Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-269644
The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is effective. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and they are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 22, 2023
Prospectus Supplement
(to Prospectus dated March 21, 2023)
_________ Shares
Pre-Funded Warrants to Purchase __________ Shares of Common Stock
We are offering shares of our common stock in this offering.
We are also offering pre-funded warrants in lieu of shares of our common stock to certain investors whose purchase of shares of common stock in this offering would otherwise result in the investor, together with its affiliates, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the investor, 9.99%) of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant will be exercisable for one share of our common stock. The purchase price of each pre-funded warrant will be equal to the price at which one share of our common stock is sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.001, and the exercise price of each pre-funded warrant will be $0.001 per share. The pre-funded warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until all of the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of any pre-funded warrants sold in this offering.
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “VLCN.” On May 19, 2023, the closing price of our common stock on Nasdaq was $1.09 per share. There is no established trading market for the pre-funded warrants and we do not intend to list the pre-funded warrants on Nasdaq, any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants will be limited.
We are an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Per Share | Total | |||||||
Price to public | $ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discount(1) | $ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds to us (before expenses) | $ | $ |
________________________
(1) We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain expenses and to pay them a non-accountable expense allowance of 1.0% of the gross proceeds from this offering. See “Underwriting” beginning on page S-14 for additional information regarding the compensation payable to the underwriter.
We have granted an option to the underwriter to purchase up to additional shares on the same terms and conditions set forth above from us within 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement to cover over-allotments.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriter expects to deliver the shares (or pre-funded warrants) against payment through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company on or about , 2023.
___________________________________
Sole Book-Running Manager
Aegis Capital Corp.
The date of this prospectus supplement is , 2023.
i |
About This Prospectus Supplement
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Each time we conduct an offering to sell securities under the accompanying prospectus we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering, including the price, the amount of securities being offered and the plan of distribution. The shelf registration statement was initially filed with the SEC on February 8, 2023, and was declared effective by the SEC on March 21, 2023. This prospectus supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering and may add, update or change information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The accompanying prospectus provides general information about us and our securities, some of which, such as the section entitled “Plan of Distribution,” may not apply to this offering. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. We are not making offers to sell or solicitations to buy our common stock in any jurisdiction in which an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making that offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation.
If information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying prospectus or the information incorporated by reference with an earlier date, you should rely on this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement, together with the base prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering include all material information relating to this offering. We have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information and you must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. You should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information and documents incorporated herein by reference herein and therein, as well as any free writing prospectus we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, before making an investment decision. See “Incorporation by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus.
No action is being taken in any jurisdiction outside the United States to permit a public offering of these securities or possession or distribution of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus in that jurisdiction. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus applicable to that jurisdiction.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein which are summaries only and are not intended to be complete. Reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the full text of the actual documents, some of which have been filed or will be filed and incorporated by reference herein. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement. We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain and incorporate by reference certain market data and industry statistics and forecasts that are based on Company estimates, independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, estimates as they relate to projections involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.
Unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “Volcon” refer to Volcon, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
S-1 |
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision.
Our Company
We are an all-electric, off-road powersports vehicle company developing electric two and four-wheel motorcycles and utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, also known as side-by-sides, along with a complete line of upgrades and accessories. In October 2020, we began building and testing prototypes for our future offerings with two off-road motorcycles – the Grunt and the Runt. Our motorcycles feature unique frame designs protected by design patents. Additional utility and design patents have been filed for other aspects of Volcon’s vehicles.
We initially began to sell and distribute the Grunt and related accessories in the United States on a direct-to-consumer sales platform. We terminated our direct-to-consumer sales platform in November 2021. Prior to the termination of our direct-to-consumer sales platform, U.S. customers made deposits for 360 Grunts (net of cancellations) and five Runts, plus accessories and a delivery fee representing total deposits of $2.2 million. These orders were cancelable by the customer until the vehicle was delivered and after a 14-day acceptance period, therefore the deposits were recorded as deferred revenue. As of June 30, 2022, we had completed shipping of all Grunts sold through our direct-to-consumer sales platform. Due to delays in developing the Runt, we refunded the deposits made for all Runts.
Beginning in November 2021, we began negotiating dealership agreements with powersports dealers to display and sell our vehicles and accessories. Customers can now, or will soon be able to, buy our vehicles and accessories directly from a local dealership. Some of these dealers will also provide warranty and repair services to customers. Through March 31, 2023, we have 143 active dealers. We expect to be able to offer the dealers a financing option, or “floor plan” to make larger purchases of our vehicles, but we do not currently have this financing option available. We have agreements with third-party financing companies to provide financing to qualified customers of each dealer. There is no recourse to the Company or the dealer if the dealer’s customer defaults on the financing agreement with this third-party.
As of March 31, 2023, we have signed agreements with six importers in Latin America and one importer for the Caribbean Region, collectively referred to herein as the LATAM importers, to sell our vehicles and accessories in their assigned countries/markets. In June 2022, we signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Torrot Electric Europa S.A., referred to herein as Torrot, to distribute their electric motorcycles for youth riders in Latin America. We will use our LATAM importers to sell Torrot’s products in Latin America.
In October 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to also be the exclusive distributor of Torrot and Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in the United States as well as Latin America. This agreement supersedes the original Torrot agreement and once all Torrot branded inventory is sold, we will no longer distribute Torrot branded motorcycles. Finally, in December 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to be the exclusive distributor of Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in Canada.
We expect to expand our global sales of our vehicles and accessories beyond our current LATAM importer base. We expect to sign more LATAM importers in 2023 and expect to begin selling in Canada in 2023. We expect export sales to be executed with individual importers in each country that buy vehicles by the container. Each importer will sell vehicles and accessories to local dealers or directly to customers. Local dealers will provide warranty and repair services for vehicles purchased in their country.
S-2 |
In July 2022, we expanded our offerings with the introduction of the first of our Volcon UTV models, the Stag, which we anticipate will be available for delivery to customers possibly as early as the third quarter of 2023, followed by additional models of the Stag expected in 2024 and 2025 and the introduction of a higher performance, longer range UTV (to be named) which we expect to begin delivering in 2025. The Stag will be manufactured by a third-party and incorporate electrification units, which include batteries, drive units and control modules provided by General Motors. Beginning in June 2022 we have taken non-binding pre-production orders which are cancelable prior to delivery.
Through August 2022 we assembled the Grunt in a leased production facility in Round Rock, Texas. In August 2022 we announced that we will outsource the manufacturing of the Grunt to a third-party manufacturer, which we anticipate will reduce costs and improve profitability on the Grunt. We also outsourced the manufacturing of the 2023 Grunt EVO to the same third-party manufacturer. The 2023 Grunt EVO will replace the Grunt and has a belt drive rather than a chain drive as well as an updated rear suspension. We have received prototypes of the Grunt EVO in the first quarter of 2023 and expect to begin sales late in the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2023.
In September 2022, we reduced our headcount in our product development and administration departments as we outsourced the design and development of certain components of our vehicle development. We also hired our Chief Marketing Officer and expect to hire additional sales and marketing employees and increase marketing activities to further support our brand and products.
We began taking pre-orders for an E-Bike, the Brat, in September 2022 and shipments to customers began in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Brat is being manufactured by a third-party. In January 2023, we began selling the Brat directly to consumers through our website. Consumers who order the Brat from our website can have the Brat shipped to their specified destination.
In November 2022, we finalized an agreement for a third-party to manufacture the Runt. We received prototypes of the Runt in the first quarter of 2023 and expect to begin sales in the third quarter of 2023.
The estimated fulfillment of all orders we have received assumes that our third-party manufacturers can successfully meet our order quantities and deadlines. If they are unable to satisfy orders on a timely basis, our customers may cancel their orders...
On May 19, 2023, we entered into a Securities Purchase and Exchange Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with certain institutional investors pursuant to which we agreed to:
(A) issue and sell to the investors in a private placement (i) senior convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of $4,934,782 (the “Convertible Notes”), at an initial conversion price of $2.54 per share, which conversion price will be decreased, upon the receipt of shareholder approval, to the offering price per share in this offering (the “Transaction Price”), subject to further adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events, and (ii) warrants to purchase approximately 82.6% of the shares of common stock underlying the Convertible Notes (assuming the reduction of the conversion price to the Transaction Price as described above) with an initial exercise price of $1.09 per share of common stock, which shall be, upon the receipt of shareholder approval, decreased to the Transaction Price (the “New Warrants”);
(B) exchange the senior convertible notes due February 24, 2024 in principal amount of $27,173,913 (the “Original Notes”) for: (i) senior convertible notes due February 24, 2024 in principal amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (x) 19.99% of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the signing of the Purchase Agreement and (y) the Transaction Price, at an initial conversion price per share of common stock equal to the Transaction Price, subject to further adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events (the “Series A Exchange Notes”); and (ii) senior convertible notes due February 24, 2024 in principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Original Notes minus the principal amount of the Series A Exchange Notes, at an initial conversion price of $1.09 per share of common stock, which conversion price will be decreased, upon the receipt of shareholder approval, to the Transaction Price, subject to further adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events (the “Series B Exchange Notes,” and together with the Series A Exchange Notes, the “Exchange Notes”); and
S-3 |
(C) exchange the common stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the Original Notes to purchase 9,057,971 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.85 per share (the “Original Warrants”) for warrants to purchase 17,057,971 shares of common stock with an initial exercise price of $1.09 per share of common stock, which shall be, upon the receipt of shareholder approval, decreased to the Transaction Price (the “Exchange Warrants”).
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, upon the closing of the private placement of the Convertible Notes and New Warrants, (the “Private Placement”), which is contingent upon our completing this offering and raising gross proceeds of at least $5.0 million, we will receive approximately $4.5 million in gross proceeds.
The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations and will be issued with an original issue discount of approximately 8.8%. The Convertible Notes bear no interest until an event of default has occurred, upon which interest accrues at 10.0% per annum. The Convertible Notes mature on February 24, 2024, unless earlier converted (only upon the satisfaction of certain conditions) (the “Maturity Date”). The Maturity Date may be extended at the sole option of the investor, under certain circumstances specified therein. We may, at our election, force conversion of the Convertible Notes if at any time after the issuance date, the weighted average price of the common stock for ten consecutive trading days equals or exceeds $3.94, subject to certain limitations described in the Convertible Notes.
The Original Notes required us to have unrestricted and unencumbered cash on deposit of $10,000,000 if the outstanding principal (and interest, if any) of the Original Notes is $15,000,000 or greater as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023. The cash on deposit requirement is reduced dollar for dollar to the extent the outstanding principal of the Original Notes is less than $15,000,000 on each of these dates. The Exchange Notes eliminated the foregoing requirement for September 30, 2023.
The Convertible Notes and the Exchange Notes contain certain conversion limitations, providing that no conversion may be made if, after giving effect to the conversion, the holder, together with any of its affiliates, would own in excess of 9.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
The New Warrants and the Exchange Warrants contain certain conversion limitations, providing that a holder thereof may not exercise such warrant to the extent (but only to the extent) that, if after giving effect to such conversion, the holder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately after giving effect to such conversion or exercise.
Aegis Capital Corp. (“Aegis”) acted as exclusive placement agent for the Private Placement, and will receive (i) upon closing cash compensation of 8.0% of the Private Placement), and a non-accountable expense allowance of 1.0% of the Private Placement.
Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement, we and the investors executed and delivered a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, we agreed to file a registration statement covering the resale of all the shares of common stock tock underlying the Convertible Notes, the Exchange Notes, the New Warrants and the Exchange Warrants (the “Registerable Securities”), on or before the 30th calendar day following the closing of the Purchase Agreement and to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC on or before the 60th calendar day (or, in the event of a “full review” by the SEC, the 90th calendar day) following the closing of the Purchase Agreement. We are required to use our best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement until the date that all Registerable Securities covered by such Registration Statement (i) have been sold or (ii) may be sold without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144 and without the requirement to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) (or any successor thereto). The registration rights granted under the Registration Rights Agreement are subject to certain conditions and limitations and are subject to customary indemnification and contribution provisions.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to hold a special meeting of shareholders for approval of resolutions providing for among other items: (i) our issuance of all of the shares of common stock upon conversion of the Exchange Notes in accordance with applicable law and the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market, (ii) the adjustment of the conversion price of the Convertible Notes and the Exchange Notes to the Transaction Price, and (iii) the adjustment of the exercise price of the New Warrants and the Exchange Warrants to the Transaction Price. We agreed to hold the special meeting not later than 60 calendar days after the closing date of the Private Placement. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement, we and our officers, directors and 10% shareholder executed and delivered a voting agreement pursuant to which they agreed to vote their shares of common stock in favor of the above proposals.
S-4 |
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 3121 Eagles Nest, Suite 120, Round Rock, TX 78665. Our website address is www.volcon.com. Information contained in, or accessible through, our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement and inclusions of our website address in this prospectus supplement are inactive textual references only.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and intend to rely on certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including not being required to have our internal control over financial reporting audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
Risks Affecting Our Company
In evaluating an investment in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus supplement and especially consider the factors incorporated by reference in the sections titled “Risk Factors” commencing on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and in our accompanying prospectus and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 incorporated by reference herein.
The Offering
Common stock offered by us | shares of our common stock ( shares if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full). |
Pre-funded Warrants offered by us | We are also offering pre-funded warrants in lieu of shares of our common stock to certain investors whose purchase of shares of common stock in this offering would otherwise result in the investor, together with its affiliates, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the investor, 9.99%) of our common stock. Each pre-funded warrant will be exercisable for one share of our common stock. The purchase price of each pre-funded warrant will equal the price at which a share of common stock is being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.001, and the exercise price of each pre-funded warrant will be $0.001 per share. The pre-funded warrants will be exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until all of the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of any pre-funded warrants sold in this offering. |
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering | shares ( shares if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full), assuming no issuance of pre-funded warrants. |
Use of Proceeds | We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-10. |
Risk Factors | Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and the risk factors incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. |
Nasdaq Capital Market Symbol | VLCN. There is no established public trading market for the pre-funded warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop. We do not intend to apply for listing of the pre-funded warrants on Nasdaq, any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants will be limited. |
S-5 |
The number of shares of our common stock expected to be outstanding after this offering is based on 24,615,119 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 22, 2023, and excludes, as of that date, the following:
· | 3,317,497 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, vested and unvested, with a weighted-average exercise price of $3.00 per share; | |
· | 50,000 shares of common stock issuable for vesting of restricted stock units; | |
· | 6,027,647 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants (excluding the warrants issued in our August 2022 offering that are discussed below) with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.56 per share; | |
· | 36,231,884 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the convertible note we issued in August 2022 (assuming we receive shareholder approval for the repricing of such convertible note as described above in the “Recent Developments” section); | |
· | 17,057,971 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants issued in our August 2022 note offering at an exercise price of $0.75 per share (assuming we receive shareholder approval for the repricing of such warrants as described above in the “Recent Developments” section); | |
· | 6,579,709 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the convertible note and 5,434,782 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants we will issue in the private placement described above in the “Recent Developments” section; and | |
· | up to an aggregate of 2,914,282 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock plan, as amended. |
Except as otherwise indicated herein, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise by the underwriter of its over-allotment option to purchase additional shares.
S-6 |
An investment in our securities involves risks. We urge you to consider carefully the risks described below, and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision, including those risks identified under “Item IA. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports that we subsequently file with the SEC. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be seriously harmed. This could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the section below entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.
Risks Related to this Offering
You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the book value per share of the common stock you purchase in the offering.
Because the public offering price per share of our common stock being offered is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding common stock, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common stock you purchase in this offering. Investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering will incur immediate dilution of $ per share, after giving effect to the sale of an aggregate of shares of our common stock (assuming no issuance of pre-funded warrants) at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. See “Dilution” on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement for a more detailed discussion of the dilution you will incur if you purchase shares in this offering.
In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders or result in downward pressure on the price of our common stock
Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from this offering, you may not agree with how we use the proceeds, and the proceeds may not be invested successfully.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and our stockholders will not have the opportunity as part of their investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. See “Use of Proceeds” on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement for a description of our proposed use of proceeds from this offering.
We will require additional capital funding, the receipt of which may impair the value of our common stock.
Our future capital requirements depend on many factors, including our sales and marketing activities. We will need to raise additional capital through public or private equity or debt offerings or through arrangements with strategic partners or other sources. There can be no assurance that additional capital will be available when needed or on terms satisfactory to us, if at all. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution and the new equity securities may have greater rights, preferences or privileges than our existing common stock.
S-7 |
We do not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and currently do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
There is no public market for the pre-funded warrants being offered by us in this offering.
There is no established public trading market for the pre-funded warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the pre-funded warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system, including Nasdaq. Without an active market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants will be limited.
Holders of pre-funded warrants purchased in this offering will have no rights as common stockholders until such holders exercise their pre-funded warrants and acquire our common stock.
Until holders of pre-funded warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise thereof, such holders will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common stock underlying the pre-funded warrants. Upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants, the holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.
S-8 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements concern our current plans, intentions, beliefs, expectations and statements of future economic performance. Statements containing terms such as “will,” “may,” “believe,” “do not believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate” and other phrases of similar meaning are considered to be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
· | our ability to generate revenues from sales, generate cash from operations, or obtain additional funding to market our vehicles and develop new products; | |
· | our ability to successfully implement and effectively manage our outsourced manufacturing, design and development model and achieve any anticipated benefits; | |
· | the ability of third-party manufacturers to produce our vehicles in accordance with our design and quality specifications, with sufficient scale to satisfy customers and within a reasonable cost; | |
· | anticipated timing for the manufacture, design, production, shipping and launch of our vehicles; | |
· | the inability of our suppliers to deliver the necessary components for our vehicles at prices and volumes acceptable to our third-party manufacturers; | |
· | our ability to establish a network of dealers and international distributors to sell and service our vehicles on the timeline we expect; | |
· | whether our vehicles will perform as expected; | |
· | our facing product warranty claims or product recalls; | |
· | our facing adverse determinations in significant product liability claims; | |
· | customer adoption of electric vehicles; | |
· | the development of alternative technology that adversely affects our business; | |
· | the impact of COVID-19 on our business; | |
· | increased government regulation of our industry; | |
· | tariffs and currency exchange rates; and | |
· | the conflict with Russia and the Ukraine and the potential adverse effect it may have on the availability of batteries for our vehicles. |
Forward-looking statements are based on our assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause actual results to differ include, among others, those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and those discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our future reports filed with the SEC, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference herein and therein, which reflect management’s views and opinions only as of their respective dates. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
You should carefully read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated herein by reference as described under the heading “Incorporation of Documents by Reference,” and the documents that we reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are a part with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
S-9 |
We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $ (or approximately $ if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option in full), after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. This represents our best estimate of the manner in which we will use the net proceeds we receive from this offering based upon the current status of our business, but we have not reserved or allocated amounts for specific purposes and we cannot specify with certainty how or when we will use any of the net proceeds. Amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors. Our management will have broad discretion in applying the net proceeds from this offering.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and any contractual restrictions.
If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.
Our net tangible book value as of March 31, 2023 was approximately negative $5.6 million, or approximately $(0.23) per share. Net tangible book value is determined by subtracting our total liabilities from our total tangible assets, and net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our net tangible book value by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding.
After (i) giving effect to the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering (assuming no issuance of pre-funded warrants) at the public offering price of $ per share, and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and (ii) giving effect to the issuance of convertible notes and warrants as discussed in the section “Prospectus Supplement Summary – Recent Developments”, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2023 would have been approximately $ , or approximately $ per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $ per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of approximately $ per share to new investors participating in this offering. The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis:
Public offering price per share | $ | |||||||
Net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2023 | $ | (0.23 | ) | |||||
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering and issuance of convertible notes and warrants as discussed in the section “Prospectus Supplement Summary – Recent Developments” | $ | – | ||||||
As adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering | $ | – | ||||||
Dilution per share to new investors participating in this offering | $ |
If the underwriter exercises its option to purchase an additional shares of common stock in full, our as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to this offering, would have been approximately $ per share, representing an increase in net tangible book value of approximately $ per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of approximately $ per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering.
S-10 |
The information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual offering price, the actual number of shares we offer in this offering, whether we issue any pre-funded warrants in this offering, and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The above discussion and table are based on 24,615,119 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023, and excludes as of that date the following:
· | 3,405,496 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, vested and unvested, with a weighted-average exercise price of $2.99 per share; | |
· | 50,000 shares of common stock issuable for vesting of restricted stock units; | |
· | 6,027,647 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants (excluding the warrants issued in our August 2022 offering that are discussed below) with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.56 per share; | |
· | 36,231,884 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the convertible note we issued in August 2022 (assuming we receive shareholder approval for the repricing of such convertible note as described above in the “Recent Developments” section); | |
· | 17,057,971 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants issued in our August 2022 note offering at an exercise price of $0.75 per share (assuming we receive shareholder approval for the repricing of such warrants as described above in the “Recent Developments” section); | |
· | 6,579,709 shares of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the convertible note and 5,434,782 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants we will issue in the private placement described above in the “Recent Developments” section; and | |
· | up to an aggregate of 2,826,282 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our stock plan, as amended. |
The above illustration of dilution per share to investors participating in this offering assumes no exercise of outstanding options or warrants to purchase our common stock, and no conversion of convertible notes. The exercise of outstanding options or warrants or the conversion of convertible notes having an exercise or conversion price less than the offering price would increase dilution to investors participating in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital depending on market conditions, our capital requirements and strategic considerations, even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through our sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
S-11 |
Description Of The Securities We Are Offering
The following description of our common stock summarizes the material terms and provisions thereof, including the material terms of the common stock we are offering under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Common Stock
The material terms and provisions of our common stock are described under the caption “Description of Common Stock” of the accompanying prospectus.
Pre-Funded Warrants
The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the pre-funded warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the pre-funded warrants, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with this offering and incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of pre-funded warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the pre-funded warrants.
Exercise Price and Duration
Each pre-funded warrant has an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The pre-funded warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price, and also upon any distribution of assets, including cash, stock, or other property to our stockholders.
Exercisability
The pre-funded warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of such holder’s pre-funded warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately after exercise, provided that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase this beneficial ownership limit to up to 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the pre-funded warrants. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a pre-funded warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will either pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price or round up to the next whole share.
Cashless Exercise
In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a cashless exercise formula set forth in the pre-funded warrant.
S-12 |
Fundamental Transaction
In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the pre-funded warrants and generally including any merger with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, tender offer or exchange offer, or reclassification of our shares of common stock, then upon any subsequent exercise of a pre-funded warrant, the holder will have the right to receive as alternative consideration, for each share of common stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of shares of common stock of the successor or acquiring corporation of our company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration receivable upon or as a result of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of common stock for which the pre-funded warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event.
Transferability
Subject to applicable laws, a pre-funded warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the pre-funded warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer and payment of funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes (if applicable).
Exchange Listing
There is no trading market for the pre-funded warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system, and we do not expect a market to develop. We do not intend to list the pre-funded warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.
Right as a Stockholder
Except as otherwise provided in the pre-funded warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the pre-funded warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their pre-funded warrants.
S-13 |
We entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriter named below on , 2023.
Aegis Capital Corp. is acting as the sole book-running manager. The underwriting agreement provides for the purchase of a specific number of shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants). The underwriter has agreed to purchase the number of shares (or pre-funded warrants) set forth opposite its name below:
Underwriter | Number of Shares |
|||
Aegis Capital Corp. | ||||
Total |
The underwriter has agreed to purchase all of the shares (or pre-funded warrants) offered by this prospectus supplement (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below), if any are purchased. Under the underwriting agreement.
The underwriter is offering the shares (or pre-funded warrants) subject to various conditions and may reject all or part of any order. The underwriter has advised us that the underwriter proposes to offer the shares (or pre-funded warrants) directly to the public at the public offering price per share that appears on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. In addition, the underwriter may offer some of the shares to other securities dealers at such price less a concession of $ per share. After the shares are released for sale to the public, the underwriter may change the offering price and other selling terms at various times.
We have granted the underwriter an over-allotment option. This option, which is exercisable for up to 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, permits the underwriter to purchase a maximum of additional shares from us to cover over-allotments. If the underwriter exercises all or part of this option, they will purchase shares covered by the option at the public offering price that appears on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less the underwriting discount. The underwriter has agreed that, to the extent the over-allotment option is exercised, they will purchase the additional shares reflected in the foregoing table.
The following table provides information regarding the amount of the discount to be paid to the underwriter by us, before expenses: These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option and assume no pre-funded warrants are issued in the offering.
Per Share |
Total Without Exercise of Underwriter’s Option |
Total With Full Exercise of Underwriter’s Option |
||||||||||
Public offering price | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Underwriting discount (8.0%) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Proceeds to us (before expenses) | $ | $ | $ |
We have agreed to pay Aegis Capital Corp. a non-accountable expenses allowance equal to 1.0% of the gross proceeds from this offering.
S-14 |
We estimate that our total expenses of the offering, excluding the estimated underwriting discount, will be approximately $ , which includes the fees and expenses for which we have agreed to reimburse the underwriter, provided that any such fees and expenses in excess of an aggregate of $37,500 will be subject to prior written approval by the Company (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
Our executive officers, directors and 10% shareholder have agreed to a 180-day “lock-up” with respect to shares of our common stock and other securities beneficially owned, including securities that are convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, shares of our common stock. Subject to certain exceptions, for a period of 180 days following the date of this prospectus supplement, our executive officers, directors and 10% shareholder may not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of these securities without the prior written consent of Aegis Capital Corp.
Pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement, if, for the period ending twelve (12) months from the closing of this offering, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the underwriting agreement, we or any of our subsidiaries (a) decide to finance or refinance any indebtedness, the underwriter (or any affiliate designated by the underwriter) shall have the right to act as the sole book-runner, sole manager, sole placement agent or sole agent with respect to such financing or refinancing; or (b) decide to raise funds by means of a public offering (including an at-the-market facility) or a private placement or any other capital raising financing of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, the underwriter (or any affiliate designated by the underwriter) shall have the right to act as the sole book-running manager, sole underwriter or sole placement agent for such financing.
Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the underwriter to bid for or purchase shares before the distribution of the shares is completed. However, the underwriter may engage in the following activities in accordance with the rules:
· | Stabilizing transactions — The representative may make bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the shares, so long as stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. |
· | Over-allotments and syndicate covering transactions — The underwriter may sell more shares of our common stock in connection with this offering than the number of shares than they have committed to purchase. This over-allotment creates a short position for the underwriter. This short sales position may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales. Covered short sales are short sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriter’s over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in this offering described above. The underwriter may close out any covered short position either by exercising their over-allotment option or by purchasing shares in the open market. To determine how they will close the covered short position, the underwriter will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market, as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are short sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriter must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriter is concerned that, in the open market after pricing, there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares that could adversely affect investors who purchase shares in this offering. |
· | Penalty bids — If the representative purchases shares in the open market in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction, it may reclaim a selling concession from the underwriter and selling group members who sold those shares as part of this offering. |
· | Passive market making — Market makers in the shares who is the underwriter may make bids for or purchases of shares, subject to limitations, until the time, if ever, at which a stabilizing bid is made. |
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriter’s purchases to cover the syndicate short sales or to stabilize the market price of our common stock may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or mitigating a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of the shares of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of the shares if it discourages resales of the shares.
Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. These transactions may occur on the Nasdaq Capital Market or otherwise. If such transactions are commenced, they may be discontinued without notice at any time.
S-15 |
Electronic Delivery of Preliminary Prospectus Supplement: A preliminary prospectus supplement in electronic format may be delivered to potential investors by the underwriter participating in this offering. The preliminary prospectus supplement in electronic format will be identical to the paper version of such preliminary prospectus supplement. Other than the preliminary prospectus supplement in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part.
The underwriter and its affiliates have provided in the past and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they may receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, the underwriter and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the accounts of customers, and hold on behalf of itself or its customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.
The validity of the common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by ArentFox Schiff LLP, Washington, DC. Kaufman & Canoles, P.C., Richmond, Virginia, is acting as counsel for the underwriter in connection with this offering.
The audited financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of MaloneBailey LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
S-16 |
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus supplement the information in other documents that we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement, and information in documents that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in documents filed earlier with the SEC or contained in this prospectus supplement. We incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement the documents listed below and any future filings that we may make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of the offering under this prospectus supplement; provided, however, that we are not incorporating, in each case, any documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules:
· | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2023 as amended by Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on March 14, 2023. | |
· | Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A filed with the SEC on May 8, 2023. | |
· | Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 3, 2023; | |
· | Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023, March 28, 2023, and May 22, 2023. | |
· | The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on October 1, 2021, and any other amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. | |
· | An updated description of our capital stock is included in this prospectus under “Description of Common Stock” and “Description of Preferred Stock”. |
All reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and deemed to be part of this prospectus supplement from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.
You may obtain a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above, which may have been or may be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, including exhibits, at no cost to you by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
Volcon, Inc.
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
3121 Eagles Nest, Suite 120
Round Rock
TX 78665
Tel: (512) 400-4271
Email: greg@volcon.com.
S-17 |
Where You Can Find More Information
This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of a registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and do not contain all the information set forth or incorporated by reference in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. Because we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange A, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy information filed by us with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the public reference section can be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, statements and other information about issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the SEC.
S-18 |
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated March 15, 2023
PROSPECTUS
$200,000,000
Volcon, Inc.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units
____________________
We may from time to time issue up to $200,000,000 aggregate dollar amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants or units of securities consisting of some or all of these securities, in any combination, together or separately, in one or more offerings, in amounts, at prices and on the terms determined at the time of the offering. We will specify in the accompanying prospectus supplement the terms of the securities to be offered and sold. We may sell these securities directly to you, through underwriters, dealers or agents we select, or through a combination of these methods. We will describe the plan of distribution for any particular offering of these securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market and is traded under the symbol “VLCN”. On March 13, 2023, the closing price of the common stock, as reported on NASDAQ, was $1.44 per share.
As of February 6, 2023, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $29.1 million, based on 24,426,260 shares of outstanding common stock, of which approximately 17,299,970 shares were held by non-affiliates, and a per share price of $1.68 based on the closing sale price of our common stock on February 6, 2023.
Investing in our securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should purchase these securities only if you can afford a complete loss of your investment. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 6 of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our securities.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is ____, 2023.
i |
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $200,000,000.
We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration process, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. That prospectus supplement may include additional risk factors or other special considerations applicable to the securities being offered. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement any of the information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement, provided that if a statement in any document is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date - for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement - the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. You should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under “Where You Can Find More Information.”
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OF SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
The registration statement containing this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration statement, including the exhibits, can be read at the SEC website or at the SEC offices mentioned under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer to sell or soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make the offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us,” refer to Volcon, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except that such terms refer to only Volcon, Inc. and not its subsidiaries in the sections entitled “Description of Common Stock,” “Description of Preferred Stock,” “Description of Warrants,” “Description of the Debt Securities,” and “Description of the Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units.”
1 |
This summary provides an overview of selected information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our securities. You should carefully read the prospectus, the information incorporated by reference and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part in their entirety before investing in our securities, including the information discussed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference and our financial statements and notes thereto that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise indicates, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” the “Company,” or “Volcon” refer to Volcon, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
We are an all-electric, off-road powersports vehicle company developing and building electric two and four-wheel motorcycles and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), also known as side-by-sides, along with a complete line of upgrades and accessories. In October 2020, we began building and testing prototypes for our future offerings with two off-road motorcycles – the Grunt and the Runt. Our motorcycles feature unique frame designs protected by design patents. Additional utility and design patents have been filed for other aspects of Volcon’s vehicles.
We initially began to sell and distribute the Grunt and related accessories in the U.S. on a direct-to-consumer sales platform. We terminated our direct-to-consumer sales platform in November 2021. Prior to the termination of our direct-to-consumer sales platform, U.S. customers made deposits for 360 Grunts (net of cancellations) and five Runts, plus accessories and a delivery fee representing total deposits of $2.2 million. These orders were cancelable by the customer until the vehicle was delivered and after a 14-day acceptance period, therefore the deposits were recorded as deferred revenue. As of June 30, 2022, we had completed shipping of all Grunts sold through our direct-to-consumer sales platform. Due to delays in developing the Runt, we refunded the deposits made for all Runts.
Beginning in November 2021, we began negotiating dealership agreements with powersports dealers to display and sell our vehicles and accessories. Customers can now, or will soon be able to, buy our vehicles and accessories directly from a local dealership. Some of these dealers will also provide warranty and repair services to customers. Through December 31, 2022, we have entered into 151 dealership agreements. Upon sale of a Grunt the dealer may order an additional Grunt. We also expect to be able to offer the dealers a financing option, or “floor plan” to make larger purchases of our vehicles but we do not currently have this financing option available. We have agreements with third-party financing companies to provide financing to qualified customers of each dealer. There is no recourse to the Company or the dealer if the dealer’s customer defaults on the financing agreement with this third-party.
As of December 31, 2022, we have signed agreements with five importers in Latin America and one importer for the Caribbean Region, collectively referred to herein as the LATAM importers to sell our vehicles and accessories in their assigned countries/markets. In June 2022 we signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Torrot Electric Europa S.A., referred to herein as Torrot, to distribute their electric motorcycles for youth riders in Latin America. We will use our LATAM importers to sell Torrot’s products in Latin America.
In October 2022, we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to also be the exclusive distributor of Torrot and Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in the United States as well as Latin America. This agreement supersedes the original Torrot agreement and once all Torrot branded inventory is sold, we will no longer distribute Torrot branded motorcycles. Finally, in December 2022 we signed an expanded agreement with Torrot to be the exclusive distributor of Volcon co-branded youth electric motorcycles in Canada.
We expect to expand our global sales of our vehicles and accessories beyond our current LATAM importer base. We expect to sign more LATAM importers in 2023 and expect to begin selling in Canada, Europe and Australia in 2023. We expect export sales to be executed with individual importers in each country that buy vehicles by the container. Each importer will sell vehicles and accessories to local dealers or directly to customers. Local dealers will provide warranty and repair services for vehicles purchased in their country.
2 |
In July 2022, we expanded our offerings with the introduction of the first of our Volcon Stag UTV models, the Stag, which we anticipate will be available for delivery in the first half of 2023, followed by additional models of the Stag expected in 2024 and 2025 and the introduction of a higher performance, longer range UTV (to be named) which we expect to begin delivering in 2025. The Stag will be manufactured by a third-party and incorporate electrification units, which include batteries, drive units and control modules provided by General Motors. Beginning in June 2022 we have taken non-binding pre-production orders which are cancelable prior to delivery.
Through August 2022 we assembled the Grunt in a leased production facility in Round Rock, Texas. In August 2022 we announced that we will outsource the manufacturing of the Grunt to a third-party manufacturer, which we anticipate will reduce costs and improve profitability on the Grunt and began receiving Grunts from this manufacturer in January 2023. We also outsourced the manufacturing of the 2023 Grunt EVO to the same third-party manufacturer. The 2023 Grunt EVO will replace the Grunt and has a belt drive rather than a chain drive as well as an updated rear suspension.
In September 2022, we reduced our headcount in our product development and administration departments as we outsourced the design and development of certain components of our vehicle development. We also hired our Chief Marketing Officer and expect to hire additional sales and marketing employees and increase marketing activities to further support our brand and products.
We began taking pre-orders for an E-Bike, the Brat, in September 2022 and shipments to customers began in the fourth quarter of 2022. In February 2023, we began selling the Brat directly to consumers through our website. Consumers who order the Brat from our website will have the option to have the Brat shipped to their specified destination or to have it shipped to a dealer where they can pick it up. The Brat is being manufactured by a third-party.
In November 2022 we finalized an agreement for a third-party to manufacture the Runt. We expect to receive prototypes of the Runt in the first quarter of 2023 and to begin sales in the second quarter of 2023.
The estimated fulfillment of all orders we have received to date assumes that our third-party manufacturers can successfully meet our order quantities and deadlines. If they are unable to satisfy orders on a timely basis, our customers may cancel their orders.
Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” as the term is used in The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and therefore, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including:
· | a requirement to only have two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related selected financial data and management’s discussion and analysis; |
· | exemption from the auditor attestation requirement on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting; |
· | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation; and |
· | exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory stockholder vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments. |
3 |
We may take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would cease to be an emerging growth company if we have more than $1.235 billion in annual revenues, have more than $700.0 million in market value of our capital stock held by non-affiliates or issue more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period. We may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of the available benefits of the JOBS Act. We have taken advantage of some of the reduced reporting requirements in this prospectus. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you hold stock. In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, we will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.
We are a Delaware corporation and were incorporated in February 2020. The Company completed its initial public offering in October 2021. Our principal executive offices are located at 3121 Eagles Nest, Suite 120, Round Rock, TX 78665. Our website address is www.volcon.com. We make our periodic reports and other information filed with, or furnished to, the SEC available free of charge through our website. The information on or accessible through our website is not part of and is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
With this prospectus, we may offer common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, and/or units consisting of some or all of these securities in any combination. The aggregate offering price of securities that we offer with this prospectus will not exceed $200,000,000. Each time we offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide offerees with a prospectus supplement that will contain the specific terms of the securities being offered. The following is a summary of the securities we may offer with this prospectus.
Common Stock
We may offer shares of our common stock, par value $0.00001 per share.
Preferred Stock
We may offer shares of our preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share, in one or more series. Our board of directors or a committee designated by the board will determine the dividend, voting, conversion and other rights of the series of shares of preferred stock being offered. Each series of preferred stock will be more fully described in the particular prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus, including redemption provisions, rights in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up, voting rights and rights to convert into common stock.
Debt Securities
We may offer general obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, senior or subordinated and convertible into shares of our common stock or preferred stock. In this prospectus, we refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities together as the “debt securities.” Our board of directors will determine the terms of each series of debt securities being offered. We will issue the debt securities under an indenture between us and a trustee. In this document, we have summarized general features of the debt securities from the indenture. We encourage you to read the indenture, which is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
4 |
Warrants
We may offer warrants for the purchase of debt securities, shares of preferred stock or shares of common stock. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the warrants.
Units
We may offer units consisting of some or all of the securities described above, in any combination, including common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities. The terms of these units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The description of the terms of these units in the related prospectus supplement will not be complete. You should refer to the applicable form of unit and unit agreement for complete information with respect to these units.
5 |
Before making an investment decision, you should consider the “Risk Factors” included under Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our updates to those Risk Factors in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as updated by our future filings with the SEC. The market or trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks. In addition, please read “Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus, where we describe additional uncertainties associated with our business and the forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Please note that additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business and operations. The accompanying prospectus supplement may contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in us and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement.
Some of the information in this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You should not rely on forward-looking statements in this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. This prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference, may also contain forward-looking statements attributed to third parties relating to their estimates regarding the markets we may enter in the future. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risk and uncertainties, and there are many important risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference.
You should also consider carefully the statements under “Risk Factors” and other sections of this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference, which address additional facts that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to place significant reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, and the documents we incorporate by reference. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered in this offering. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other documents we have filed at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings are also available to the public at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at www.sec.gov.
This prospectus is part of the registration statement and does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement.
6 |
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Later information filed with the SEC will update and supersede this information.
The following documents are incorporated by reference into this document:
• | Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2023 as amended by Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on March 14, 2023. |
• | Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 10, 2023. |
• | The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on October 1, 2021, and any other amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
An updated description of our capital stock is included in this prospectus under “Description of Common Stock” and “Description of Preferred Stock”.
We also incorporate by reference into this prospectus all documents (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and exhibits filed on such form that are related to such items) that are filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (i) after the date of the initial filing of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement, or (ii) after the date of this prospectus but prior to the termination of the offering. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, at no cost to the requester, a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including exhibits which are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by contacting us at:
Volcon, Inc.
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
3121 Eagles Nest, Suite 120
Round Rock
TX 78665
Tel: (512) 400-4271
Email: greg@volcon.com.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this document will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the document to the extent that a statement contained in this document or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this document modifies or supersedes the statement.
7 |
We will retain broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby. Except as described in any prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you, we currently intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby for general corporate purposes, including working capital, operating expenses and capital expenditures. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in businesses and products that are complementary to our own, although we have no current plans, commitments or agreements with respect to any acquisitions as of the date of this prospectus. We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities sold pursuant to the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus. We intend to invest the net proceeds to us from the sale of securities offered hereby that are not used as described above in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments.
Authorized Capital Stock
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 105,000,000 shares of capital stock consisting of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.00001 per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.00001 per share.
As of March 14, 2023, there were 24,615,119 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. As of such date, there were no shares of our preferred stock issued and outstanding.
Shares of our common stock have the following rights, preferences and privileges:
Voting
Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Any action at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be decided by a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy, except in the case of any election of directors, which will be decided by a plurality of votes cast. There is no cumulative voting.
Dividends
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for payment, subject to the rights of holders, if any, of any class of stock having preference over the common stock. Any decision to pay dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors may or may not determine to declare dividends in the future. The board’s determination to issue dividends will depend upon our profitability and financial condition, any contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and the SEC, and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably on the basis of the number of shares held in any of the assets available for distribution after we have paid in full, or provided for payment of, all of our debts and after the holders of all outstanding series of any class of stock have preference over the common stock, if any, have received their liquidation preferences in full.
8 |
Other
Our issued and outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of shares of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights. Shares of our common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of capital stock, nor are they subject to any redemption or sinking fund provisions.
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaw Provisions
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws include a number of anti-takeover provisions that may have the effect of encouraging persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include:
Advance Notice Requirements. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely and given in writing to our corporate Secretary. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at our principal executive offices not fewer than 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary date on which our notice of meeting and related proxy statement were mailed to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders. The notice must contain the information required by the bylaws, including information regarding the proposal and the proponent.
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by only the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the board of directors, or in their absence or disability, by any vice president.
No Written Consent of Stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.
Amendment of Bylaws. Our stockholders may amend any provisions of our bylaws by obtaining the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of each class of issued and outstanding shares of our voting securities, at a meeting called for the purpose of amending and/or restating our bylaws.
Preferred Stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to create and issue rights entitling our stockholders to purchase shares of our stock or other securities. The ability of our board to establish the rights and issue substantial amounts of preferred stock without the need for stockholder approval may delay or deter a change in control of us. See the section titled “Preferred Stock” below.
Delaware Takeover Statute
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL which, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any “business combination” (as defined below) with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (2) on consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding those shares owned (x) by persons who are directors and also officers and (y) by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to this plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or (3) on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2⁄3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
9 |
Section 203 of the DGCL defines generally “business combination” to include: (1) any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; (2) any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; (3) subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; (4) any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or (5) the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation. In general, Section 203 defines an “interested stockholder” as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person.
Quotation
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market and traded under the symbol “VLCN”.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for our common stock is Computershare.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
We are authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes the board to issue these shares in one or more series, to determine the designations and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, including the dividend rights, conversion or exchange rights, voting rights (including the number of votes per share), redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences, sinking fund provisions and the number of shares constituting the series. Our board of directors could, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of common stock which could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
General
The following description sets forth general terms that will apply to the debt securities. We will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we offer in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities.
The debt securities will be either our senior debt securities or our subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and the trustee named in the indenture. We refer to this indenture as the “senior indenture.” The subordinated debt securities will be issued under a separate Subordinated Indenture between us and the trustee named in the indenture. We refer to this indenture as the “subordinated indenture” and, together with the senior indenture, as the “indentures.” Except as permitted by applicable law, the indentures have been or will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
We have filed the forms of the indentures as exhibits to the registration statement. For your convenience, we have included references to specific sections of the indentures in the descriptions below. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this prospectus will have the meanings given in the indenture to which they relate.
10 |
The following summaries of provisions of the debt securities and the indentures are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the provisions of the indentures and the debt securities.
Neither of the indentures limits the principal amount of debt securities that we may issue. Each indenture provides that debt securities may be issued in one or more series up to the principal amount that we may authorize from time to time. Each indenture also provides that the debt securities may be denominated in any currency or currency unit that we designate. In addition, each series of debt securities may be reopened in order to issue additional debt securities of that series in the future without the consent of the holders of debt securities of that series. Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, neither the indentures nor the debt securities will contain any provisions to afford holders of any debt securities protection in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring of our business.
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, the senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of our senior debt securities. We will describe the particular terms of the subordinated debt securities that we offer in the prospectus supplement relating to those subordinated debt securities.
We will describe the specific terms relating to each particular series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of those debt securities. The terms we will describe in the prospectus supplement will include some or all of the following:
Ÿ | the title and type of the debt securities; |
Ÿ | the total principal amount or initial offering price of the debt securities; |
Ÿ | the date or dates when the principal of the debt securities will be payable; |
Ÿ | whether we will have the right to extend the stated maturity of the debt securities; |
Ÿ | whether the debt securities will bear interest and, if so, the rate or rates, or the method for calculating the rate or rates, of interest; |
Ÿ | if the debt securities will bear interest, the date from which interest will accrue, the dates when interest will be payable and the regular record dates for these interest payment dates; |
Ÿ | the place where the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be paid, registered debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, and debt securities may be surrendered for exchange; |
Ÿ | any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities; |
Ÿ | the terms and conditions upon which we will have the option or the obligation to redeem the debt securities; |
Ÿ | the denominations in which any registered debt securities will be issuable; |
Ÿ | the identity of each security registrar and paying agent, and the designation of the exchange rate agent, if any, if other than the trustee; |
11 |
Ÿ | the portion of the principal amount of debt securities that will be payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities; |
Ÿ | the currency used to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities, if other than U.S. dollars, and whether you or we may elect to have principal, premium and interest paid in a currency other than the currency in which the debt securities are denominated; |
Ÿ | any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of principal, premium or interest on the debt securities; |
Ÿ | any changes or additions to the events of default, defaults or our covenants made in the applicable indenture; |
Ÿ | whether the debt securities are issuable as registered debt securities or bearer debt securities, whether there are any restrictions relating to the form in which they are issued and whether bearer and registered debt securities may be exchanged for each other; |
Ÿ | to whom interest will be payable |
○ | if other than the registered holder (for registered debt securities), |
○ | if other than upon presentation and surrender of the related coupons (for bearer debt securities), or |
○ | if other than as specified in the indentures (for global debt securities); |
Ÿ | whether the debt securities are to be convertible or exchangeable for other securities and, if so, the terms of conversion or exchange; |
Ÿ | particular terms of subordination with respect to subordinated debt securities; and |
Ÿ | any other terms of the debt securities consistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture. |
We may issue debt securities as original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. If we issue original issue discount securities, then we will describe the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that apply to those debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Registration and Transfer
We presently plan to issue each series of debt securities only as registered securities. However, we may issue a series of debt securities as bearer securities, or a combination of both registered securities and bearer securities. If we issue senior debt securities as bearer securities, they will have interest coupons attached unless we elect to issue them as zero coupon securities. If we issue bearer securities, we may describe material U.S. federal income tax consequences and other material considerations, procedures and limitations in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Holders of registered debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange for different authorized amounts of other debt securities of the same series and in the same aggregate principal amount at the corporate trust office of the trustee or at the office of any other transfer agent we may designate for the purpose and describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. The registered securities must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer. The agent will not impose a service charge on you for the transfer or exchange. We may, however, require that you pay any applicable tax or other governmental charge. If we issue bearer securities, we will describe any procedures for exchanging those bearer securities for other senior debt securities of the same series in the applicable prospectus supplement. Generally, we will not allow you to exchange registered securities for bearer securities.
12 |
In general, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue registered securities without coupons and in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples, and bearer securities in denominations of $5,000. We may issue both registered and bearer securities in global form.
Conversion and Exchange
If any debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including:
Ÿ | the conversion price or exchange ratio; |
Ÿ | the conversion or exchange period; |
Ÿ | whether the conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us; |
Ÿ | provisions for adjustment of the conversion price or exchange ratio; and |
Ÿ | provisions that may affect the conversion or exchange if the debt securities are redeemed. |
Redemption
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may, at our option, redeem any series of debt securities in whole at any time or in part from time to time. If any series of debt securities are redeemable only on or after a certain date or only upon satisfaction of additional conditions, the applicable prospectus supplement will specify the date or the additional conditions. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the redemption price for debt securities will equal 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest on those debt securities.
The applicable prospectus supplement will contain the specific terms on which we may redeem a series of debt securities prior to its stated maturity. Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, we will send a notice of redemption to holders at least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. The notice will state:
Ÿ | the redemption date; |
Ÿ | the redemption price; |
Ÿ | if less than all of the debt securities of the series are being redeemed, the particular debt securities to be redeemed (and the principal amounts, in the case of a partial redemption); |
Ÿ | that on the redemption date, the redemption price will become due and payable and any applicable interest will cease to accrue on and after that date; |
Ÿ | the place or places of payment; |
13 |
Ÿ | whether the redemption is for a sinking fund; and |
Ÿ | any other provisions required by the terms of the debt securities of the series that are being redeemed. |
On or before any redemption date, we will deposit an amount of money with the trustee or with a paying agent sufficient to pay the redemption price.
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, if we are redeeming less than all the debt securities, the trustee will select the debt securities to be redeemed using a method it considers fair and appropriate. After the redemption date, holders of redeemed debt securities will have no rights with respect to the debt securities except the right to receive the redemption price and any unpaid interest to the redemption date.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, an “event of default” regarding any series of debt securities is any one of the following events:
Ÿ | default for 30 days in the payment of any interest installment when due and payable; |
Ÿ | default in the making of any sinking fund payment when due; |
Ÿ | default in the payment of principal or premium (if any) when due at its stated maturity, by declaration, when called for redemption or otherwise; |
Ÿ | default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities of that series or in the applicable indenture for 60 days after notice to us by the trustee or by the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; |
Ÿ | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization; and |
Ÿ | any other event of default provided with respect to that series of debt securities. |
We are required to file every year with each trustee an officers’ certificate stating whether any default exists and specifying any default that exists.
Acceleration of Maturity
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, if an event of default has occurred and is continuing with respect to debt securities of a particular series (except, in the case of subordinated debt securities, defaults relating to bankruptcy events), the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series due and payable immediately.
14 |
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, at any time after a declaration of acceleration of maturity with respect to debt securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration and its consequences if:
Ÿ | we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay: |
○ | all overdue interest on all outstanding debt securities of that series and any related coupons, |
○ | all unpaid principal of and premium, if any, on any of the debt securities which has become due otherwise than by the declaration of acceleration, and interest on the unpaid principal at the rate or rates prescribed in the debt securities, |
○ | to the extent lawful, interest on overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed in the debt securities, and |
○ | all sums paid or advanced by the trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the trustee, its agents and counsel; and |
Ÿ | all events of default with respect to debt securities of that series, other than the non-payment of amounts of principal, interest or any premium on the debt securities which have become due solely by the declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. |
No rescission will affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.
Waiver of Defaults
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may, on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of the series and any related coupons, waive any past default under the applicable indenture with respect to the series and its consequences, except a default:
Ÿ | in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any debt security of the series or any related coupon, or |
Ÿ | in respect of a covenant or provision that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected thereby. |
If an event of default with respect to debt securities of a particular series occurs and is continuing, the trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the applicable indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of debt securities of the series, unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity and security against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with the request.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee under the applicable indenture, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series. The trustee may refuse to follow directions in conflict with law or the indenture that may expose the trustee to personal liability or may be unduly prejudicial to the other, non-directing holders. Additionally, the trustee may take any other action the trustee deems proper which is not inconsistent with the direction.
15 |
Modification of Indenture
We and the trustee may, without the consent of any holders of debt securities, enter into supplemental indentures for various purposes, including:
Ÿ | to evidence the succession of another entity to us and the assumption by the successor of our covenants and obligations under the debt securities and the indenture; |
Ÿ | establishing the form or terms of any series of debt securities issued under the supplemental indentures; |
Ÿ | adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders or to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture; |
Ÿ | adding additional events of default for the benefit of the holders; |
Ÿ | to change or eliminate any provisions of the indenture provided that the change or elimination becomes effective only when there is no debt security outstanding entitled to the benefit of any changed or eliminated provision; |
Ÿ | to secure the debt securities; |
Ÿ | to cure any ambiguities or correct defective or inconsistent provisions of the indenture, provided that holders of debt securities are not materially affected by the change; |
Ÿ | to evidence and provide for acceptance of a successor trustee; and |
Ÿ | to comply with the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act. |
We and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all affected series acting as one class, execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture or modifying the rights of the holders of the debt securities of the series. Without the consent of the holders of all the outstanding debt securities affected thereby, no supplemental indenture may:
Ÿ | change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security; |
Ÿ | reduce the principal amount of, the rate of interest on or any premium payable upon the redemption of, or change the manner of calculating the rate of interest on, any debt security; |
Ÿ | reduce the amount of the principal of any original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt security; |
Ÿ | change the place of payment where, or the currency in which, principal or interest on any debt security is payable; |
Ÿ | impair the right to institute suit for enforcement of payments; |
Ÿ | reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, the holders of which must consent to a supplemental indenture or any waiver of compliance with various provisions of, or defaults and covenants under, the indenture; or |
Ÿ | modify any of the provisions described in this section. |
16 |
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, as provided in the indentures, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to any other person, unless:
Ÿ | the person surviving or formed by the transaction is organized and validly existing under the laws of any United States jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations under the debt securities and the indentures; |
Ÿ | immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default will have occurred and be continuing under the indentures; and |
Ÿ | the trustees under the indentures receive certain officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel. |
Satisfaction and Discharge
We may terminate our obligations with respect to debt securities of any series not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation when those debt securities:
Ÿ | have become due and payable; |
Ÿ | will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year; or |
Ÿ | are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the indenture trustee for giving notice of redemption. |
We may terminate our obligations with respect to the debt securities of a series by depositing with the trustee, as trust funds in trust dedicated solely for that purpose, an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the debt securities of that series. In that case, the applicable indenture will cease to be of further effect, and our obligations will be satisfied and discharged with respect to that series (except our obligations to pay all other amounts due under the indenture and to provide certain officers’ certificates and opinions of counsel to the trustee). At our expense, the trustee will execute proper instruments acknowledging the satisfaction and discharge.
The Trustees
Any trustee may be deemed to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act and may be required to resign as trustee if there is an event of default under the applicable indenture and, as more fully described in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, one or more of the following occurs:
Ÿ | the trustee is a trustee under another indenture under which our securities are outstanding; |
Ÿ | the trustee is a trustee for more than one outstanding series of debt securities under a single indenture; |
Ÿ | we or our affiliates or underwriters hold certain threshold ownership beneficial ownership interest in the trustee; |
Ÿ | the trustee holds certain threshold beneficial ownership interests in us or in securities of ours that are in default; |
Ÿ | the trustee is one of our creditors; or |
Ÿ | the trustee or one of its affiliates acts as an underwriter or agent for us. |
17 |
We may appoint an alternative trustee for any series of debt securities. The appointment of an alternative trustee would be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We and our affiliates may engage in transactions with the trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Governing Law
Unless otherwise described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering, each of the indentures are, and the related senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities will be, governed by and construed under the internal laws of the State of New York.
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, debt securities, shares of preferred stock or common stock, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the warrants’ expiration date. We may issue the warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all as described in the prospectus supplement. If we issue the warrants under warrant agreements, the warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
We will describe the particular terms of any warrants that we offer in the prospectus supplement relating to those warrants. Those terms may include the following:
Ÿ | the specific designation and aggregate number of warrants, and the price at which we will issue the warrants; | |
Ÿ | the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable; |
Ÿ | the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which the right will expire or, if the warrants are not continuously exercisable throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which they are exercisable; |
Ÿ | whether the warrants will be issued in fully registered form or bearer form, in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms; | |
Ÿ | any applicable material United States federal income tax considerations; |
Ÿ | the identity of the warrant agent, if any, for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents; |
Ÿ | the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency, denomination and terms of any debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants; |
Ÿ | the designation, amount, currency, denominations and terms of any preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
18 |
Ÿ | if applicable, the designation and terms of the debt securities, preferred stock or common stock with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security; |
Ÿ | if applicable, the date from and after which the warrants and the related debt securities, preferred stock or common stock will be separately transferable; |
Ÿ | the principal amount of debt securities or the number of shares of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of any warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased; | |
Ÿ | provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price; | |
Ÿ | if applicable, the minimum or maximum number of warrants that may be exercised at any one time; | |
Ÿ | information with respect to any book-entry procedures; | |
Ÿ | any anti-dilution provision of the warrants; | |
Ÿ | any redemption or call provisions; and |
Ÿ | any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
Each warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase such number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or other securities at the exercise price as will in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the purchased securities. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.
We may issue, in one or more series, units comprised of shares of our common stock or preferred stock, warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, debt securities or any combination of those securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security.
We may evidence units by unit certificates that we issue under a separate agreement. We may issue the units under a unit agreement between us and one or more unit agents. If we elect to enter into a unit agreement with a unit agent, the unit agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the units and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any registered holders of units or beneficial owners of units. We will indicate the name and address and other information regarding the unit agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units if we elect to use a unit agent.
19 |
We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of units being offered, including: (i) the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; (ii) any provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described herein; and (iii) any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units.
The other provisions regarding our common stock, preferred stock, warrants and debt securities as described in this section will apply to each unit to the extent such unit consists of shares of our common stock, preferred stock, warrants and/or debt securities.
We may sell the securities covered by this prospectus in one or more of the following ways from time to time:
· | to or through underwriters or dealers for resale to the purchasers; |
· | directly to purchasers; |
· | through agents or dealers to the purchasers; or |
· | through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
In addition, we may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. The applicable prospectus supplement may indicate that third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions, in connection with those derivatives. If so, the third party may use securities we pledge or that are borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third party in those sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if applicable, will be identified in the prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment thereto).
A prospectus supplement with respect to each series of securities will include, to the extent applicable:
· | the terms of the offering; |
· | the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, remarketing firms, or agents and the terms of any agreement with those parties, including the compensation, fees, or commissions received by, and the amount of securities underwritten, purchased, or remarketed by, each of them, if any; |
· | the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and an estimate of the net proceeds to be received by us from any such sale, as applicable; |
· | any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation; |
· | the anticipated delivery date of the securities, including any delayed delivery arrangements, and any commissions we may pay for solicitation of any such delayed delivery contracts; |
20 |
· | that the securities are being solicited and offered directly to institutional investors or others; |
· | any discounts or concessions to be allowed or reallowed or to be paid to agents or dealers; and |
· | any securities exchange on which the securities may be listed. |
Any offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, any underwriters, or other third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including, without limitation, privately negotiated transactions, either:
· | at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed; |
· | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
· | at prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of sale; or |
· | at negotiated prices. |
Offerings of securities covered by this prospectus also may be made into an existing trading market for those securities in transactions at other than a fixed price, either:
· | on or through the facilities of the NASDAQ Capital Market or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which those securities may be listed, quoted, or traded at the time of sale; and/or |
· | to or through a market maker otherwise than on the NASDAQ Capital Market or those other securities exchanges or quotation or trading services. |
Those at-the-market offerings, if any, will be conducted by underwriters acting as our principal or agent, who may also be third-party sellers of securities as described above.
In addition, we may sell some or all of the securities covered by this prospectus through:
· | purchases by a dealer, as principal, who may then resell those securities to the public for its account at varying prices determined by the dealer at the time of resale or at a fixed price agreed to with us at the time of sale; |
· | block trades in which a dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or resell a portion of the block as principal in order to facilitate the transaction; and/or |
· | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker-dealer solicits purchasers. |
Any dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933 of the securities so offered and sold.
21 |
In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we may enter into agreements with those underwriters or agents pursuant to which we receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents also may sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in any such outstanding securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the securities received from us under those arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of securities.
We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the loaned securities or, in any event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities using this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. That financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities covered by this prospectus.
We may solicit offers to purchase the securities covered by this prospectus directly from, and we may make sales of such securities directly to, institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale of such securities.
The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in a prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us.
If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may sell the securities through agents from time to time. We generally expect that any agent will be acting on a “best efforts” basis for the period of its appointment.
If underwriters are used in any sale of any securities, the securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase any securities will be conditioned on customary closing conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of that series of securities, if any are purchased.
Underwriters, dealers, agents, and remarketing firms may at the time of any offering of securities be entitled under agreements entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers, agents, and remarketing firms may be required to make. Underwriters, dealers, agents, and remarketing agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services in the ordinary course of business for us and/or our affiliates.
Any underwriters to whom securities covered by this prospectus are sold by us for public offering and sale, if any, may make a market in the securities, but those underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.
22 |
ArentFox Schiff LLP, Washington, DC, will pass upon the validity of the securities offered by this prospectus for us. Legal matters will be passed upon for any underwriters, dealers or agents by counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 incorporated in this prospectus have been audited by MaloneBailey LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
23 |
_________ Shares
Pre-Funded Warrants to Purchase __________ Shares of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
Sole Book-Running Manager
Aegis Capital Corp.