XCel Brands, Inc PRE 14A, filed Feb 3, 2025
XCel Brands, Inc. (XELB)
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 ☒
Filed by 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 Section 240.14a-12 |
Xcel Brands, 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 the appropriate box):
☒ | No Fee Required |
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
Xcel Brands, Inc.
555 Seventh Avenue, 11 Floor
New York, NY 10018
PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT – SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 3, 2025
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 18, 2025
To the Stockholders of Xcel Brands, Inc.
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of stockholders of Xcel Brands, Inc. (the “Special Meeting”) to be held on March 18, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Company’s offices at 550 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 to consider and act upon the following matters:
Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, we will appreciate a prompt submission of your vote. We hope to see you at the meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 7, 2025 are entitled to receive the notice of and to vote at the special meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof. A printed copy of our proxy materials, including a proxy card, is being mailed to our stockholders on or about February [●], 2025 and sent by e-mail to our stockholders who have opted for such means of delivery on or about February [●], 2025.
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote or submit a proxy in one of the following ways:
| ● | Submit a proxy over the Internet prior to the Special Meeting, by visiting www.cstproxy.vote.com (have your proxy card in hand to access the website); |
| ● | Submit a proxy by Telephone, by calling the toll-free number 1-800-590-6903 (have your proxy card in hand when you call); |
| ● | Submit a proxy by Mail, if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials, by returning the enclosed proxy card (signed and dated) in the envelope provided. |
| ● | In person while attending the Special Meeting: You may vote in person during the Special Meeting. If you choose to vote in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy.” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.cstproxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials which will contain the appropriate instructions. |
If your shares are held in “street name,” meaning that they are held for your account by a broker or other nominee, you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow to vote your shares.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE LIMITED TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE RECORD DATE (OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES) HOLDING EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BANK OR BROKER, PLEASE BRING TO THE SPECIAL MEETING YOUR BANK OR BROKER STATEMENT EVIDENCING YOUR BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY’S STOCK TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Robert W. D’Loren |
Robert W. D’Loren |
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President |
February [ ], 2025 |
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XCEL BRANDS, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON
MARCH 18, 2025
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Xcel Brands, Inc. (which we also refer to as “Xcel” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is soliciting proxies for use at the Special Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”), to be held at the offices of Xcel Brands, Inc. at 550 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 on March 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
A printed copy of our proxy materials, including proxy card, is being mailed to our stockholders on February [•], 2025 and sent by e-mail to our stockholders who have opted for such means of delivery on or about February [•], 2024.
Please vote as promptly as possible by signing, dating and returning the enclosed Proxy Card. You may also vote by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT, THE SPECIAL MEETING AND VOTING
Why is the Company holding a Special Meeting?
As previously disclosed, on April 16, 2024, The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notified us that, for 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 5450(a)(1) (the “Bid Price Rule”). We were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until October 14, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. We have also been provided an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. Accordingly, the date by which we must satisfy the Minimum Bid Requirement is April 14, 2025 (the “Compliance Date”). Therefore, we are holding the Special Meeting primarily to allow our stockholders to authorize our Board to effect a reverse stock split in order to attempt to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule prior to the Compliance Date if we do not otherwise satisfy the requirement. In addition, we are seeking stockholder approval to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common stock in the event we are required to effect a reverse split to satisfy the Minimum Bid Requirement in order to reduce the increase in the annual Delaware Franchise Tax which would result if the reverse split is implemented while continuing to provide a sufficient number of authorized shares for possible future corporate finance, equity issuance, business development, equity compensation and other general corporate purposes.
How do I attend the Special Meeting?
We will host the Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. (local time), at our offices at 550 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE LIMITED TO STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE RECORD DATE (OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES) HOLDING EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BANK OR BROKER, PLEASE BRING TO THE SPECIAL MEETING YOUR BANK OR BROKER STATEMENT EVIDENCING YOUR BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANY’S STOCK TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE SPECIAL MEETING.
Why did you send me these proxy materials?
We are providing these proxy materials because our Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the Special Meeting. This proxy statement summarizes information related to your vote at the Special Meeting. All stockholders who find it convenient to do so are cordially invited to attend the Special Meeting online. However, you do not need to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may submit a proxy to vote your shares as described in further detail in the answer to the question “How do I vote?” below.
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Who can vote at the Special Meeting and what are the voting rights of such stockholders?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 7, 2025 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. On the Record Date, there were [ ] shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote (each share entitles its holder to one vote). Common stock is our only class of stock outstanding.
May I see a list of stockholders entitled to vote as of the Record Date?
A list of registered stockholders as of the close of business on the Record Date will be available for examination by any stockholder at the Special Meeting.
What is the purpose of the Special Meeting?
At the Special Meeting, stockholders will consider and vote on the following matters:
How many votes do I have?
Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock held by such stockholder on the Record Date.
How do I vote?
If you are the “record holder” of your shares, meaning that you own your shares in your own name and not through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee (each a “Nominee”), you may submit a proxy or vote your shares by any of the following methods:
| (1) | Over the Internet prior to the Special Meeting: Go to cstproxyvote.com. Use the vote control number printed on your proxy card to access your account and submit a proxy to vote your shares. You must specify how you want your shares voted or your Internet proxy cannot be completed and you will receive an error message. Your shares will be voted according to your instructions. You must submit your Internet proxy before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 17, 2025, the day before the Special Meeting, for your proxy to be validly submitted over the Internet and for your vote to count. |
| (2) | By Telephone: Call 1-800-590-6903, toll free from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and follow the recorded instructions to submit a proxy to vote your shares. You will need to have the control number printed on your proxy card in hand when you call. You must specify how you want your shares voted and confirm your vote at the end of the call or your telephonic proxy cannot be completed. Your shares will be voted according to your |
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| instructions. You must submit your telephonic proxy before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 17, 2025, the last business day before the Special Meeting, for your telephonic proxy to be valid and for your vote to count. |
| (3) | By Mail: If you received a printed copy of the proxy materials, complete and sign the enclosed proxy card and mail it in the enclosed envelope, postage prepaid, where the proxy card must be received no later than March 17, 2025, the day before the Special Meeting, for it to be valid and for your vote to count. Your shares will be voted according to your instructions. If you return your proxy card but do not specify how you want your shares voted on any particular matter, they will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of our Board. |
| (4) | In person while attending the Special Meeting: You may vote in person during the Special Meeting. If you choose to vote in person at the meeting, you must request a “legal proxy” To do so, please follow the instructions at www.cstproxyvote.com or request a paper copy of the materials which will contain the appropriate instructions. |
If your shares are held in “street name,” meaning they are held for your account by a Nominee, you may submit voting instructions or vote your shares by any of the following methods:
| (1) | Over the Internet prior to the Special Meeting or by Telephone: You will receive instructions from your Nominee if they permit you to submit voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone. You should follow those instructions. |
| (2) | By Mail: You will receive instructions from your Nominee explaining how you can submit voting instructions by mail. You should follow those instructions. |
| (3) | In person while attending the Special Meeting: You will receive instructions from your Nominee explaining how you can vote your shares online during the Special Meeting. You will need your control number included on your voting instruction form in order to demonstrate proof of beneficial ownership and to be able to vote during the Special Meeting. |
If you hold your shares of our common stock in multiple accounts, you should vote your shares or submit a proxy as described above for each account.
Can I revoke or change my vote?
If your shares are registered directly in your name, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the Special Meeting. To do so, you must do one of the following:
| (1) | Submit a proxy over the Internet or by telephone prior to the Special Meeting as instructed above. Only your latest Internet or telephonic proxy submitted prior to the Special Meeting will be counted. You may not revoke or change your proxy over the Internet or by telephone after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 17, 2025. |
| (2) | Sign a new proxy card and submit it by mail to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717, where the proxy card must be received no later than March 17, 2025. Only your latest dated proxy will be counted. |
| (3) | Attend the Special Meeting and vote online as instructed above. Attending the Special Meeting alone will not revoke your Internet proxy, telephonic proxy, or proxy submitted by mail, as the case may be. |
(4) | Provide our Corporate Secretary written notice before or at the Special Meeting that you want to revoke your proxy. |
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If your shares are held in “street name,” you may submit new voting instructions with a later date by contacting your Nominee. You may also vote your shares online while attending the Special Meeting in person, which will have the effect of revoking any previously submitted voting instructions.
Will my shares be voted if I do not return my proxy or do not provide specific voting instructions on the proxy card or voting instruction form that I submit?
If your shares are registered directly in your name, your shares will not be voted if you do not submit a proxy over the Internet, by telephone or by returning your proxy by mail prior to the Special Meeting, or attend and vote online at the Special Meeting. If you submit a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions on one or more matters listed on your proxy card, your shares will be voted as recommended by our Board on such matters, and as the proxyholders may determine in their discretion how to vote with respect to the matters properly presented for a vote at the Special Meeting.
If your shares are held in “street name,” your Nominee may, under certain circumstances, vote your shares if you do not timely return your voting instructions. A “broker non-vote” results on a matter when a broker returns a proxy but does not vote on a particular proposal because it does not have discretionary authority to vote on that proposal and has not received voting instructions from you. The Reverse Split Proposal, the Authorized Shares Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal are matters on which Nominees are expected to have discretionary voting authority under applicable stock exchange rules. If your shares are held by a Nominee and you do not timely provide voting instructions with respect to your shares, we expect that your Nominee will have the authority to vote your shares on the Reverse Split Proposal, the Authorized Shares Proposal and the Adjournment Proposal.
We encourage you to timely provide voting instructions to your Nominee. This ensures that your shares will be voted at the Special Meeting according to your instructions. You should receive directions from your Nominee about how to submit your voting instructions to them.
What constitutes a quorum at the Special Meeting?
A quorum is needed to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if the holders of at least a majority in voting power of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the Record Date are present at the Special Meeting either “in person” or as represented by proxy. For purposes of establishing a quorum, abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, are counted as present or represented. If a quorum is not present, we expect to adjourn the Special Meeting until we obtain a quorum. The presence at the Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, of holders representing a majority in voting power of our outstanding common stock as of the Record Date, or [ ] shares, constitutes a quorum at the Special Meeting, permitting us to conduct the business of the Special Meeting. Shares present in person or represented by proxy during the Special Meeting will be considered shares of common stock present in person at the meeting.
What vote is required to approve each matter and how are votes counted?
Proposal 1 – Adoption and Approval of the Reverse Split Proposal
To adopt and approve Proposal 1, stockholders holding a majority of the votes cast on the matter must vote FOR the proposal. If your shares are held by your Nominee in “street name” and you do not timely provide voting instructions with respect to your shares, we expect that your Nominee will have the authority to vote your shares on Proposal 1. To the extent that there are any broker non-votes, a broker non-vote will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 1. If you vote to ABSTAIN on Proposal 1, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on Proposal 1. As a result, votes to ABSTAIN will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 1.
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Proposal 2 – Adoption and Approval of the Authorized Shares Proposal
To adopt and approve Proposal 2, stockholders holding a majority of the votes cast on the matter must vote FOR the proposal. If your shares are held by your Nominee in “street name” and you do not timely provide voting instructions with respect to your shares, we expect that your Nominee will have the authority to vote your shares on Proposal 2. To the extent that there are any broker non-votes, a broker non-vote will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 2. If you vote to ABSTAIN on Proposal 2, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on Proposal 2. As a result, votes to ABSTAIN will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 2.
Proposal 3 – Approval of the Adjournment Proposal
To approve Proposal 3, stockholders holding a majority in voting power of the votes cast on the matter must vote FOR the proposal. If your shares are held by your Nominee in “street name” and you do not timely provide voting instructions with respect to your shares, we expect that your Nominee will have the authority to vote your shares on Proposal 3. To the extent that there are any broker non-votes, a broker non-vote will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 3. If you vote to ABSTAIN on Proposal 3, your shares will not be voted FOR or AGAINST the proposal and will also not be counted as votes cast or shares voting on Proposal 3. As a result, votes to ABSTAIN will effectively have no effect on the voting on Proposal 3.
How does the Board recommend that I vote on the proposals?
Our Board recommends that you vote:
| ● | FOR the adoption and approval of the Reverse Split Proposal (Proposal 1); |
| ● | FOR the adoption and approval of the Authorized Shares Proposal (Proposal 2); and |
| ● | FOR the approval of the Adjournment Proposal (Proposal 3). |
Are there other matters to be voted on at the Special Meeting?
We currently do not know of any matters that may come before the Special Meeting other than Proposals 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, our bylaws provide that with respect to special meetings, “the only business which shall be conducted at any meeting of the stockholders shall (i) have been specified in the written notice of the meeting (or any supplement thereto) given as provided in the preceding Section, (ii) be brought before the meeting at the direction of the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting” We do not intend to propose any additional matters at the Special Meeting unless we send an updated or revised notice of meeting.
How do I submit a question at the Special Meeting?
We invite appropriate questions pertinent to the matters to be voted on at the Special Meeting. We will not be providing a business update at the Special Meeting or discussing matters related to our business or operations. If you wish to ask a question, you must be present at the meeting to do so.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the Special Meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the Special Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four business days after the Special Meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to file a Form 8-K within four business days after the Special 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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PROPOSAL 1:
ADOPTION AND APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
General
On February 3, 2025, the Board unanimously approved and declared advisable an amendment (attached as set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement; the “Reverse Split Charter Amendment”) to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our issued shares of common stock (the “Reverse Split”) at a ratio within the range of not less than 1-for-2 and not greater than 1-for-10 (the “Ratio Range”), with the exact ratio within such range and the implementation and timing of such Reverse Split, to be determined at the sole discretion of the Chairman of our Board. This Proposal 1 is not contingent on the approval of any other proposal to be considered at the Special Meeting (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Authorized Shares Proposal (Proposal 2)). As further described below, if this proposal is adopted and approved by our stockholders and our Board determines that the Reverse Split would be in the best interests of our Company and its stockholders, our Board may determine to effect the Reverse Split at any time prior to the one-year anniversary of the date on which the Reverse Split is adopted and approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting by a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not greater than 1-for-10, and may determine to effect such Reverse Split promptly after the Special Meeting if such stockholder approval is received. As set forth in Appendix A, by adoption and approval of this Proposal 1, the stockholders will be deemed to have adopted and approved a separate amendment to effect the Reverse Split at each of the ratios between and including 1-for-2 and 1-for-10.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such amendment or any Reverse Split will occur until the Reverse Split Charter Amendment is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and becomes effective. If this Proposal 1 is adopted and approved by our stockholders and the Board decides to proceed with the Reverse Split, the exact timing of the filing of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment and the Reverse Split will be determined by the Chairman of our Board in his sole discretion based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to us and our stockholders, as discussed below. The Chairman of the Board will also determine the exact Reverse Split ratio within the Ratio Range, which ratio will be included in a public announcement made prior to the effectiveness of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment. Any amendment to effect the Reverse Split at the other ratios within the Ratio Range adopted and approved by the Board and stockholders will be abandoned. We may effect only one reverse stock split in connection with this proposal. We believe enabling the Board to fix the specific ratio will provide us with the flexibility to implement the Reverse Split in a manner designed to maximize the anticipated benefits to us and our stockholders. Upon the effectiveness of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment effecting the Reverse Split (the “Split Effective Time”), the issued shares of our common stock immediately prior to the Split Effective Time will be reclassified into a smaller number of shares of common stock within the Ratio Range, such that a holder of our common stock will own one share of our common stock for the specified number of shares of common stock held by that stockholder immediately prior to the Split Effective Time, which number will be determined by the Board within the Ratio Range in its sole discretion.
The primary purpose for effecting the Reverse Split is to increase the per-share market price of our common stock so as to:
| ● | maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq and avoid delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq in the future on the basis of the Bid Price Rule ; |
| ● | increase the acceptability of our common stock to long-term investors who may not find our shares attractive at their current prices due to the trading volatility often associated with stocks below certain prices; |
| ● | make our common stock eligible for investment by brokerage houses and institutional investors that 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 or by restricting or limiting the ability to purchase such stocks on margin; and/or |
| ● | make our common stock more attractive for investors who may be dissuaded from purchasing stocks below certain prices because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction value, tend to be higher for such low-priced stocks. |
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In evaluating whether to seek stockholder approval for the Reverse Split, our Board also considered potential 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; the costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split; and in our case, the possibility that the Reverse Split may not allow us to demonstrate the ten consecutive days of compliance with Nasdaq’s Bid Price Rule prior to the expiration of the current April 14, 2025 deadline to be in compliance. In approving and recommending the Reverse Split, our Board determined that any potential negative factors are outweighed by the potential benefits of the Reverse Split.
Reasons for the Reverse Split
Our Board approved the Reverse Split Proposal because it believes that:
| ● | seeking stockholder approval and adoption of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment to effect the Reverse Split at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board is advisable and in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders; |
| ● | effecting the Reverse Split may avoid a delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq, which would prevent our common stock from trading on the OTC Markets or another quotation medium and potentially improve the marketability and liquidity of our common stock; |
| ● | an investment in our common stock may not appeal to brokerage firms that are reluctant to recommend lower priced securities to their clients and investors may also be dissuaded from purchasing lower priced stocks because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction, tend to be higher for such stocks; |
| ● | analysts at many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide coverage of lower priced stocks and most investment funds are reluctant to invest in lower priced stocks; and |
| ● | a higher stock price may help generate investor interest in us and help us attract and retain employees. |
If the Reverse Split successfully increases the per share price of our common stock, the Board believes this increase may increase trading volume in our common stock and facilitate future financings by our Company.
Nasdaq Requirements for Continued Listing
Our Board of Directors is seeking authority to effect the Reverse Split with the primary intent of increasing the market price of our common stock to meet the price criteria for continued listing on Nasdaq. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “XELB.” On April 16, 2024, we received a deficiency letter from the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of Nasdaq notifying us that, for the prior 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 Bid Price Rule (such letter, the “Deficiency Letter”). The Deficiency Letter did not result in the immediate delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Capital Market.
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) (the “Compliance Period Rule”), we were provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until October 14, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule. In accordance with the Compliance Period Rule, we have also been provided an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. Accordingly, the Compliance Date by which we must satisfy the Minimum Bid Requirement is April 14, 2025. If, at any time before the Compliance Date, the bid price for our common stock closes at $1.00 per share or more for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, as required under the Compliance Period Rule, the Staff will provide written notification to us that we comply with the Bid Price Rule.
If we do not regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule by the Compliance Date, the Staff will provide us with written notification that our common stock will be subject to delisting. At that time, we may appeal the Staff’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel (the “Panel”). We would expect our common stock would remain
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listed pending the Panel’s decision. However, there can be no assurance that, if we do appeal the delisting determination by the Staff to the Panel, that such appeal would be successful.
In the event we are delisted from Nasdaq, our shares may commence trading on the OTC Markets or another quotation medium. As a result, an investor would likely find it more difficult to trade or obtain accurate price quotations for our shares. Delisting would likely also reduce the visibility, liquidity, and value of our common stock, reduce institutional investor interest in our Company, and may increase the volatility of our common stock. Delisting could also cause a loss of confidence of potential industry partners, lenders, and employees, which could further harm our business and our future prospects. Further, a delisting from Nasdaq and continued or further declines in our share price could also greatly impair our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing, or use our shares for business development or other corporate initiatives, and could significantly increase the ownership dilution to stockholders caused by our issuing equity in financing or other transactions.
We believe that effecting the Reverse Split will help us avoid delisting from Nasdaq and any resulting consequences. Accordingly, we believe that the Reverse Split is our best proactive option for complying with the Bid Price Rule for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. A decrease in the number of outstanding shares of our common stock resulting from the Reverse Split should, absent other factors, assist in ensuring that the per share market price of our common stock remains above the requisite price for continued listing. However, we cannot provide any assurance that our minimum bid price would comply with the Bid Price Rule of the Nasdaq Capital Market following the Reverse Split.
Potential Increased Investor Interest
On January 31, 2025, the closing price of a share of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market was 0.423 per share. We believe that the low per-share market price of our common stock impairs our marketability to, and acceptance by, institutional investors and other members of the investing community and creates a negative impression of our Company. Because of the trading volatility often associated with low-priced stocks, many brokerage firms and institutional investors are reluctant to recommend lower priced securities to their clients or have internal policies and practices that prohibit them from investing in low-priced stocks. Investors may also be dissuaded from purchasing lower priced stocks because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction, tend to be higher for such stocks. Moreover, the analysts at many brokerage firms do not monitor the trading activity or otherwise provide coverage of lower priced stocks. Also, our Board believes that most investment funds are reluctant to invest in lower priced stocks. The higher share price that may result from the Reverse Split could enable investors and brokerage firms with such policies and practices to invest in our common stock. In addition, these factors may affect our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our common stock.
Criteria the Board May Use to Determine to Implement the Reverse Split
If our stockholders adopt and approve the Reverse Split Proposal, our Board will be authorized to proceed with the Reverse Split. The exact ratio of the Reverse Split, within the range of 1-for-2 to 1-for-10, would be determined by our Board in its sole discretion and publicly announced by us prior to the effective time of the Reverse Split. In determining whether to proceed with the Reverse Split and setting the appropriate ratio for the Reverse Split, if any, our Board may consider, among other things, factors such as:
| ● | Nasdaq’s minimum price per share requirements and its other listing requirements such as requirements relating to the minimum number of holders; |
| ● | the historical market prices and trading volume of our common stock; |
| ● | the number of shares of our common stock outstanding prior to and after the Reverse Split; |
| ● | the then-prevailing and expected market prices and trading volume of our common stock and the anticipated or actual impact of the Reverse Split (including the reduction in the number of outstanding shares) on the market prices and trading volume for our common stock; |
| ● | the number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock that would result from the Reverse Split; |
| ● | the anticipated impact of a particular ratio on our ability to reduce administrative and transactional costs; |
| ● | business developments affecting us; and |
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| ● | prevailing general market and economic conditions. |
Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Split
There are risks associated with the Reverse Split, including that the Reverse Split may not result in an increase in the per share price of our common stock following the Reverse Split or in the future. The history of similar stock split combinations for companies in like circumstances is varied. There is no assurance that:
| ● | the market price per share will either exceed or remain in excess of the $1.00 minimum bid price as required by Nasdaq for continued listing, or that we will otherwise meet the requirements of Nasdaq for inclusion for trading on Nasdaq; |
| ● | the market price per share of our common stock after the Reverse Split will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding before the Reverse Split; |
| ● | the Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and investors; |
| ● | the Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will increase our ability to attract and retain employees; or |
| ● | the market price of our common stock will not decrease in the future. |
The market price of our common stock will also be based on the performance of our Company and other factors detailed from time to time in the reports we filed with the SEC, some of which may be out of our control, including general economic, market and industry conditions. If the Reverse Split is effected and the market price of our common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split.
Furthermore, the liquidity of our common stock may be negatively impacted by the Reverse Split, given the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the Reverse Split, particularly if the per-share market price does not increase as a result of the Reverse Split. For instance, if the Reverse Split is implemented, it may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” (less than 100 shares) of common stock. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots may be higher than the costs of transactions in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares. If we effect the Reverse Split, the resulting per-share price may nevertheless fail to attract institutional investors and may not satisfy the investing guidelines of such investors and, consequently, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not improve. Accordingly, the Reverse Split may not achieve the desired result of increasing marketability of our common stock as described above under “Reasons for the Reverse Split.”
You should also keep in mind that implementation of the Reverse Split does not have an effect on the actual or intrinsic value of our business or a stockholder’s proportional ownership in our Company (subject to the treatment of fractional shares). However, should the overall value of our common stock decline after the proposed Reverse Split, then the actual or intrinsic value of the shares of our common stock held by you will also proportionately decrease as a result of the overall decline in value.
Principal Effects of the Reverse Split
If our stockholders adopt and approve the Reverse Split Proposal and our Board elects to implement the Reverse Split, depending on the ratio for the Reverse Split determined by our Board, a minimum of every two and a maximum of every 10 shares of issued common stock will be combined and reclassified into one new share of common stock.
If implemented, the Reverse Split will have the effect of decreasing the number of shares of our common stock that are issued and outstanding, and a corresponding decrease in the number of shares of common stock we are authorized to issue. The actual number of shares of common stock authorized, issued, and issued and outstanding after giving effect to the Reverse Split, if implemented, will depend on the ratio for the Reverse Split that is ultimately determined by our Board. As of the Record Date, there were no shares of common stock held by us in treasury, and therefore the Reverse Split is not expected to have any effect on treasury shares. The Reverse Split will not change the terms of our common
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stock. The Reverse Split will have no effect on the number of shares of preferred stock that we are authorized to issue. After the Reverse Split, the shares of common stock and preferred 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 and preferred stock, respectively, now authorized. The Reverse Split will not change the par value of the common stock or the preferred stock.
Except with respect to the treatment of fractional shares, the Reverse Split will affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in our Company, except that, as described below under “Fractional Shares,” record holders of common stock otherwise entitled to a fractional share as a result of the Reverse Split will receive cash in lieu of such fractional share. In addition, the Reverse Split will not affect any stockholder’s proportionate voting power (subject to the treatment of fractional shares).
Our directors and executive officers have no substantial interests, directly or indirectly, in the matters set forth in the Reverse Split Proposal, except to the extent of their ownership in shares of our common stock and securities exercisable for our common stock, which shares and securities would be subject to the same proportionate adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Reverse Split as all other outstanding shares of our common stock and securities exercisable for our common stock.
After the Split Effective Time, our common stock will have a new Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number, which is a number used to identify our equity securities. The Reverse Split is not intended as, and would 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”). After the Reverse Split, we will continue to be subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act.
Assuming Reverse Split ratios of 1-for-2, 1-for-5 and 1-for-10, which reflect the low, middle and high end of the range that our stockholders are being asked to adopt and approve, the following table sets forth (i) the number of shares of our common stock that would be authorized, (ii) the number of shares of our common stock that would be issued and outstanding, (iii) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options and restricted stock units under and outside of our equity incentive plans, (iv) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved and available for future issuance under our equity incentive plans and (v) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that would be reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants. The table gives effect to the approval of Authorized Shares Amendment Proposal to decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock from 50,000,000 shares to 16,000,000 shares. The table does not account for fractional shares for which stockholders will be entitled to receive cash in lieu thereof in the Reverse Split.
|
| Number of |
| |
| |
| |
| | Shares Before | | Reverse | | Reverse | | Reverse |
| | Reverse Stock | | Split Ratio | | Split Ratio | | Split Ratio |
| | Split | | of 1‑for‑2 | | of 1‑for‑5 | | of 1‑for‑10 |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Authorized |
| 50,000,000 |
| 15,000,000 |
| 15,000,000 |
| 15,000,000 |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued and Outstanding |
| 23,727,668 |
| 11,863,834 |
| 4,745,534 |
| 2,372,767 |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved for Issuance Pursuant to Outstanding Options and Restricted Stock Units Under and Outside of Our Equity Incentive Plans |
| 4,723,920 |
| 2,361,960 |
| 944,784 |
| 472,392 |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved and Available for Future Issuance Under Our Equity Incentive Plans |
| 2,753,740 |
| 1,376,870 |
| 550,748 |
| 275,374 |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Reserved for Issuance Upon Exercise of Outstanding Warrants |
| 2,639,619 |
| 1,319,810 |
| 527,924 |
| 263,962 |
Reservation of Right to Abandon the Reverse Split Charter Amendment
Although we presently intend to effect the Reverse Split to regain compliance with the Bid Price Rule, notwithstanding stockholder adoption and approval of the Reverse Split, our Board will have discretion as to whether to effect the Reverse Split Proposal and reserves the right to abandon the Reverse Split Charter Amendment without any further action by our stockholders if at any time prior to the filing or effectiveness of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment, our Board determines, in its sole discretion, that the Reverse Split is no longer in the best interests of our Company and
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our stockholders. If we do not file the Reverse Split Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware by the one-year anniversary of the date on which the Reverse Split is adopted and approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting, our Board will be deemed to have abandoned the Reverse Split for each of the stockholder-approved ratios.
By voting in favor of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment, stockholders are also expressly authorizing our Board to determine not to proceed with, or abandon, the Reverse Split if it should so decide. Additionally, if our Board determines to effect the Reverse Split, the Reverse Split Charter Amendment setting forth the ratio approved by the Board will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and any amendment to effect the Reverse Split at any of the other stockholder-approved ratios will be abandoned.
Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Split and Exchange of Stock Certificates
If our stockholders adopt and approve the Reverse Split Charter Amendment, and if our Board still believes that a reverse stock split is in the best interests of our Company and elects to implement the Reverse Split (with the ratio to be determined in the discretion of our Board within the parameters described herein), we will file the Reverse Split Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware at such time as our Board has determined to be appropriate and any amendment to effect the Reverse Split at any of the other stockholder-approved ratios will be abandoned; provided that in no event shall the filing of the Reverse Split Charter Amendment occur after the one-year anniversary of the date on which the Reverse Split is adopted and approved by our stockholders at the Special Meeting. Our Board may delay effecting the Reverse Split without resoliciting stockholder adoption and approval thereof.
If the Reverse Split is effected, each certificate that immediately prior to the Split Effective Time represented shares of common stock shall, from and after the Split Effective Time be deemed to represent the whole number of shares of common stock held by such stockholder post-Reverse Split. Stockholders of record upon the Split Effective Time will be furnished the necessary materials and instructions for the surrender and exchange of their certificates at the appropriate time by our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. As soon as practicable after the surrender to our transfer agent of any outstanding certificate(s), together with a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and any other documents our transfer agent may specify, our transfer agent will have its records adjusted to reflect that the shares represented by such certificate(s) in the name of such stockholder are held in book-entry form at the transfer agent in their direct registration system representing the appropriate number of whole shares of our common stock, as applicable, resulting from the Reverse Split.
Certain of our registered holders of common stock may hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent. These stockholders do not have physical stock certificates evidencing their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with a periodic statement reflecting the number of shares of common stock registered in their accounts. Stockholders who hold shares of our common stock electronically in book-entry form with our transfer agent will not need to take further action and any periodic statement provided to such stockholders after the Split Effective Time will reflect the appropriate number of whole shares of post-Reverse Split common stock resulting from the Reverse Split.
If our Board elects to implement the Reverse Split, then, for purposes of implementing the Reverse Split, we intend to treat stockholders holding our common stock in “street name,” through a Nominee, in the same manner as registered stockholders whose shares are registered in their names. Nominees will be instructed to effect the Reverse Split for their beneficial holders holding our common stock in street name. However, these Nominees may have different procedures than registered stockholders for processing the Reverse Split. Stockholders who hold shares of our common stock with a Nominee and who have any questions in this regard are encouraged to contact their Nominees.
Fractional Shares
If our Board elects to implement the Reverse Split, fractional shares will not be issued. Stockholders of record who would otherwise hold fractional shares of our common stock as a result of the Reverse Split will be entitled to receive a cash payment (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes) in lieu of such fractional shares. Each such stockholder will be entitled to receive a cash payment (without interest) equal to the fraction of a share of common stock
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to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by (i) the closing price per share of the common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market at the close of business on the trading day preceding the date of the Split Effective Time multiplied by (ii) the Reverse Stock Split Number (as defined in the Reverse Split Charter Amendment set forth in Appendix A).
Stockholders should be aware that, under the escheat laws of the various jurisdictions where stockholders reside, where we are domiciled and where the funds will be deposited, sums due for fractional interests resulting from the Reverse Split that are not timely claimed after the Split Effective Time in accordance with applicable law may be required to be paid to the designated agent for each such jurisdiction. Thereafter, stockholders otherwise entitled to receive such funds may have to seek to obtain them directly from the state to which they were paid.
Effect of the Reverse Split on Employee Plans, Options, Restricted Stock Units and Warrants
Pursuant to the various instruments governing our then-outstanding stock options, warrants to purchase common stock, restricted stock units, in connection with the Reverse Split, our Board will reduce the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or vesting of such stock options, warrants, restricted stock units in proportion to the ratio of the Reverse Split and proportionately increase the exercise price of our outstanding stock options and warrants. In connection with such proportionate adjustments, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise or vesting of outstanding stock options, warrants, restricted stock units will be rounded down to the nearest whole share, and the exercise prices of outstanding stock options and warrants will be rounded up to the nearest cent. In addition, as of the Split Effective Time, we would adjust and proportionately decrease the total number of shares of our common stock that may be the subject of the future grants under our stock plans.
No Appraisal Rights
Stockholders do not have the right to dissent and obtain appraisal of, or payment for, such stockholder’s capital stock under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our Restated Certificate of Incorporation or our bylaws in connection with the Reverse Split.
Accounting Matters
As of the Split Effective Time, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to our common stock would be reduced proportionately based on the selected exchange ratio, and the additional paid-in capital account would be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. In financial statements filed after the Split Effective Time, we would restate net income or loss per share and other share and per share amounts for periods ending before the Reverse Split to give retroactive effect to the Reverse Split. The per share net income or loss or net book value of our common stock would be increased because there would be fewer shares of our common stock outstanding.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Split
The following discussion is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Split to U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), in each case in effect as of the date of this proxy statement. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a U.S. Holder. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Split.
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our common stock that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is or is treated as:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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| ● | a corporation (or any other entity or arrangement treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia; or |
| ● | an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or a trust if (1) its administration is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and all of its substantial decisions are subject to the control of one or more “United States persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) it has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
This discussion is limited to U.S. Holders who hold our common stock as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the particular circumstances of a U.S. Holder, including the impact of the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to U.S. Holders that are subject to special rules, including, without limitation:
| ● | Financial institutions; |
| ● | Insurance companies; |
| ● | Real estate investment trusts; |
| ● | Regulated investment companies; |
| ● | Grantor trusts; |
| ● | Tax-exempt organizations; |
| ● | Dealers or traders in securities, commodities or currencies; |
| ● | Stockholders who hold common stock as part of a position in a straddle or as part of a hedging, conversion or integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes or U.S. holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar; or |
| ● | Stockholders who actually or constructively own 10% or more of our voting stock. |
If a partnership (or other entity treated 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. Accordingly, partnerships (and other entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common stock and the partners in such entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the proposed Reverse Split to them.
In addition, the following discussion does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax, alternative minimum tax, or state, local and non-U.S. tax law consequences of the proposed Reverse Split. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address any tax consequences of transactions effectuated before, after or at the same time as the proposed Reverse Split, whether or not they are in connection with the proposed Reverse Split.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROPOSED REVERSE SPLIT ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
The proposed Reverse Split is intended to be treated as a “recapitalization” for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code. As a result, a U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the proposed Reverse Split for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock, as discussed below. A U.S. Holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed Reverse Split should equal the aggregate adjusted tax basis of the shares of our common stock surrendered (reduced by the amount of such basis that is allocated to any fractional share of our common stock for which the U.S. Holder receives cash). The U.S. Holder’s holding period in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the proposed Reverse Split should include the holding period in the shares of our common stock
15
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.
A U.S. Holder that, pursuant to the proposed Reverse Split, receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock should recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of cash received and the portion of the U.S. Holder’s aggregate adjusted tax basis in the shares of our common stock surrendered that is allocated to such fractional share. Such capital gain or loss will be short term if the pre-Reverse Split shares were held for one year or less at the effective time of the Reverse Split and long term if held for more than one year.
Payments of cash made in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding. To avoid backup withholding, each U.S. Holder that does not otherwise establish an exemption should furnish its taxpayer identification number and comply with the applicable certification procedures.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax and amounts withheld will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE REVERSE SPLIT PROPOSAL TO ADOPT AND APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION EFFECTING A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AnD A PROPORTIONATE REDUCTION IN the NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK.
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PROPOSAL 2:
ADOPTION AND APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR CAPITAL
STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
General
On February 3, 2025, our Board approved and declared advisable an amendment (attached as set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement, the “Authorized Shares Charter Amendment”), to decrease the number of authorized shares of our capital stock from 51,000,000 to 16,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 50,000,000 to 15,000,000. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes 51,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share. The proposed Authorized Shares Charter Amendment would not decrease or otherwise affect our authorized preferred stock. Our common stock is all of a single class, with equal voting, distribution, liquidation and other rights.
Our Board believes that it is in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders to decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock if the Reverse Split Charter Amendment is approved by our stockholders and implemented in order to reduce the increase in the annual Delaware Franchise Tax which would result if the reverse split is implemented while continuing to provide a sufficient number of authorized shares for possible future corporate finance, equity issuance, business development, equity compensation and other general corporate purposes.
As of the Record Date, a total of [ ] shares of common stock were issued and outstanding, no shares were held in treasury, and there were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding. As of the Record Date, there were (i) [ ] restricted stock units outstanding under our equity incentive plans, (ii) options outstanding to purchase an aggregate of [ ] shares of common stock outstanding under and outside of our equity incentive plans and (iii) an aggregate of [ ] shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. Additionally, (i) an aggregate of [ ] shares of common stock were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding warrants. Accordingly, out of the 50,000,000 shares of common stock presently authorized, [ ] shares of common stock were issued or reserved for issuance and [ ] shares of common stock were unreserved and remain available for future issuance as of February 7, 2025.
If the Authorized Shares Proposal is adopted and approved by the requisite vote of our stockholders, and our Board determines to implement such amendment, the change in the number of shares of our authorized capital stock and common stock would become effective upon the filing of the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or at a later date if so specified in the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment. In addition, our Board reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder adoption and approval and without further action by our stockholders, to abandon the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment if, at any time prior to the effectiveness of the filing of the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment with the Secretary of State, our Board, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders to effect the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment.
The Authorized Shares Proposal is contingent on the approval of the Reverse Split Proposal (Proposal 1) being implemented. The form of the proposed amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of our capital stock and common stock is attached as set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement.
Effect of the Proposal on Common Stock
Additionally, by decreasing the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, the Authorized Shares Proposal would result in less shares of common stock available for issuance which could limit our ability to raise additional capital.
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Reservation of Right to Abandon the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment
Although we presently intend to effect the decrease in authorized shares of capital stock and common stock contemplated by this Proposal 2 if the Reverse Split Proposal is implemented, notwithstanding stockholder adoption and approval of the Authorized Shares Proposal, our Board will have discretion as to whether to effect the decrease in authorized shares of capital stock and common stock and reserves the right to abandon the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment without any further action by our stockholders if at any time prior to the filing or effectiveness of the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment, our Board determines, in its sole discretion, that the decrease in authorized shares of capital stock and common stock is no longer in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders.
By voting in favor of the Authorized Shares Charter Amendment, stockholders are also expressly authorizing our Board to determine not to proceed with, or abandon, the decrease in authorized shares if it should so decide.
OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND OUR RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK AND COMMON STOCK.
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PROPOSAL 3:
ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
Our Board believes that if the number of votes cast at the Special Meeting is insufficient to adopt and approve the Reverse Split Proposal (Proposal 1) and/or the Authorized Shares Proposal (Proposal 2), it may be in the best interests of the stockholders to enable our Board to continue to seek to obtain a sufficient number of additional votes to adopt and approve the Reverse Split Proposal and/or the Authorized Shares Proposal.
In the Adjournment Proposal, we are asking stockholders to authorize the holder of any proxy solicited by our Board to vote in favor of adjourning the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. If our stockholders approve this proposal, we could adjourn the Special Meeting, and any adjourned session of the Special Meeting, to use the additional time to solicit additional proxies in favor of either or both of the Reverse Split Proposal or the Authorized Shares Proposal.
Additionally, approval of the Adjournment Proposal could mean that, in the event we have not received sufficient votes to adopt and approve either or both of the Reverse Split Proposal or the Authorized Shares Proposal, or we have received proxies indicating that a majority of the votes to be cast by holders of our common stock will vote against one or both of the Reverse Split Proposal or the Authorized Shares Proposal, we could adjourn the Special Meeting without a vote on the Reverse Split Proposal and/or the Authorized Shares Proposal and use the additional time to solicit the holders of those shares to change their vote in favor of the Reverse Split Proposal and/or the Authorized Shares Proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table lists, as of the Record Date, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by (i) each person or entity known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common stock; (ii) each named executive officer and director of the Company, and (iii) all officers and directors as a group. Information relating to beneficial ownership of common stock by our principal stockholders and management is based upon information furnished by each person using “beneficial ownership” concepts under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under these rules, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the security. The person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under the Securities and Exchange Commission rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which he or she may not have any pecuniary beneficial interest. Except as noted below, each person has sole voting and investment power. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for such person is c/o Xcel Brands, Inc., 555 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, New York 10018.
The percentages below are calculated based on 23,727,668 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of the Record Date.
|
| Number of Shares |
| Percent |
|
| | of Common Stock | | Beneficially |
|
Name and Address | | Beneficially Owned | | Owned |
|
Named executive officers and directors: |
|
|
|
| |
Robert W. D’Loren (1) |
| 7,720,028 |
| 32.33 | % |
James F. Haran (2) |
| 204,018 |
| * | |
Seth Burroughs (3) |
| 430,083 |
| 1.81 | % |
Howard Liebman (4) |
| 233,665 |
| * | |
Mark DiSanto (5) |
| 1,879,915 |
| 7.88 | % |
Deborah Weinswig (6) |
| 173,000 |
| * | |
James Fielding (7) |
| 165,000 |
| * | |
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) (8) |
| 10,805,709 |
| 44.35 | % |
5% Shareholders: |
|
|
|
| |
Isaac Mizrahi (9) |
| 2,366,882 |
| 9.93 | % |
Summit Trail Advisors (10) |
| 2,242,593 |
| 9.45 | % |
* | Less than 1%. |
(1) | Consists of (i) 2,181,125 shares held by Mr. D’Loren, (ii) 607,317 shares owned by Irrevocable Trust of Rose Dempsey (or the Irrevocable Trust) of which Mr. D’Loren and Mr. DiSanto are the trustees and as to which Mr. D’Loren has sole voting and dispositive power, (iii) 1,988,390 shares of common stock held in the name of Isaac Mizrahi, (iv) 666,667 shares of common stock held in the name of Hilco Trading, LLC, (v) 153,333 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and (vi) 2,123,196 shares of common stock as to which holders thereof granted to Mr. D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares. Certain holders or grantees have entered into certain agreements, pursuant to which appoint a person designated by our board of directors as their irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares set forth in clauses (iii), (iv), and (v). Mr. D’Loren does not have any pecuniary interest in these shares described in clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) and disclaims beneficial ownership thereof. Does not include 326,671 shares held by the D’Loren Family Trust (or the Family Trust) of which Mark DiSanto is a trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power. Does not include 2,578,947 options that are not yet exercisable. |
(2) | Consists of (i) 204,018 shares of common stock. Does not include 552,632 options that are not yet exercisable. |
(3) | Consists of (i) 430,083 shares of common stock. Does not include 368,421 options that are not yet exercisable. |
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(4) | Consists of (i) 36,165 shares of common stock, (ii) 70,000 restricted shares, and (iii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 127,500 shares. |
(5) | Consists of (i) 326,671 shares held by the D’Loren Family Trust, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the D’Loren Family Trust, (ii) 21,500 shares of common stock, (iii) 1,306,852 shares held by Mark X. DiSanto Investment Trust, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the Trust, (iv) 15,000 restricted shares, (v) 127,500 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and options that have vested, and (vi) 82,392 shares held by other trusts, of which Mark DiSanto is trustee and has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares held by the trusts. |
(6) | Consists of (i) 58,000 restricted shares and (ii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 127,500 shares. |
(7) | Consists of (i) 40,000 shares, (ii) 10,000 restricted shares and (iii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 115,000 shares. |
(8) | Includes (i) 5,236,123 shares of common stock, (ii) 153,000 restricted shares, (iii) 485,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are currently exercisable, (iv) 153,333 shares issuable upon exercise of options that have vested and (v) 4,778,253 other shares of common stock as to which holders thereof granted to Mr. D’Loren irrevocable proxy and attorney-in-fact with respect to the shares. |
(9) | Consists of (i) 2,266,882 shares of common stock and (ii) immediately exercisable options to purchase 100,000 shares. |
(10) | Consists of 2,366,882 shares of common stock. |
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NOTICE REGARDING DELIVERY OF STOCKHOLDER DOCUMENTS
(“HOUSEHOLDING” INFORMATION)
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports by delivering a single copy of these materials to an address shared by two or more Company stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies and intermediaries. A number of brokers and other intermediaries with account holders who are our stockholders may be householding our stockholder materials, including this Proxy Statement. In that event, a single proxy statement, as the case may be, will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker or other intermediary that it will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent, which is deemed to be given unless you inform the broker or other intermediary otherwise when you receive or received the original notice of householding. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement, please notify your broker or other intermediary to discontinue householding and direct your written request to receive a separate proxy statement to us at: Xcel Brands, Inc., 555 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018, Attention: Corporate Secretary or by calling us at (347) 727-2474. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their address and would like to request householding of their communications should contact their broker or other intermediary.
OTHER INFORMATION
No business will be presented for consideration at the Special Meeting other than that described above.
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APPENDIX A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
XCEL BRANDS, Inc.
(Pursuant to Section 242 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”))
Xcel Brands, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the DGCL, does hereby certify as follows:
FIRST: A resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation pursuant to Section 242 of the DGCL setting forth a proposed amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Restated Certificate of Incorporation”), of the Corporation and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The stockholders of the Corporation duly adopted and approved said proposed amendment in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL. The resolution setting forth the amendment is as follows:
RESOLVED: | That the first sentence of Article FOURTH of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be and hereby is deleted in its entirety and the following is inserted in lieu thereof:1 |
“FOURTH: Effective upon the effective time of this Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Amendment”) (the “Effective Time”), a one-for-[__]12 reverse stock split of the Common Stock shall become effective, pursuant to which each [__]2 (the “Reverse Stock Split Number”) shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding and held of record by each stockholder of the Corporation or issued and held by the Corporation in treasury immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be reclassified and combined into one (1) validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of Common Stock automatically and without any action by the holder thereof and shall represent one share of Common Stock from and after the Effective Time (such reclassification and combination of shares, the “Reverse Stock Split”). The par value of the Common Stock following the Reverse Stock Split shall remain at $0.001 par value per share. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued as a result of or in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders of record who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, following the Effective Time, shall be entitled to receive a cash payment (without interest) in lieu of such fractional share equal to the fraction of a share of Common Stock to which such holder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by (i) the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market at the close of business on the Capital Market at the close of business on the trading day preceding the date of the Effective Time multiplied by (ii) the Reverse Stock Split Number.
1 The first two paragraphs reflect the Reverse Split Charter Amendment and will be inserted before the first sentence of Article FOURTH and the first sentence of Article FOURTH will remain unchanged if the Authorized Shares Amendment is not implemented. If both the Reverse Split Charter Amendment and Authorized Shares Charter Amendment are implemented, all three paragraphs below will replace the first sentence of Article FOURTH.
2 Shall be a number equal to or greater than two (2) and equal to or less than ten (10) and shall include not more than four decimal digits (it being understood that any number within such range shall, together with the remaining provisions of this Certificate of Amendment not appearing in brackets, constitute a separate amendment being approved and adopted by the board of directors and stockholders in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL with each such form of the Certificate of Amendment (other than the Certificate of Amendment, if any, that is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware) to be abandoned immediately prior to the filing of the Certificate of Amendment).
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Each stock certificate or book entry position that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, represent that number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares formerly represented by such certificate or book entry position have been reclassified as well as the right to receive cash in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time; provided, however, that each stockholder of record holding a certificate that represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall receive, upon surrender of such certificate, a new book entry position evidencing and representing the number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares of Common Stock formerly represented by such certificate shall have been reclassified.
The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is Sixteen Million (16,000,000) shares, of which Fifteen Million (15,000,000) shares shall be Common Stock, par value $.001 per share, and One Million (1,000,000) shares shall be Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share.”
SECOND: This Certificate of Amendment shall be effective at _:__ _._., Eastern Time, on _______, 2025.
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| 2025 XCEL BRANDS, INC. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE VOTING ELECTRONICALLY. 194990 Xcel Brands, Inc. Proxy Card Rev1 Front INTERNET – www.cstproxyvote.com Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares. MAIL – Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided. Your Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on March 17, 2025. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY. IMMEDIATE - 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week or by Mail Vote by Internet - QUICK EASY FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED CONTROL NUMBER Signature______________________________ Signature, if held jointly__________________________________ Date_____________, 2025 Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. PROXY CARD THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BELOW. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSALS LISTED BELOW. DISCRETIONARY VOTING IS HEREBY CONFERRED AS TO CERTAIN MATTERS DESCRIBED IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY STATEMENT. Please mark your votes like this X FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. To approve an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a reverse stock split, with a ratio within the range of not less than 1-for-2 and not greater than 1-for-10, with the exact ratio within such range and the implementation and timing of such reverse stock split to be determined at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board and included in a public announcement (the “Reverse Stock Split Proposal”). 2. To approve an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to, at the discretion of the Board, decrease the number of authorized shares of the Company’s capital stock from 51,000,000 to 16,000,000 and the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 50,000,000 to 15,000,000 (the “Authorized Shares Proposal”). 3 To approve an adjournment of the Special Meeting of Stockholders to a later date or dates, if necessary, to permit further solicitation and vote of proxies in the event there are not sufficient votes in favor of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal and the Authorized Shares Proposal. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN |
| 2025 194990 Xcel Brands, Inc. Proxy Card Rev1 Back Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on March 18, 2025. The Proxy Statement and the form of proxy are available at www.cstproxy.com/xcelbrands/2025. The undersigned hereby appoints ROBERT W. D’LOREN and JAMES F. HARAN, and each of them, Proxies, with full power of substitution in each of them, in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to vote at the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Xcel Brands, Inc. on March 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM or at any postponements or adjournments thereof, according to the number of votes that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present, upon the following matters on the reverse side. (Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) XCEL BRANDS, INC. 555 Seventh Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MARCH 18, 2025 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOLD HERE • DO NOT SEPARATE • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED |
