Profusa, Inc.
For the period ended Jun 23, 2026. Filed May 26, 2026.
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Jun 23, 2026 · Filed May 26, 2026
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Contents
PROPOSAL 2 — REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL TWO: REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL
Our Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes the Company to issue a total of 601,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 600,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share. On May 7, 2026, subject to stockholder approval, our Board approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to, at the discretion of our Board, effect one or more Reverse Stock Splits over the course of the next two years of our common stock at a ratio of between 1-for-5 to 1-for-200, provided that the aggregate splits will not exceed a ratio of 1-for-200, including any shares held by the Company as treasury shares, at any time prior to or on June 23, 2028, with the exact ratio within such Range to be determined by our Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) at its or their discretion without further approval or authorization of our stockholders. The primary goal of the Reverse Stock Split is to enable us to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq, as well as to increase the trading price of our common stock to enhance overall liquidity of the common stock by facilitating future financing and attracting new investors. We believe that the Range provides us with the most flexibility to achieve the desired results of the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split is not intended as, and will not have the effect of, a “going private transaction” covered by Rule 13e-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Reverse Stock Split is not intended to modify the rights of existing stockholders in any material respect.
If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders and one or more Reverse Stock Split is effected over the course of the next two years, every 5 to 200 shares of our outstanding common stock held by each stockholder would be combined and reclassified into one share of common stock, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board.
The Reverse Stock Split, if effected, will not change the number of authorized shares of our common stock or preferred stock, or the par value of our common stock or preferred stock.
The actual timing for implementation of the Reverse Stock Split is expected to be at any time prior to or on June 23, 2028. However, notwithstanding approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal by our stockholders, the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) will have the sole authority to abandon the Reverse Stock Split and not amend our Certificate of Incorporation if it determines between now and June 23, 2028 that not consummating the Reverse Stock Split would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders, prior to amending the Certificate of Incorporation and filing the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment (as defined below) with the Secretary of State for the State of Delaware, the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) will make a determination as to whether effecting the Reverse Stock Split is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders in light of, among other things, the per share price of the common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split and the expected stability of the per share price of the common stock following the Reverse Stock Split. If the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) determines that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to effect the Reverse Stock Split, it will determine the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split. For additional information concerning the factors the Board will consider in deciding whether to effect the Reverse Stock Split, see “— Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio” and “— Board Discretion to Effect the Reverse Stock Split.”
The text of the form of amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is included as Appendix A to this Proxy Statement (the “Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment”). If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders, we will have the authority to file the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, which will become effective upon its filing or the effective time set forth in the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment. The Board has determined that the amendment is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and has submitted the amendment for consideration by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
Reasons for the Reverse Split and Factors to Consider
We are submitting this proposal to our stockholders for approval in order to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq, as well as to increase the trading price of our common stock to enhance overall liquidity of the common stock by facilitating future financing and attracting new investors.
Continued Listing Compliance
The Company is not in compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, Market Value of Listed Securities (“MVLS”) Requirement, and Market Value of Publicly Held Shares (“MVPHS”) Requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market tier of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
On September 11, 2025, we received two notices from Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”): (i) one, indicating that, based on Nasdaq’s review of the Company’s MVLS from July 29, 2025 through September 10, 2025, the Company no longer satisfied Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(A), which requires companies listed on The Nasdaq Global Market to maintain a minimum MVLS of $50,000,000 (the “MVLS Requirement”), and (ii) the other, indicating that, based on Nasdaq’s review of the closing bid price for the Company’s Common Stock over the same period, the Company no longer satisfied Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1), which requires a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). In both cases, the Staff provided the Company with a 180-calendar day grace period to regain compliance with the MVLS Requirement and the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, through March 10, 2026.
In addition, on October 27, 2025, we received a letter from the Staff notifying the Company that, for the previous 30 consecutive business days, the Company’s MVPHS was below the $15,000,000 threshold required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(2)(C) (the “MVPHS Requirement”). The Staff provided the Company with a 180-calendar day grace period to regain compliance with the MVPHS Requirement, through April 27, 2026.
On February 9, 2026, we effected a 1-for-75 reverse stock split of our common stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The Reverse Stock Split did not change the par value of the Common Stock or the authorized number of shares of Common Stock. All share and per share information was retroactively adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split for all periods presented. Unless the context expressly indicated otherwise, all references to share and per share amounts referred to herein give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
On March 11, 2026, the Staff notified us that, based upon the Company’s continued non-compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the MVLS Requirement upon the expiration of the relevant grace periods on March 10, 2026, our securities were subject to delisting from The Nasdaq Global Market unless the Company timely requested a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”). The Company timely requested a hearing before the Panel, which request stayed any further suspension or delisting action by the Staff pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.
At the hearing on April 21, 2026, the Company requested the transfer of its listing to The Nasdaq Capital Market, pursuant to an extension to evidence compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market tier (the “NCM Bid Price Requirement”) by July 6, 2026. The Company did not seek an exception to the MVLS Requirement and MVPHS Requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market as those deficiencies would be rendered moot upon the transfer of the Company’s listing from The Nasdaq Global Market to The Nasdaq Capital Market.
On April 28, 2026, we received formal notification from the Staff that the Company had not regained compliance with the MVPHS Requirement prior to the expiration of the relevant grace period on April 27, 2026, and that the additional deficiency could serve as a separate basis for the delisting of the Company’s Common Stock from Nasdaq.
On May 6, 2026, we received the Panel’s decision, whereby the Panel granted our request to transfer the listing of our Common Stock to The Nasdaq Capital Market, subject to our satisfaction of certain interim milestones and, ultimately, compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement by July 6, 2026. The Company’s non-compliance with the MVLS Requirement and MVPHS Requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market will be rendered moot upon the transfer of our listing to The Nasdaq Capital Market tier. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to timely regain compliance with the NCM Bid Price Rule.
The Reverse Stock Split Proposal, if passed, is intended to increase our stock price to an amount that we expect will allow our common stock to trade above the $1.00 minimum closing bid price threshold over the long term. If the Reverse Stock Split is successful and if we can evidence a closing bid price at least $1.00 for a minimum of ten (10), but generally not more than 20 consecutive trading days, then we expect to be notified by the Staff that we have regained compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement.
Maintaining our Nasdaq listing as a publicly traded and listed company provides numerous benefits to the Company, including enhancing our ability to procure financing for ongoing operations, further our business strategy, and attract more investor and business partner interest, among others.
Facilitate Future Financing
If we remain listed on Nasdaq, we may be able to obtain S-3 shelf eligibility, which greatly increases our access to the capital markets and other financing opportunities. If we can regain compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement and remain a Nasdaq-listed company, we may continue to utilize our Equity Line Of Credit, which has been important to our ability to obtain sufficient working capital to finance our ongoing operations. Once a company has been delisted, its stock can trade in the over-the-counter market, but such companies typically have significantly fewer opportunities to attract financing partners and less leverage to negotiate terms for such financing instruments and arrangements that are not overly burdensome or expensive to the issuer.
Reinforce Market Stability and Attract More Investors
The Company believes the Reverse Stock Split Proposal will enable the Company to improve trading liquidity by increasing the price per share of our common stock, which could enable a broader range of institutions to invest. In particular, we believe many institutional traders are discouraged or prevented from investing in equity stocks with a price below a certain threshold, and having a stock price consistent with the stock prices contemplated by our Range will mitigate some of the risks that investors may associate with “penny-stock” trading levels, thereby potentially increasing marketability, trading volume, and liquidity of our common stock. Additionally, because brokers’ commissions on transactions in low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher-priced stocks, the current average price per share of our common stock can result in individual
stockholders paying transaction costs representing a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price were substantially higher. Many institutional investors also have policies against holding equity securities of companies that are not traded on a national exchange, and the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, if passed and executed successfully, should allow us to maintain our Nasdaq listing. Greater interest in our Common Stock should also promote greater liquidity for our stockholders. In addition, the proposal will enable us to carry out our business plans with greater availability of shares, and maintain compliance with the applicable criteria for continued listing on Nasdaq in the future.
What will happen if the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is not approved?
If we do not obtain approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, and we are not otherwise able to increase our stock price of at least $1.00 per share and maintain such price for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive business days by July 6, 2026, our Common Stock may be delisted. If we are delisted, it would impede the liquidity of our Common Stock and limit our ability to carry out our business plan and strategies, which may cause the loss of significant business opportunities or prevent the commercialization of our technologies or completion of projects, any of which could adversely affect our financial performance, growth, and ability to continue our operations. In addition, if we are unable to obtain approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal, we may consider strategic alternatives to strengthen our liquidity position and attempt to regain compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement. Due to our current financial condition and limited working capital, a number of these potential alternatives may not be feasible for us. These alternatives also involve significant uncertainties, potential significant delays, costs and other risks, and there can be no assurance that any of these alternatives will be available on acceptable terms, or at all, in the current market environment or in the foreseeable future.
Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split
The Reverse Stock Split may incentivize stockholders to sell their holdings of our common stock following the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split and depress the stock price, which could lead to our delisting from Nasdaq.
Similar to what has happened to our stock price in the past, if a significant number of shares of our common stock are sold into the market over a period of time, the increase in supply could lead to a depression of the stock price and it may be difficult to recover from such depression. Since our stock has been trading at significantly lower prices than what we expect the stock price will be immediately following the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, some
stockholders may take the opportunity to sell some or all of their shares of common stock following the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split. If this happens, our stock price could decrease quickly from the opening trading market price on the day of effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split. If we are not successful in mitigating the volatility to our stock price following that date and over time, then we may not recognize any of the intended benefits of completing the Reverse Stock Split. If the stock price dips below $1.00 again following the completion of the Reverse Stock Split at any point in the ten trading days following the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split, then we will be subject to delisting from Nasdaq.
If the results of the Reverse Stock Split are different than expected and we are delisted from Nasdaq, the delisting will have a significant adverse impact on our business, operations and financial condition.
While we expect the Reverse Stock Split to increase our stock price and allow us to evidence compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement and remain listed on Nasdaq, the effect of the Reverse Stock Split on the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with certainty, and the results of reverse stock splits by companies under similar circumstances have varied. It is not uncommon for the market capitalization of a company’s common stock to decline in the period following a reverse stock split. Factors unrelated to the number of shares of our common stock outstanding, such as negative financial results or negative developments regarding our product development program or the commercializing and scaling efforts of our products, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and jeopardize our ability to regain and maintain compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement. Even if the Reverse Stock Split is successful in increasing our closing bid price above $1.00, we may have challenges in maintaining compliance with other Nasdaq continued listing rules. For example, the Reverse Stock Split may result in a lesser number of public shareholders (shares held by holders that are not officers, directors, or 10% or greater shareholders in the Company), which could cause us to be noncompliant with a Nasdaq rule requiring that we have at least 300 public holders to maintain continued listing compliance. Once a company has been delisted, its stock can trade OTC, but such companies will have significantly fewer opportunities to attract financing partners and less leverage to negotiate terms for such financing instruments and arrangements that are not overly burdensome or expensive to the company. If our stock trades OTC, we will not be able to obtain S-3 shelf eligibility or continue to satisfy requirements in connection with executing our ELOC program. Our S-3 shelf eligibility greatly increases our access to the capital markets and other financing opportunities, and our ELOC program has been important to our ability to obtain sufficient working capital to finance our ongoing operations. If we lose access to both of these sources of capital raising and financing avenues, then we may not be able to source enough capital to finance our business plans and operations, which will materially adversely impact our business, operations and financial condition.
The Reverse Stock Split may not increase the price of our common stock over the long term.
As noted above, the purpose of the Reverse Stock Split is to help regain compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, as well as to increase the trading price of our common stock to enhance overall liquidity of the common stock by facilitating future financing and attracting new investors. However, the effect of the Reverse Stock Split on the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split will accomplish these objectives for any meaningful period of time, or at all. While we expect that the reduction in the number of outstanding shares of common stock will proportionally increase the market price of our common stock, we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split will increase the market price of our common stock by a multiple of the Reverse Stock Split ratio, or result in any permanent or sustained increase in the market price of our common stock. The market price of our common stock may be affected by other factors which may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding, including our business and financial performance, general market conditions, and prospects for future success. Under a Nasdaq rule that was adopted in January 2025, if the Company falls out of compliance with the NCM Bid Price Requirement (i.e., our bid price closes below $1.00 per share for a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days) within one year of the completion of a Reverse Stock Split, we would not be afforded another 180-day compliance period; rather, we would again be subject to delisting from Nasdaq. In such event, we would be able to request a hearing before the Panel, which would again stay any further suspension or delisting action by the Staff pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.
The Reverse Stock Split may decrease the liquidity of our common stock.
The Board believes that the Reverse Stock Split may result in an increase in the market price of our common stock, which could lead to increased interest in our common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders. However, the Reverse Stock Split will also reduce the total number of outstanding shares of common stock, which may lead to reduced trading and a smaller number of market makers for our common stock, particularly if the price per share of our common stock does not increase as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
The Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” that may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per share to sell.
If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, it will increase the number of stockholders who own “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of common stock. A purchase or sale of less than 100 shares of common stock (an “odd lot” transaction) may result in incrementally higher trading costs through certain brokers, particularly “full service” brokers. Therefore, those stockholders who own fewer than 100 shares of common stock following the Reverse Stock Split may be required to pay higher transaction costs if they sell their common stock.
The Reverse Stock Split may lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization.
The Reverse Stock Split may be viewed negatively by the market and, consequently, could lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization. If the per share market price of our common stock does not increase in proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio, then the value of our Company, as measured by our market capitalization, may be reduced. Additionally, any reduction in our market capitalization may be magnified as a result of the smaller number of total shares of common stock outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Issued and Outstanding Shares
If the Reverse Stock Split is effected, it will reduce the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock, including any shares held by the Company as treasury shares, by a Reverse Stock Split ratio of 1-for-5 to 1-for-200 over the course of the next two years, provided that the aggregate splits will not exceed a ratio of 1-for-200. Accordingly, each of our stockholders will own fewer shares of common stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. However, the Reverse Stock Split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in the Company, except to the extent that the Reverse Stock Split would result in fractional shares in the Reverse Stock Split, which will be treated as described below. Therefore, voting rights and other rights and preferences of the holders of common stock will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split (other than as a result of the treatment of fractional shares). Common stock issued pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split will remain fully paid and nonassessable, and the par value per share of common stock will remain $0.0001. We expect that the market price for our common stock will be commensurately increased as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, but there can be no guarantee that this will be the case, or that any such increased stock price will be maintained for any amount of time.
As of the close of business on the Record Date, 4,660,268 shares of our common stock were outstanding. For purposes of illustration only, if the Reverse Stock Split is effected at a ratio of 1-for-5, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock after the Reverse Stock Split would be approximately 932,054 shares (not accounting for the treatment of fractional shares, as described below).
Treatment of Fractional Shares of Issued and Outstanding Shares
No fractional shares shall be issued to stockholders who hold issued and outstanding shares. Stockholders of record who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares will be instead entitled to an amount in cash (without interest or deduction) equal to the fraction of one share to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled, multiplied by the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq on the date of effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split. Except for the right to receive the cash payment in lieu of fractional shares, stockholders will not have any voting, dividend or other rights with respect to the fractional shares they would otherwise be entitled to receive. The cash payment may be paid by check, wire, deposit into an existing brokerage account or some other means depending on how the shares are held.
Stockholders should be aware that, under the escheat laws of the various jurisdictions where stockholders may reside, where we are domiciled, and where the funds will be deposited, sums due for fractional interests that are not timely claimed after the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split may be required to be paid to the designated agent for each such jurisdiction, unless correspondence has been received by us or the exchange agent concerning ownership of such funds within the time permitted in such jurisdiction. Thereafter, stockholders otherwise entitled to receive such funds will have to seek to obtain them directly from the state to which they were paid.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Currently Outstanding Warrants
The Reverse Stock Split would result in a reduction in the number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of our outstanding warrants exercisable for shares of common stock in proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio, in accordance with the terms set forth in the applicable warrant agreement. The exercise price of outstanding warrants would also be adjusted in accordance with the terms set forth in the applicable warrant agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the applicable warrant agreement, each warrant holder shall receive written notice with the adjusted number of exercisable shares underlying the warrants and the adjusted exercise price, after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split.
Treatment of Fractional Shares of Currently Outstanding Warrants
No fractional shares shall be issued to stockholders who hold issued and outstanding shares. Any fractional shares resulting from adjustments due to the execution of the Reverse Stock Split on outstanding warrants shall be paid in cash in lieu of any issuance of fractional shares, in accordance with the terms of the applicable warrant agreement.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Outstanding Equity Awards and Plans
The Company maintains the 2025 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”), which is designed primarily to (a) enable the Company to attract and retain employees, consultants and directors who will contribute to the Company’s long-range success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of employees, consultants and directors with those of the stockholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2025 Plan has a Total Share Reserve of 100,386 shares of common stock available for the grant of Awards. Pursuant to Section 5.7 of the 2025 Plan, the number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding options, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards and the exercise prices applicable to any such options, shall be proportionately adjusted by the Board in the event of any change in the capital structure of the Company, including pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split, and any adjustment by the Board shall be made in the Board’s sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, binding and conclusive. Accordingly, if the Reverse Stock Split is approved by our stockholders and our Board decides to implement the Reverse Stock Split, as of the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split, the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan shall be proportionately adjusted in accordance with the 2025 Plan (with any remaining fraction of a share rounded down).
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Voting Rights
Proportionate voting rights and other rights of the holders of common stock would not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split (other than as a result of the treatment of fractional shares). For example, a holder of 1% of the voting power of the outstanding common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split would continue to hold 1% of the voting power of the outstanding common stock after the Reverse Stock Split (subject to potential differences due to the treatment of fractional shares).
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Regulatory Matters
We are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The Reverse Stock Split will not affect our obligation to publicly file financial and other information with the SEC.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on Authorized Share Capital
The total number of shares of capital stock that we are authorized to issue will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split and will remain at 601,000,000 shares, consisting of 600,000,000 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on the Number of Shares of Common Stock Available for Future Issuance
Although the Reverse Stock Split would not have any dilutive effect on our stockholders, the Reverse Stock Split without a reduction in the number of shares authorized for issuance would reduce the proportion of shares owned by our stockholders relative to the number of shares authorized for issuance, giving us an effective increase in the authorized shares available for issuance. The Board from time to time may deem it to be in the best interests of the Company to enter into transactions and other ventures that may include the issuance of shares of our common stock. Although the Board currently has no plans to do so, if the Board authorizes the issuance of additional shares subsequent to the Reverse Stock Split at any point in the future, the dilution to the ownership interest of our existing stockholders may be greater than the dilution that would have occurred had the Reverse Stock Split not been effected.
Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio
The Board believes that stockholder approval of the Range is in the best interests of our Company and stockholders because it is not possible to predict market conditions at the time the Reverse Stock Split would be implemented. We believe that the Range provides us with the most flexibility to achieve the desired results of the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split ratio to be selected by our Board will be not more than 1-for-200, in the aggregate, over the course of the next two years.
The selection of the specific Reverse Stock Split ratio will be based on several factors, including, among other things:
our ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on Nasdaq;
the expectation that having a share price over a certain threshold may be seen as a more attractive investment to potential investors;
the per share price of our common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split;
the expected stability of the per share price of our common stock following the Reverse Stock Split;
the likelihood that the Reverse Stock Split will result in increased marketability and liquidity of our common stock;
prevailing market conditions;
general economic conditions in our industry; and
our market capitalization before and after the Reverse Stock Split.
We believe that granting our Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) the authority to set the ratio for the Reverse Stock Split is essential because it allows us to take these factors into consideration and to react to changing market conditions. We will make a public announcement regarding the determination of the actual Reverse Stock Split ratio once such ratio has been determined and the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) has determined to effect the Reverse Stock Split.
Board Discretion to Effect the Reverse Stock Split
The actual timing for implementation of the Reverse Stock Split is expected to be prior to or on June 23, 2028. However, notwithstanding approval of the Reverse Stock Split Proposal by our stockholders, the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) will have the sole authority to abandon the Reverse Stock Split and not amend our Certificate of Incorporation if it determines between now and June 23, 2028 that not consummating the Reverse Stock Split would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. This determination by the Board will be based upon a variety of factors, including those discussed under “— Determination of the Reverse Stock Split Ratio” above. If the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) determines that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to effect the Reverse Stock Split, it will determine the ratio of the Reverse Stock Split.
Effective Time of the Reverse Stock Split
If the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved by our stockholders, the Reverse Stock Split is expected to become effective prior to or on June 23, 2028 unless the Board (or any of its delegated authorized persons) determines between now and June 23, 2028, that not consummating the Reverse Stock Split would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, according to the effective time set forth in the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment.
Appraisal Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders are not entitled to appraisal or dissenters’ rights with respect to the Reverse Stock Split, and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such rights.
Regulatory Approvals
The Reverse Stock Split will not be consummated until after approval of our stockholders is obtained. We are not obligated to obtain any governmental approvals in order to effect the Reverse Stock Split, other than the filing of the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
Accounting Treatment of the Reverse Stock Split
If the Reverse Stock Split is effected, the par value per share of our common stock will remain unchanged at $0.0001. Accordingly, on the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split, the stated capital on our consolidated balance sheets attributable to our common stock will be reduced in proportion to the size of the Reverse Stock Split ratio, and the additional paid-in-capital account will be increased by the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Our stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, will remain unchanged. Per share net income or loss will be increased because there will be fewer shares of common stock outstanding. Any common stock held in treasury will be reduced in proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio. The Company does not anticipate that any other accounting consequences, including changes to the amount of stock-based compensation expense to be recognized in any period, will arise as a result of the Reverse Stock Split.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split to holders of our common stock.
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial authority, all as in effect as of the date of this statement. We have not sought and will not seek an opinion from counsel or any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in this discussion, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with these statements and conclusions. This summary addresses only holders that hold their stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion is not a comprehensive discussion of all the tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of our common stock subject to special tax rules, such as banks, financial institutions, tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, persons holding shares as a position in a “straddle” or conversion transaction, or as part of a “synthetic security” or other integrated financial transaction, entities taxed as partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or the partners or members therein, nonresident alien individuals present in the United States for more than 182 days in a taxable year, or U.S. holders that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.
This summary addresses only U.S. federal income tax consequences, and does not address consequences arising under state, local, or foreign tax laws or the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on net investment income or special timing rules prescribed under section 451(b) of the Code or other aspects of U.S. federal taxation that may be relevant to a holder.
Each holder of our common stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign income and other tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split.
For purposes of this discussion, “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of our common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
An individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
A corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
A trust, the substantial decisions of which are controlled by one or more United States persons and which is subject to the primary supervision of a court in the United States, or a trust that has validly elected under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or
An estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income regardless of source.
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE OR A TAX OPINION. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
U.S. Holders
The Reverse Stock Split should constitute a “recapitalization” within the meaning of Code Section 368(a) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the Reverse Stock Split, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share of common stock, as discussed below. A U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in the shares of common stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split should equal the aggregate tax basis of the shares of the common stock surrendered (excluding any portion of such basis that is allocated to any fractional share of common stock), and such U.S. holder’s holding period in the shares of common stock received should include the holding period in the shares of common stock surrendered.
Treasury Regulations provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of common stock surrendered to the shares of common stock received in a recapitalization pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. U.S. holders of shares of common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.
A U.S. holder that receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of common stock pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split is expected to recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. holder’s tax basis allocable to such fractional share of common stock. Any such capital gain or loss should be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period in the fractional share of common stock surrendered is greater than one year as of the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split.
Non-U.S. Holders
Generally, non-U.S. holders would not recognize any gain or loss upon the Reverse Stock Split. In particular, gain or loss would not be recognized with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share provided that such gain or loss is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States (or, if certain income tax treaties apply, is not attributable to a non-U.S. holder’s permanent establishment in the United States).
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
A U.S. holder of our common stock may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding on cash paid in lieu of fractional shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and such holder does not provide its taxpayer identification number
in the manner required or otherwise fails to comply with applicable backup withholding tax rules. Backup withholding and information reporting would not apply to payments of cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock to a non-U.S. holder pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split if the non-U.S. holder certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder and the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge to the contrary.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or allowed as a credit against a holder’s federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Effect of Approval
Approval of this Proposal Two will constitute approval of a new Article of the Certificate of Incorporation, the form of which is attached hereto as Appendix A. If this Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved, the Company intends to file a certificate of amendment to the existing Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware providing for the Reverse Stock Split, in which case the Reverse Stock Split will become effective at the time of that filing, or such later time as is set forth in the certificate of amendment. However, as discussed above, the Reverse Stock Split will only be effected upon a determination by the Board, in its sole discretion, that filing the Reverse Stock Split Certificate of Incorporation Amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split is in the best interests of our Company and stockholders. All stockholders are encouraged to read the form of amendment to the existing Certificate of Incorporation in its entirety as set forth in Appendix A.
Stockholders may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the Reverse Stock Split Proposal. In accordance with Section 242(d)(2) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, approval of this Proposal Two requires that the votes cast “FOR” the proposal exceed the votes cast “AGAINST” the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.