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VirnetX Holding Corp

For the period ended Jun 30, 2024. Filed Aug 14, 2024.

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.

Jun 30, 2024 · Filed Aug 14, 2024

VHC$9.71+2.9%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-03-31; filed 2024-05-15.

0001140361-24-026230

Item 1A. — Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-14.

0001140361-24-037312

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 82 previous paragraphs and 83 current paragraphs.

59 unchanged; 19 reworded; 5 added; 4 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 40 previous and 34 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 (5)

Current report

ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS

Current report

Failure to meet the NYSE’s continued listing requirements could result in the suspension of trading of our common stock and a subsequent delisting of our common stock.

Current report

On May 12, 2023, we received a written notification from the NYSE that as of May 11, 2023, we were not in compliance with the continued listing standard set forth in Section 802.01C of the NYSE Listed Company Manual because the average closing price of our common stock was less than $1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading-day period. Pursuant Section 802.01C, there is a period of six months following the receipt of the notification to regain compliance with the minimum price criteria. A 1-for-20 reverse stock split was approved by stockholders at the special meeting held on October 24, 2023, a certificate of amendment to our Restated Charter was filed and became effective as of October 25, 2023, and our common stock began trading on a post-split basis on October 26, 2023. As of the end of the cure period, our common stock share price met the applicable requirements and we regained compliance with the minimum share price requirement. However, there can be no assurances that we will maintain compliance as there may be continued volatility and fluctuations in the market price of our common stock.

Current report

Our common stock could also be delisted if our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period is less than $15 million. Our average global market capitalization over a consecutive 30 trading-day period may fall below $15 million based on continued volatility and fluctuations in the market price of our common stock. In the event that our stock price does not meet the global market capitalization requirement, the NYSE will promptly suspend our common stock from trading on the NYSE and will simultaneously begin the process to delist our common stock, subject to our right to appeal under NYSE rules. While we may appeal this decision, there is no assurance that any appeal we undertake will be successful.

Current report

If shares of our common stock are delisted from the NYSE, there may be no public market for our common stock. Any over-the-counter or other market that does develop would likely be characterized by decreased liquidity and greater volatility, which may materially and adversely affect the value of our common stock. A delisting of our common stock could negatively impact the Company and holders of our common stock, including by reducing the willingness of investors to hold our common stock because of the resulting decreased price, liquidity and trading of our common stock, limited availability of price quotations, and reduced news and analyst coverage. These developments may also require brokers trading in our common stock to adhere to more stringent rules and may limit our ability to raise capital by issuing additional shares of common stock in the future. Delisting may adversely impact the perception of our financial condition, cause reputational harm with investors, our employees and parties conducting business with us, and limit our access to debt and equity financing. The perceived decrease in value of employee equity incentive awards may reduce their effectiveness in encouraging performance and retention.
Removed paragraphs (4)

Previous report

— RISK FACTORS

Previous report

Summary Risk Factors

Previous report

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk, and the following is a summary of key risk factors when considering an investment. You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of each risk factor contained in the subheadings further below.
Reworded paragraphs (19)

Previous wording

Our operating results have fluctuated in the past due to several factors. We expect that our future operating results may also fluctuate due to the same or similar factors. We had a net loss of $4.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. We had a net loss of $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $190.8 million. The following include some of the factors that may cause our operating results to fluctuate:

Current wording

Our operating results have fluctuated in the past due to several factors. We expect that our future operating results may also fluctuate due to the same or similar factors. We had a net loss of $3.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. We had a net loss of $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $194.6 million. The following include some of the factors that may cause our operating results to fluctuate:

Previous wording

In addition, potential customers of our products include local, state, federal and foreign government authorities. Sales to government authorities can be extensive and unpredictable. Government authorities generally have complex budgeting, purchasing, and regulatory processes that govern their capital spending, and their spending is likely to be adversely impacted by economic conditions. In addition, in many instances, sales to government authorities may require field trials and may be delayed by the time it takes for government officials to evaluate multiple competing bids, negotiate terms, and award contracts.

Current wording

In addition, potential customers of our products include local, state, federal and foreign government agencies, as well as institutions in the defense industry. Sales to government authorities can be extensive and unpredictable. Government authorities generally have complex budgeting, purchasing, and regulatory processes that govern their capital spending, and their spending is likely to be adversely impacted by economic conditions. In addition, in many instances, sales to government authorities may require field trials and may be delayed by the time it takes for government officials to evaluate multiple competing bids, negotiate terms, and award contracts.

Previous wording

The market for Zero Trust Network Access (“ZTNA”) security solutions is rapidly evolving and highly competitive as new entrants and traditional network solutions companies offer cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. Many of our competitors and potential competitors have established brand recognition, larger customer bases, and greater resources than we do. Our primary competitors in the zero-trust network access market include Appgate, Cloudflare, and Illumio. In the enterprise market, our primary competitors include Zscaler (ZPA), Palo Alto Networks (Prisma Access), Cisco (Umbrella), Citrix (Secure Private Access), Netskope (Private Access for ZTNA) and Cato Networks. As we expand our product offerings and use cases, we will begin to compete with companies that offer bundled security-as-a-service solutions that include Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE). With the introduction of new technologies and market entrants, we expect competition to intensify in the future. For example, disruptive technologies such as generative AI may fundamentally alter the market for our services in unpredictable ways and reduce customer demand. If we fail to compete effectively, our business will be harmed. Some of our competitors offer their products or services at lower prices or for free as part of a broader bundled product sale or enterprise license arrangement, which has placed pricing pressure on our business. If we are unable to achieve our target pricing levels, our operating results will be negatively impacted. For us to compete effectively, we need to introduce new products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner, meet customer expectations and needs at prices that customers are willing to pay, and continue to enhance the features and functionalities of our cloud content management platform. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition could result in reduced sales, lower margins, losses or the failure of our services to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance, any of which could harm our business.

Current wording

The market for ZTNA security solutions is rapidly evolving and highly competitive as new entrants and traditional network solutions companies offer cloud-based cybersecurity solutions. Many of our competitors and potential competitors have established brand recognition, larger customer bases, and greater resources than we do. Our primary competitors in the ZTNA market include Appgate, Cloudflare, and Illumio. In the enterprise market, our primary competitors include Zscaler (ZPA), Palo Alto Networks (Prisma Access), Cisco (Umbrella), Citrix (Secure Private Access), Netskope (Private Access for ZTNA) and Cato Networks. As we expand our product offerings and use cases, we will begin to compete with companies that offer bundled security-as-a-service solutions that include Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE). With the introduction of new technologies and market entrants, we expect competition to intensify in the future. For example, disruptive technologies such as generative AI may fundamentally alter the market for our services in unpredictable ways and reduce customer demand. If we fail to compete effectively, our business will be harmed. Some of our competitors offer their products or services at lower prices or for free as part of a broader bundled product sale or enterprise license arrangement, which has placed pricing pressure on our business. If we are unable to achieve our target pricing levels, our operating results will be negatively impacted. For us to compete effectively, we need to introduce new products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner, meet customer expectations and needs at prices that customers are willing to pay, and continue to enhance the features and functionalities of our cloud content management platform. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition could result in reduced sales, lower margins, losses or the failure of our services to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance, any of which could harm our business.

Previous wording

We believe our patents are valid, enforceable, and valuable. Notwithstanding this belief, third parties may make claims of infringement with respect to our products or services or invalidity claims with respect to our patents or become aware of our trade secrets by way of leaks from bad actors within or outside of our employee base or otherwise, and such claims could give rise to material cost for defense or settlement or both, and such claims or leaks could jeopardize or substantially delay a successful outcome of litigation we are or may become involved in, divert resources away from our other activities, limit or cease our related revenues, or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business. Additionally, several of our patents are currently, and other patents may in the future be, subject to USPTO post-grant inter partes review proceedings (“IPR”) which may result in all, or part of these patents being invalidated, or the claims of our patents being limited. Unfavorable or adverse outcomes in our litigation or IPRs or material leaks of trade secrets may result in losses, exhaustion of financial resources, reduction in our ability to protect our intellectual property rights, or other adverse effects, which could encumber our ability to develop and commercialize our products. Even if we are successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, they may not ultimately provide us with any competitive advantages and may be less valuable than we currently expect. These risks may be heightened in countries other than the United States where laws regarding patent protection are less developed and may be negatively affected by the fact that legal standards in the United States and elsewhere for protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. In addition, there are a significant number of United States and foreign patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we expect that significant litigation in these areas will continue and will add uncertainty to the value of certain patents and other intellectual property rights in our areas of interest. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights or otherwise realize value from them, our business would be negatively affected.

Current wording

We believe our patents are valid, enforceable, and valuable. Notwithstanding this belief, third parties may make claims of infringement with respect to our products or services or invalidity claims with respect to our patents or become aware of our trade secrets by way of leaks from bad actors within or outside of our employee base or otherwise, and such claims could give rise to material cost for defense or settlement or both, and such claims or leaks could jeopardize or substantially delay a successful outcome of litigation we are or may become involved in, divert resources away from our other activities, limit or cease our related revenues, or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business. Even if we are successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, they may not ultimately provide us with any competitive advantages and may be less valuable than we currently expect. These risks may be heightened in countries other than the United States where laws regarding patent protection are less developed and may be negatively affected by the fact that legal standards in the United States and elsewhere for protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related businesses are uncertain and still evolving. In addition, there are a significant number of United States and foreign patents and patent applications in our areas of interest, and we expect that significant litigation in these areas will continue and will add uncertainty to the value of certain patents and other intellectual property rights in our areas of interest. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights or otherwise realize value from them, our business would be negatively affected.

Previous wording

We expect to retain certain confidential and proprietary customer information in our secure data centers and secure domain name registry, as well as personal data and other confidential and proprietary information relating to our business. It will be critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Our secure domain name registry operations will also depend on our ability to maintain our computer and telecommunications equipment in effective working order and to reasonably protect our systems against interruption, and potentially depend on protection by other registrars in the shared registration system. The secure domain name servers that we will operate will be critical hardware to our registry services operations. Additionally, we maintain confidential and proprietary business information, including trade secrets. We expect to have to expend significant time and money to maintain or increase the security of our products, facilities, and infrastructure. Security technologies are constantly being tested by computer professionals, academics and “hackers.” Advances in computer capabilities and the techniques for attacking security solutions, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in compromises or breaches of our security measures and could make some or all our products obsolete or unmarketable. Likewise, we may need to dedicate engineering and other resources to eliminate security vulnerabilities and may find it necessary or appropriate to repair or replace products already sold or licensed to our customers. Despite the security measures that we and our service providers utilize, our infrastructure and that of our service providers may be vulnerable to physical break-ins, ransomware, computer viruses, other malicious code attacks by hackers, phishing attacks, social engineering, or similar disruptive problems. Any disruption or security breach or incident that we or our service providers suffer or are perceived to suffer, including any such disruption, breach or incident resulting in a loss of, or damage to, data or systems, or inappropriate disclosure, access, loss, or other processing of confidential, financial, proprietary or personal information, including data related to our personnel, could result in loss, disclosure or other unauthorized processing of such data, could delay our research and development or commercialization efforts, could compel us to comply with breach notification laws and regulations, subject us to mandatory corrective action, and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of personal information. It is possible that we may have to expend additional financial and other resources to address such problems. The increase in remote work by our personnel and those of third parties in recent years has resulted in increased vulnerabilit…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

We expect to retain certain confidential and proprietary customer information in our secure data centers and secure domain name registry, as well as personal data and other confidential and proprietary information relating to our business. It will be critical to our business strategy that our facilities and infrastructure remain secure and are perceived by the marketplace to be secure. Our secure domain name registry operations will also depend on our ability to maintain our computer and telecommunications equipment in effective working order and to reasonably protect our systems against interruption, and potentially depend on protection by other registrars in the shared registration system. The secure domain name servers that we will operate will be critical hardware to our registry services operations. Additionally, we maintain confidential and proprietary business information, including trade secrets. We expect to have to expend significant time and money to maintain or increase the security of our products, facilities, and infrastructure. Security technologies are constantly being tested by computer professionals, academics and “hackers.” Advances in computer capabilities and the techniques for attacking security solutions, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in compromises or breaches of our security measures and could make some or all our products obsolete or unmarketable. Likewise, we may need to dedicate engineering and other resources to mitigate or eliminate security vulnerabilities and may find it necessary or appropriate to repair or replace products already sold or licensed to our customers. Despite the security measures that we and our service providers utilize, our infrastructure and that of our service providers may be vulnerable to physical break-ins, ransomware, computer viruses, other malicious code attacks by hackers, phishing attacks, social engineering, or similar disruptive problems. There can be no assurances our security measures or those of our service providers will prevent security breaches or incidents. Any disruption or security breach or incident that we or our service providers suffer or are perceived to suffer, including any such disruption, breach or incident resulting in a loss of, or damage to, data or systems, or inappropriate disclosure, access, loss, or other processing of confidential, financial, proprietary or personal information, including data related to our personnel, could result in loss, disclosure or other unauthorized processing of such data, could delay our research and development or commercialization efforts, could compel us to comply with breach notification laws and regulations, subject us to mandatory corrective action, and otherwise subject us to liability under laws and regulations that protect the privacy and security of personal information. It is possible that we may have to expend additional financial and other resources to address s…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

A security breach or other security incident, or the perception any such event has occurred, could require a substantial level of financial resources to address and otherwise respond to, may be difficult to identify or address in a timely manner, and could result in claims, investigations, inquiries, and other proceedings or actions by private parties or governmental entities that may divert management’s attention and require the expenditure of significant time and resources, and which may cause us to incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liability and related legal and other costs. Any actual or perceived security breach or other security incident may also harm our reputation, result in a loss of customers, and make it more difficult or impossible for us to successfully market to others. Any of the foregoing matters could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Current wording

A security breach or other security incident, or the perception any such event has occurred, could require a substantial level of financial resources to address and otherwise respond to, may be difficult to identify or address in a timely manner, and could result in claims, investigations, inquiries, and other proceedings or actions by private parties or governmental entities that may divert management’s attention and require the expenditure of significant time and resources, and which may cause us to incur substantial fines, penalties, or other liability and related legal and other costs. Cybersecurity risks pose a particularly significant risk to our business given our focus on providing internet security software and secure communications technology. Any actual or perceived security breach or other security incident may also harm our reputation, result in a loss of customers, and make it more difficult or impossible for us to successfully market to others. Any of the foregoing matters could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Previous wording

We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the EU, and other jurisdictions. For example, the European Commission adopted a General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) that became fully effective on May 25, 2018, superseding prior EU data protection legislation, imposing more stringent EU data protection requirements, and providing for greater penalties for noncompliance. The United Kingdom has enacted a Data Protection Act and legislation referred to as the UK GDPR that substantially implements the GDPR and provides for a penalty regime similar to the GDPR. We may be required to incur substantial expense in order to make significant changes to our product and business operations in connection with obtaining and maintaining compliance with the GDPR and similar legislation, such as the UK GDPR and UK Data Protection Act, all of which may adversely affect our revenue and product sales. California has enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) that, among other things, requires covered companies to provide disclosures to California consumers, and afford such consumers abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA was modified and expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which was approved by California voters in the November 2020 election. Additionally, other U.S. states continue to propose, and in certain cases adopt, privacy-focused legislation. For example, Connecticut, Virginia, and Colorado have enacted legislation similar to the CCPA and CPRA that has taken effect in 2023; Utah has enacted such legislation that is effective as of December 31, 2023; Florida, Montana, Oregon, and Texas have enacted similar legislation that becomes effective in 2024; Delaware, Tennessee, and Iowa have enacted similar legislation that will take effect in 2025; and Indiana has enacted similar legislation that will become effective in 2026. We cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business, but they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in efforts to comply. Privacy, data protection and information security laws and regulations are often subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal data, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters. These and other requirements could reduce demand for our products, increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or restrict our abi…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

We also expect that there will continue to be new proposed laws, regulations and industry standards concerning privacy, data protection and information security in the United States, the EU, and other jurisdictions. For example, the European Commission adopted a General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) that became fully effective on May 25, 2018, superseding prior EU data protection legislation, imposing more stringent EU data protection requirements, and providing for greater penalties for noncompliance. The United Kingdom has enacted a Data Protection Act and legislation referred to as the UK GDPR that substantially implements the GDPR and provides for a penalty regime similar to the GDPR. We may be required to incur substantial expense in order to make significant changes to our product and business operations in connection with obtaining and maintaining compliance with the GDPR and similar legislation, such as the UK GDPR and UK Data Protection Act, all of which may adversely affect our revenue and product sales. California has enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) that, among other things, requires covered companies to provide disclosures to California consumers, and afford such consumers abilities to opt-out of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA was modified and expanded by the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”), which was approved by California voters in the November 2020 election. Additionally, other U.S. states continue to propose, and in certain cases adopt, privacy-focused legislation. For example, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah and Colorado enacted legislation similar to the CCPA and CPRA that took effect in 2023; Florida, Montana, Oregon, and Texas have enacted similar legislation that has or will become effective in 2024; Delaware, Nebraska, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Iowa have enacted similar legislation that will take effect in 2025; and Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island have enacted similar legislation that will become effective in 2026. We cannot yet fully determine the impact these or future laws, regulations and standards may have on our business, but they may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and expenses in efforts to comply. Privacy, data protection and information security laws and regulations are often subject to differing interpretations, may be inconsistent among jurisdictions, and may be alleged to be inconsistent with our current or future practices. Additionally, we may be bound by contractual requirements applicable to our collection, use, processing, and disclosure of various types of data, including personal data, and may be bound by, or voluntarily comply with, self-regulatory or other industry standards relating to these matters. These and other requirements could reduce demand for our products, increase our costs, impair our ability to grow our business, or …

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by shareholders intent upon alternate business strategies.

Current wording

Our business has been, and may continue to be, negatively affected by activist shareholders.

Previous wording

Responding to actions by activist shareholders is costly and time-consuming, has diverted the attention of management, our board of directors and our employees, and may be disruptive to our operations. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Furthermore, if customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or do business with our competitors instead of us, then our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, our share price could experience periods of increased volatility as a result of shareholder activism.

Current wording

Responding to actions and communications by activist shareholders is costly and time-consuming, has diverted the attention of management, our Board of Directors and our employees, and may be disruptive to our operations. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction as a result of shareholder activism may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business or other instability, which may be exploited by our competitors, cause concern to our current or potential customers, and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Furthermore, if customers choose to delay, defer or reduce transactions with us or do business with our competitors instead of us, then our business, financial condition and operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, our share price could experience periods of increased volatility as a result of shareholder activism.

Previous wording

The exercise of our outstanding stock options, warrants, and RSUs would result in a dilution of our current stockholders’ voting power and an increase in the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market which may negatively impact the market price of our stock.

Current wording

The exercise of our outstanding stock options and warrants, and the issuance of RSUs and restricted stock would result in a dilution of our current stockholders’ voting power and an increase in the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market which may negatively impact the market price of our stock.

Previous wording

The exercise of our outstanding vested stock options, warrants, and RSUs would dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. As of March 31, 2024, we had outstanding options, warrants and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 322,215 shares of common stock representing approximately 9% of our total shares outstanding of which 291,903 were vested and therefore exercisable. To the extent outstanding stock options or warrants are exercised, additional shares of common stock will be issued, existing stockholders’ percentage voting interests will decline and the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market will increase. Such increase may have a negative effect on the value or market trading price of our common stock.

Current wording

The exercise of our outstanding vested stock options and warrants, and the vesting of RSUs and restricted stock dilutes the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. As of June 30, 2024, we had outstanding options, warrants and RSUs to purchase an aggregate of 305,781 shares of common stock representing approximately 9% of our total shares outstanding of which 268,703 were vested and therefore exercisable. To the extent outstanding stock options or warrants are exercised and RSUs vest, additional shares of common stock will be issued, existing stockholders’ percentage voting interests will decline and the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market will increase. Such increase may have a negative effect on the value or market trading price of our common stock.

Previous wording

Our protective provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for a third party to successfully acquire us even if you would like to sell your stock to them.

Current wording

Our protective provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make it difficult for a third party to successfully acquire us even if you would like to sell your stock to them.

Previous wording

We have protective provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws that could delay, discourage, or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These protective provisions include:

Current wording

We have protective provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Restated Charter”) and amended and restated bylaws (“Restated Bylaws”) that could delay, discourage, or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us without the approval of our Board of Directors. These protective provisions include:

Previous wording

These and other provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock in the future and result in the market price being lower than it would be without these provisions.

Current wording

These and other provisions in our Restated Charter, our Restated Bylaws and under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock in the future and result in the market price being lower than it would be without these provisions.

Previous wording

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, stockholders, officers, or other employees to us or our stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or (4) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware), in all cases subject to the court having jurisdiction over indispensable parties named as defendants.

Current wording

Our Restated Bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, stockholders, officers, or other employees to us or our stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or our Restated Charter or Restated Bylaws or (4) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another State court in Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware), in all cases subject to the court having jurisdiction over indispensable parties named as defendants.

Previous wording

However, notwithstanding the exclusive forum provisions, our amended and restated bylaws explicitly state that they would not preclude the filing of claims brought to enforce any liability or duty created under federal securities laws, including the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Current wording

However, notwithstanding the exclusive forum provisions, our Restated Bylaws explicitly state that they would not preclude the filing of claims brought to enforce any liability or duty created under federal securities laws, including the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

Previous wording

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. This exclusive-forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. If a court were to find this exclusive-forum provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could harm our results of operations.

Current wording

Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any of our securities shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to this provision. This exclusive-forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, and other employees. If a court were to find this exclusive-forum provision in our Restated Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the dispute in other jurisdictions, which could harm our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE and was previously listed on the NYSE American LLC (formerly the NYSE MKT LLC). Over the past years, the market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations. Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the adjusted closing price on the NYSE for our common stock ranged between $3.53 and $12.60, adjusted for a 1-for-20 reverse stock split effective October 26, 2023. The price of our common stock may continue to be volatile as a result of several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but not limited to, the following:

Current wording

Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE and was previously listed on the NYSE American LLC (formerly the NYSE MKT LLC). Over the past years, the market price of our common stock has experienced significant fluctuations. Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, the adjusted closing price on the NYSE for our common stock ranged between $3.53 and $10.20, adjusted for a 1-for-20 reverse stock split effective October 26, 2023. The price of our common stock may continue to be volatile as a result of several factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but not limited to, the following:

Previous wording

In addition, we believe there has been and may continue to be substantial trading in derivatives of our stock, including short selling activity or related similar activities, which are beyond our control, and which may be beyond the full control of the SEC and Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority or “FINRA.” While the SEC and FINRA rules prohibit some forms of short selling and other activities that may result in stock price manipulation, such activity may nonetheless occur without detection or enforcement. We have held conversations with regulators concerning trading activity in our stock; however, there can be no assurance that should there be any illegal manipulation in the trading of our stock, it will be detected, prosecuted, or successfully eradicated. Significant short selling market manipulation could cause our stock trading price to decline, to become more volatile, or both. For more information regarding trading in our common stock and listing on the NYSE, see additional risk factors included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

In addition, we believe there has been and may continue to be substantial trading in derivatives of our stock, including short selling activity or related similar activities, which are beyond our control, and which may be beyond the full control of the SEC and Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). While the SEC and FINRA rules prohibit some forms of short selling and other activities that may result in stock price manipulation, such activity may nonetheless occur without detection or enforcement. We have held conversations with regulators concerning trading activity in our stock; however, there can be no assurance that should there be any illegal manipulation in the trading of our stock, it will be detected, prosecuted, or successfully eradicated. Significant short selling market manipulation could cause our stock trading price to decline, to become more volatile, or both. For more information regarding trading in our common stock and listing on the NYSE, see additional risk factors included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.