Moleculin Biotech, Inc PRE 14A, filed Aug 21, 2023
Moleculin Biotech, Inc. (MBRX)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant ☒ |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐ |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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☒ Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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☐ Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2) |
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☐ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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☐ Definitive Additional Materials |
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☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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Moleculin Biotech, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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☒ No fee required. |
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☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
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Moleculin Biotech, Inc.
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 300-5160
___________, 2023
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
On behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and management of Moleculin Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”), you are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on October 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. local time at the corporate offices of Moleculin Biotech, Inc., 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77007 (the “Special Meeting”).
The attached Notice of the Special Meeting (the “Notice”) and proxy statement (“Proxy Statement”) describe in greater detail all of the formal business that will be transacted at the Special Meeting. Directors and officers of the Company will be available at the Special Meeting to respond to any questions that you may have regarding the business to be transacted.
The Company’s Board has determined that each of the proposals that will be presented to the stockholders for their consideration at the Special Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and unanimously recommends and urges you to vote “FOR” the proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement. If any other business is properly presented at the Special Meeting, the proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Company’s Board.
We encourage you to attend the Special Meeting in person, but if you are unable to attend, it is important that you vote in advance via the Internet, by telephone, or sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Your cooperation is appreciated since a majority of the common stock must be represented, either in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Special Meeting.
On behalf of the Board and all of the employees of the Company, we thank you for your continued support.
Very truly yours,
MOLECULIN BIOTECH, INC.
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By: |
/s/ Walter V. Klemp |
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Walter V. Klemp |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Special Meeting to be Held on October 3, 2023:
Electronic Copies of the Proxy Statement are available at
https://materials.proxyvote.com/60855D
Moleculin Biotech, Inc.
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 300-5160
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD OCTOBER 3, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Moleculin Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) will be at the corporate offices at 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77007, on October 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. Proposal 1. To approve an amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation to grant our Board of Directors authority to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, at a reverse stock split ratio of between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20 as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting (the “Reverse Split Proposal”).
2. Proposal 2. To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the Reverse Split Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).
Please refer to the proxy statement for the Special Meeting (the “Proxy Statement”) for detailed information on the Reverse Split Proposal and Adjournment Proposal.
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) is not aware of any other business that will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting. If any other matters should be properly presented at the Special Meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the Special Meeting for action by stockholders, the persons named in the form of proxy will vote the proxy in accordance with their best judgment on that matter.
The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” the Reverse Split Proposal and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal.
Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 21, 2023 are entitled to receive notice of, to attend and to vote at the Special Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner as of that date, you will receive communications from your broker, bank or other nominee about the Special Meeting and how to direct the vote of your shares, and you are welcome to attend the Special Meeting online, all as described in more detail in the attached Proxy Statement. The Special Meeting may be adjourned or postponed from time to time without notice other than by announcement at the meeting.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting to Be Held on October 3, 2023. The Proxy Statement and form of Proxy are available on the Internet at https://materials.proxyvote.com/60855D and on our corporate website at www.moleculin.com under “Investors—SEC Filings.”
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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MOLECULIN BIOTECH, INC. |
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/s/ Walter V. Klemp |
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Houston, Texas |
Walter V. Klemp |
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________________, 2023 |
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Proxy Statement – General Information |
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Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock |
5 |
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Proposal 1: Reverse Split Proposal |
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Proposal 2: Adjournment Proposal |
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Other Business |
13 |
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Stockholders Sharing the Same Address |
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Moleculin Biotech, Inc.
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 300-5160
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
For the Special Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on October 3, 2023
Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) to be held at the corporate offices at 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77007, on October 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., local time, for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Notice”) and in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement and the proxies solicited hereby are being first sent or delivered to stockholders of the Company on or about ___________, 2023.
As used in this Proxy Statement, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Moleculin” refer to Moleculin Biotech, Inc., and the terms “Board of Directors” and “Board” refers to the Board of Directors of the Company.
Questions and Answers about these Proxy Materials and the Special Meeting
What information is contained in this Proxy Statement?
This information relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Special Meeting, the voting process, and certain other required information.
Can I access the Company’s proxy materials electronically?
Yes. The Proxy Statement and form of Proxy are available at https://materials.proxyvote.com/60855D. To view this material, you must have available the control number located on the proxy card or, if shares are held in the name of a broker, bank or other nominee, the voting instruction form.
What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
It means your shares are registered differently or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for each account for which you have received a set of proxy materials.
Who is soliciting my vote pursuant to this Proxy Statement?
Our Board is soliciting your vote at the Special Meeting. We have engaged Okapi Partners LLC. (“Okapi “), a proxy solicitation firm, at an approximate costs of $10,000, to solicit proxies on behalf of the Company. Okapi may solicit the return of proxies, either by mail, telephone, email or through personal contact. The cost of solicitation will be borne by us, including the fees of Okapi as well as the reimbursement of their expenses. Our directors and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone, fax, electronic transmission or other means of communication. We will not pay these directors and employees any additional compensation for these services. We will ask banks, brokerage firms, and other institutions, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward these proxy materials to their principal, and to obtain authority to execute proxies, and will reimburse them for their expenses.
Who is entitled to vote?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
How many shares are eligible to be voted?
As of the Record Date, we had 29,810,443 shares of common stock outstanding. Each outstanding share of our common stock will entitle its holder to one vote on each of the matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
What am I voting on?
You are voting on the following matters:
1. Reverse Split Proposal. To approve an amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation to grant our Board of Directors authority to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, at a reverse stock split ratio of between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20 as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting (the “Reverse Split Proposal”).
2. Adjournment Proposal. To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the Reverse Split Proposal (the “Adjournment Proposal”).
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board unanimously recommends that you vote your shares as follows:
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“FOR” the Reverse Split Proposal; and |
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“FOR” the Adjournment Proposal |
None of our directors have informed us in writing that he or she intends to oppose any action intended to be taken by us at the Special Meeting.
How many votes are required to hold the Special Meeting and what are the voting procedures?
Quorum Requirement: As of the Record Date, 29,810,443 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued and outstanding. The holders of one-third in voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the purpose of adopting proposals at the Special Meeting. If you submit a properly executed proxy, then you will be considered part of the quorum.
Required Votes: Each outstanding share of our common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the Special Meeting. If there is a quorum at the Special Meeting, the matters to be voted upon by the stockholders require the following votes for such matter to be approved:
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Approval of the Reverse Split Proposal: To approve the Reverse Split Proposal at the Special Meeting the votes cast for the proposal must exceed the votes cast against the proposal Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. |
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Approval of the Adjournment Proposal: The affirmative vote of the holders of stock having a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the Special Meeting is necessary to approve the Adjournment Proposal. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the proposal, and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. |
If a broker indicates on its proxy that it submits to the Company that it does not have authority to vote certain shares held in “street name,” the shares not voted are referred to as “broker non-votes.” Broker non-votes occur when brokers do not have discretionary voting authority to vote certain shares held in “street name” on particular proposals under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, and the “beneficial owner” of those shares has not instructed the broker how to vote on those proposals. If you are a beneficial owner and you do not provide instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee is permitted to vote your shares for or against “routine” matters. Brokers are not permitted to exercise discretionary voting authority to vote your shares for or against “non-routine” matters.
How can I vote my shares in person and participate at the Special Meeting?
If you plan to attend the Special Meeting and vote in person on October 3, 2023, or at a later date if the meeting is adjourned or postponed, we will give you a ballot when you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or other nominee, you must bring a power of attorney executed by the broker, bank or other nominee that owns the shares of record for your benefit and authorizing you to vote the shares.
Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting in person, the Company recommends that you vote your shares in advance, so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Special Meeting.
How can I vote my shares without attending the Special Meeting?
If you are the stockholder of record, you may vote by one of the following four methods:
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Via the Internet; |
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By telephone; or |
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By mail. |
If you elect to vote by mail and you requested and received a printed set of proxy materials, you may mark, sign, date and mail the proxy card you received from us in the return envelope. If you did not receive a printed proxy card and wish to vote by mail, you may do so by requesting a paper copy of the proxy materials (as described below), which will include a proxy card.
Whichever method of voting you use, the proxies identified on the proxy card will vote the shares of which you are the stockholder of record in accordance with your instructions. If you submit a proxy card properly voted and returned through available channels without giving specific voting instructions, the proxies will vote the shares as recommended by our Board.
If you own your shares in “street name,” that is, through a brokerage account or in another nominee form, you must provide instructions to the broker or nominee as to how your shares should be voted. Your broker or nominee will usually provide you with the appropriate instruction forms at the time you receive the proxy materials. If you own your shares in this manner, you cannot vote in person at the Special Meeting unless you receive a proxy to do so from the broker or the nominee.
How may I cast my vote over the Internet or by Telephone?
Voting over the Internet: If you are a stockholder of record, you may use the Internet to transmit your vote up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, October 2, 2023 (the day before the Special Meeting). Visit https://materials.proxyvote.com/60855D and have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
Voting by Telephone: If you are a stockholder of record, you may call 1-800-690-6903, toll-free in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada, and use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your vote up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, October 2, 2023 (the day before the Special Meeting). Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
If you hold your shares in “street name,” that is through a broker, bank or other nominee, that institution will instruct you as to how your shares may be voted by proxy, including whether telephone or Internet voting options are available.
How may a stockholder bring any other business before the Special Meeting?
The Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) provide that the only matters that may be brought before a special meeting are the matters specified in the notice of meeting, and, as such, stockholders shall not be permitted to propose business at the Special Meeting.
How may I revoke or change my vote?
If you are the record owner of your shares, and you completed and submitted a proxy card, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the Special Meeting by:
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submitting a new proxy card with a later date; |
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delivering written notice to our Corporate Secretary on or before 10:00 A.M. Central Time on October 3, 2023 (the Special Meeting date and time), stating that you are revoking your proxy; |
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attending the Special Meeting and voting your shares in person; or |
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if you are a record owner of your shares and you submitted your proxy by telephone or via the Internet, you may change your vote or revoke your proxy with a later telephone or Internet proxy, as the case may be. |
Please note that attendance at the Special Meeting will not, in itself, constitute revocation of your proxy.
If you own your shares in “street name,” you may later revoke your voting instructions by informing the bank, broker or other holder of record in accordance with that entity’s procedures.
Who is paying for the costs of this proxy solicitation?
The Company will bear the cost of preparing, printing and mailing the materials in connection with this solicitation of proxies. In addition to mailing these materials, officers and regular employees of the Company may, without being additionally compensated, solicit proxies personally and by mail, telephone, facsimile or electronic communication.
We have also engaged Okapi at an approximate costs of $10,000, to solicit proxies on behalf of the Company.
Are there any rights of appraisal?
The Board of Directors is not proposing any action for which the laws of the State of Delaware, our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or our Bylaws provide a right of a stockholder to obtain appraisal of or payment for such stockholder’s shares.
Who will count the votes?
The inspector of election appointed for the Special Meeting will receive and tabulate the ballots and voting instruction forms. The Board has appointed ______ to serve as the inspector of election.
Where do I find the voting results of the Special Meeting?
The voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K that we will file with the SEC within four (4) business days after the Special Meeting.
How can I obtain the Company’s corporate governance information?
Our corporate governance information is available on our website at www.moleculin.com under “Investors—Governance.” Our stockholders may also obtain written copies at no cost by writing to us at Moleculin Biotech, Inc., 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77007, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or by calling (713) 300-5160.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information, as of August 21, 2023, regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock by:
• each of our directors;
• each of our named executive officers;
• all directors and executive officers as a group; and
• each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our shares of common stock.
Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, and generally means that person has beneficial ownership of a security if he or she possesses sole or shared voting or investment power of that security and includes options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Each director or officer, as the case may be, has furnished us with information with respect to beneficial ownership. Except as otherwise indicated, we believe that the beneficial owners of common stock listed below, based on the information each of them has given to us, have sole investment and voting power with respect to their shares, except where community property laws may apply. Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each person or entity listed in the table is c/o Moleculin Biotech, Inc., 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, Texas 77007.
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As of August 21, 2023 |
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Shares beneficially owned |
Percent of Class (1) |
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Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Walter V. Klemp |
1,184,879 |
(2) |
3.9% |
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Jonathan P. Foster |
395,708 |
(3) |
1.3% |
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Donald Picker |
294,262 |
(4) |
1.0% |
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Robert George |
49,613 |
(5) |
Less than 1% |
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Michael Cannon |
49,446 |
(6) |
Less than 1% |
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John Climaco |
46,946 |
(6) |
Less than 1% |
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Elizabeth Cermak |
39,445 |
(6) |
Less than 1% |
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Joy Yan |
25,001 |
(6) |
Less than 1% |
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Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (8 persons) |
2,085,300 |
(7) |
6.7% |
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(1) Based on 29,810,443 shares of common stock outstanding as of August 21, 2023.
(2) Includes 238,500 shares held by AnnaMed, Inc. that have been included in the amount for Mr. Klemp. Mr. Klemp has voting and dispositive power over the shares held by AnnaMed, Inc. Includes 453,903 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2023.
(3) Includes 344,138 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2023.
(4) Of the amount in the table, 105,000 shares held by IntertechBio Corp. have been included in the amounts for Dr. Picker. Dr. Picker shares voting and dispositive power over the shares held by IntertechBio Corp. Includes 99,256 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2023.
(5) Includes 49,446 shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2023.
(6) Consists solely of shares underlying options exercisable within 60 days of August 21, 2023.
(7) Consists of the shares identified in footnotes (2)-(6).
PROPOSAL 1: THE REVERSE SPLIT PROPOSAL
General
Our Board is recommending that our stockholders approve a proposed amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in substantially the form attached hereto as Annex a, to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock at a reverse stock split ratio of between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20, as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, at any time prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting. If the stockholders approve and adopt the proposed amendment to affect the reverse stock split, and our Board decides to implement it, the reverse stock split will become effective on the date of the filing of the proposed amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
If implemented, the reverse stock split will be realized simultaneously for all outstanding common stock and the ratio determined by our Board will be the same for all outstanding shares of common stock. The reverse stock split will affect all holders of shares of our common stock uniformly and each stockholder will hold the same percentage of our common stock outstanding immediately following the reverse stock split as that stockholder held immediately prior to the reverse stock split, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below. The proposed amendment will not reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock (which will remain at 100,000,000) or preferred stock (which will remain at 5,000,000) or change the par values of our common stock (which will remain at $0.001 per share) or preferred stock (which will remain at $0.001 per share).
Background
Our common stock is currently quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and we are therefore subject to its continued listing requirements, including requirements with respect to the market value of publicly-held shares, market value of listed shares, minimum bid price per share, and minimum stockholder's equity, among others, and requirements relating to board and committee independence. If we fail to satisfy one or more of the requirements, we may be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market.
On May 5, 2023, we received a letter from NASDAQ notifying us that for the last 30 consecutive business days the bid price for our common stock had closed below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the "Bid Price Rule"). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until November 1, 2023, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. If, at any time before November 1, 2023, the bid price for our common stock closes at $1.00 or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification to us that we comply with the Bid Price Rule, unless the Staff exercises its discretion to extend this 10 day period pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(G). If we are not in compliance with the Bid Price Rule by November 1, 2023, we may be afforded a second 180 calendar day period to regain compliance. To qualify, we would be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, except for the minimum bid price requirement. In addition, we would be required to notify NASDAQ of our intent to cure the minimum bid price deficiency, which may include, if necessary, implementing a reverse stock split. If we do not regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by November 1, 2023, and if we are not eligible for an additional compliance period at that time, the NASDAQ Staff will provide written notification to us that our common stock may be delisted. We would then be entitled to appeal the NASDAQ Staff’s determination to a NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel and request a hearing. There can be no assurance that, if we do appeal a delisting determination by the NASDAQ Staff to the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel, that such appeal would be successful. We intend to monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and may, if appropriate, consider available options to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule, which could include effecting a reverse stock split if this proposal is approved at the Special Meeting.
Purpose of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split
Our Board’s primary objective in proposing the reverse stock split is to raise the per share trading price of our common stock. In particular, this will help us to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market by allowing us to meet the Bid Price Rule discussed above.
Delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market may adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing through the public or private sale of equity securities, may significantly affect the ability of investors to trade our securities and may negatively affect the value and liquidity of our common stock. Delisting also could have other negative results, including the potential loss of employee confidence, the loss of institutional investors or interest in business development opportunities.
If we are delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market and we are not able to list our common stock on another exchange, our common stock could be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the “pink sheets.” As a result, we could face significant adverse consequences including, among others:
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a limited availability of market quotations for our securities; |
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a determination that our common stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities; |
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a limited amount of news and little or no analyst coverage for us; |
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we would no longer qualify for exemptions from state securities registration requirements, which may require us to comply with applicable state securities laws; and |
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a decreased ability to issue additional securities (including pursuant to short-form registration statements on Form S-3) or obtain additional financing in the future. |
Our Board believes that the proposed reverse stock split is a potentially effective means for us to maintain compliance with the listing rules of NASDAQ and to avoid, or at least mitigate, the likely adverse consequences of our common stock being delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market by producing the immediate effect of increasing the bid price of our common stock.
Increase the Market Price of our Common Stock to a Level More Appealing for Investors
We also believe that the reverse stock split could enhance the appeal of our common stock to the financial community, including institutional investors, and the general investing public. We believe that a number of institutional investors and investment funds are reluctant to invest in lower-priced securities and that brokerage firms may be reluctant to recommend lower-priced securities to their clients, which may be due in part to a perception that lower-priced securities are less promising as investments, are less liquid in the event that an investor wishes to sell its shares, or are less likely to be followed by institutional securities research firms and therefore more likely to have less third-party analysis of the company available to investors. We believe that the reduction in the number of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock caused by the reverse stock split, together with the anticipated increased stock price immediately following and resulting from the reverse stock split, may encourage interest and trading in our common stock and thus possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders, thereby resulting in a broader market for the common stock than that which currently exists.
We cannot assure you that all or any of the anticipated beneficial effects on the trading market for our common stock will occur. Our Board cannot predict with certainty what effect the reverse stock split will have on the market price of our common stock, particularly over the longer term. Some investors may view a reverse stock split negatively, which could result in a decrease in our market capitalization. Additionally, any improvement in liquidity due to increased institutional or brokerage interest or lower trading commissions may be offset by the lower number of outstanding shares. We cannot provide you with any assurance that our shares will continue to qualify for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, even if we complete the reverse split subject to this proposal. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve. In addition, investors might consider the increased proportion of unissued authorized shares to issued shares to have an anti-takeover effect under certain circumstances, since the proportion allows for dilutive issuances.
Determination of Ratio
The ratio of the reverse stock split, if approved and implemented, will be a ratio of between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20 as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting. Even if approved, the Board will have discretion to delay or not to implement the reverse stock split.
In determining the reverse stock split ratio, our Board will consider numerous factors, including:
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the historical and projected performance of our common stock; |
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general economic and other related conditions prevailing in our industry and in the marketplace; |
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the projected impact of the selected reverse stock split ratio on trading liquidity in our common stock; |
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our capitalization (including the number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding); |
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the prevailing trading price for our common stock and the volume level thereof; and |
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potential devaluation of our market capitalization as a result of a reverse stock split. |
The purpose of asking for authorization to amend the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to implement the reverse stock split at a ratio to be determined by the Board, as opposed to a ratio fixed in advance, is to give our Board the flexibility to take into account then-current market conditions and changes in price of our common stock and to respond to other developments that may be deemed relevant when considering the appropriate ratio.
Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
A reverse stock split refers to a reduction in the number of outstanding shares of a class of a corporation’s capital stock, which may be accomplished, as in this case, by reclassifying and combining all of our outstanding shares of common stock into a proportionately smaller number of shares. For example, if our Board decides to implement a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of our common stock, then a stockholder holding 10,000 shares of our common stock before the reverse stock split would instead hold 2,000 shares of our common stock immediately after the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split will affect all of our stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interests in our company or proportionate voting power, except for minor adjustments due to the additional net share fraction that will need to be issued as a result of the treatment of fractional shares. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Instead, we will issue one full share of the post-reverse stock split common stock to any stockholder who would have been entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the process.
The principal effect of the reverse stock split will be that (i) the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding will be reduced from 29,810,443 shares as of August 21, 2023 to a number of shares between and including one-fifth to one-twentieth that amount, as the case may be based on the ratio for the reverse stock split as determined by our Board, and (ii) all outstanding options and warrants entitling the holders thereof to purchase shares of common stock will enable such holders to purchase, upon exercise of their options or warrants, as applicable, between and including one-fifth to one-twentieth of the number of shares of common stock which such holders would have been able to purchase upon exercise of their options or warrants, as applicable, immediately preceding the reverse stock split at an exercise price equal to between and including five to twenty times the exercise price specified before the reverse stock split, resulting in essentially the same aggregate price being required to be paid therefor upon exercise thereof immediately preceding the reverse stock split, as the case may be based on the ratio for the reverse stock split as determined by our Board.
The following table, which is for illustrative purposes only, illustrates the effects of the reverse stock split at certain exchange ratios within the foregoing range, without giving effect to any adjustments for fractional shares of common stock, on our outstanding shares of common stock and authorized shares of capital stock as of August 21, 2023.
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Before Reverse Stock Split |
After Reverse Stock Split |
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1-for-5 |
1-for-7 |
1-for-10 |
1-for-13 |
1-for-15 |
1-for-20 |
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Common Stock Authorized |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
100,000,000 |
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Preferred Stock Authorized |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
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Common Stock Issued and Outstanding |
29,810,443 |
5,962,089 |
4,258,635 |
2,981,044 |
2,293,111 |
1,987,363 |
1,490,522 |
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Common Stock Underlying Options and Warrants |
8,733,497 |
1,746,699 |
1,247,642 |
873,350 |
671,807 |
582,233 |
436,675 |
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Common Stock Available for Grant under 2015 Stock Equity Plan |
26,919 |
5,384 |
3,846 |
2,692 |
2,071 |
1,795 |
1,346 |
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Common Stock authorized and unreserved |
61,429,141 |
92,285,828 |
94,489,877 |
96,142,914 |
97,033,011 |
97,428,609 |
98,071,457 |
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The amendment will not change the terms of our common stock. The shares of new 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 issued pursuant to the reverse stock split will remain fully paid and non-assessable. The reverse stock split is not intended as, and will not have the effect of, a “going private transaction” covered by Rule 13e-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.
Accounting Matters
The reverse stock split will not affect the par value of our common stock. As a result, on the effective date of the reverse stock split, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced to between and including one-fifth to one-twentieth of its present amount, as the case may be based on the ratio for the reverse stock split as determined by our Board, and the additional paid-in capital account shall be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The per share net loss and net book value of our common stock will be retroactively increased for each period because there will be fewer shares of our common stock outstanding.
Effect of Authorized but Unissued Shares
The reverse stock split will have the effect of significantly increasing the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. The number of authorized shares of common stock will not be decreased and will remain at 100,000,000. Because the number of outstanding shares will be reduced as a result of the reverse stock split, the number of shares available for issuance will be increased. See the table above under the caption “Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split” that shows the number of unreserved shares of common stock that would be available for issuance at various reverse stock split ratios.
Our Board believes that we will need to raise additional capital in the ordinary course of business. In addition, we may issue shares to acquire other companies or assets or engage in business combination transactions. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, we have no specific plans, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, with respect to the increase in shares available for issuance as a result of the reverse stock split.
Potential Anti-Takeover and Dilutive Effects
The purpose of the reverse stock split is not to establish any barriers to a change of control or acquisition of the Company. However, because the number of authorized shares of common stock will remain at 100,000,000, this proposal, if adopted and implemented, will result in a relative increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock as compared to the outstanding shares of our common stock and could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect. Shares of common stock that are authorized but unissued provide our Board with flexibility to effect, among other transactions, public or private financings, mergers, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and the granting of equity incentive awards. However, these authorized but unissued shares may also be used by our Board, consistent with and subject to its fiduciary duties, to deter future attempts to gain control of us or make such actions more expensive and less desirable. After implementation of the proposed amendment, our Board will continue to have authority to issue additional shares from time to time without delay or further action by the stockholders except as may be required by applicable law or the NASDAQ listing standards, assuming we remain listed on NASDAQ. Our Board is not aware of any attempt to take control of our business and has not considered the reverse stock split to be a tool to be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device. We currently have no plans, proposals or arrangements to issue any shares of common stock that would become newly available for issuance as a result of the reverse stock split.
In addition, if we do issue additional shares of our common stock, the issuance could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and the book or market value of the outstanding common stock, depending on the circumstances, and would likely dilute a stockholder’s percentage voting power in the Company. Holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution. Our Board intends to take these factors into account before authorizing any new issuance of shares.
Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split
Before voting on this proposal, you should consider the following risks associated with the implementation of the reverse stock split:
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Although we expect that the reverse stock split will result in an increase in the market price of our common stock, we cannot assure you that the reverse stock split, if implemented, will increase the market price of our common stock in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of common stock outstanding or result in a permanent increase in the market price. The effect the reverse stock split may have upon the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and the history of similar reverse stock splits for companies in similar circumstances to ours is varied. The market price of our common stock is dependent on many factors, including our business and financial performance, general market conditions, prospects for future success and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we file with the SEC. Accordingly, the total market capitalization of our common stock after the proposed reverse stock split may be lower than the total market capitalization before the proposed reverse stock split and, in the future, the market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split may not exceed or remain higher than the market price prior to the proposed reverse stock split. |
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The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of our common stock on a post-split basis. These odd lots may be more difficult to sell, or require greater transaction costs per share to sell, than shares in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares. |
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While our Board believes that a higher stock price may help generate investor interest, there can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in a per share price that will attract institutional investors or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve. |
Procedure for Effecting Reverse Stock Split and Exchange of Stock Certificates
If the reverse stock split is approved by our stockholders, the reverse stock split would become effective at such time prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting as it is deemed by our Board to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and we file the amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Even if the reverse stock split is approved by our stockholders, our Board has discretion not to carry out or to delay in carrying out the reverse stock split. Upon the filing of the amendment, all the old common stock will be converted into new common stock as set forth in the amendment.
As soon as practicable after the effective time of the reverse stock split, stockholders will be notified that the reverse stock split has been effected. If you hold shares of common stock in a book-entry form, you will receive a transmittal letter from our transfer agent as soon as practicable after the effective time of the reverse stock split with instructions on how to exchange your shares. After you submit your completed transmittal letter, a transaction statement will be sent to your address of record as soon as practicable after the effective date of the reverse stock split indicating the number of post-reverse stock split shares of common stock you hold.
Some stockholders hold their shares of common stock in certificate form or a combination of certificate and book-entry form. Our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates, if applicable. If you are a stockholder holding pre-split shares in certificate form, you will receive a transmittal letter from our transfer agent as soon as practicable after the effective time of the reverse stock split. The transmittal letter will be accompanied by instructions specifying how you can exchange your certificate representing the pre-split shares of our common stock for a statement of holding. When you submit your certificate representing the pre-split shares of our common stock, your post-split shares of our common stock will be held electronically in book-entry form in the Direct Registration System. This means that, instead of receiving a new stock certificate, you will receive a statement of holding that indicates the number of post-split shares you own in book-entry form. We will no longer issue physical stock certificates unless you make a specific request for a share certificate representing your post-split ownership interest.
Stockholders should not destroy any stock certificate(s) and should not submit any certificate(s) until requested to do so.
Beginning on the effective time of the reverse stock split, each certificate representing pre-split shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to evidence ownership of post-split shares.
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. Instead, we will issue one full share of the post-reverse stock split common stock to any stockholder who would have been entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the process. Each common stockholder will hold the same percentage of the outstanding common stock immediately following the reverse stock split as that stockholder did immediately prior to the reverse stock split, except for minor adjustment due to the additional net share fraction that will need to be issued as a result of the treatment of fractional shares.
No Dissenter’s Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders are not entitled to dissenter’s rights with respect to the reverse stock split or the corresponding amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such right.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations of the Reverse Stock Split
The following discussion summarizes certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations of the reverse stock split that would be expected to apply generally to U.S. Holders (as defined below) of our common stock. This summary is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, existing Treasury Regulations under the Code and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change or different interpretation. Any change, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax consequences to us or our stockholders as described in this summary. No ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, has been or will be requested in connection with the reverse stock split and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the statements and conclusions set forth below or that a court would not sustain any such challenge.
This summary is general in nature, and no attempt has been made to comment on all U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split that may be relevant to particular U.S. Holders, including, among others, holders: (i) who are subject to special tax rules such as dealers, brokers and traders in securities, mutual funds, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, insurance companies, banks or other financial institutions or tax-exempt entities; (ii) who acquired their shares in connection with stock options, stock purchase plans or other compensatory transactions; (iii) who hold their shares as a hedge or as part of a hedging, straddle, “conversion transaction”, “synthetic security”, integrated investment or any risk reduction strategy; (iv) who are partnerships, limited liability companies that are not treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, S corporations, or other pass-through entities or investors in such pass-through entities; (v) who do not hold their shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code); (vi) who hold their shares through individual retirement or other tax-deferred accounts; (vii) who have a functional currency for United States federal income tax purposes other than the U.S. dollar; (viii) who actually or constructively own five percent or more of our common stock; or (ix) who are otherwise subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws or who are otherwise subject to special tax rules.
In addition, the following discussion does not address state, local or foreign tax consequences of the reverse stock split, the Medicare tax on net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift tax, the alternative minimum tax, the rules regarding qualified small business stock within the meaning of Section 1202 of the Code, or any other aspect of any U.S. federal tax other than the income tax. The discussion assumes that for U.S. federal income tax purposes the reverse stock split will not be integrated or otherwise treated as part of a unified transaction with any other transaction. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences of transactions effectuated before, after or at the same time as the reverse stock split, whether or not they are in connection with the reverse stock split.
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. Holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock who is: (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; (ii) 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, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust (other than a grantor trust) if (A) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARE ADVISED AND EXPECTED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT IN LIGHT OF THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT UNDER U.S. FEDERAL NON-INCOME TAX LAWS AND STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS.
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The reverse stock split is intended to be treated as a tax deferred “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. The remainder of the discussion assumes the reverse stock split will qualify as a recapitalization.
A U.S. Holder generally would not be expected to recognize gain or loss upon the reverse stock split for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except with respect to any fractional share of our common stock received as a result of the rounding up of any fractional shares that otherwise would be issued, as discussed below. Subject to the following discussion regarding a U.S. Holder’s receipt of a whole share of our common stock in lieu of a fractional share, a U.S. Holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the reverse stock split would be expected to equal the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of our common stock surrendered. The U.S. Holder’s holding period in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the reverse stock split would be expected to include the holding period in the shares of our common stock surrendered. U.S. Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of shares of common stock surrendered in a recapitalization to shares received in the recapitalization. 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.
As described above under “Fractional Shares,” no fractional shares of our common stock will be issued as a result of the reverse stock split. Instead, stockholders of record and stockholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker, custodian or other nominee who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share as a result of the reverse stock split will have such fractional share of common stock rounded up to the nearest whole share. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the receipt of such additional fraction of a share of our common stock are not clear. A U.S. Holder who receives one whole share of our common stock in lieu of a fractional share may recognize income or gain in an amount not to exceed the excess of the fair market value of such share over the fair market value of the fractional share to which such U.S. Holder was otherwise entitled. We are not making any representation as to whether the receipt of one whole share in lieu of a fractional share will result in income or gain to any stockholder, and stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the possible tax consequences, including the effect on the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis, of receiving a whole share in lieu of a fractional share in the reverse stock split.
No gain or loss is expected to be recognized by us as a result of the reverse stock split.
TAX MATTERS ARE COMPLICATED, AND THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, INCLUDING APPLICABLE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, DEPEND UPON THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH U.S. HOLDER. ACCORDINGLY, EACH U.S. HOLDER IS ADVISED TO CONSULT THE HOLDER’S TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO ALL OF THE POTENTIAL TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE U.S. HOLDER OF A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
To approve Proposal 1 – the Reverse Split Proposal at the Special Meeting the votes cast for the proposal must exceed the votes cast against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of the amendment to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock at a reverse stock split ratios of between 1-for-5 and 1-for-20, as determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, prior to the one-year anniversary of this Special Meeting.
PROPOSAL 2: APPROVAL OF AN ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
Overview
If the Special Meeting is convened and a quorum is present, but there are not sufficient votes to approve Proposal 1, one or more of our proxy holders may move to adjourn the Special Meeting at that time in order to enable our Board to solicit additional proxies.
In this proposal, we are asking our stockholders to authorize one or more of our proxy holders to adjourn the Special Meeting to another time and place, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes to approve Proposal 1. If our stockholders approve this proposal, one or more of our proxy holders can adjourn the Special Meeting and any adjourned session of the Special Meeting to allow for additional time to solicit additional proxies, including the solicitation of proxies from our stockholders that have previously voted. Among other things, approval of this proposal could mean that, even if we had received proxies representing a sufficient number of votes to defeat Proposal 1, we could adjourn the Special Meeting without a vote on such proposals and seek to convince our stockholders to change their votes in favor of such proposals.
If it is necessary to adjourn the Special Meeting, no notice of the adjourned meeting is required to be given to our stockholders, other than an announcement at the Special Meeting of the time and place to which the Special Meeting is adjourned, so long as the meeting is adjourned for 30 days or less and no new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting. At the adjourned meeting, we may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting.
Vote Required and Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The affirmative vote of the holders of stock having a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereon at the Special Meeting is necessary to approve Proposal 2. Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the proposal, and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal. The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval to authorize the adjournment of the Special Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of the Reverse Split Proposal.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management does not know of any other matters that will be brought before the Special Meeting requiring action of the shareholders. However, if any other matters requiring the vote of the shareholders properly come before the Special Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the proxies in accordance with the discretion of management. The persons designated as proxies will also have the right to approve any and all adjournments of the Special Meeting for any reason.
SHAREHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (such as brokers, banks and other nominees) to implement a delivery procedure called “householding.” Under this procedure, multiple shareholders who reside at the same address may receive a single copy of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials, unless the affected shareholder has provided contrary instructions. This procedure reduces printing costs and postage fees.
Under applicable law, if you consented or were deemed to have consented, your broker, bank or other intermediary may send only one copy of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials to your address for all residents that own shares of the Company’s common stock in street name. If you wish to revoke your consent to householding, you must contact your broker, bank or other intermediary. If you are receiving multiple copies of the Proxy Statement and other proxy materials, you may be able to request householding by contacting your broker, bank or other intermediary. Upon written or oral request, we will promptly deliver a separate set of the Proxy Statement or other proxy materials to any beneficial owner at a shared address to which a single copy of any of those documents was delivered. If you wish to request copies free of charge of the Proxy Statement or other proxy materials, please send your request to Investor Relations, Moleculin Biotech, Inc., 5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 950, Houston, TX 77007 or call the Company with your request at (713) 300-5160.
Whether or not you expect to be present at the Special Meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly. Your vote is important. If you are a stockholder of record and attend the Special Meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy at any time prior to the vote.
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By Order of the Board of Directors MOLECULIN BIOTECH, INC. |
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/s/ WALTER V. KLEMP |
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Walter V. Klemp |
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Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Houston, Texas
______________, 2023
Annex A
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
MOLECULIN BIOTECH, INC.
Moleculin Biotech, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”) for the purpose of amending its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby make and execute this Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and does hereby certify that:
1. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), acting in accordance with the provisions of Sections 141 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, adopted resolutions amending Article 4.1 of its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), so that effective upon the effective time of this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, [●]1 shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (hereinafter the “Common Stock”), issued and outstanding shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be combined and converted into one share of Common Stock without increasing or decreasing the par value of each share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and without increasing or decreasing the authorized number of shares of Common Stock or the Corporation’s preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (hereinafter the “Preferred Stock”); provided, however, no fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split, and instead, the Corporation shall issue one full share of post-Reverse Stock Split Common Stock to any stockholder who would have been entitled to receive a fractional share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split shall occur whether or not the certificates representing such shares of Common Stock are surrendered to the Corporation or its transfer agent.
2. Thereafter, pursuant to a resolution of the Board, a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the foregoing amendment.
3. The foregoing amendment has been duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation law of the State of Delaware by the vote of a majority of each class of outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.
4. This amendment shall be effective as of [●] p.m., Eastern Time, on [●].
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Certificate this [●] day of [●].
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MOLECULIN BIOTECH, INC. |
(1) The Board of Directors will determine the reverse split ratio in its sole discretion. The ratio will be one of the following: 1-for-5, 1-for-6, 1-for-7, 1-for-8, 1-for-9, 1-for-10, 1-for-11, 1-for-12, 1-for-13, 1-for-14, 1-for-15, 1-for-16, 1-for-17, 1-for-18, 1-for-19, and 1-for-20, as determined by the Board
