SWK Holdings Corp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 20, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 20, 2025
SWKHL$25.21+0.1%Stored close · as of Nov 2, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-20.
0001552781-24-000162
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-20.
0001628280-25-013989
Item 1A. RISK FACTORSThe 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 158 previous paragraphs and 145 current paragraphs.
116 unchanged; 19 reworded; 10 added; 23 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 6 previous and 0 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 (10)
Current report
•these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their financial instruments that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of their assets or of any collateral with respect to any financial obligations and a reduction in the likelihood of our realization of any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;
Current report
•they may have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
Current report
•they are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our partner company, and in turn, on us;
Current report
•they may have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in changing businesses with products subject to a risk of obsolescence and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;
Current report
•they operate in the life science industry, which is both highly competitive and subject to extensive regulatory oversight, and their products may be recalled or displaced by new products, or they may lose regulatory approval altogether;
Current report
•they may have difficulty accessing capital markets to meet future capital needs.
Current report
The phase-out and replacement of LIBOR may adversely affect the value of our portfolio securities
Current report
As of June 30, 2023, no settings of LIBOR continue to be published on a representative basis and publication of many non-U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings have been entirely discontinued. On July 29, 2021, the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, recommended replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with alternative reference rates based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). SOFR significantly differs from LIBOR, both in the actual rate and how it is calculated. Further, on March 15, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which includes the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (“LIBOR Act”), was signed into law in the United States. This legislation established a uniform benchmark replacement process for certain financial contracts that mature after June 30, 2023 that do not contain clearly defined or practicable LIBOR fallback provisions. The legislation also created a safe harbor that shields lenders from litigation if they choose to utilize a replacement rate recommended by the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve. In addition, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the publisher of LIBOR (ICR Benchmark Administration) has announced that it will require the continued publication of one, three and six month tenors of U.S. dollar LIBOR on a non-representative synthetic basis until the end of September 2024, which may result in certain non-U.S. law-governed contracts and U.S. law-governed contracts not being covered by the federal legislation remaining on synthetic U.S. dollar LIBOR until the end of this period. The transition from LIBOR or the use of synthetic LIBOR in floating-rate debt securities in our portfolio or issued by us could have a material and adverse impact on the value or liquidity of those instruments. The transition away from LIBOR to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including as a result of any changes in the pricing of our investments, changes to the documentation for certain of our investments and the pace of such changes, disputes and other actions regarding the interpretation of current and prospective loan documentation or modifications to processes and systems.
Current report
Enteris relies on third parties to supply most of the necessary raw materials and supplies for the products we manufacture on behalf of our customers and our inability to obtain such raw materials or supplies may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Current report
Our operations require various raw materials, including proprietary media, resins, buffers, and filters, in addition to numerous additional raw materials supplied primarily by third parties. We or our customers specify the raw materials and other items required to manufacture their product and, in some cases, specify the suppliers from whom we must purchase these raw materials. In certain instances, the raw materials and other items can only be supplied by a limited number of suppliers and, in some cases, a single source, or in limited quantities. If third-party suppliers do not supply raw materials or other items on a timely basis, it may cause a manufacturing run to be delayed or canceled which would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, we do not have long-term supply contracts with any of our single source suppliers. If we experience difficulties acquiring sufficient quantities of required materials or products from our existing suppliers, or if our suppliers are found to be non-compliant with the FDA’s quality system regulation, Current Good Manufacturing Practices ("CGMPs") or other applicable laws or regulations, we would be required to find alternative suppliers. If our primary suppliers become unable or unwilling to perform, any resulting delays or interruptions in the supply of raw materials required to support our manufacturing of CGMP pharmaceutical-grade products would ultimately delay our manufacture of products for our customers, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, third-party suppliers may fail to provide us with raw materials and other items that meet the qualifications and specifications required by us or our customers. If third-party suppliers are not able to provide us with raw materials that meet our or our customers’ specifications on a timely basis, we may be unable to manufacture their product or it could prevent us from delivering products to our customers within required timeframes. Any such delay in delivering our products may create liability for us to our customers for breach of contract or cause us to experience order cancellations and loss of customers. In the event that we manufacture products with inferior quality components and raw materials, we may become subject to product liability claims caused by defective raw materials or components from a third-party supplier or from a customer, or our customer may be required to recall its products from the market.
Removed paragraphs (23)
Previous report
The interest rates of some of our term loans to partner companies are priced using a spread over LIBOR.
Previous report
We have used U.S. dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as a reference rate in term loans we extend to partner companies such that the interest due to us pursuant to a term loan extended to a partner company is calculated using LIBOR. Most of our term loan agreements with partner companies contain a stated minimum value for the reference rate. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 18% ofterm loans with our partner companies utilized LIBOR, including a stated minimum of LIBOR, as a reference rate.
Previous report
On June 30, 2023, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority and the administrator of LIBOR ceased the publication of the most commonly used LIBOR settings. The publication of all other LIBOR settings ceased to be published as of December 31, 2021. The bank regulatory agencies indicated that entering into new contracts that use LIBOR as a reference rate after December 31, 2021, would create safety and soundness risks and that they would examine bank practices accordingly. The Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, enacted in March 2022, provides a statutory framework to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR with a benchmark rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for contracts governed by U.S. law that have no or ineffective fallback, and in December 2022, the Federal Reserve Board adopted related implementing rules.
Previous report
SOFR is observed and backward looking, which stands in contrast with LIBOR under the current methodology, which is an estimated forward-looking rate and relies, to some degree, on the expert judgment of submitting panel members. Given that SOFR is a secured rate backed by government securities, it is a rate that does not take into account bank credit risk (as is the case with LIBOR). SOFR is therefore likely to be lower than LIBOR and is less likely to correlate with the funding costs of financial institutions. While SOFR has been adopted in select product areas it has not achieved full implementation as an alternative reference rate. At this time, it is not possible to predict how markets will respond to alternative reference rates as markets continue to transition away from LIBOR. Furthermore, because of the complexity of the transition from LIBOR, at this time, it is not possible to predict what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, or what the effect of any such changes in views or alternatives may be on the value of LIBOR-based securities and variable rate loans or other securities or financial arrangements.
Previous report
The transition from LIBOR could create considerable costs and additional risk. We cannot predict whether or when LIBOR will actually cease to be available. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate the credit agreements with our partner companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established. Our term loans typically contain provisions to facilitate the transition to such new standard. If affected credit agreements with our partner companies are unable to be renegotiated, our investments may bear interest at a lower rate, subject to any contractual minimum LIBOR floors, which would decrease investment income and potentially the value of such investments. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market value for or value of any LIBOR-linked loans and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Due to the uncertainty of the replacement for LIBOR, the potential effect of any such event on our cost of capital and investment income cannot yet be determined.
Previous report
Enteris’ licensees may not be successful in efforts to develop products for many years, if ever.
Previous report
Enteris’ success depends on its licensees’ ability to commercialize their products that will generate revenues sufficient to sustain and grow Enteris’ operations. Enteris has determined that it will not pursue clinical development of our product candidates. Enteris’ potential licensee may never develop and commercialize any other peptide or small molecule product that helps us achieve profitability and growth. Even if Enteris’ licensee is successful in developing such a product, it is likely that development of any product will take several years. Enteris’ ability to achieve growth is dependent on a number of factors, including Enteris’ licensees’ ability to complete development efforts and obtain regulatory approval for additional product candidates.
Previous report
Enteris’ licensees may not be successful in their efforts to gain regulatory approval for any of their product candidates and, if approved, the approval may not be on a timely basis.
Previous report
Even if Enteris’ licensees are successful in their development efforts, they may not be able to obtain the necessary regulatory approval for their product candidates. The FDA must approve the commercial manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products in the United States. Similar regulatory approvals are required for the sale of pharmaceutical products outside of the United States. None of Enteris’ partners’ products have been approved for sale in the United States, and they may never receive the approvals necessary for commercialization. Additional human testing must be conducted on our partners’ product candidates before they can be approved for commercial sale and such testing requires the investment of significant resources. Any delay in receiving, or failure to receive, these approvals would adversely affect Enteris’ ability to generate product revenues.
Previous report
Current and future legislation may increase the difficulty and cost for Enteris or its partners to obtain marketing approval of and the commercialization of their product candidates. This could affect the timing as well as the amount of royalty income Enteris may earn as a result.
Previous report
In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval for Enteris’ or its partners’ product candidates, restrict or regulate post-approval activities and affect our partners’ ability to profitably sell their product candidates. Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We do not know whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations of the FDA, or comparable foreign authorities, will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our partners’ product candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject our partners to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.
Previous report
Enteris’ success depends upon its ability to protect its intellectual property rights.
Previous report
Enteris has filed applications for U.S. patents relating to proprietary formulation and manufacturing technology that Enteris has invented in the course of its research. Enteris’ most important U.S. manufacturing and drug delivery patents are scheduled to expire from 2024 to 2036, although Enteris has applications pending that could extend that protection. As of December 31, 2023, multiple U.S. patents have been issued and other applications are pending. Enteris has also made patent application filings in selected foreign countries and multiple foreign patents have issued with other applications pending. Enteris faces the risk that any of its pending applications will not be issued as patents. In addition, Enteris’ patents may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Enteris’ business also is subject to the risk that its issued patents will not provide Enteris with significant competitive advantages if, for example, a competitor were to independently develop or obtain similar or superior technologies. To the extent Enteris is unable to protect its patents and patent applications, or similar or superior technologies are developed, our investment in our technologies may not yield the benefits that we expect.
Previous report
If Enteris encounters issues with its suppliers or if its licensees encounter issues with their contract manufacturers, Enteris may need to qualify alternative manufacturers or suppliers, which could impair Enteris’ and its licensees’ ability to sufficiently and timely manufacture and supply pharmaceutical products.
Previous report
Enteris relies on third parties to supply the raw materials needed to manufacture its existing products, and expects to rely on third parties to supply raw materials for potential future products, including suppliers that are located in Asia. Enteris is undertaking efforts to validate alternate suppliers, but may be unsuccessful in these efforts. Current licensees of Enteris’ technology generally rely, and future licensees are expected to rely, on third party suppliers and contract manufacturers to manufacture drug products that utilize Enteris’ technology as well.
Previous report
Any business interruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, adverse public health developments such as COVID-19, or natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires, and Enteris’ or its licensees’ inability to identify and validate alternate suppliers and contract manufacturers, could further affect supply chains. Any reliance on suppliers may involve several risks, including a potential inability to obtain critical materials and reduced control over production costs, delivery schedules, reliability and quality.
Previous report
Any unanticipated disruption caused by problems with suppliers could delay shipment of any of Enteris’ or its licensees’ drug candidates or drug products, which could increase Enteris’ or its licensees’ cost of goods sold or result in lost or decreased sales, royalties or milestone payments to Enteris.
Previous report
Enteris’ production facilities have been impacted by COVID-19 and global supply chain constraints, and any future impacts might adversely affect its operations and financial condition.
Previous report
Enteris experienced a reduction in its productivity as well as delays in receiving some of its needed supplies as a direct result of COVID-19 and the impact it had on key vendors and the global supply chain. Enteris could experience similar delays in the future due to the impact of governmental restrictions and other impacts of COVID-19 on its vendors, and on the success of efforts to reduce constraints and delays in the global supply chain. Any further reductions or delays may result in business disruption and reduced revenues, any of which could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Previous report
We are continuously monitoring our own operations and intend to continue to take appropriate actions to mitigate the risks arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain constraints, but there can be no assurances that we will be successful in doing so. We are taking precautions to protect the safety and well-being of Enteris’ employees, including enhancing our standard operating procedures at Enteris to provide for additional cleaning and hygiene measures, social distancing, as well as following guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State of New Jersey. However, no assurance can be given that the steps being taken will be adequate or deemed to be appropriate. To the extent we are able to obtain information about and maintain communications with our customers, suppliers, vendors and other business partners, we will seek to minimize disruptions to our Pharmaceutical Development segment’s supply chain, although we cannot provide assurances that we will be successful.
Previous report
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has not audited our tax returns for any of the years during the carryforward period. We cannot assure you that we would prevail if the IRS were to challenge the availability of the NOLs. If the IRS were successful in challenging our NOLs, all or some portion of the NOLs would not be available to offset any future consolidated income which would negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Previous report
For example, on August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”). The IRA contains a number of tax-related provisions, including a 15 percent minimum corporate income tax on certain large corporations as well as an excise tax on stock repurchases. It is unclear how the IRA will be implemented by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through regulation. We are still evaluating the impact of the IRA on our tax liability, which tax liability could also be affected by how the provisions of the IRA are implemented through such regulation. We will continue to evaluate the IRA’s impact as further information becomes available.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties and the risk factors set forth in the documents and reports filed with the SEC and the risks described below before you make an investment decision regarding our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.
Current wording
An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties, the risk factors set forth in the documents and reports filed with the SEC, and the risks described below before you make an investment decision regarding our common stock. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.
Previous wording
Our Finance Receivables segment generally holds equity interests in companies that are publicly traded. Fluctuations in the market prices of our publicly traded equity holdings may affect the price of our common stock. Historically, the market prices of our publicly traded holdings have been highly volatile and subject to fluctuations unrelated or disproportionate to operating performance.
Current wording
Our Finance Receivables segment may hold equity interests in companies that are publicly traded. Fluctuations in the market prices of our publicly traded equity holdings may affect the price of our common stock. Historically, the market prices of our publicly traded holdings have been highly volatile and subject to fluctuations unrelated or disproportionate to operating performance.
Previous wording
In addition, we may be unable to sell our holdings of public equities at then-quoted market prices. The trading volume and public float of the common stock of a publicly traded partner company may be small relative to our holdings. As a result, any significant open-market divestiture by us of our holdings in such a partner company, if possible at all, would likely have a material adverse effect on the market price of its common stock and on our proceeds from such a divestiture. Also, registration and other requirements under applicable securities laws and contractual restrictions also may adversely affect our ability to dispose of our partner company holdings on a timely basis.
Current wording
In addition, we may be unable to sell our holdings of public equities at then-quoted market prices. The trading volume and public float of the common stock of a publicly traded partner company may be small relative to our holdings. As a result, any significant open-market divestiture by us of our holdings in such a partner company, if possible at all, would likely have a material adverse effect on the market price of its common stock and on our proceeds from such a divestiture. Also, registration and other requirements under applicable securities laws and contractual restrictions may adversely affect our ability to dispose of our partner company holdings on a timely basis.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $87.7 million. The U.S. federal NOL carryforwards, if not offset against future income, will expire by 2037. We mayrecognize additional NOLs in the future. In order to utilize the NOLs, we must generate taxable income that can offset such carryforwards.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of $58.1 million. The U.S. federal NOL carryforwards, if not offset against future income, will expire by 2037. We may recognize additional NOLs in the future. In order to utilize the NOLs, we must generate taxable income that can offset such carryforwards.
Previous wording
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” may be subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOL carryforward amounts to offset future taxable income. In general, an ownership change occurs if the aggregate stock ownership of certain stockholders (generally 5 percent stockholders, applying certain look-through and aggregation rules) increases by more than 50 percent over such stockholders’ lowest percentage ownership during the testing period (generally three years). New issuances of our common stock, which is within our control, and purchases of our common stock in amounts greater than specified levels, which are beyond our control, could create an additional limitation on our ability to utilize our NOL carryforward amounts for tax purposes in the future. Limitations imposed on our ability to utilize NOL carryforward amounts could cause U.S. federal and state income taxes to be paid earlier than would be paid if such limitations were not in effect and could cause such NOL carryforward amounts to expire unused, in each case reducing or eliminating the expected benefit to us. Additionally, various states have similar limitations on the use of state NOLs following an ownership change.
Current wording
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” may be subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change NOL carryforward amounts to offset future taxable income. In general, an ownership change occurs if the aggregate stock ownership of certain stockholders (generally 5% stockholders, applying certain look-through and aggregation rules) increases by more than 50% over such stockholders’ lowest percentage ownership during the testing period (generally three years). New issuances of our common stock, which is within our control, and purchases of our common stock in amounts greater than specified levels, which are beyond our control, could create an additional limitation on our ability to utilize our NOL carryforward amounts for tax purposes in the future. Limitations imposed on our ability to utilize NOL carryforward amounts could cause U.S. federal and state income taxes to be paid earlier than would be paid if such limitations were not in effect and could cause such NOL carryforward amounts to expire unused, in each case reducing or eliminating the expected benefit to us. Additionally, various states have similar limitations on the use of state NOLs following an ownership change.
Previous wording
If an ownership change occurs, the amount of the taxable income for any post-change year that may be offset by a pre-change loss is subject to an annual limitation that is cumulative to the extent it is not all utilized in a year. This limitation would be derived by multiplying the fair market value of our common stock as of the ownership change by the applicable federal long-term tax-exempt rate, which was 3.33 percent for March 2024. To the extent that a company has a net unrealized built-in gain at the time of an ownership change, which is realized or deemed recognized during the five-year period following the ownership change, there is an increase in the annual limitation for each of the first five-years that is cumulative to the extent it is not all utilized in a year.
Current wording
If an ownership change occurs, the amount of the taxable income for any post-change year that may be offset by a pre-change loss is subject to an annual limitation that is cumulative to the extent it is not all utilized in a year. This limitation would be derived by multiplying the fair market value of our common stock as of the ownership change by the applicable federal long-term tax-exempt rate. To the extent that a company has a net unrealized built-in gain at the time of an ownership change, which is realized or deemed recognized during the five-year period following the ownership change, there is an increase in the annual limitation for each of the first five-years that is cumulative to the extent it is not all utilized in a year.
Previous wording
We may seek growth opportunities through strategic acquisitions as well as evaluate our segments for potential divestitures to optimize our business footprint. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to integrate or separate, as applicable, assets and personnel in these transactions and to cooperate with our strategic partners. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations as well as separating divested segments, and in managing strategic investments. Furthermore, we may not realize the degree, or timing, of benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction. For example, with and effective date of January 1, 2024, we entered into an exclusive option and asset purchase agreement (the “Option”) with Aptar which granted Aptar an exclusive option to acquire certain of Enteris’ assets related to its business of providing contract manufacturing, formulation and development services. Aptar must exercise its Option by or before January 1, 2026. There is a possibility that Aptar may not exercise its Option in the anticipated timeframe or at all. Additionally, the existence of the Option may deter future potential opportunities to monetize certain Enteris assets. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Current wording
We may seek growth opportunities through strategic acquisitions as well as evaluate our segments for potential divestitures to optimize our business footprint. The success of these transactions will depend on our ability to integrate or separate, as applicable, assets and personnel in these transactions and to cooperate with our strategic partners. We may encounter difficulties in integrating acquisitions with our operations as well as separating divested segments, and in managing strategic investments. Furthermore, we may not realize the degree, or timing, of benefits we anticipate when we first enter into a transaction. For example, with an effective date of January 1, 2024, we entered into an exclusive Option and Asset Purchase Agreement with a strategic partner which granted the strategic partner an exclusive option to acquire certain of Enteris’ assets related to its business of providing contract manufacturing, formulation and development services. The strategic partner must exercise its Option by or before January 1, 2026. As of December 31, 2024, Enteris is classified as held for sale as the Option is expected to be exercised within the next 12 months. There is a possibility that the strategic partner may not exercise its Option in the anticipated timeframe or at all. Additionally, the existence of the Option may deter future potential opportunities to monetize certain Enteris assets. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Previous wording
Our success depends upon the continued services of executive officers and other key personnel, as well as their ability to effectively transition to their successors. We have experienced significant changes in our senior leadership in 2023, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. In addition, following the resignation of our Chief Financial Officer in February 2024, our Chief Executive Officer has assumed the responsibilities of principal financial and accounting officer on an interim basis, our former Chief Financial Officer has been engaged as a part-time consultant through the filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and we have commenced an executive search for a new Chief Financial Officer. Although we have endeavored to implement any management transition in a non-disruptive manner, such transitions might impact our business, and give rise to uncertainty among our customers, investors, vendors, employees and others concerning our future direction and performance, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and our ability to execute our business model.
Current wording
Our success depends upon the continued services of executive officers and other key personnel, as well as their ability to effectively transition to their successors. We have experienced changes in our senior leadership in 2024, including the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer in July 2024, following the resignation of our former Chief Financial Officer in February 2024. In addition, Marcus Pennington resigned from our Board in September 2024. Although we have endeavored to implement any management and director transition in a non-disruptive manner, such transitions might impact our business, and give rise to uncertainty among our customers, investors, vendors, employees and others concerning our future direction and performance, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and our ability to execute our business model.
Previous wording
Because Carlson controls a majority of our common stock, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) listing standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50 percent of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities, and (3) the requirement that the board have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. However, our Board of Directors is currently comprised of a majority of independent directors and we currently have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the majority of the members of such committee are independent directors. If we were to fully avail ourselves of the controlled company rules, you do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
Current wording
Because Carlson controls a majority of our common stock, we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Capital Market ("Nasdaq") listing standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities, and (3) the requirement that the board have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. However, our Board of Directors is currently comprised of a majority of independent directors and we currently have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the majority of the members of such committee are independent directors. If we were to fully avail ourselves of the controlled company rules, you do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, we had $4.5 million of cash and cash equivalents plus $47.7 million available to be borrowed under our new credit facility with First Horizon Bank.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, we had $5.9 million of cash and cash equivalents plus $35.6 million available to be borrowed under our new credit facility with First Horizon Bank.
Previous wording
On October 10, 2023, we entered into a First Amendment to Credit Agreement pursuant to which Woodforest National Bank was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement for an aggregate commitment of $15.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement from $45.0 million to $60.0 million.
Current wording
On October 10, 2023, we entered into a First Amendment to Credit Agreement pursuant to which Woodforest National Bank was added as a lender under the Credit Agreement for an aggregate commitment of $15.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate commitments under the Credit Agreement from $45.0 million to $60.0 million, subject to certain limitations.
Previous wording
On October 3, 2023, we completed a registered underwritten public offering of $30.0 million of our 9.00% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”). On October 27, 2023, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $2.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes will mature on January 31, 2027, unless earlier redeemed, and will bear interest at a rate of 9.00 percent per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year and at maturity, commencing on December 31, 2023. We received net proceeds after discounts and commissions, but before expenses and fees, of approximately $31.9 million from the offering of the Notes.
Current wording
On October 3, 2023, we completed a registered underwritten public offering of $30.0 million of our 9.00% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”). On October 27, 2023, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $2.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The Notes will mature on January 31, 2027, unless earlier redeemed, and will bear interest at a rate of 9.00% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year and at maturity, commencing on December 31, 2023. We received net proceeds after discounts and commissions, but before expenses and fees, of approximately $31.9 million from the offering of the Notes.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, funds affiliated with Carlson owned in the aggregate 73.0 percent of our combined issued and outstanding common stock and unvested restricted stock. Due to the large percentage of ownership by funds affiliated with Carlson, they have the ability to control or exert significant influence over our management and policies, such as the election of our directors, the appointment of new management and the approval of any other action requiring the approval of our stockholders, including any amendments to our certificate of incorporation, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or other significant transaction. The investment objectives of Carlson and its affiliates may from time to time be different than or conflict with those of our other stockholders.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, funds affiliated with Carlson owned in the aggregate 68.7% of our combined issued and outstanding common stock and unvested restricted stock. Due to the large percentage of ownership by funds affiliated with Carlson, they have the ability to control or exert significant influence over our management and policies, such as the election of our directors, the appointment of new management and the approval of any other action requiring the approval of our stockholders, including any amendments to our certificate of incorporation, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or other significant transaction. The investment objectives of Carlson and its affiliates may from time to time be different than or conflict with those of our other stockholders.
Previous wording
The price of our common stock could decline if there are substantial sales of our common stock, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers, employees, and significant stockholders including funds associated with Carlson. Funds associated with Carlson own an aggregate of 73.0 percent (9,093,766 common shares). Pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement entered into on February 27, 2023, as amended, and a Registration Rights Agreement entered into on September 6, 2013, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on February 3, 2020, which became effective on February 19, 2020, to register all of the common stock owned by funds associated with Carlson for sale freely in the public market from time to time.
Current wording
The price of our common stock could decline if there are substantial sales of our common stock, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers, employees, and significant stockholders including funds associated with Carlson. Funds associated with Carlson own an aggregate of 68.7%(8,393,088 common shares). Pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement entered into on February 27, 2023, as amended, and a Registration Rights Agreement entered into on September 6, 2013, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on February 3, 2020, which became effective on February 19, 2020, to register all of the common stock owned by funds associated with Carlson for sale freely in the public market from time to time.
Previous wording
Generally, a company will be determined to be an “investment company” if, absent an exclusion or exemption, it is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40 percent of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We refer to this investment company definition test as the “40 percent test.”
Current wording
Generally, a company will be determined to be an “investment company” if, absent an exclusion or exemption, it is or holds itself out as being engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities or owns or proposes to acquire investment securities having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We refer to this investment company definition test as the “40% test.”
Previous wording
We do not hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, or propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and believe that we are not engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. We believe that, for purposes of the 1940 Act, we are engaged primarily, through one or more of our subsidiaries, in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring certain obligations that represent part or all of the sales price of merchandise. Our subsidiaries that are so engaged rely on Section 3(c)(5)(A) of the 1940 Act, which, as interpreted by the SEC staff, requires each such subsidiary to invest at least 55 percent of its assets in “notes, drafts, acceptances, open accounts receivable and other obligations representing part of all of the sales price of merchandise, insurance and services,” which we refer to as the ICA Exception Qualifying Assets.
Current wording
We do not hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily, or propose to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and believe that we are not engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. We believe that, for purposes of the 1940 Act, we are engaged primarily, through one or more of our subsidiaries, in the business of purchasing or otherwise acquiring certain obligations that represent part or all of the sales price of merchandise. Our subsidiaries that are so engaged rely on Section 3(c)(5)(A) of the 1940 Act, which, as interpreted by the SEC staff, requires each such subsidiary to invest at least 55% of its assets in “notes, drafts, acceptances, open accounts receivable and other obligations representing part of all of the sales price of merchandise, insurance and services,” which we refer to as the ICA Exception Qualifying Assets.
Previous wording
To ensure that we are not obligated to register as an investment company, we must not exceed the thresholds provided by the 40% test. For purposes of the 40 percent test, the term “investment securities” does not include U.S. government securities or securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, such as majority-owned subsidiaries that rely on Section 3(c)(6), which, based on the SEC staff’s interpretations, requires us to invest, either directly or through majority-owned subsidiaries, at least 55 percent of our assets in, as relevant here, businesses relying on Section 3(c)(5)(A). Therefore, the assets that we and our subsidiaries hold and acquire are limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Current wording
To ensure that we are not obligated to register as an investment company, we must not exceed the thresholds provided by the 40% test. For purposes of the 40% test, the term “investment securities” does not include U.S. government securities or securities issued by majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves investment companies and are not relying on Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, such as majority-owned subsidiaries that rely on Section 3(c)(6), which, based on the SEC staff’s interpretations, requires us to invest, either directly or through majority-owned subsidiaries, at least 55% of our assets in, as relevant here, businesses relying on Section 3(c)(5)(A). Therefore, the assets that we and our subsidiaries hold and acquire are limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Previous wording
If the SEC or its staff in the future adopts a contrary interpretation to that provided in the no-action letter to the predecessor of Royalty Pharma plc or otherwise restricts the conclusions in the SEC staff’s no-action letter such that royalty interests are no longer treated as ICA Exception Qualifying Assets for purposes of Section 3(c)(6), or the SEC or its staff in the future determines that the no-action letter does not apply to some or all types of royalty receivables relating to biopharmaceutical assets, our business will be materially and adversely affected. In particular, we would be required to register as an investment company. The requirements imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact business with affiliates could make it impractical for us to continue our business as currently conducted. Our ceasing to not be deemed an investment company or to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company could materially and adversely affect the value of our common stock. In addition, we could be subject to legal actions by regulatory authorities and others and could be forced to dissolve.
Current wording
If the SEC or its staff in the future adopts a contrary interpretation to that provided in the no-action letter to the predecessor of Royalty Pharma plc or otherwise restricts the conclusions in the SEC staff’s no-action letter such that royalty interests are no longer treated as ICA Exception Qualifying Assets for purposes of Section 3(c)(6), or the SEC or its staff in the future determines that the no-action letter does not apply to some or all types of royalty receivables relating to biopharmaceutical assets, our business could be materially and adversely affected. In particular, we would be required to register as an investment company. The requirements imposed by the 1940 Act, including limitations on our capital structure and our ability to transact business with affiliates could make it impractical for us to continue our business as currently conducted. Our ceasing to not be deemed an investment company or to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company could materially and adversely affect the value of our common stock. In addition, we could be subject to legal actions by regulatory authorities and others and could be forced to dissolve.
Previous wording
If we, or a third party upon whom we rely, experience a cybersecurity incident or are perceived to have experienced a cybersecurity incident, we may experience adverse consequences. These consequences may affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition and can include: government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive data (including personal data); litigation (including class claims); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss; and other similar harms. To the extent that any disruption or cybersecurity incident were to result in a loss of, or damage to, a counterparties’ data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, our partners’ operations may be harmed, and the development and commercialization of their products, development-stage product candidates, and technologies could be delayed. Further, our insurance coverage may not be adequate or sufficient in type or amount to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices.
Current wording
We and certain of our service providers have in the past and may in the future experience cybersecurity threats and incidents, including incidents related to social engineering, business compromise, and wire fraud. For example, in January 2025, an employee’s business email account was compromised by an unauthorized third party, and a borrower payment was fraudulently re-directed. If we, or a third party upon whom we rely, experience a cybersecurity incident or are perceived to have experienced a cybersecurity incident, we may experience adverse consequences. These consequences may affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition and can include: government enforcement actions (for example, investigations, fines, penalties, audits, and inspections); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; restrictions on processing sensitive data (including personal data); litigation (including class claims); indemnification obligations; negative publicity; reputational harm; monetary fund diversions; interruptions in our operations (including availability of data); financial loss; and other similar harms. To the extent that any disruption or cybersecurity incident were to result in a loss of, or damage to, a counterparties’ data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, our partners’ operations may be harmed, and the development and commercialization of their products, development-stage product candidates, and technologies could be delayed. Further, our insurance coverage may not be adequate or sufficient in type or amount to protect us from or to mitigate liabilities arising out of our privacy and security practices.