/or hinders its transfer agent in transferring (or issuing) (electronically or in certificated form) any certificate for the Conversion Shares issuable to the Holder upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note, or fails to remove (or directs its transfer agent not to remove or impairs, delays, and/or hinders its transfer agent from removing) any restrictive legend (or to withdraw any stop transfer instructions in respect thereof) on any certificate for any Conversion Shares issued to the Holder upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note (or makes any written announcement, statement or threat that it does not intend to honor the obligations described in this paragraph) and any such failure shall continue uncured (or any written announcement, statement or threat not to honor its obligations shall not be rescinded in writing) for two (2) Trading Days after the Holder shall have delivered a Notice of Conversion, and/or (v) fails to remain current in its obligations to its transfer agent (including but not limited to payment obligations to its transfer agent). It shall be an Event of Default of this Note, if a conversion of this Note is delayed, hindered or frustrated due to a balance owed by the Borrower to its transfer agent. If at the option of the Holder, the Holder advances any funds to the Borrower’s transfer agent in order to process a conversion, such advanced funds shall be added to the principal balance of the Note.
3.3 Breach of Agreements and Covenants. The Borrower breaches any covenant, agreement, or other term or condition contained in the Purchase Agreement, this Note, Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, Registration Rights Agreement (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), Security Agreement, or in any agreement, statement or certificate given in writing pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or therewith.
3.4 Breach of Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty of the Borrower made in the Purchase Agreement, this Note, Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions, Registration Rights Agreement, Security Agreement, or in any agreement, statement or certificate given in writing pursuant hereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall be false or misleading in any material respect when made.
3.5 Receiver or Trustee. The Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver or trustee for it or for a substantial part of its property or business, or such a receiver or trustee shall otherwise be appointed.
3.6 Judgments. Any money judgment, writ or similar process shall be entered or filed against the Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower or any of its property or other assets for more than $100,000, and shall remain unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of twenty (20) days unless otherwise consented to by the Holder, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
3.7 Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary or involuntary, for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any subsidiary of the Borrower.
3.8 Failure to Comply with the 1934 Act. At any time after the Issue Date, the Borrower shall fail to comply with the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act and/or the Borrower shall cease to be subject to the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act.
3.9 Liquidation. Any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of Borrower or any substantial portion of its business.
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3.10 Cessation of Operations. Any cessation of operations by Borrower or Borrower admits it is otherwise generally unable to pay its debts as such debts become due, provided, however, that any disclosure of the Borrower’s ability to continue as a “going concern” shall not be an admission that the Borrower cannot pay its debts as they become due.
3.11 Maintenance of Assets. The failure by Borrower to maintain any material intellectual property rights, personal, real property or other assets which are necessary to conduct its business (whether now or in the future).
3.12 Financial Statement Restatement. The restatement of any financial statements filed by the Borrower with the SEC for any date or period from two years prior to the Issue Date of this Note and until this Note is no longer outstanding.
3.13 Replacement of Transfer Agent. In the event that the Borrower proposes to replace its transfer agent, the Borrower fails to provide, prior to the effective date of such replacement, a fully executed Irrevocable Transfer Agent Instructions in a form as initially delivered pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (including but not limited to the provision to irrevocably reserve shares of Common Stock in the Reserved Amount) signed by the successor transfer agent to Borrower and the Borrower.
3.14 Cross-Default. The declaration of an event of default by any lender or other extender of credit to the Company under any notes, loans, agreements or other instruments of the Company evidencing any indebtedness of the Company (including those filed as exhibits to or described in the Company’s filings with the SEC), after the passage of all applicable notice and cure or grace periods.
3.15 Reserved.
3.16 Inside Information. Any attempt by the Borrower or its officers, directors, and/or affiliates to transmit, convey, disclose, or any actual transmittal, conveyance, or disclosure by the Borrower or its officers, directors, and/or affiliates of, material non-public information concerning the Borrower, to the Holder or its successors and assigns, which is not immediately cured by Borrower’s filing of a Form 8-K pursuant to Regulation FD on that same date.
3.17 Unavailability of Rule 144. If, at any time on or after the date that is six (6) calendar months after the Issue Date, the Holder is unable to (i) obtain a standard “144 legal opinion letter” from an attorney reasonably acceptable to the Holder, the Holder’s brokerage firm (and respective clearing firm), and the Borrower’s transfer agent in order to facilitate the Holder’s conversion of any portion of the Note into free trading shares of the Borrower’s Common Stock pursuant to Rule 144, and/or (ii) thereupon deposit such shares into the Holder’s brokerage account.
3.18 Delisting, Suspension, or Quotation of Trading of Common Stock. If, at any time on or after the Issue Date, the Borrower’s Common Stock (i) is suspended from trading, (ii) halted from trading, and/or (iii) fails to be quoted or listed (as applicable) on a Principal Market.
3.19 Registration Statement Failures. The Borrower fails to (i) file a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) covering the Holder’s resale at prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) of all of the Conversion Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the “Conversion Shares”) and Commitment Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (the “Commitment Shares”) within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days following the Issue Date, (ii) cause the Registration Statement to become effective within one hundred fifty (150) calendar days following the date that the Registration Statement is initially filed, (iii) cause the Registration Statement to remain effective until the Holder no longer owns the Note, Conversion Shares, or Commitment Shares, (iv) comply with the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement in all respects, or (v) immediately amend the Registration Statement or file a new Registration Statement (and cause such Registration Statement to become effective as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement) if there are no longer sufficient shares registered under the initial Registration Statement for the Holder’s resale at prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices) of all of the Conversion Shares, Exercise Shares, and Commitment Shares.
3.20 Reserved.
3.21 Reserved.
3.22 Penny Stock. The Borrower’s Common Stock is deemed to be a “penny stock” as defined in SEC Rule 240.3a51-1 at any time after the Issue Date.
3.23 Reserved.
3.24 Rights and Remedies Upon an Event of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in this Article III, this Note shall become immediately due and payable, and the Borrower shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Amount then outstanding plus accrued interest (including any Default Interest) through the date of full repayment multiplied by 200% (collectively the “Default Amount”), as well as all costs, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, of collection, all without demand, presentment or notice, all of which hereby are expressly waived by the Borrower. Holder may, in its sole discretion, determine to accept payment part in Common Stock and part in cash. For purposes of payments in Common Stock, the conversion formula set forth in Section 1.2 shall apply as well as all other provisions of this Note. The Holder shall be entitled to exercise all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.
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ARTICLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of the Holder in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privileges. All rights and remedies of the Holder existing hereunder are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.
4.2 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii) deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by hand delivery, telegram, e-mail or facsimile, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery or delivery by e-mail or facsimile, with accurate confirmation generated by the transmitting facsimile machine, at the address or number designated below (if delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur. The addresses for such communications shall be:
If to the Borrower, to:
ADITXT, INC.
737 N. Fifth Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23219
Attention: Amro Albanna
e-mail:
If to the Holder: to its address and e-mail address set forth on the signature page to the Purchase Agreement
4.3 Amendments. This Note and any provision hereof may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed by the Borrower and the Holder. The term “Note” and all reference thereto, as used throughout this instrument, shall mean this instrument as originally executed, or if later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or supplemented.
4.4 Assignability. This Note shall be binding upon the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to be the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns. The Borrower shall not assign this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Holder. The Holder may assign its rights hereunder to any “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a) of the 1933 Act) in a private transaction from the Holder or to any of its “affiliates”, as that term is defined under the 1934 Act, without the consent of the Borrower. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, this Note may be pledged as collateral in connection with a bona fide margin account or other lending arrangement. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that following conversion of a portion of this Note, the unpaid and unconverted principal amount of this Note represented by this Note may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.
4.5 Cost of Collection. If default is made in the payment of this Note, the Borrower shall pay the Holder hereof costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
4.6 Governing Law; Venue; Attorney’s Fees. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action brought by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby shall be brought only in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, to the extent such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or, to the extent that neither of the foregoing courts has jurisdiction, the Superior Court of the State of Delaware. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniens. THE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR ANY TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding in connection with this Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Note and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The prevailing party in any action or dispute brought in connection with this the Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby shall be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
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4.7 Certain Amounts. Whenever pursuant to this Note the Borrower is required to pay an amount in excess of the outstanding Principal Amount (or the portion thereof required to be paid at that time) plus accrued and unpaid interest plus Default Interest on such interest, the Borrower and the Holder agree that the actual damages to the Holder from the receipt of cash payment on this Note may be difficult to determine and the amount to be so paid by the Borrower represents stipulated damages and not a penalty and is intended to compensate the Holder in part for loss of the opportunity to convert this Note and to earn a return from the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired upon conversion of this Note at a price in excess of the price paid for such shares pursuant to this Note. The Borrower and the Holder hereby agree that such amount of stipulated damages is not plainly disproportionate to the possible loss to the Holder from the receipt of a cash payment without the opportunity to convert this Note into shares of Common Stock.
4.8 Purchase Agreement. The Company and the Holder shall be bound by the applicable terms of the Purchase Agreement, Security Agreement, and the documents entered into in connection herewith and therewith.
4.9 Notice of Corporate Events. Except as otherwise provided below, the Holder of this Note shall have no rights as a Holder of Common Stock unless and only to the extent that it converts this Note into Common Stock. The Borrower shall provide the Holder with prior notification of any meeting of the Borrower’s shareholders (and copies of proxy materials and other information sent to shareholders). In the event of any taking by the Borrower of a record of its shareholders for the purpose of determining shareholders who are entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution, any right to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire (including by way of merger, consolidation, reclassification or recapitalization) any share of any class or any other securities or property, or to receive any other right, or for the purpose of determining shareholders who are entitled to vote in connection with any change in control or any proposed liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Borrower, the Borrower shall mail a notice to the Holder, at least twenty (20) days prior to the record date specified therein (or thirty (30) days prior to the consummation of the transaction or event, whichever is earlier), of the date on which any such record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, right or other event, and a brief statement regarding the amount and character of such dividend, distribution, right or other event to the extent known at such time. The Borrower shall make a public announcement of any event requiring notification to the Holder hereunder substantially simultaneously with the notification to the Holder in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.9.
4.10 Remedies. The Borrower acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holder, by vitiating the intent and purpose of the transaction contemplated hereby. Accordingly, the Borrower acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Note will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Borrower of the provisions of this Note, that the Holder shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Note and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions thereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.
4.11 Construction; Headings. This Note shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and all the Holder and shall not be construed against any person as the drafter hereof. The headings of this Note are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Note.
4.12 Usury. To the extent it may lawfully do so, the Company hereby agrees not to insist upon or plead or in any manner whatsoever claim, and will resist any and all efforts to be compelled to take the benefit or advantage of, usury laws wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, in connection with any action or proceeding that may be brought by the Holder in order to enforce any right or remedy under this Note. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Note, it is expressly agreed and provided that the total liability of the Company under this Note for payments which under the applicable law are in the nature of interest shall not exceed the maximum lawful rate authorized under applicable law (the “Maximum Rate”), and, without limiting the foregoing, in no event shall any rate of interest or default interest, or both of them, when aggregated with any other sums which under the applicable law in the nature of interest that the Company may be obligated to pay under this Note exceed such Maximum Rate. It is agreed that if the maximum contract rate of interest allowed by applicable law and applicable to this Note is increased or decreased by statute or any official governmental action subsequent to the Issue Date, the new maximum contract rate of interest allowed by law will be the Maximum Rate applicable to this Note from the effective date thereof forward, unless such application is precluded by applicable law. If under any circumstances whatsoever, interest in excess of the Maximum Rate is paid by the Company to the Holder with respect to indebtedness evidenced by this the Note, such excess shall be applied by the Holder to the unpaid principal balance of any such indebtedness or be refunded to the Company, the manner of handling such excess to be at the Holder’s election.
4.13 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Note is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law (including any judicial ruling), then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Note.
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4.14 Terms of Future Financings. So long as this Note is outstanding, upon any issuance by the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries of any security, or amendment to a security that was originally issued before the Issue Date, with any term that the Holder reasonably believes is more favorable to the holder of such security or with a term in favor of the holder of such security that the Holder reasonably believes was not similarly provided to the Holder in this Note (even if the holder of such other security does not receive the benefit of such more favorable term until a default occurs under such other security), then (i) the Borrower shall notify the Holder of such additional or more favorable term within one (1) business day of the issuance and/or amendment (as applicable) of the respective security, and (ii) such term, at Holder’s option, shall become a part of the transaction documents with the Holder (regardless of whether the Borrower complied with the notification provision of this Section 4.14). The types of terms contained in another security that may be more favorable to the holder of such security include, but are not limited to, terms addressing prepayment rate, interest rates, and original issue discounts.
4.15 Dispute Resolution. In the case of a dispute as to the determination of the Conversion Price, Conversion Amount, any prepayment amount or Default Amount, Issue, Closing or Maturity Date, the closing bid price, or fair market value (as the case may be) or the arithmetic calculation of the Conversion Price or the applicable prepayment amount(s) (as the case may be), the Borrower or the Holder shall submit the disputed determinations or arithmetic calculations via facsimile (i) within one (1) Trading Day after receipt of the applicable notice giving rise to such dispute to the Borrower or the Holder or (ii) if no notice gave rise to such dispute, at any time after the Holder learned of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute. If the Holder and the Borrower are unable to agree upon such determination or calculation within one (1) Trading Day of such disputed determination or arithmetic calculation (as the case may be) being submitted to the Borrower or the Holder, then the Borrower shall, within one (1) Trading Day, submit (a) the disputed determination of the Conversion Price, the closing bid price, the or fair market value (as the case may be) to an independent, reputable investment bank selected by the Borrower and approved by the Holder or (b) the disputed arithmetic calculation of the Conversion Price, Conversion Amount, any prepayment amount or Default Amount, to an independent, outside accountant selected by the Holder that is reasonably acceptable to the Borrower. The Borrower shall cause at its expense the investment bank or the accountant to perform the determinations or calculations and notify the Borrower and the Holder of the results no later than one (1) Trading Day from the time it receives such disputed determinations or calculations. Such investment bank’s or accountant’s determination or calculation shall be binding upon all parties absent demonstrable error.
[signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Note to be signed in its name by its duly authorized officer on July 3, 2023.
| ADITXT, INC. | |||
| By: | |||
| Name: | Amro Albanna | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
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EXHIBIT A -- NOTICE OF CONVERSION
The undersigned hereby elects to convert $ principal amount of the Note (defined below) into that number of shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to the conversion of the Note (“Common Stock”) as set forth below, of ADITXT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), according to the conditions of the secured promissory note of the Borrower dated as of July 3, 2023 (the “Note”), as of the date written below. No fee will be charged to the Holder for any conversion, except for transfer taxes, if any.
Box Checked as to applicable instructions:
| ☐ | The Borrower shall electronically transmit the Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Notice of Conversion to the account of the undersigned or its nominee with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system (“DWAC Transfer”). |
Name of DTC Prime Broker:
Account Number:
| ☐ | The undersigned hereby requests that the Borrower issue a certificate or certificates for the number of shares of Common Stock set forth below (which numbers are based on the Holder’s calculation attached hereto) in the name(s) specified immediately below or, if additional space is necessary, on an attachment hereto: |
| Date of Conversion: | ||||
| Applicable Conversion Price: | $ | |||
| Number of Shares of Common Stock to be Issued Pursuant to Conversion of the Note: | ||||
| Amount of Principal Balance Due remaining Under the Note after this conversion: | ||||
| By: | ||
| Name: | ||
| Title: | ||
| Date: |
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APPENDIX C
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
to the
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
of
ADITXT, INC.
ADITXT, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), does hereby certify as follows:
FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Aditxt, Inc. The Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) on September 28, 2017, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
SECOND: ARTICLE IV, SECTION I of the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation shall be amended by inserting Subsection “(d)” at the end of such section which shall read as follows:
C. Reverse Stock Split. As of at Eastern Time (the “Effective Time”) of this Certificate of Amendment pursuant to the Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, each ( ) shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (the “Old Common Stock”) shall automatically without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of Old Common Stock, be reclassified, combined, converted and changed into ( ) fully paid and nonassessable shares of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share (the “New Common Stock”), subject to the treatment of fractional share interests as described below (the “reverse stock split”). The conversion of the Old Common Stock into New Common Stock will be deemed to occur at the Effective Time. From and after the Effective Time, certificates representing the Old Common Stock shall represent the number of shares of New Common Stock into which such Old Common Stock shall have been converted pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment. Holders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional share interests of New Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the reverse stock split shall be entitled to receive a whole share of New Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share created as a result of such reverse stock split.
THIRD: The stockholders of the Corporation have duly approved the foregoing amendment in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be duly adopted and executed in its corporate name and on its behalf by its duly authorized officer as of the day of , 20 .
| ADITXT, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Name: | Amro Albanna | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
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APPENDIX D
ADITX THERAPEUTICS, INC.
2021 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Section 1. Purpose of Plan.
The name of the Plan is the Aditx Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company” or “Aditxt”) 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).The purposes of the Plan are to (i) provide an additional incentive to selected employees, directors, and independent contractors of the Company or its Affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company, (ii) strengthen the commitment of such individuals to the Company and its Affiliates, (iii) motivate those individuals to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities and (iv) attract and retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts will result in the long-term growth and profitability of the Company. To accomplish these purposes, the Plan provides that the Company may grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or any combination of the foregoing.
Section 2. Definitions.
For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:
(a) “Administrator” means the Board, or, if and to the extent the Board does not administer the Plan, the Committee in accordance with Section 3 hereof.
(b) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified as of any date of determination.
(c) “Applicable Laws” means the applicable requirements under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, including the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan, as are in effect from time to time.
(d) “Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Other Stock-Based Award granted under the Plan.
(e) “Award Agreement” means any written notice, agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to an Award as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with the Plan.
(f) “Beneficial Owner” (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.
(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(h) “Bylaws” mean the bylaws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.
(i) “Cause” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Cause,” then “Cause” means (i) a continuing material breach or material breach or material default (including, without limitation, any material dereliction of duty) by the Participant of any agreement between the Participant and the Company, except for any such breach or default which is caused by the physical disability of the Participant (as determined by a neutral physician), or a continuing failure by the Participant to follow the direction of a duly authorized representative of the Company; (ii) gross negligence, willful misfeasance or breach of fiduciary duty by the Participant; (iii) the commission by the Participant of an act of fraud, embezzlement or any felony or other crime of dishonesty in connection with the Participant’s duties; or (iv) conviction of the Participant of a felony or any other crime that would materially and adversely affect: (A) the business reputation of the Company or (B) the performance of the Participant’s duties to the Company. Any voluntary termination of employment or service by the Participant in anticipation of an involuntary termination of the Participant’s employment or service, as applicable, for Cause shall be deemed to be a termination for Cause.
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(j) “Change in Capitalization” means any (i) merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase or other reorganization or corporate transaction or event, (ii) special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock or other property), stock split, reverse stock split, share subdivision or consolidation, (iii) combination or exchange of shares or (iv) other change in corporate structure, which, in any such case, the Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, affects the Shares such that an adjustment pursuant to Section 5 hereof is appropriate.
(k) “Change in Control” means the first occurrence of an event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs following the Effective Date:
(1) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person which were acquired directly from the Company or any Affiliate thereof) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (i) of paragraph (3) below; or
(2) the date on which individuals who constitute the Board as of the Effective Date and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors serving on the Board; or
(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary with any other corporation or other entity, other than (i) a merger or consolidation (A) which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and (B) following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger or consolidation is then a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or
(4) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company following the completion of such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or, if such entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions and (ii) to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred under the Plan with respect to any Award that constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code only if a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall also be deemed to have occurred under Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this definition of Change in Control, the term “Person” shall not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company.
(l) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.
(m) “Committee” means any committee or subcommittee the Board may appoint to administer the Plan. Subject to the discretion of the Board, the Committee shall be composed entirely of individuals who meet the qualifications of a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded.
(n) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001.
(o) “Company” means Aditx Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (or any successor company, except as the term “Company” is used in the definition of “Change in Control” above).
(p) “Disability” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Disability,” then “Disability” means that a Participant, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company or an Affiliate thereof.
(q) “Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 17 hereof.
(r) “Eligible Recipient” means an employee, director or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company who has been selected as an eligible participant by the Administrator; provided, however, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, an Eligible Recipient of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right means an employee, non-employee director or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with respect to whom the Company is an “eligible issuer of service recipient stock” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
(s) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
(t) “Exempt Award” shall mean the following:
(1) An Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by a corporation or other entity acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries combines by merger or otherwise. The terms and conditions of any such Awards may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan to the extent the Administrator at the time of grant may deem appropriate, subject to Applicable Laws.
(2) An award that an Eligible Recipient purchases at Fair Market Value (including awards that an Eligible Recipient elects to receive in lieu of fully vested compensation that is otherwise due) whether or not the Shares are delivered immediately or on a deferred basis.
D-3
(u) “Exercise Price” means, (i) with respect to any Option, the per share price at which a holder of such Option may purchase Shares issuable upon exercise of such Award, and (ii) with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right, the base price per share of such Stock Appreciation Right.
(v) “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock or another security as of a particular date shall mean the fair market value as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, that, (i) if the Common Stock or other security is admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the fair market value on any date shall be the closing sale price reported on such date, or if no shares were traded on such date, on the last preceding date for which there was a sale of a share of Common Stock on such exchange, or (ii) if the Common Stock or other security is then traded in an over-the-counter market, the fair market value on any date shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices for such share in such over-the-counter market for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such share in such market.
(w) “Free Standing Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.
(x) “Good Reason” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Good Reason,” “Good Reason” and any provision of this Plan that refers to “Good Reason” shall not be applicable to such Participant.
(y) “Grandfathered Arrangement” means an Award which is provided pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on November 2, 2017, and which was not modified in any material respect on or after November 2, 2017, within the meaning of Section 13601(e)(2) of P.L. 115.97, as may be amended from time to time (including any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder).
(z) “Incentive Compensation” means annual cash bonus and any Award.
(aa) “ISO” means an Option intended to be and designated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(bb) “Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is not designated as an ISO.
(cc) “Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 7 hereof. The term “Option” as used in the Plan includes the terms “Nonqualified Stock Option” and “ISO.”
(dd) “Other Stock-Based Award” means a right or other interest granted pursuant to Section 10 hereof that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Common Stock, including, but not limited to, unrestricted Shares, dividend equivalents or performance units, each of which may be subject to the attainment of performance goals or a period of continued provision of service or employment or other terms or conditions as permitted under the Plan.
(ee) “Participant” means any Eligible Recipient selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator’s authority provided for in Section 3 below, to receive grants of Awards, and, upon his or her death, his or her successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.
(ff) “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof.
(gg) “Plan” means this 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
(hh) “Prior Plan” means the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date.
(ii) “Related Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.
(jj) “Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.
(kk) “Restricted Stock” means a Share granted pursuant to Section 9 below subject to certain restrictions that lapse at the end of a specified period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.
(ll) “Restricted Stock Unit” means the right granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof to receive a Share at the end of a specified restricted period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.
D-4
(mm) “Rule 16b-3” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.
(nn) “Section 16 Officer” means any officer of the Company whom the Board has determined is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, whether or not such individual is a Section 16 Officer at the time the determination to recoup compensation is made.
(oo) “Shares” means Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, as adjusted pursuant to the Plan, and any successor (pursuant to a merger, consolidation or other reorganization) security.
(pp) “Stock Appreciation Right” means a right granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the date such Award or portion thereof is surrendered, of the Shares covered by such Award or such portion thereof, over (ii) the aggregate Exercise Price of such Award or such portion thereof.
(qq) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such first Person owns or otherwise controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or a sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such other Person.
(rr) “Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.
Section 3. Administration.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator and shall be administered, to the extent applicable, in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 16b-3”).
(b) Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator, subject, in the case of any Committee, to any restrictions on the authority delegated to it by the Board, shall have the power and authority, without limitation:
(1) to select those Eligible Recipients who shall be Participants;
(2) to determine whether and to what extent Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or a combination of any of the foregoing, are to be granted hereunder to Participants;
(3) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(4) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of each Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, (i) the restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and the conditions under which restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, (ii) the performance goals and periods applicable to Awards, (iii) the Exercise Price of each Option and each Stock Appreciation Right or the purchase price of any other Award, (iv) the vesting schedule and terms applicable to each Award, (v) the number of Shares or amount of cash or other property subject to each Award and (vi) subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (to the extent applicable) any amendments to the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including, but not limited to, extending the exercise period of such Awards and accelerating the payment schedules of such Awards and/or, to the extent specifically permitted under the Plan, accelerating the vesting schedules of such Awards);
(5) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, which shall govern all written instruments evidencing Awards;
(6) to determine the Fair Market Value in accordance with the terms of the Plan;
(7) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of the Participant’s service or employment for purposes of Awards granted under the Plan;
(8) to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, regulations, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable;
(9) to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of, and supply or correct omissions in, the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any Award Agreement relating thereto), and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the Plan; and
(10) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable non-United States laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-United States laws, which rules and regulations may be set forth in an appendix or appendixes to the Plan.
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(c) Subject to Section 5, neither the Board nor the Committee shall have the authority to (i) reprice or cancel and regrant any Award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price or cancel any Award with an exercise, base or purchase price in exchange for cash, property or other Awards without first obtaining the approval of the Company’s stockholders; or (ii) accelerate the vesting of any Awards (except pursuant to Section 11).
(d) All decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including the Company and the Participants.
(e) The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.
(f) If at any time or to any extent the Board shall not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Committee. Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, any action of the Committee with respect to the administration of the Plan shall be taken by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is duly constituted or unanimous written consent of the Committee’s members.
Section 4. Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.
(a) Subject to Section 5 hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock that are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be equal to the sum of (i) 3,000,000 shares, plus (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock reserved, but unissued under the Prior Plan; (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock underlying forfeited awards under the Prior Plan; and (iv) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the Plan, equal to the lesser of (A) five percent (5%) of the Shares outstanding (on an as-converted basis) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such lesser number of Shares as determined by the Board; provided, that, shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan with respect to an Exempt Award shall not count against such share limit. Following the Effective Date, no further awards shall be issued under the Prior Plan, but all awards under the Prior Plan which are outstanding as of the Effective Date (including any Grandfathered Arrangement) shall continue to be governed by the terms, conditions and procedures set forth in the Prior Plan and any applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Shares issued under the Plan may, in whole or in part, be authorized but unissued Shares or Shares that shall have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If an Award entitles the Participant to receive or purchase Shares, the number of Shares covered by such Award or to which such Award relates shall be counted on the date of grant of such Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting Awards under the Plan. If any Shares subject to an Award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an Award otherwise terminates or expires without a distribution of Shares to the Participant, the Shares with respect to such Award shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, termination or expiration, again be available for granting Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Shares surrendered or withheld as payment of either the Exercise Price of an Award (including Shares otherwise underlying a Stock Appreciation Right that are retained by the Company to account for the Exercise Price of such Stock Appreciation Right) and/or withholding taxes in respect of an Award shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan. In addition, (i) to the extent an Award is denominated in shares of Common Stock, but paid or settled in cash, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such payment or settlement is made shall again be available for grants of Awards pursuant to the Plan and (ii) shares of Common Stock underlying Awards that can only be settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards under the Plan. Upon the exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of Shares as to which the Award is exercised and, notwithstanding the foregoing, such number of Shares shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan.
(c) No more than 500,000 Shares (as increased on an annual basis, on the first day of each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the Plan, by the lesser of (A) five percent (5%) of the Shares outstanding (on an as-converted basis) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year; (B) 500,000 Shares, and (C) such lesser number of Shares as determined by the Board) shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs.
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Section 5. Equitable Adjustments.
In the event of any Change in Capitalization, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 4, (ii) the kind, number of securities subject to, and the Exercise Price subject to outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of Shares or other securities or the amount of cash or amount or type of other property subject to outstanding Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Awards granted under the Plan; and/or (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from the adjustment shall be eliminated. Such other equitable substitutions or adjustments shall be made as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with a Change in Capitalization, the Administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, but subject in all events to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, for the cancellation of any outstanding Award granted hereunder in exchange for payment in cash or other property having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares, cash or other property covered by such Award, reduced by the aggregate Exercise Price or purchase price thereof, if any; provided, however, that if the Exercise Price or purchase price of any outstanding Award is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock, cash or other property covered by such Award, the Administrator may cancel such Award without the payment of any consideration to the Participant. Further, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to Awards subject to foreign laws, adjustments made hereunder shall be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the Administrator, any adjustments to ISOs under this Section 5 shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code. The Administrator’s determinations pursuant to this Section 5 shall be final, binding and conclusive.
Section 6. Eligibility.
The Participants in the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from those individuals that qualify as Eligible Recipients.
Section 7. Options.
(a) General. Options granted under the Plan shall be designated as Nonqualified Stock Options or ISOs. Each Participant who is granted an Option shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the Exercise Price of the Option, the term of the Option and provisions regarding exercisability of the Option, and whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or a Nonqualified Stock Option (and in the event the Award Agreement has no such designation, the Option shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option). The provisions of each Option need not be the same with respect to each Participant. More than one Option may be granted to the same Participant and be outstanding concurrently hereunder. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Shares purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of an Option be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.
(c) Option Term. The maximum term of each Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such Option is granted. Each Option’s term is subject to earlier expiration pursuant to the applicable provisions in the Plan and the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 4(d) of the Plan, the Administrator shall have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding Option at such time and under such circumstances as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.
(d) Exercisability. Each Option shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of performance goals, as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may also provide that any Option shall be exercisable only in installments, and the Administrator may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time, in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion.
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(e) Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised in whole or in part by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of whole Shares to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price of the Shares so purchased in cash or its equivalent, as determined by the Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, with respect to any Option or category of Options, payment in whole or in part may also be made (i) by means of consideration received under any cashless exercise procedure approved by the Administrator (including the withholding of Shares otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) in the form of unrestricted Shares already owned by the Participant which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (iii) any other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by Applicable Laws or (iv) any combination of the foregoing.
(f) ISOs. The terms and conditions of ISOs granted hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the terms, conditions, limitations and administrative procedures established by the Administrator from time to time in accordance with the Plan. At the discretion of the Administrator, ISOs may be granted only to an employee of the Company, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company.
(1) ISO Grants to 10% Stockholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, if an ISO is granted to a Participant who owns shares representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company, the term of the ISO shall not exceed five (5) years from the time of grant of such ISO and the Exercise Price shall be at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the date of grant.
(2) $100,000 Per Year Limitation For ISOs. To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the date of grant) of the Shares for which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company) exceeds $100,000, such excess ISOs shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.
(3) Disqualifying Dispositions. Each Participant awarded an ISO under the Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date the Participant makes a “disqualifying disposition” of any Share acquired pursuant to the exercise of such ISO. A “disqualifying disposition” is any disposition (including any sale) of such Shares before the later of (i) two years after the date of grant of the ISO and (ii) one year after the date the Participant acquired the Shares by exercising the ISO. The Company may, if determined by the Administrator and in accordance with procedures established by it, retain possession of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO as agent for the applicable Participant until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence, subject to complying with any instructions from such Participant as to the sale of such Shares.
(g) Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends, dividend equivalents or distributions or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Shares subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof, and has paid in full for such Shares and has satisfied the requirements of Section 15 hereof.
(h) Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of an Option upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.
(i) Other Change in Employment or Service Status. An Option shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment status or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.
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Section 8. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) General. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either alone (“Free Standing Rights”) or in conjunction with all or part of any Option granted under the Plan (“Related Rights”). Related Rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of such Option. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made. Each Participant who is granted a Stock Appreciation Right shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of Shares to be awarded, the Exercise Price per Share, and all other conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Related Right may be granted for more Shares than are subject to the Option to which it relates. The provisions of Stock Appreciation Rights need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions set forth in this Section 8 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Awards; Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock, if any, subject to a Stock Appreciation Right until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof and has satisfied the requirements of Section 15 hereof.
(c) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of Shares purchasable under a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.
(d) Exercisability.
(1) Stock Appreciation Rights that are Free Standing Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement.
(2) Stock Appreciation Rights that are Related Rights shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the Options to which they relate shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof and this Section 8 of the Plan.
(e) Payment Upon Exercise.
(1) Upon the exercise of a Free Standing Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price per share specified in the Free Standing Right multiplied by the number of Shares in respect of which the Free Standing Right is being exercised.
(2) A Related Right may be exercised by a Participant by surrendering the applicable portion of the related Option. Upon such exercise and surrender, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of Shares equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price specified in the related Option multiplied by the number of Shares in respect of which the Related Right is being exercised. Options which have been so surrendered, in whole or in part, shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the Related Rights have been so exercised.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may determine to settle the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right in cash (or in any combination of Shares and cash).
(f) Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of a Stock Appreciation Right upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.
(g) Term.
(1) The term of each Free Standing Right shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Free Standing Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.
(2) The term of each Related Right shall be the term of the Option to which it relates, but no Related Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.
(h) Other Change in Employment or Service Status. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.
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Section 9. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
(a) General. Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be issued under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be made. Each Participant who is granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of Shares to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for the acquisition of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units; the period of time restrictions, performance goals or other conditions that apply to Transferability, delivery or vesting of such Awards (the “Restricted Period”); and all other conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. If the restrictions, performance goals or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a Participant shall forfeit his or her Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, in accordance with the terms of the grant. The provisions of the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.
(b) Awards and Certificates. Except as otherwise provided below in Section 9(c), (i) each Participant who is granted an Award of Restricted Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued a share certificate in respect of such Restricted Stock; and (ii) any such certificate so issued shall be registered in the name of the Participant, and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any such Award. The Company may require that the share certificates, if any, evidencing Restricted Stock granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a share transfer form, endorsed in blank, relating to the Shares covered by such Award. Certificates for shares of unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in such Restricted Stock Award. With respect to Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares, at the expiration of the Restricted Period, share certificates in respect of the shares of Common Stock underlying such Restricted Stock Units may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant, or his legal representative, in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units Award. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Shares (at the expiration of the Restricted Period, and whether before or after any vesting conditions have been satisfied) may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued in uncertificated form. Further, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, at the expiration of the Restricted Period, Shares, or cash, as applicable, shall promptly be issued (either in certificated or uncertificated form) to the Participant, unless otherwise deferred in accordance with procedures established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and such issuance or payment shall in any event be made within such period as is required to avoid the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code.
(c) Restrictions and Conditions. The Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 9 shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or, subject to Section 409A of the Code where applicable, thereafter:
(1) The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance goals, the Participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or the Participant’s death or Disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards shall be subject to Section 11 hereof.
(2) Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally have the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to Restricted Stock during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to an Award, shall only become payable if (and to the extent) the underlying Restricted Stock vests. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to Restricted Stock Units during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that, subject to Section 409A of the Code, an amount equal to dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to the number of Shares covered by Restricted Stock Units shall, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement, be paid to the Participant at the time (and to the extent) Shares in respect of the related Restricted Stock Units are delivered to the Participant. Certificates for Shares of unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in respect of such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, except as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.
(3) The rights of Participants granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment or service as a director or independent contractor to the Company or to any Affiliate thereof terminates for any reason during the Restricted Period shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.
(d) Form of Settlement. The Administrator reserves the right in its sole discretion to provide (either at or after the grant thereof) that any Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive the amount of cash per unit that is determined by the Administrator in connection with the Award.
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Section 10. Other Stock-Based Awards.
Other Stock-Based Awards may be issued under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall have sole and complete authority to determine the individuals to whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be granted. Each Participant who is granted an Other Stock-Based Award shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of shares of Common Stock to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock-Based Awards, or the manner in which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be settled (e.g., in shares of Common Stock, cash or other property), or the conditions to the vesting and/or payment or settlement of such Other Stock-Based Awards (which may include, but not be limited to, achievement of performance criteria) and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. In the event that the Administrator grants a bonus in the form of Shares, the Shares constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the Administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the Participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such Participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Notwithstanding anything set forth in the Plan to the contrary, any dividend or dividend equivalent Award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying Award.
Section 11. Change in Control.
Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and evidenced in an Award Agreement, in the event that (a) a Change in Control occurs, and (b) the Participant is employed by the Company or any of its Affiliates immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control then upon the consummation of such Change in Control, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may:
(a) provide that any unvested or unexercisable portion of any Award carrying a right to exercise become fully vested and exercisable; and
(b) cause the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan to lapse and such Awards shall be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels.
If the Administrator determines in its discretion pursuant to Section 3(b)(4) hereof to accelerate the vesting of Options and/or Share Appreciation Rights in connection with a Change in Control, the Administrator shall also have discretion in connection with such action to provide that all Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding immediately prior to such Change in Control shall expire on the effective date of such Change in Control.
Section 12. Amendment and Termination.
The Board may amend, alter or terminate the Plan at any time, but no amendment, alteration or termination shall be made that would impair the rights of a Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant’s consent. The Board shall obtain approval of the Company’s stockholders for any amendment that would require such approval in order to satisfy the requirements of any rules of the stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or other Applicable Law. Subject to Section 3(c), the Administrator may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject to Section 5 of the Plan and the immediately preceding sentence, no such amendment shall materially impair the rights of any Participant without his or her consent.
Section 13. Unfunded Status of Plan.
The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.
Section 14. Withholding Taxes.
Each Participant shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award first becomes includible in the gross income of such Participant for purposes of applicable taxes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of an amount up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the Participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to the Award, as determined by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on the making of such payments or arrangements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to such Participant. Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable withholding tax requirements related thereto. Whenever Shares or property other than cash are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any related taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations; provided, that, with the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either (i) electing to have the Company withhold from delivery of Shares or other property, as applicable, or (ii) delivering already owned unrestricted shares of Common Stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. Such already owned and unrestricted shares of Common Stock shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined and any fractional share amounts resulting therefrom shall be settled in cash. Such an election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the Shares to be delivered pursuant to an award. The Company may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by Applicable Laws, to satisfy its withholding obligation with respect to any Award.
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Section 15. Transfer of Awards.
Until such time as the Awards are fully vested and/or exercisable in accordance with the Plan or an Award Agreement, no purported sale, assignment, mortgage, hypothecation, transfer, charge, pledge, encumbrance, gift, transfer in trust (voting or other) or other disposition of, or creation of a security interest in or lien on, any Award or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing (each, a “Transfer”) by any holder thereof in violation of the provisions of the Plan or an Award Agreement will be valid, except with the prior written consent of the Administrator, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Administrator. Any purported Transfer of an Award or any economic benefit or interest therein in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall be null and void ab initio and shall not create any obligation or liability of the Company, and any Person purportedly acquiring any Award or any economic benefit or interest therein transferred in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall not be entitled to be recognized as a holder of such Shares or other property underlying such Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant or, during any period during which the Participant is under a legal Disability, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.
Section 16. Continued Employment or Service.
Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the grant of an Award shall confer upon any Eligible Recipient any right to continued employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to terminate the employment or service of any of its Eligible Recipients at any time.
Section 17. Effective Date.
The Plan was approved by the Board on February 24, 2021 and shall be adopted and become effective on the date that it is approved by the Company’s stockholders (the “Effective Date”).
Section 18. Electronic Signature.
Participant’s electronic signature of an Award Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by hand.
Section 19. Term of Plan.
No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.
Section 20. Securities Matters and Regulations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligation of the Company to sell or deliver Shares with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable.
(b) Each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Administrator determines that the listing, registration or qualification of Shares is required by any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Award or the issuance of Shares, no such Award shall be granted or payment made or Shares issued, in whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Administrator.
(c) In the event that the disposition of Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under the Securities Act and is not otherwise exempt from such registration, such Shares shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by the Securities Act or regulations thereunder, and the Administrator may require a Participant receiving Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Common Stock, to represent to the Company in writing that the Common Stock acquired by such Participant is acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution.
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Section 21. Section 409A of the Code.
The Plan as well as payments and benefits under the Plan are intended to be exempt from, or to the extent subject thereto, to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participant shall not be considered to have terminated employment or service with the Company for purposes of the Plan and no payment shall be due to the Participant under the Plan or any Award until the Participant would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company and its Affiliates within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless Applicable Law requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent that any Awards (or any other amounts payable under any plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its Affiliates) are payable upon a separation from service and such payment would result in the imposition of any individual tax and penalty interest charges imposed under Section 409A of the Code, the settlement and payment of such awards (or other amounts) shall instead be made on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following such separation from service (or death, if earlier). Each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided under this Plan shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments or benefits described in this Plan will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A of the Code from applying to any such payment. The Participant shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes and penalties incurred under Section 409A.
Section 22. Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code.
If any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code, such Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days after filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service.
Section 23. No Fractional Shares.
No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
Section 24. Beneficiary.
A Participant may file with the Administrator a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Administrator and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. If no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be the Participant’s beneficiary.
Section 25. Paperless Administration.
In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the documentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Participant may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.
Section 26. Severability.
If any provision of the Plan is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of the Plan shall not be affected but shall be applied as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.
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Section 27. Clawback.
(a) If the Company is required to prepare a financial restatement due to the material non-compliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement, then the Committee may require any Section 16 Officer to repay or forfeit to the Company, and each Section 16 Officer agrees to so repay or forfeit, that part of the Incentive Compensation received by that Section 16 Officer during the three-year period preceding the publication of the restated financial statement that the Committee determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 16 Officer would have received had such Incentive Compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The Committee may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid Incentive Compensation and how much Incentive Compensation to recoup from each Section 16 Officer (which need not be the same amount or proportion for each Section 16 Officer), including any determination by the Committee that a Section 16 Officer engaged in fraud, willful misconduct or committed grossly negligent acts or omissions which materially contributed to the events that led to the financial restatement. The amount and form of the Incentive Compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion, and recoupment of Incentive Compensation may be made, in the Committee’s sole and absolute discretion, through the cancellation of vested or unvested Awards, cash repayment or both.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award which is subject to recovery under any Applicable Laws, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement, will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such Applicable Law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).
Section 28. Governing Law.
The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law of such state.
Section 29. Indemnification.
To the extent allowable pursuant to applicable law, each member of the Board and the Administrator and any officer or other employee to whom authority to administer any component of the Plan is designated shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided, however, that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.
Section 30. Titles and Headings, References to Sections of the Code or Exchange Act.
The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control. References to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall include any amendment or successor thereto.
Section 31. Successors.
The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.
Section 32. Relationship to other Benefits.
No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare, or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.
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