Skip to main content

Jefferson Capital, Inc. / DE

For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Nov 14, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Nov 14, 2025

JCAP$19.83-4.8%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-14.

0001558370-25-011577

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-14.

0001104659-25-112518

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 154 previous paragraphs and 150 current paragraphs.

131 unchanged; 14 reworded; 2 added; 3 removed; 6 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 63 previous and 64 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (2)

Current report

could also be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change of control.

Current report

Securities Act.
Removed paragraphs (3)

Previous report

The choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our current or former directors, officers, other employees, agents or stockholders, which may discourage such claims against us or any of our current or former directors, officers, other

Previous report

employees, agents or stockholders and result in increased costs for investors to bring a claim.
Reworded paragraphs (14)

Previous wording

The availability of nonperforming loan portfolios at prices that generate an appropriate return on our investment depends

Current wording

The availability of nonperforming loan portfolios at prices that generate an appropriate return on our investment depends on a number of factors, including the following:

Previous wording

Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Conn’s Portfolio Purchase depends on our ability to collect the unsecuritized loans and credit card receivables we acquired. The portfolios acquired could underperform relative to our expectations or not perform in accordance with our anticipated timetable, either of which could result in an impairment charge. We may also find that the operating expenses we incur to make our expected collections of the Conn’s Portfolios exceed our forecast. We could experience higher expenses than we anticipate from the 197 FTE we hired from Conn’s, should we encounter difficulties integrating these FTEs into our workforce, as well as from the vendor contracts we entered into or from the new operating site in San Antonio, Texas. Any one of these factors could adversely impact our financial results.

Current wording

Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Conn’s Portfolio Purchase depends on our ability to collect the unsecuritized loans and credit card receivables we acquired. The portfolios acquired could underperform relative to our expectations or not perform in accordance with our anticipated timetable, either of which could result in an impairment charge. We may also find that the operating expenses we incur to make our expected collections of the Conn’s Portfolios exceed our forecast. We could experience higher expenses than we anticipate from the 197 FTE we hired from Conn’s, should we encounter difficulties integrating these FTEs into our workforce, as well as from the vendor contracts we entered into or from the new operating site in San Antonio, Texas. Any one of these factors could adversely impact our financial results. There are 100 FTE remaining as of September 30, 2025.

Previous wording

The U.S. government has made significant changes in U.S. trade policy and has taken certain actions that have negatively impacted U.S. trade, including imposing tariffs on certain goods imported into the United States. For example, in March 2025, the Trump administration implemented a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, which have since been paused, and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China, which has since been increased. To date, several governments, including those of Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China have imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the United States. The Trump administration has since that date implemented, and it is possible it will continue to implement, additional tariffs on imports from the same or other countries and such countries will implement reciprocal tariffs on imports from the United States. Any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy could trigger additional retaliatory actions by affected countries, resulting in “trade wars” that could indirectly affect service businesses involved in debt purchasing and collections on charged-off consumer accounts. While these tariffs primarily target goods, and the accounts we purchase would not be covered, the broader economic implications may influence consumer behavior and financial stability, thereby impacting the debt purchasing and collection industries. Potential impacts include:

Current wording

The U.S. government has made significant changes in U.S. trade policy and has taken certain actions that have negatively impacted U.S. trade, including imposing tariffs on certain goods imported into the United States. For example, in March 2025, the Trump administration implemented a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, which have since been adjusted, and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China, which has since been increased. To date, several governments, including those of Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China have imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the United States. The Trump administration has since that date implemented, and it is possible it will continue to implement, additional tariffs on imports from the same or other countries and such countries will implement reciprocal tariffs on imports from the United States. Any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy could trigger additional retaliatory actions by affected countries, resulting in “trade wars” that could indirectly affect service businesses involved in debt purchasing and collections on charged-off consumer accounts. While these tariffs primarily target goods, and the accounts we purchase would not be covered, the broader economic implications may influence consumer behavior and financial stability, thereby impacting the debt purchasing and collection industries. Potential impacts include:

Previous wording

We may incur a substantial amount of debt in the future. As of June 30, 2025, we had total consolidated indebtedness of $1,181.5 million, which was comprised of $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Notes (as defined herein), $400.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2029 Notes (as defined herein), $500.0 million outstanding principal amount of 2030 Notes. As of June 30, 2025, the amount available to be borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base restrictions, was $825.0 million, all of which if borrowed would be secured. Our management team considers a number of factors when evaluating our level of indebtedness and when making decisions about incurring any new indebtedness, including the purchase price of assets to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our assets and the ability of particular assets and the Company as a whole, to generate cash flow to cover the expected debt service.

Current wording

We may incur a substantial amount of debt in the future. As of September 30, 2025, we had total consolidated indebtedness of $1,182.6 million, which was comprised of $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2026 Notes (as defined herein), $400.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 2029 Notes (as defined herein), $500.0 million outstanding principal amount of 2030 Notes. As of September 30, 2025, the amount available to be borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to borrowing base restrictions, was $825.0 million, all of which if borrowed would be secured. Our management team considers a number of factors when evaluating our level of indebtedness and when making decisions about incurring any new indebtedness, including the purchase price of assets to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our assets and the ability of particular assets and the Company as a whole, to generate cash flow to cover the expected debt service.

Previous wording

Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations will depend on our current and future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In the future, we may fail to generate sufficient cash flow from the collection of nonperforming loans to meet our cash requirements. Further, our capital requirements may vary materially from those currently planned if, for example, our collections do not reach expected levels, we have to incur unforeseen expenses, we invest in acquisitions or make other investments that we believe will benefit our competitive position. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot provide assurance that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timeliness and amount of proceeds realized from those sales, that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Furthermore, our ability to refinance would depend upon the condition of the finance and credit markets. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, would materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and may delay or prevent the expansion of our business.

Current wording

Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to make scheduled payments on our debt obligations will depend on our current and future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In the future, we may fail to generate sufficient cash flow from the collection of nonperforming loans to meet our cash requirements. Further, our capital requirements may vary materially from those currently planned if, for example, our collections do not reach expected levels, we have to incur unforeseen expenses, we invest in acquisitions or make other investments that we believe will benefit our competitive position. If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot provide assurance that any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timeliness and amount of proceeds realized from those sales, that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Furthermore, our ability to refinance would depend upon the condition of the finance and credit markets. Additionally, on October 1, 2025, the U.S. government shut down and certain regulatory agencies, such as the SEC, have had to furlough government employees and stop critical activities. If a prolonged government shutdown occurs, it could impact our ability to access the public markets and obtain necessary capital in order to properly fund our operations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, would materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and may delay or prevent the expansion of our business.

Previous wording

In addition, the amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of four of our operating subsidiaries, collectively accounting for a significant amount of our total assets. As a result, in the event of the occurrence of a default under our Revolving Credit Facility, the Administrative Agent (as defined herein) may enforce its security interests (for the ratable benefit of the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility and the other secured parties) over our subsidiaries’ assets that secure the obligations under our Revolving Credit Facility, take control of the assets and businesses of those subsidiaries, force us to seek bankruptcy protection, or force us to curtail or

Current wording

In addition, the amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of four of our operating subsidiaries, collectively accounting for a significant amount of our total assets. As a result, in the event of the occurrence of a default under our Revolving Credit Facility, the Administrative Agent (as defined herein)

Previous wording

The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities, including investments in the financial services industry generally. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the JCF Stockholders and their affiliates may engage in activities where their interests conflict with our interests or those of our stockholders, such as investing in or advising businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are customers of ours. Although the “corporate opportunities doctrine” provides that directors and officers of a corporation, as part of their duty of loyalty to the corporation and its stockholders, generally have a fiduciary duty to disclose opportunities to the corporation that are related to its business and are prohibited from pursuing those opportunities unless the corporation determines that it is not going to pursue them, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation waives the corporate opportunities doctrine. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that none of the JCF Stockholders, any of their affiliates or any director affiliated with the JCF Stockholders who is not employed by us (including any such non-employee director who serves as one of our officers in both his director and officer capacities) have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate. The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates also may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. In addition, if the JCF Stockholders or any non-employee director acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for us, such person have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us and they may take any such opportunity for themselves

Current wording

The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities, including investments in the financial services industry generally. In the ordinary course of their business activities, the JCF Stockholders and their affiliates may engage in activities where their interests conflict with our interests or those of our stockholders, such as investing in or advising businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are customers of ours. Although the “corporate opportunities doctrine” provides that directors and officers of a corporation, as part of their duty of loyalty to the corporation and its stockholders, generally have a fiduciary duty to disclose opportunities to the corporation that are related to its business and are prohibited from pursuing those opportunities unless the corporation determines that it is not going to pursue them, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation waives the corporate opportunities doctrine. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that none of the JCF Stockholders, any of their affiliates or any director affiliated with the JCF Stockholders who is not employed by us (including any such non-employee director who serves as one of our officers in both his director and officer capacities) have any duty to refrain from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the same business activities or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate. The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates also may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be

Previous wording

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock. After the initial public offering, we have 58,266,307 outstanding shares of common stock. The shares that were not sold in the IPO are subject to a 180-day lock-up period provided under agreements executed in connection with the IPO between the underwriters and our executive officers and directors and the holders of substantially all of our outstanding shares of common stock upon the completion of the Reorganization, including the selling stockholders. These shares will, however, be able to be transferred after the expiration of the lock-up agreements, upon the waiver of such lock-up agreement by, or in accordance with certain specified exceptions to the lock-up. We also filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 with the SEC on June 27, 2025 to

Current wording

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock. After the initial public offering, we have 58,266,307 outstanding shares of common stock. The shares that were not sold in the IPO are subject to a 180-day lock-up period provided under agreements executed in connection with the IPO between the underwriters and our executive officers and directors and the holders of substantially all of our outstanding shares of common stock upon the completion of the Reorganization, including the

Previous wording

register all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. Such shares, once issued, can be freely resold in the public market, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, such as the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with the IPO. In addition, the JCF Stockholders, hold approximately 67.6% of our outstanding common stock upon the completion of the initial public offering and have demand registration rights to require us to file registration statements in connection with future sales of their shares, and have rights to require us to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourself or other stockholders. Future sales by these stockholders could be significant. As restrictions on resale end, the market price of our stock could decline if the holders of shares that are subject to lock-up agreements sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.

Current wording

selling stockholders. These shares will, however, be able to be transferred after the expiration of the lock-up agreements, upon the waiver of such lock-up agreement by, or in accordance with certain specified exceptions to the lock-up. We also filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act of 1933 with the SEC on June 27, 2025 to register all shares of common stock that we may issue under our equity compensation plans. Such shares, once issued, can be freely resold in the public market, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, such as the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with the IPO. In addition, the JCF Stockholders, hold approximately 67.6% of our outstanding common stock upon the completion of the initial public offering and have demand registration rights to require us to file registration statements in connection with future sales of their shares, and have rights to require us to include their shares in registration statements that we may file for ourself or other stockholders. Future sales by these stockholders could be significant. As restrictions on resale end, the market price of our stock could decline if the holders of shares that are subject to lock-up agreements sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.

Previous wording

We currently intend to pay quarterly cash dividends beginning in the third quarter of 2025 and also may consider share repurchase programs in the future to supplement our dividend policy. Our intent to pay quarterly dividends and potentially repurchase our shares is subject to capital availability and periodic determinations by our board of directors that such actions are in the best interest of our stockholders. Future dividends and share repurchases may be affected by, among other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant, our financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, regulatory constraints, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of future dividends, restrictions imposed by Delaware law and general business conditions. Our policies regarding dividend payments and share repurchases may change from time to time, and there can be no assurance that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock or repurchase any shares of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such dividends or repurchases. Therefore, any return on investment in our common stock may depend solely upon the appreciation of the price of our common stock on the open market, which may not occur. Additionally, any reduction or suspension in our dividend payments could have a negative effect on our stock price.

Current wording

We have paid and intend to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends beginning in the third quarter of 2025 and also may consider share repurchase programs in the future to supplement our dividend policy. Our intent to pay quarterly dividends and potentially repurchase our shares is subject to capital availability and periodic determinations by our board of directors that such actions are in the best interest of our stockholders. Future dividends and share repurchases may be affected by, among other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant, our financial condition, earnings, liquidity and capital requirements, regulatory constraints, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of future dividends, restrictions imposed by Delaware law and general business conditions. Our policies regarding dividend payments and share repurchases may change from time to time, and there can be no assurance that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock or repurchase any shares of our common stock, or as to the amount of any such dividends or repurchases. Therefore, any return on investment in our common stock may depend solely upon the appreciation of the price of our common stock on the open market, which may not occur. Additionally, any reduction or suspension in our dividend payments could have a negative effect on our stock price.

Previous wording

In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance, ESG-related matters and general public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies around public company standards, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making certain activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of our management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws,

Current wording

practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of our management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in the future. The issuance of a significant number of shares of our common stock upon the exercise of stock options or the availability for sale, or sale, of a substantial number of the shares of common stock eligible for future sale under effective registration statements, under Rule 144 or otherwise, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Current wording

We have reserved approximately 6,418,775 shares of our common stock for future equity grants under the 2025 Plan, which includes the 477,542 options to purchase shares of our common stock that we have granted in connection or since the IPO. We may issue additional restricted securities or register additional shares of our common stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), in the future. The issuance of a significant number of shares of our common stock upon the exercise of stock options or the availability for sale, or sale, of a substantial number of the shares of common stock eligible for future sale under effective registration statements, under Rule 144 or otherwise, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Previous wording

or more of the corporation’s voting stock, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in the manner prescribed by the DGCL and Delaware Court of Chancery.

Current wording

Certain anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law also apply to our company. In general, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), an anti-takeover provision, prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with an “interested stockholder,” or person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock, for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in the manner prescribed by the DGCL and Delaware Court of Chancery.

Previous wording

We believe these provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act.

Current wording

We believe these provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

may enforce its security interests (for the ratable benefit of the lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility and the other secured parties) over our subsidiaries’ assets that secure the obligations under our Revolving Credit Facility, take control of the assets and businesses of those subsidiaries, force us to seek bankruptcy protection, or force us to curtail or abandon our current business plans. If that were to happen, you may lose all, or a part of, your investment in our common stock.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

available to us. In addition, if the JCF Stockholders or any non-employee director acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for us, such person have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us and they may take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to another person or entity. The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to you.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance, ESG-related matters and general public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies around public company standards, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making certain activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in
Rearranged previous paragraphs (6)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

on a number of factors, including the following:

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

abandon our current business plans. If that were to happen, you may lose all, or a part of, your investment in our common stock.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

or offer it to another person or entity. The JCF Stockholders and their affiliates may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment, even though such transactions might involve risks to you.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

We have reserved approximately 6,418,775 shares of our common stock for future equity grants under the 2025 Plan, which includes the 457,542 options to purchase shares of our common stock that we have granted in connection with the IPO. We may issue additional restricted securities or register additional shares of our common stock under the Securities

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Certain anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law also apply to our company. In general, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), an anti-takeover provision, prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with an “interested stockholder,” or person or group owning 15%