Description of Securities

EX-4.12 2 cycc-20231231xex4d12.htm EX-4.12

Exhibit 4.12

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

The following description of our capital stock, certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and certain provisions of Delaware law are summaries. The following description is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, as well as the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

As of the date of this prospectus, our certificate of incorporation authorized us to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. 

Common Stock

Dividends, Voting Rights and Liquidation

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that our board of directors is divided into three classes, each serving staggered three-year terms ending at the annual meeting of our stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable, and the shares of common stock to be issued upon completion of this offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

Fully Paid and Non-Assessable

All of our outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares of common stock to be issued in this offering will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Preferred Stock

We have the authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 2023, 335,273 shares of our preferred stock were outstanding as 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (see “6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock” below), 264 shares of our preferred stock were outstanding as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (see “Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” below) and 119,000 shares of our preferred stock were outstanding as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (see “Series B Convertible Preferred Stock” below). The description of preferred stock provisions set forth below is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and the certificate of designations relating to each series of preferred stock.

The board of directors has the right, without the consent of holders of common stock, to designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock, which may be convertible into common stock at a ratio determined by the board of directors. A series of preferred stock may bear rights superior to common stock as to voting, dividends, redemption, distributions in liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, and other relative rights and preferences. The board may set the following terms of any series of preferred stock:

·

the number of shares constituting the series and the distinctive designation of the series;

·

dividend rates, whether dividends are cumulative, and, if so, from what date; and the relative rights of priority of payment of dividends;

·

voting rights and the terms of the voting rights;

·

conversion privileges and the terms and conditions of conversion, including provision for adjustment of the


conversion rate;

·

redemption rights and the terms and conditions of redemption, including the date or dates upon or after which shares may be redeemable, and the amount per share payable in case of redemption, which may vary under different conditions and at different redemption dates;

·

sinking fund provisions for the redemption or purchase of shares;

·

rights in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, and the relative rights of priority of payment; and

·

any other relative powers, preferences, rights, privileges, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the series.

Dividends on outstanding shares of preferred stock will be paid or declared and set apart for payment before any dividends may be paid or declared and set apart for payment on the common stock with respect to the same dividend period.

If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the assets available for distribution to holders of preferred stock are insufficient to pay the full preferential amount to which the holders are entitled, then the available assets will be distributed ratably among the shares of all series of preferred stock in accordance with the respective preferential amounts (including unpaid cumulative dividends, if any) payable with respect to each series.

Holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any shares of any class of capital stock of the corporation. The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable. The rights of the holders of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.

We have previously issued shares of preferred stock in three series, designated as 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock, of which 335,273 are currently outstanding, as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 264 are currently outstanding, and as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 119,000 were outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Our 6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CYCCP.”

 

6% Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock

 

General

 

Our board of directors designated 2,046,813 shares of the preferred stock that were issued as convertible preferred stock on November 3, 2004. The shares of convertible preferred stock are duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. These shares will not have any preemptive rights if we issue other series of preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock is not subject to any sinking fund. We have no obligation to retire the convertible preferred stock. The convertible preferred stock has a perpetual maturity and may remain outstanding indefinitely, subject to the holder’s right to convert the convertible preferred stock and our right to cause the conversion of the convertible preferred stock and exchange or redeem the convertible preferred stock at our option. Any convertible preferred stock converted, exchanged or redeemed or acquired by us will, upon cancellation, have the status of authorized but unissued shares of convertible preferred stock. We will be able to reissue these cancelled shares of convertible preferred stock.

 

Dividends

 

When and if declared by our board of directors out of the legally available funds, holders of the convertible preferred stock are entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate of 6% of the liquidation preference of the convertible preferred stock. Dividends are payable quarterly on the first day of February, May, August and November. If any dividends are not declared, they will accrue and be paid at such later date, if any, as determined by our board of directors. Dividends on the convertible preferred stock will be cumulative from the issue date. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear on our stock books not more than 60 days nor less than 10 days preceding the payment dates, as fixed by our board of directors. If the convertible preferred stock is


called for redemption on a redemption date between the dividend record date and the dividend payment date and the holder does not convert the convertible preferred stock (as described below), the holder shall receive the dividend payment together with all other accrued and unpaid dividends on the redemption date instead of receiving the dividend on the dividend date. Dividends payable on the convertible preferred stock for any period greater or less than a full dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Accrued but unpaid dividends will not bear interest.

 

If we do not pay or set aside cumulative dividends in full on the convertible preferred stock and any other preferred stock ranking on the same basis as to dividends, all dividends declared upon shares of the convertible preferred stock and any other preferred stock ranking on the same basis as to dividends will be declared on a pro rata basis until all accrued dividends are paid in full. For these purposes, “pro rata” means that the amount of dividends declared per share on the convertible preferred stock and any other preferred stock ranking on the same basis as to dividends bear to each other will be the same ratio that accrued and unpaid dividends per share on the shares of the convertible preferred stock and such other preferred stock bear to each other. We will not be able to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any of our stock ranking on the same basis as the convertible preferred stock as to dividends or liquidation preferences unless we have paid or set aside full cumulative dividends, if any, accrued on all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock.

 

Unless we have paid or set aside cumulative dividends in full on the convertible preferred stock and any other of the convertible preferred stock ranking on the same basis as to dividends:

 

·

we may not declare or pay or set aside dividends on common stock or any other stock ranking junior to the convertible preferred stock as to dividends or liquidation preferences, excluding dividends or distributions of shares, options, warrants or rights to purchase common stock or other stock ranking junior to the convertible preferred stock as to dividends; or

 

·

we will not be able to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any of our other stock ranking junior to the convertible preferred stock as to dividends or liquidation preferences, except in very limited circumstances.

 

Under Delaware law, we may only make dividends or distributions to our stockholders from:

 

·

our surplus; or

 

·

the net profits for the current fiscal year before which the dividend or distribution is declared under certain circumstances.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we declared dividends of $0.15 per share quarterly. These dividends were paid on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1, 2023, respectively.

 

Conversion

 

Conversion Rights

 

Holders of our convertible preferred stock may convert the convertible preferred stock at any time into a number of shares of common stock determined by dividing the $10.00 liquidation preference by the conversion price of $592,200.00. This conversion price is equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 0.0000167 shares of common stock for each share of convertible preferred stock. We will not make any adjustment to the conversion price for accrued or unpaid dividends upon conversion. We will not issue fractional shares of common stock upon conversion. However, we will instead pay cash for each fractional share based upon the market price of the common stock on the last business day prior to the conversion date. If we call the convertible preferred stock for redemption, the holder’s right to convert the convertible preferred stock will expire at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption, unless we fail to pay the redemption price.

 


 Automatic Conversion

 

Unless we redeem or exchange the convertible preferred stock, we may elect to convert some or all of the convertible preferred stock into shares of our common stock if the closing price of our common stock has exceeded 150% of the conversion price for at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days ending within five trading days prior to the notice of automatic conversion. If we elect to convert less than all of the shares of convertible preferred stock, we shall select the shares to be converted by lot or pro rata or in some other equitable manner in our discretion. On or after November 3, 2007, we may not elect to automatically convert the convertible preferred stock if full cumulative dividends on the convertible preferred stock for all past dividend periods have not been paid or set aside for payment.

 

Conversion Price Adjustment — General

 

The conversion price of $592,200.00 will be adjusted if:

 

(1)

we dividend or distribute common stock in shares of our common stock;

 

(2)

we subdivide or combine our common stock;

 

(3)

we issue to all holders of common stock certain rights or warrants to purchase our common stock at less than the current market price;

 

(4)

we dividend or distribute to all holders of our common stock shares of our capital stock or evidences of indebtedness or assets, excluding:

·

those rights, warrants, dividends or distributions referred to in (1) or (3), or

·

dividends and distributions paid in cash;

(5)

we made a dividend or distribution consisting of cash to all holders of common stock;

 

(6)

we purchase common stock pursuant to a tender offer made by us or any of our subsidiaries; and

 

(7)

a person other than us or any of our subsidiaries makes any payment on a tender offer or exchange offer and, as of the closing of the offer, the board of directors is not recommending rejection of the offer. We will only make this adjustment if the tender or exchange offer increases a person’s ownership to more than 25% of our outstanding common stock, and only if the payment per share of common stock exceeds the current market price of our common stock. We will not make this adjustment if the offering documents disclose our plan to engage in any consolidation, merger, or transfer of all or substantially all of our properties and if specified conditions are met.

 

If we implement a stockholder rights plan, this new rights plan must provide that, upon conversion of the existing convertible preferred stock the holders will receive, in addition to the common stock issuable upon such conversion, the rights under such rights plan regardless of whether the rights have separated from the common stock before the time of conversion. The distribution of rights or warrants pursuant to a stockholder rights plan will not result in an adjustment to the conversion price of the convertible preferred stock until a specified triggering event occurs.

 

The occurrence and magnitude of certain of the adjustments described above is dependent upon the current market price of our common stock. For these purposes, “current market price” generally means the lesser of:

 

·

the closing sale price on certain specified dates, or


·

the average of the closing prices of the common stock for the ten trading day period immediately prior to certain specified dates.

 

We may make a temporary reduction in the conversion price of the convertible preferred stock if our board of directors determines that this decrease would be in our best interest. We may, at our option, reduce the conversion price if our board of directors deems it advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock or rights to acquire stock or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes.

 

Conversion Price Adjustment — Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

 

If we are involved in a transaction in which shares of our common stock are converted into the right to receive other securities, cash or other property, or a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets under which the holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive other securities, cash or other property, then appropriate provision shall be made so that the shares of convertible preferred stock will convert into:

 

(1)

if the transaction is a common stock fundamental change, as defined below, common stock of the kind received by holders of common stock as a result of common stock fundamental change in accordance with paragraph (1) below under the subsection entitled “— Fundamental Change Conversion Price Adjustments,” and

 

(2)

if the transaction is not a common stock fundamental change, and subject to funds being legally available at conversion, the kind and amount of the securities, cash or other property that would have been receivable upon the recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange by a holder of the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible preferred stock immediately prior to the recapitalization, reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange, after giving effect to any adjustment in the conversion price in accordance with paragraph (2) below under the subsection entitled “— Fundamental Change Conversion Price Adjustments.”

 

The company formed by the consolidation, merger, asset acquisition or share acquisition shall provide for this right in its organizational document. This organizational document shall also provide for adjustments so that the organizational document shall be as nearly practicably equivalent to adjustments in this section for events occurring after the effective date of the organizational document.

 

The following types of transactions, among others, would be covered by this adjustment:

(1)

we recapitalize or reclassify our common stock, except for:

·

a change in par value,

 

·

a change from par value to no par value,

 

·

a change from no par value to par value, or

 

·

a subdivision or combination of our common stock.

 

(2)

we consolidate or merge into any other person, or any merger of another person into us, except for a merger that does not result in a reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of common stock,

 

(3)

we sell, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets and holders of our common stock become entitled to receive other securities, cash or other property, or


 

(4)

we undertake any compulsory share exchange.

 

Fundamental Change Conversion Price Adjustments

If a fundamental change occurs, the conversion price will be adjusted as follows:

(1)

in the case of a common stock fundamental change, the conversion price shall be the conversion price after giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding paragraphs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the purchaser stock price, as defined below, and the denominator of which is the applicable price, as defined below. However, in the event of a common stock fundamental change in which:

·

100% of the value of the consideration received by a holder of our common stock is common stock of the successor, acquirer or other third party, and cash, if any, paid with respect to any fractional interests in such common stock resulting from such common stock fundamental change, and

 

·

All of our common stock shall have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, common stock of the successor, acquirer or other third party, and any cash with respect to fractional interests,

 

·

the conversion price shall be the conversion price in effect immediately prior to such common stock fundamental change multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is one (1) and the denominator of which is the number of shares of common stock of the successor, acquirer or other third party received by a holder of one share of our common stock as a result of the common stock fundamental change; and

 

(2)

in the case of a non-stock fundamental change, the conversion price shall be the lower of:

·

the conversion price after giving effect to any other prior adjustments effected pursuant to the preceding paragraph and

 

·

the product of

A.

the applicable price, and

 

B.

a fraction, the numerator of which is $10 and the denominator of which is (x) the amount of the redemption price for one share of convertible preferred stock if the redemption date were the date of the non-stock fundamental change (or if the date of such non-stock fundamental change falls within the period beginning on the first issue date of the convertible preferred stock through October 31, 2005, the twelve-month period commencing November 1, 2005 and the twelve-month period commencing November 1, 2006, the product of 106.0%, 105.4% or 104.8%, respectively, and $10) plus (y) any then-accrued and unpaid distributions on one share of convertible preferred stock.

 

Holders of convertible preferred stock may receive significantly different consideration upon conversion depending upon whether a fundamental change is a non-stock fundamental change or a common stock fundamental change. In the event of a non-stock fundamental change, the shares of convertible preferred stock will convert into stock and other securities or property or assets, including cash, determined by the number of shares of common stock receivable upon conversion at the conversion price as adjusted in accordance with (2) above. In the event of a


common stock fundamental change, under certain circumstances, the holder of convertible preferred stock will receive different consideration depending on whether the holder converts his or her shares of convertible preferred stock on or after the common stock fundamental change.

 

Definitions for the Fundamental Change Adjustment Provision

 

“applicable price” means:

 

·

in a non-stock fundamental change in which the holders of common stock receive only cash, the amount of cash received by a holder of one share of common stock, and

 

·

in the event of any other fundamental change, the average of the daily closing price for one share of common stock during the 10 trading days immediately prior to the record date for the determination of the holders of common stock entitled to receive cash, securities, property or other assets in connection with the fundamental change or, if there is no such record date, prior to the date upon which the holders of common stock shall have the right to receive such cash, securities, property or other assets.

 ​

“common stock fundamental change” means any fundamental change in which more than 50% of the value, as determined in good faith by our board of directors, of the consideration received by holders of our common stock consists of common stock that, for the 10 trading days immediately prior to such fundamental change, has been admitted for listing or admitted for listing subject to notice of issuance on a national securities exchange or quoted on The Nasdaq National Market, except that a fundamental change shall not be a common stock fundamental change unless either:

 

·

we continue to exist after the occurrence of the fundamental change and the outstanding convertible preferred stock continues to exist as outstanding convertible preferred stock, or

 

·

not later than the occurrence of the fundamental change, the outstanding convertible preferred stock is converted into or exchanged for shares of preferred stock, which preferred stock has rights, preferences and limitations substantially similar, but no less favorable, to those of the convertible preferred stock.

 

“fundamental change” means the occurrence of any transaction or event or series of transactions or events pursuant to which all or substantially all of our common stock shall be exchanged for, converted into, acquired for or shall constitute solely the right to receive cash, securities, property or other assets, whether by means of an exchange offer, liquidation, tender offer, consolidation, merger, combination, reclassification, recapitalization or otherwise. However, for purposes of adjustment of the conversion price, in the case of any series of transactions or events, the fundamental change shall be deemed to have occurred when substantially all of the common stock shall have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash, securities, property or other assets, but the adjustment shall be based upon the consideration that the holders of our common stock received in the transaction or event as a result of which more than 50% of our common stock shall have been exchanged for, converted into or acquired for, or shall constitute solely the right to receive, such cash, securities, property or other assets.

 

“non-stock fundamental change” means any fundamental change other than a common stock fundamental change.

 

“purchaser stock price” means the average of the daily closing price for one share of the common stock received by holders of the common stock in the common stock fundamental change during the 10 trading days immediately prior to the date fixed for the determination of the holders of the common stock entitled to receive such common stock or, if there is no such date, prior to the date upon which the holders of the common stock shall have the right to receive such common stock.

 

Liquidation Rights

 


In the event of our voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation, or winding up, the holders of the convertible preferred stock shall receive a liquidation preference of $10 per share and all accrued and unpaid dividends through the distribution date. Holders of any class or series of preferred stock ranking on the same basis as the convertible preferred stock as to liquidation shall also be entitled to receive the full respective liquidation preferences and any accrued and unpaid dividends through the distribution date. Only after the preferred stock holders have received their liquidation preference and any accrued and unpaid dividends will we distribute assets to common stock holders or any of our other stock ranking junior to the shares of convertible preferred stock upon liquidation. If upon such dissolution, liquidation or winding up, we do not have enough assets to pay in full the amounts due on the convertible preferred stock and any other preferred stock ranking on the same basis with the convertible preferred stock as to liquidation, the holders of the convertible preferred stock and such other preferred stock will share ratably in any such distributions of our assets:

 

·

first in proportion to the liquidation preferences until the preferences are paid in full, and

 

·

then in proportion to the amounts of accrued but unpaid dividends.

​ 

After we pay any liquidation preference and accrued dividends, holders of the convertible preferred stock will not be entitled to participate any further in the distribution of our assets. The following events will not be deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up of Cyclacel:

 

·

the sale of all or substantially all of the assets;

 

·

our merger or consolidation into or with any other corporation; or

 

·

our liquidation, dissolution, winding up or reorganization immediately followed by a reincorporation as another corporation.

​ 

Optional Redemption

 

We may, at our option, redeem the Preferred Stock in whole or in part, out of funds legally available at the redemption price of $10.00 per share.

 

Exchange Provisions

 

We may exchange the convertible preferred stock in whole, but not in part, for debentures on any dividend payment date on or after November 1, 2005 at the rate of $10 principal amount of debentures for each outstanding share of convertible preferred stock. Debentures will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. If the exchange results in an amount of debentures that is not an integral multiple of $1,000, we will pay in cash an amount in excess of the closest integral multiple of $1,000. We will mail written notice of our intention to exchange the convertible preferred stock to each record holder not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the exchange date.

 

We refer to the date fixed for exchange of the convertible preferred stock for debentures as the “exchange date.” On the exchange date, the holder’s rights as a stockholder of Cyclacel shall cease, the shares of convertible preferred stock will no longer be outstanding, and will only represent the right to receive the debentures and any accrued and unpaid dividends, without interest. We may not exercise our option to exchange the convertible preferred stock for the debentures if:

 

·

full cumulative dividends on the convertible preferred stock to the exchange date have not been paid or set aside for payment, or

 

·

an event of default under the indenture would occur on conversion, or has occurred and is continuing.


Voting Rights

 

Holders of our convertible preferred stock have no voting rights except as described below or as required by law. Shares of our convertible preferred stock held by us or any entity controlled by us will not have any voting rights.

 

The Certificate of Designations governing the Preferred Stock provides that if we fail to pay dividends on our Preferred Stock for six quarterly periods, holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to nominate and elect two directors to our Board of Directors.

 

Without the vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of convertible preferred stock, we may not:

 

·

adversely change the rights, preferences and limitations of the convertible preferred stock by modifying our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or

 

·

authorize, issue, reclassify any of our authorized stock into, increase the authorized amount of, or authorize or issue any convertible obligation or security or right to purchase, any class of stock that ranks senior to the convertible preferred stock as to dividends or distributions of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the stock.

 

No class vote on the part of convertible preferred stock shall be required (except as otherwise required by law or resolution of our board of directors) in connection with the authorization, issuance or increase in the authorized amount of any shares of capital stock ranking junior to or on parity with the convertible preferred stock both as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary, including our common stock and the convertible preferred stock.

 

In addition, without the vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of convertible preferred stock we may not:

 

·

enter into a share exchange that affects the convertible preferred stock, or

 

·

consolidate with or merge into another entity, or

 

·

permit another entity to consolidate with or merge into us, unless the convertible preferred stock remains outstanding and its rights, privileges and preferences are unaffected or it is converted into or exchanged for convertible preferred stock of the surviving entity having rights, preferences and limitations substantially similar, but no less favorable, to the convertible preferred stock.

In determining a majority under these voting provisions, holders of convertible preferred stock will vote together with holders of any other preferred stock that rank on parity as to dividends and that have like voting rights.

 

Series A Preferred Stock 

 

8,872 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock were issued in a underwritten public offering on July 21, 2017 (the “July 2017 Underwritten Public Offering”). Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder thereof, into a number of shares of common stock determined by dividing $1,000 by the initial conversion price of $600.00 per share, subject to a 4.99% blocker provision, or, upon election by a holder prior to the issuance of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, 9.99%, and is subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, distributions, subdivisions and combinations.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 8,608 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 215,000 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2023, 264 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock remained


issued and outstanding. The 264 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023, are convertible into 440 shares of common stock.

 

In the event of a liquidation, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to participate on an as-converted-to-common stock basis with holders of the common stock in any distribution of our assets to the holders of the common stock. The Series A Certificate of Designation provides, among other things, that we shall not pay any dividends on shares of common stock (other than dividends in the form of common stock) unless and until such time as we pay dividends on each Series A Preferred Share on an as-converted basis. Other than as set forth in the previous sentence, the Series A Certificate of Designation provides that no other dividends shall be paid on Series A Preferred Shares and that we shall pay no dividends (other than dividends in the form of common stock) on shares of common stock unless we simultaneously comply with the previous sentence. The Series A Certificate of Designation does not provide for any restriction on the repurchase of Series A Preferred Shares by us while there is any arrearage in the payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares. There are no sinking fund provisions applicable to the Series A Preferred Shares.

 

With certain exceptions, as described in the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Series A Preferred Stock has no voting rights. However, as long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Series A Certificate of Designation provides that we shall not, without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the then-outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series A Preferred Stock or alter or amend the Series A Certificate of Designation, (b) increase the number of authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock or (c) effect a stock split or reverse stock split of the Series A Preferred Stock or any like event.

 

Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the holder’s option into a number of shares of common stock equal to $1,000 divided by the Series A Conversion Price. The “Series A Conversion Price” was initially $600.00 and is subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, distributions, subdivisions and combinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Series A Certificate of Designation further provides that we shall not effect any conversion of Series A Preferred Stock, with certain exceptions, to the extent that, after giving effect to an attempted conversion, the holder of Series A Preferred Shares (together with such holder’s affiliates, and any persons acting as a group together with such holder or any of such holder’s affiliates) would beneficially own a number of shares of common stock in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the shares of our common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise (the “Preferred Stock Beneficial Ownership Limitation”); provided, however, that upon notice to us, the holder may increase or decrease the Preferred Stock Beneficial Ownership Limitation, provided that in no event shall the Preferred Stock Beneficial Ownership Limitation exceed 9.99% and any increase in the Preferred Stock Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until 61 days following notice of such increase from the holder to us.

 

Subject to certain conditions, at any time following the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, we will have the right to cause each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock to convert all or part of such holder’s Series A Preferred Stock in the event that (i) the volume weighted average price of our common stock for 30 consecutive trading days (the “Measurement Period”) exceeds 300% of the initial conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment for forward and reverse stock splits, recapitalizations, stock dividends and similar transactions), (ii) the daily trading volume on each Trading Day during such Measurement Period exceeds $500,000 per trading day and (iii) the holder is not in possession of any information that constitutes or might constitute, material non-public information which was provided by us. Our right to cause each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock to convert all or part of such holder’s Series A Preferred Stock shall be exercised ratably among the holders of the then outstanding preferred stock.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock has no maturity date, will carry the same dividend rights as the common stock, and with certain exceptions contains no voting rights. In the event of our liquidation or dissolution, the Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the common stock in the distribution of assets, to the extent legally available for distribution.

Series B Preferred Stock 

 


237,745 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock were issued in connection with a registered direct offering on December 18, 2020 (the “December 2020 Registered Direct Offering”). Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder thereof, into one third (1/3) share of common stock, subject to a 9.99% blocker provision, and is subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, distributions, subdivisions and combinations.

As of December 31, 2023, 119,000 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock remained issued and outstanding. The 119,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023, are convertible into 39,667 shares of common stock.

 

In the event of a liquidation, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares are entitled to participate on an as-converted-to-common stock basis with holders of the common stock in any distribution of our assets to the holders of the common stock. The Series B Certificate of Designation provides, among other things, that we shall not pay any dividends on shares of common stock (other than dividends in the form of common stock) unless and until such time as we pay dividends on each Series B Preferred Share on an as-converted basis. Other than as set forth in the previous sentence, the Series B Certificate of Designation provides that no other dividends shall be paid on Series B Preferred Shares and that we shall pay no dividends (other than dividends in the form of common stock) on shares of common stock unless we simultaneously comply with the previous sentence.

 

With certain exceptions, as described in the Series B Certificate of Designation, the Series B Preferred Stock has no voting rights. However, as long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Series B Certificate of Designation provides that we shall not, without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the then-outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the powers, preferences or rights given to the Series B Preferred Stock or alter or amend the Series B Certificate of Designation, (b) amend our certificate of incorporation or other charter documents in any manner that adversely affects any rights given to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, (c) increase the number of authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock, or (d) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the holder’s option into five shares of common stock. The “Series B Conversion Price” was initially $61.95 and is subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends, distributions, subdivisions and combinations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Series B Certificate of Designation further provides that we shall not effect any conversion of Series B Preferred Stock, with certain exceptions, to the extent that, after giving effect to an attempted conversion, the holder of Series B Preferred Shares (together with such holder’s affiliates, and any persons acting as a group together with such holder or any of such holder’s affiliates) would beneficially own a number of shares of common stock in excess of 9.99% of the shares of our common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise.

 

Warrants

As of December 31, 2023, there were 635,550 warrants outstanding. 24,968 warrants were outstanding as 2017 Warrants, 146,000 warrants were outstanding as April 2020 Warrants, 44,667 were outstanding as December 2020 Warrants and 419,925 were outstanding as December 2023 Warrants.

The 2017 Warrants have an exercise price of $600.00 per share and were issued in connection with the July 2017 Underwritten Public Offering and are immediately exercisable. The 2017 Warrants expire in 2024. Out of the April 2020 Warrants, 2,090,000 warrants are pre-funded warrants and have an exercise price of $0.001 per share and may be exercised at any time until exercised in full.  The remaining 266,667 April 2020 Warrants are common stock warrants carrying an exercise price of $75.00 per share and an expiration date in 2025. The December 2020 Warrants have an exercise price of $61.95 per share and were issued in connection with the December 2020 Registered Direct Offering. The 2020 Warrants expire in 2025. The December 2023 Warrants have an exercise price of $3.19 per share (or $4.14375 per share for placement agent warrants) and were issued in connection with the December 2023 Registered Direct Offering. The 2023 Warrants expire in 2030 (or 2028 for placement agent warrants).

Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of warrants will not have the right to exercise any portion of its warrants if the holder (together with such holder’s affiliates, and any persons acting as a group together with such holder or any of such holder’s affiliates) would beneficially own a number of shares of common stock in excess of 4.99% (or, at


the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of the shares of our common stock then outstanding after giving effect to such exercise.

The exercise price and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of recapitalization events, stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock. The warrant holders must pay the exercise price in cash upon exercise of the warrants, unless such warrant holders are utilizing the cashless exercise provision of the warrants. On the expiration date, unexercised warrants will automatically be exercised via the “cashless” exercise provision.

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the common stock purchasable upon exercise, including the right to vote, except as set forth therein.

There were no warrants exercised during the year ended December 31, 2023 in connection to the 2017 warrants, April 2020 warrants, December 2020 warrants or December 2023 warrants.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

The provisions of Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and our amended and restated bylaws, certain provisions of which are summarized below, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company. They are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging a proposal to acquire us because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to be in Effect upon the Closing of this Offering

Because our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights, stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of our shares of common stock may be able to elect all of our directors. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide for stockholder actions at a duly called meeting of stockholders or, before the date on which all shares of common stock convert into a single class, by written consent. A special meeting of stockholders may be called by a majority of our board of directors, the chair of our board of directors, or our chief executive officer. Our amended and restated bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors. Our board of directors is divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms.

The foregoing provisions make it difficult for another party to obtain control of us by replacing our board of directors. Since our board of directors has the power to retain and discharge our officers, these provisions could also make it more difficult for existing stockholders or another party to effect a change in management. In addition, the authorization of undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change our control.

These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal and to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in our control or management. As a consequence, these provisions may also inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law

We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, subject to certain exceptions.

Choice of Forum

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors or officers or other


employees arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that U.S. federal district courts is the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. However, a Delaware court recently held that such an exclusive forum provision relating to federal courts was unenforceable under Delaware law, and unless and until the Delaware court decision is reversed on appeal or otherwise abrogated, we do not intend to enforce such a provision in the event of a complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These choice of forum provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.