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KYNTRA BIO, INC.

For the period ended Jun 4, 2025. Filed Apr 25, 2025.

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What shareholders are asked to vote on at a company's meeting. It is where to find what directors and top executives are paid, and who owns the most shares.

Jun 4, 2025 · Filed Apr 25, 2025

KYNB$3.73+1.9%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
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Proposal 2 – Reverse Stock Split

PROP OSAL 2

APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO OUR AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED, TO EFFECT A REVERSE SPLIT OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK IN THE RANGE OF 1-FOR-10 TO 1-FOR-25 TO ENABLE THE COMPANY TO COMPLY WITH THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET’S CONTINUED LISTING REQUIREMENTS

General

The Board is recommending that our stockholders approve amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation (the “Amendments”) to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio ranging from any whole number between 1-for-10 and 1-for-25, with the exact ratio within such range to be determined by the Board in its discretion (the “reverse stock split”). A form of the certificate of amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation for the reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment”) is attached hereto as Appendix A. The following discussion is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment, which is incorporated herein by reference.

If the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Board will have discretion to determine, as it deems to be in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders, the specific ratio to be used within the range described above and the timing of the reverse stock split, which must occur, if at all, any time prior to the first anniversary of its approval by the stockholders. The Board believes that stockholder approval of the range of reverse stock split ratios (as opposed to approval of a single reverse stock split ratio) provides the Board with maximum flexibility to achieve the purpose of a reverse stock split, as discussed below, and therefore is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board may choose not to effect a reverse stock split if it determines, subsequent to obtaining stockholder approval, that such action is not in the best interests of the Company. By voting in favor of the reverse stock split, you are also expressly authorizing the Board to determine not to proceed with, and abandon, the reverse stock split if it should so decide.

Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split

The Company’s common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FGEN.” For our common stock to continue trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company must comply with various listing standards, including a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 31, 2024 was $0.5300 per share and, over the prior 52 weeks, the closing price of the Company’s common stock has ranged from $0.18 to $2.80 per share.

On September 12, 2024, FibroGen received a letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Staff of the Nasdaq Stock Market notifying FibroGen that for 30 consecutive business days the bid price of FibroGen’s common stock had closed below $1.00 per share. Therefore, in accordance with the Nasdaq listing rules, FibroGen was provided 180 calendar days, or until March 11, 2025 to regain compliance with the minimum bid price rule.

On March 12, 2025, FibroGen received written notice from Nasdaq notifying FibroGen that it did not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.

On March 14, 2025, FibroGen appealed this determination and therefore such delisting was stayed.

On April 11, 2025, the Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted FibroGen a temporary exception to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, contingent on obtaining stockholder approval on June 4, 2025, and thereafter effecting a reverse stock split by June 24, 2025.

The Board is asking the stockholders to grant it the authority to effect a reverse stock split, which the Board believes is an effective way to increase the minimum bid price of our common stock proportionately by reducing the number of outstanding shares of common stock and put us in a position to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. The Board further believes that the increased market price of our common stock expected as a result of implementing the reverse stock split may improve marketability and trading of our common stock.

In evaluating whether or not to recommend that stockholders authorize the reverse stock split, in addition to the considerations described above, the Board took into account various negative factors associated with a reverse stock split. These factors include: the negative perception of reverse stock splits held by some investors, analysts, and other stock market participants; the fact that the stock price of some companies that have effected reverse stock splits has subsequently declined, with a corresponding decline in market capitalization; the adverse effect on liquidity that might be caused by a reduced number of shares outstanding; and the costs associated with implementing a reverse stock split. Conversely, we believe the current low market price of our common stock impairs its acceptability to important segments of the institutional investor community and the investing public. Many investors look upon low-priced stock as unduly speculative in nature and, as a matter of policy, avoid investment in such stocks. We believe that the low market price of our common stock has reduced the effective marketability of our shares because of the reluctance of many brokerage firms to recommend low-priced stock to their clients. Further, a variety of brokerage house policies and practices tend to discourage individual brokers within those firms from dealing in low-priced stocks. Some of those policies and practices pertain to the payment of brokers’ commissions and to time-consuming procedures that function to make the handling of low-priced stocks unattractive to brokers from an economic standpoint. In addition, the structure of trading commissions also tends to have an adverse impact upon holders of low-priced stock because the brokerage commission on a sale of low-priced stock generally represents a higher percentage of the sales price than the commission on a relatively higher-priced issue.

The Board believes that maintaining the listing of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board believes that the delisting of the Company’s common stock from Nasdaq would impair our ability to raise additional funds and result in lower prices and larger spreads in the bid and ask prices for the Company’s common stock, among other things. See “Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split or Nasdaq Delisting” below for more information.

Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio

Our Board intends to implement the reverse stock split to the extent it believes necessary to maintain the Company’s listing on Nasdaq. In determining the ratio to be used, the Board will consider various factors, including but not limited to:

the potential impact and anticipated benefits to the Company and its stockholders;

market conditions and existing and expected market price of the Company’s common stock at such time;

existing and expected marketability of the common stock;

the number of shares that will be outstanding after the reverse stock split;

the stockholders’ equity at such time; and

the trading volume of the Company’s common stock at such time.

Impact of the Reverse Stock Split, if Implemented

The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of 225,000,000 shares of common stock. On April 11, 2025, the Company had: 101,043,970 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, 12,535,533 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options, 920,662 shares of common stock issuable upon settlement of restricted stock units, 123,750 shares of common stock issuable upon settlement of performance units, and 23,845,135 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the Company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

As a matter of Delaware law, the implementation of a reverse stock split does not require a reduction in the total number of authorized shares. If the Company’s stockholders adopt and approve the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment and the reverse stock split is implemented by the Company, the authorized number of shares of the Company’s common stock would not be affected by the reverse stock split ratio determined by the Board.

If approved and effected, the reverse stock split will automatically apply to all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, and each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of the Company’s common stock. However, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares, as described below, or as a result of adjustments to the conversion prices of certain convertible securities, as described below, the reverse stock split will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership or proportionate voting power.

Based on the Company’s capitalization as of April 11, 2025, the principal effect of the reverse stock split (an exchange ratio ranging from one-for-ten (1:10) to one-for-twenty-five (1:25)), not taking into account the treatment of fractional shares described under “Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split — Treatment of Fractional Shares” below, would be that:

the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding would be reduced from 101,043,970 shares to between approximately 4,041,758 shares and 10,104,397 shares;

the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options would be reduced from 12,535,533 to between approximately 501,421 shares and 1,253,553 shares (and the respective exercise prices of the options would increase by a factor equal to the inverse of the split ratio);

the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the settlement of outstanding restricted stock units would be reduced from 920,662 to between approximately 36,826 shares and 92,066 shares;

the number of shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the settlement of outstanding performance restricted stock units would be reduced from 123,750 to between approximately 4,950 shares and 12,375 shares;

the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance, in connection with future awards under the Company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan and 2014 Employee Stock Purchase Plan would be reduced from 23,845,135 to between approximately 953,805 shares and 2,384,513 shares;

the number of shares of the Company’s authorized common stock would remain unchanged at 225,000,000 shares;

the 125,000,000 shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock would remain unchanged; and

the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that are authorized, but unissued and unreserved, would increase from 86,530,950 to between approximately 211,153,096 shares and 219,461,240 shares; and the par value of the Company’s common stock and preferred stock would remain unchanged at $0.01 per share, and, as a result, the stated capital attributable to common stock on the Company’s balance sheet would be reduced proportionately based on the reverse stock split ratio, the additional paid-in capital account would be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced, and the per-share net income or loss and net book value of the Company’s common stock would be restated because there would be fewer shares of common stock outstanding.

Anti-Takeover and Dilutive Effects

The number of authorized shares of our common stock and preferred stock will not be reduced as a result of the reverse stock split. The common stock and preferred stock that is authorized but unissued provide the Board with flexibility to effect, among other transactions, public or private financings, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and the granting of equity incentive awards. However, these authorized but unissued shares may also be used by the Board, consistent with and subject to its fiduciary duties, to deter future attempts to gain control of us or make such actions more expensive and less desirable. Following stock split, our Board would continue to have the authority to issue additional shares from time to time without further action by the stockholders except as may be required by applicable law or regulations. The Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is not being recommended in response to any specific effort of which we are aware to obtain control of us, nor does our Board have any present intent to use the authorized but unissued common stock or preferred stock to impede a takeover attempt.

The Company expects to require additional financing to fund its ongoing activities. Other than the foregoing, and except for the Company’s obligation to issue common stock upon the exercise of outstanding options, we have no specific plan, commitment, arrangement, understanding or agreement, either oral or written, regarding the issuance of common stock subsequent to the reverse stock split at this time.

Certain Risk Factors Associated with the Reverse Stock Split or Nasdaq Delisting

A reverse stock split may negatively impact the market for our common stock.

Factors such as our financial results, market conditions and the market perception of our business may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, there can be no assurance that the total market capitalization of our common stock after the proposed reverse stock split will be equal to or greater than the total market capitalization before the proposed reverse stock split or that the per share market price of our common stock following the reverse stock split will increase in proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split. A decline in the market price of our common stock after the reverse stock split may result in a greater percentage decline than would occur in the absence of a reverse stock split, and the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected following such a reverse stock split.

In addition, the reverse stock split may increase the number of stockholders who own odd lots (less than 100 shares). Any stockholder who owns fewer than 1000 to 2,500 shares of common stock, depending on the final ratio, prior to the reverse stock split will own fewer than 100 shares of common stock following the reverse stock split. Stockholders who hold odd lots typically experience an increase in the cost of selling their shares and may have greater difficulty in effecting sales. Furthermore, some stockholders may cease being stockholders of the Company following the reverse stock split. Any stockholder who owns fewer than 10 to 25 shares of common stock, depending on the final ratio, prior to the reverse stock split will own less than one share of common stock following the reverse stock split and therefore such stockholder will receive cash equal to the market value of such fractional share and cease being a stockholder of the Company, as further described below under “Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split — Treatment of Fractional Shares”.

The market price of our common stock will also be based on our performance and other factors, including those factors listed under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. There can also be no assurance that the minimum bid price per share of our common stock will remain in excess of $1.00 following the reverse stock split for a sustained period of time, if at all.

Nasdaq may delist the Company’s common stock, which could seriously harm the liquidity of the common stock and the Company’s ability to raise capital.

On March 12, 2025, FibroGen received written notice from Nasdaq notifying FibroGen that it did not regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.

On March 14, 2025, FibroGen appealed this determination and therefore such delisting was stayed.

On April 11, 2025 the Nasdaq Hearings Panel granted FibroGen a temporary exception to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement contingent on obtaining stockholder approval on June 4, 2025, and thereafter effecting a reverse stock split by June 24, 2025.

There can be no assurance that we will effect a reverse stock split, regain compliance with the minimum bid price rule, or maintain compliance with the other listing requirements within the above timelines, in which case our common stock may be delisted. Delisting from the Nasdaq Global Select Market or any Nasdaq market could make trading our common stock more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. In addition, without a Nasdaq market listing, stockholders may have a difficult time getting a quote for the sale or purchase of our common stock, the sale or purchase of our common stock would likely be made more difficult and the trading volume and liquidity of our common stock could decline. Delisting from Nasdaq could also result in negative publicity and could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital. The absence of such a listing may adversely affect the value accorded by other parties. Further, if we are delisted, we would also incur additional costs under state blue sky laws in connection with any sales of our securities. These requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of our stockholders to sell our common stock in the secondary market. If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter quotation system, such as the OTCQB market, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our common stock or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. We cannot assure you that our common stock, if delisted from Nasdaq, will be listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on an over-the counter quotation system. If our common stock is delisted, it may come within the definition of “penny stock” as defined in the Exchange Act, and would be covered by Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act. That rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction prior to the sale. Consequently, Rule 15g-9, if it were to become applicable, would affect the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell our securities, and accordingly would affect the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the public market. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.

A reverse stock split would increase the Company’s authorized but unissued shares of common stock, which could negatively impact a potential investor if they purchased shares of common stock.

Because the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock will not be reduced proportionately, the reverse stock split will increase the Board’s ability to issue authorized and unissued shares without further stockholder action. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and relative voting power and may cause a decline in the trading price of the common stock. The Company could use the shares that are available for future issuance in dilutive equity financing transactions, or to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent changes in control or changes in or removal of management, including transactions that are favored by a majority of the stockholders or in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then-current market prices or benefit in some other manner.

The Company expects to require additional financing to fund its ongoing activities. Other than the foregoing, and except for the Company’s obligation to issue common stock upon the exercise of outstanding options, the Company has no specific plan, commitment, arrangement, understanding or agreement, either oral or written, regarding the issuance of common stock subsequent to the reverse stock split at this time.

Procedure for Effecting the Reverse Stock Split

When and if the Board decides to implement the reverse stock split at any time before the first anniversary of its approval by the stockholders, the Company will promptly file the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to amend its existing Certificate of Incorporation. The reverse stock split will become effective upon filing the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at a later date and time set forth therein, if any, which effective time is referred to as the “reverse stock split effective date.” At least ten (10) calendar days prior to the anticipated market effective date, the Company will notify Nasdaq of certain details of the reverse stock split, including the date shareholder approval was obtained. The text of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement. The text of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment is subject to modification to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and as the Board deems necessary and advisable to effect the reverse stock split, including the applicable ratio for the reverse stock split.

After the reverse stock split effective date, our common stock will have a new CUSIP number, which is a number used to identify securities.

Exchange of Shares Following Reverse Stock Split

Upon the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, and because all stockholders hold shares in electronic, book-entry form, there is no need to take any action; holdings will be automatically adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. These stockholders will receive a statement indicating the number of post-reverse stock split shares they own.

Treatment of Fractional Shares

To avoid the existence of fractional shares of common stock after the reverse stock split, fractional shares that would be created as a result of the reverse stock split will be rounded down to the next whole share and the stockholder will receive cash equal to the market value of the fractional share, determined by multiplying such fraction by the closing sales price of the Company’s common stock as reported on Nasdaq on the last trading day before the reverse stock split effective date (as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split). The ownership of a fractional share will not give the holder any voting, dividend or other right except to receive the cash payment therefor. If a stockholder is entitled to a cash payment in lieu of any fractional share, a check will be mailed to the stockholder’s registered address as soon as practicable after the reverse stock split effective date. By signing and cashing the check, stockholders will warrant that they owned the shares of common stock for which they received such cash payment.

No Appraisal Rights

Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders do not have a right to dissent and are not entitled to appraisal rights with respect to the proposed Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Amendment to effect the reverse stock split, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such rights.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences to the Company’s stockholders of the reverse stock split, if effected, does not purport to be a complete discussion of all of the possible U.S. federal income tax consequences and is included for general information only. It is not intended as tax advice to any person and is not a comprehensive description of the tax consequences that may be relevant to each stockholder’s own particular circumstances. The discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practices as in effect on the date of this proxy statement. Changes to the laws could alter the tax consequences described below, possibly with retroactive effect. The Company has not sought and will not seek an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split.

This discussion addresses the U.S. federal income tax consequences only to a stockholder that is (i) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of our common stock, (iii) a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person, or (iv) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source. This discussion addresses only those stockholders who hold their pre-reverse stock split shares as “capital assets” as defined in the Code (generally, property held for investment), and will hold the shares received in the reverse stock split as capital assets. Further, it does not address any state, local, foreign or other income tax consequences, nor does it address the tax consequences to stockholders that are subject to special tax rules, such as, without limitation, stockholders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax, banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, personal holding companies, stockholders who are not “United States persons” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code, U.S. persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, broker-dealers, tax-exempt entities, or S corporations, partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or investors therein). If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds pre-reverse stock split shares of the Company’s stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner of the partnership will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partnership level. Partners in partnerships holding our common stock are urged to consult their own tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split.

Stockholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the reverse stock split in light of their personal circumstances and the consequences under state, local and foreign tax laws, and also as to any estate or gift tax considerations.

Exchange Pursuant to Reverse Stock Split

No gain or loss will be recognized by a stockholder upon such stockholder’s exchange of pre-reverse stock split shares for post-reverse stock split shares pursuant to the reverse stock split, except to the extent of cash, if any, received in lieu of fractional shares, further described in “—Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares” below. The aggregate tax basis of the post-reverse stock split shares received in the reverse stock split, including any fractional share deemed to have been received, will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged therefor, and the holding period of the post-reverse stock split shares will include the holding period of the pre-reverse stock split shares.

Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares

A stockholder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional post-reverse stock split share should generally be treated as having received such fractional share pursuant to the reverse stock split and then as having exchanged such fractional share for cash in a redemption of such fractional share. The amount of any gain or loss should be equal to the difference between the ratable portion of the tax basis of the pre-reverse stock split shares exchanged in the reverse stock split that is allocated to such fractional share and the cash received in lieu thereof. In general, any such gain or loss will constitute a long-term capital gain or loss if the stockholder’s holding period for such pre-reverse stock split shares exceeds one year at the time of the reverse stock split. Deductibility of capital losses by holders is subject to limitations. Depending on a stockholder’s individual facts and circumstances, it is possible that cash received in lieu of a fractional share could be treated as a distribution under Section 301 of the Code, so stockholders should consult their own tax advisors as to that possibility and the resulting tax consequences to them in that event.

The Company will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the reverse stock split.

Vote Required

The affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast is required to adopt and approve the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation regarding the reverse stock split. The holders of common stock have the right to cast one vote per share of common stock on this proposal. We do not expect any broker non-votes for this proposal.

A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2.

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