Our Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the number of directors shall consist of one or more members and may be increased or decreased from time to time by a resolution of the Board. Each director’s term continues until the election and qualification of his or her successor, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Any increase or decrease in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the total number of directors. This classification of the Board may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control of our Company.
and corporate governance committees be independent. Under the rules of Nasdaq, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Compensation committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act.
We have undertaken a review of the independence of each director and considered whether each director has a material relationship with us that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. As a result of this review, we determined that Messrs. Cowan, ManlunasChen, Costello and Syllantavos and Mses. Marcus, Masters, and Mayor,Mewawalla representing sixthree of our eightfour directors, are considered “independent directors” as defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of Nasdaq. Ms. Mayor resigned as a Class II director effective October 26, 2023 which reduced the number of directors who qualify as independent to three.
We believe that the structure of our Board and Board committees provides strong overall management. The Chair of our Board and our Chief Executive Officer roles will beare separate. Mr. Knitowski will serveSnavely serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Masters will serveMr. Costello serves as Chair of our Board. This structure will enableenables each person to focus on different aspects of company leadership. Our Chief Executive Officer will beis responsible for setting the strategic direction of our company, the general management and operation of the business and the guidance and oversight of senior management. The Chair of our Board will monitormonitors the content, quality and timeliness of information sent to our Board and will beis available for consultation with our Board regarding the oversight of its business affairs. Our independent directors will bring experience, oversight and expertise from outside of Phunware, while Mr. Knitowski will bring company-specific experience and expertise. As one of the founders
Our Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that address items such as the qualifications and responsibilities of our directors and director candidates and corporate governance policies and standards applicable to us in general. In addition, our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive and senior financial officers. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on the Governance portion of the investor relations page of our website at https://investors.phunware.com. We will post amendments to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or waivers of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors and executive officers on the same website, that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or Nasdaq.Nasdaq on the same website.
The Board recognizes the importance of effective risk oversight in running a successful business and in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities to Phunware and its stockholders. While the executive team is responsible for the day-to-day management of risk, one of the Board’s key functions is informed oversight of the Company’s risk management process. The Board does not have a standing risk management committee, but rather administers this oversight function directly through the Board as a whole, as well as through various Board standing committees that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our Board is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure, including a determination of the nature and level of risk appropriate for the Company. Our Audit Committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken.
The Audit Committee also reviews with management when appropriate any significant regulatory and legal developments that may have a material impact on Phunware’s financial statements, compliance programs and policies. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee monitors the effectiveness of our corporate governance guidelines, including whether they are successful in preventing illegal or improper liability-creating conduct. Our Compensation
Committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking.
Both the Board as a whole and the various standing committees receive periodic reports from our management team that lead a variety of functions across the business, as well as input from external advisors, as appropriate. It is the responsibility of the committee chairs to report findings regarding material risk exposures to the Board as quickly as possible.
The Board has the authority to appoint committees to perform certain management and administrative functions. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each of which has the composition and responsibilities described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the Board.
Typically, our Compensation Committee meets quarterly and with greater frequency, if necessary. The agenda for each meeting will usually be developed by the ChairmanChairperson of the Compensation Committee, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present during voting or deliberations of the Compensation Committee regarding his compensation but may participate in the review or determination of the compensation of each of the other executive officers. The Compensation Committee meets regularly in executive session. However, from time to time, various members of management and other employees as well as outside advisors or consultants may be invited by the Compensation Committee to make presentations, to provide financial or other background information or advice or to otherwise participate in Compensation Committee meetings.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that candidates for director should have the highest personal values, integrity and ethics, along with certain minimum qualifications, including individuals who have exhibited achievements and excellence in one or more of the key professional, business, financial, legal or other fields that we may encounter. Furthermore, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also intends to consider such factors as possessing relevant expertise in the business environment in which we operate, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, willingness to devote sufficient time to Board duties, ability to serve on the Board for a sustained period and having the commitment to scrupulously represent the long-term interest of stockholders.
While the Board does not have a formal policy on diversity, the Nominating and Governance Committee endeavors to achieve an overall balance of diversity of experiences, skills, attributes and viewpoints among our directors. The Nominating
and Governance Committee believes that appointing directors with a diverse range of expertise, backgrounds and skill sets fosters robust and insightful discussion amongst directors and provides our management with an invaluable opportunity to learn from a variety of unique perspectives and experiences. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not discriminate based upon race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship or any other legally protected status.
In identifying potential director candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee solicits recommendations from existing directors and senior management to be considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee along with any recommendations that have been received from stockholders as discussed in more detail below. The Nominating and Governance Committee may also, in its discretion, retain, and pay fees to, a search firm to provide additional candidates.
For incumbent directors whose terms of office are set to expire, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews these directors’ overall service to the Company during their terms, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of performance and any other relationships and transactions that might impair the directors’ independence.
Any stockholder of the Company who desires to submit director nomination in next year’s proxy materials outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8 must make such submission in writing not earlier than MayAugust [__], 20212024 and not later than JuneSeptember [__], 20212024 to Phunware’s Secretary at 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 7875778701 and comply with the requirements in the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws and all applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act. However, if our 20212024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is held before November 4, 202120, 2024 or after February 2, 2022,18, 2025, then the deadline is not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day prior to such annual meeting, or (ii) the tenth day following the day on which Public Announcement (as defined in our Amended and Restated Bylaws) of the date of such annual meeting is first
made. You are also advised to review our Amended and Restated Bylaws, which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.
Any stockholder of the Company who desires to submit director nomination in next year’s proxy materials within the processes of Rule 14a-8 must make such submission in writing not later than AprilJune [__], 20212024 to Phunware’s Secretary at 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757.78701. Any such stockholder proposal must meet the requirements set forth in Rule 14a-8.
With respect to any director candidate nominated by a stockholder or group of stockholders, the following information must be provided to the Company with the written nomination:
The Company may require any proposed director candidate to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed candidate to serve as an independent director of the Board or that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such candidate. The Company suggests that any such proposal be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation for our directors, excluding reasonable travel expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2019.2022.
The following table sets forth the aggregate number of shares subject to outstanding equity awards held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2019.2022:
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| | Restricted Stock Unit Awards (RSUs) | | | | |
Name | | Grant Date | | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) (1) | | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Keith Cowan | | 12/5/2019 | | 56,099 | | 66,758 |
Eric Manlunas | | 12/5/2019 | | 112,199 | | 133,517 |
Lori Tauber Marcus | | 12/5/2019 | | 56,099 | | 66,758 |
Blythe Masters | | — | | — | | — |
Kathy Tan Mayor | | 12/5/2019 | | 56,099 | | 66,758 |
George Syllantavos | | 12/5/2019 | | 56,099 | | 66,758 |
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(1) | The Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") vest in four equal installments commencing on February 11, 2023, and quarterly thereafter until the final vesting date of November 11, 2023. Vesting is subject to the continued service on such vesting date. |
(2) | The RSUs vest ratably over one year at a rate of 1/4thin four equal installments commencing on eachJanuary 1, 2023, and quarterly thereafter until the final vesting date (March 4, 2020, June 4, 2020, September 4, 2020 and December 4, 2020) beginning on December 5, 2019, until the RSUs are totally vested,of October 1, 2023. Vesting is subject to the individuals' continued service on the Board on each such vesting date. |
Employee, Officer and Director Hedging
Our Insider Trading Policy and Guidelines with Respect to Certain Transactions in Securities applicable to all directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company prohibits such parties from engaging in transactions in publicly-traded options, such as puts and calls, and other derivative securities with respect to the Company’s securities. This prohibition extends to any hedging or similar transaction designed to decrease the risks associated with holding Company securities. Stock options, stock appreciation rights and other securities issued pursuant to Company benefit plans or other compensatory arrangements with the Company are also subject to this prohibition; provided, however, such parties are not prohibited from exercising any stock options issued under any of the Company’s benefit plans or other compensatory arrangements in accordance with the terms of such plans or arrangements.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Phunware’s named executive officers for 2019,("NEOs"), which consist of the person or persons who served as our principal executive officer during 2019("PEO") and the next two most highly compensated executive officers who served as executive officers in 2019, are as follows:during the year ended December 31, 2022, are:
Russel Buyse, Chief Executive Officer
Alan S. Knitowski, our Chief Executive Officer
Matt Aune, ourLull, Chief FinancialCryptocurrency Officer
Luan Dang, ourChris Olive, Chief TechnologyLegal Officer
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding the total compensation of our named executive officersNEOs for the yearyears ended December 31, 20192022 and December 31, 2018:2021:
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Name and Principal Position | | Fiscal Year | | Salary ($)(1) | | Bonus ($) | | Stock Awards ($)(2) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | | Total ($) | |
Alan S. Knitowski Chief Executive Officer | | 2019 | | 375,000 | | | 225,000 | | | 1,293,830 | | | 17,541 | | | 1,911,371 | | |
| | 2018 | | 310,000 | | | 186,000 | | | 90,540 | | | 14,040 | | | 600,580 | | |
Matt Aune Chief Financial Officer(4) | | 2019 | | 275,000 | | | 137,500 | | | 920,330 | | | 21,653 | | | 1,354,483 | | |
Luan Dang Chief Technology Officer | | 2019 | | 250,000 | | | 125,000 | | | 837,330 | | | 29,826 | | | 1,242,156 | | |
| | 2018 | | 200,000 | | | 100,000 | | | 53,539 | | | 31,659 | | | 385,198 | | |
Significant Employee | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Randall Crowder Chief Operating Officer(5) | | 2019 | | 300,000 | | | 150,000 | | | 546,830 | | | 6,025 | | | 1,002,855 | | |
| | 2018 | | 218,182 | | | 107,562 | | | 77,869 | | | 5,512 | | | 409,125 | | |
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Name and Principal Position | | Fiscal Year | | Salary ($)(1) | Bonus ($) | | Stock Awards ($)(2) | | All Other Compensation ($)(3) | | Total ($) |
Russell Buyse, Chief Executive Officer (4) | | 2022 | | 3,693 | | | 40,000 | | | — | | | — | | | 43,693 | |
Alan Knitowski, Chief Executive Officer (5) | | 2022 | | 550,000 | | | — | | | — | | | 25,693 | | | 575,693 | |
| | 2021 | | 375,000 | | | 450,000 | | | 1,613,570 | | | 20,384 | | | 2,458,954 | |
Matt Lull, Chief Cryptocurrency Officer (6) | | 2022 | | 212,500 | | | — | | | 615,000 | | | 10,088 | | | 837,588 | |
Chris Olive, Chief Legal Officer (7) | | 2022 | | 225,000 | | | 34,907 | | | 925,000 | | | 19,270 | | | 1,204,177 | |
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(1) | Reflects actual earnings, which may differ from approved based salaries due to the effective date of salary increases. |
(2) | This column reflectsAmounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of stock options or restricted stock units granted during 2019unit awards, computed in accordance with the provisions ofFASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.718-10-25. The assumptions that we used to calculate these amounts are discussed in the notes to Phunware’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019. These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value that will be realized by the named executive officer uponwith respect to stock awards will depend on whether the vestingaward vests and, if it vests, the market value of our stock on the restricteddate such stock units or the sale of the common stock underlying such restricted stock units. is sold. |
(3) | Amounts shown in this column include contributions Phunware made on behalf of the named executivesexecutive officer for inclusion in our medical benefits programs. |
(4) | (4)Mr. Buyse was hired as our CEO effective as of December 28, 2022. Mr. Buyse received additional compensation of $6,000 for service on our Board for the period from November 21, 2022 to December 27, 2022, which is excluded above. Subsequent to the date of his appointment as CEO, Mr. Buyse did not receive additional compensation as a member of our Board. See "Director Compensation" above. Mr. Buyse was further paid a sign-on bonus of $40,000, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. Mr. Buyse's employment with the Company terminated on October 25, 2023.
|
(5) | Mr. Aune was not a considered a named executive officer ofKnitowski's employment terminated with the Company for the year endedon December 31, 2018.27, 2022. |
(5) (6) | Mr. CrowderLull joined the Company as its Chief OperatingCryptocurrency Officer in February 2018.on April 18, 2022. His employment subsequently terminated with the Company effective May 30, 2023. |
(7) | Mr. Olive joined the Company as its Chief Legal Officer on April 1, 2022. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding stock options and other equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2019:2022:
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| | | | Options Awards | | | | | | | | Restricted Stock Unit Awards | | |
| | | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options | | | | Option Exercise Price | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) | | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Name | | Grant Date | | Exercisable | | Unexercisable | | | | | | | | |
Alan Knitowski | | 1/8/2018 | | 233,886 | | | — | | | 0.61 | | | 1/8/2028 | | — | | | — | |
| | 5/8/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 74,500 | | (1) | 88,655 | |
| | 7/30/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 450,000 | | (2) | 535,500 | |
Matt Aune | | 1/8/2018 | | 114,750 | | | — | | | 0.61 | | | 1/8/2028 | | — | | | — | |
| | 10/6/2015 | | 22,950 | | | — | | | 0.5229 | | | 10/6/2025 | | — | | | — | |
| | 9/10/2013 | | 22,950 | | | — | | | 1.3035 | | | 9/10/2023 | | — | | | — | |
| | 3/8/2013 | | 4,590 | | | — | | | 0.5532 | | | 3/8/2023 | | — | | | — | |
| | 5/8/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 74,500 | | (1) | 88,655 | |
| | 7/30/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 225,000 | | (2) | 267,750 | |
Luan Dang | | 1/8/2018 | | 90,158 | | | — | | | 0.61 | | | 1/8/2028 | | — | | | — | |
| | 5/8/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 74,500 | | (1) | 88,655 | |
| | 7/30/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 175,000 | | (2) | 208,250 | |
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Significant Employee | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Randall Crowder | | 2/14/2018 | | 229,500 | | | — | | | 0.61 | | | 2/14/2028 | | — | | | — | |
| | 5/8/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 74,500 | | (1) | 88,655 | |
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| | | | Options Awards | | Restricted Stock Unit Awards |
| | Grant Date | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options | | Option Exercise Price | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#) | | Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($) |
Name | | | Exercisable | | Unexercisable | | | | |
Alan Knitowski | | 1/8/2018 | | 233,886 | | | — | | | 0.61 | | | 1/8/2028 | | — | | | — | |
| | 7/30/2019 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 37,500 | | (1) | 28,988 | |
| | 2/4/2021 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 435,763 | | (1) | 336,845 | |
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Matt Lull | | 9/28/2022 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 500,000 | | (2) | 386,500 | |
Chris Olive | | 9/16/2022 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 500,000 | | (3) | 386,500 | |
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(1) | TheMr. Knitowski was granted 450,000 restricted stock units will vest in a series of six equal installments beginning on May 18, 2020, such that the restricted stock units will become fully vested on November 18, 2021, subject to the individuals' continued employment on each such vesting date. |
(2)
| July 30, 2019. The restricted stock units will vest at various rates with of 1/4th vesting on May 18, 2020, and thereafter at a rate of 1/12th on the following vesting dates; August 18 2020, November 18, 2020, May 18, 2021, August 18, 2021, November 18, 2021, May 18, 2022, August 18, 2022, November 18, 2022 and May 18, 2023, subject to the individuals'his continued employment with the Company on each such vesting date. Mr. Knitowski was also granted 747,023 restricted stock units on February 4, 2021. The restricted stock units vest at various rates with 1/4th vesting on May 9, 2022, and thereafter at a rate of 1/12th on the following vesting dates; August 8, 2022, November 8, 2022, May 8, 2022, August 8, 2022, November 8, 2022, May 8, 2023, August 8, 2023, November 8, 2023 and May 8, 2024, August 8, 2024, November 8, 2024, May 8, 2025, subject to his continued employment with the Company on each such vesting date. As of December 27, 2022, Mr. Knitowski had approximately 473,263 unvested restricted stock units under the aforementioned grants. As additional compensation under the terms of a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement, the Company modified the vesting schedule with respect to the unvested portion of restricted stock units, such that 39,438 restricted stock units will vest on each of the last day of each month from January 2023 through November 2023 and 39,445 restricted stock units will vest on December 31, 2023. |
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(2) | Mr. Lull was granted 500,000 restricted stock units on September 28, 2022. The restricted stock units vest at various rates with 135,417 restricted stock units vesting on May 8, 2023, 40,510 restricted stock units vesting on each of August 8, 2023 and November 8, 2023 and 40,509 restricted stock units vesting on each of May 8, 2024, August 8, 2024, November 8, 2024, May 8, 2025, August 8, 2025, November 8, 2025 and April 17, 2026, subject to his continued employment with the Company on each such vesting date. |
(3) | Mr. Olive was granted 500,000 restricted stock units on September 16, 2022. The restricted stock units vest at various rates with 135,417 restricted stock units vesting on May 8, 2023, 40,510 restricted stock units vesting on each of August 8, 2023 and November 8, 2023 and 40,509 restricted stock units vesting on each of May 8, 2024, August 8, 2024, November 8, 2024, May 8, 2025, August 8, 2025, November 8, 2025 and March 31, 2026, subject to his continued employment with the Company on each such vesting date. |
Executive Employment Agreements
Summary
We have entered into employment agreements with eachthe named executive officer and significant employeeofficers noted above.above, of which only Chris Olive remains currently employed by the Company. The employment agreements with our NEOs generally provide for at-will employment and set forth each named executive officer's or significant employee's initial base salary, discretionary performance bonus target, severance eligibility and eligibility for other standard
employee benefit plan participation. Each of these employment agreements also provided for certain potential payments and acceleration of equity upon a termination without cause or termination in connection with a change of control of the Company.
Severance
Pursuant to the employment agreements, certain current and future significant employees, including the named executive officers identified above, are eligible for severance benefits under certain circumstances.
The actual amounts that would be paid or distributed as a result of a termination of employment occurring in the future may be different than those presented below as many factors will affect the amount of any payments and benefits upon a termination of employment. For example, some of the factors that could affect the amounts payable include base salary and annual bonus target percentage. Although the Company has entered into a written agreement to provide severance payments and benefits in connection with a termination of employment under particular circumstances, the Company, or an acquirer, may mutually agree with an executive officer or significant employee to provide payments and benefits on terms that vary from those currently contemplated. In addition to the amounts presented below, each eligible executive officer or significant employee would also be able to exercise any previously-vested stock options that he or she held, in accordance with the terms of those grants and the respective plans pursuant to which they were granted. Finally, the eligible executive officer or significant employee may also receive any benefits accrued under our broad-based benefit plans, in accordance with those plans and policies.
Mr. Olive's Employment Agreement
We entered into an employment agreement, as amended and restated in September 2022, with Chris Olive, who serves as our Chief Legal Officer. The agreement has an initial term of four years from his April 2022 hire date and automatically renews for additional one year terms, unless either party provides ninety (90) day notice. If a change in control, as defined the agreements, occurs when there are fewer than twelve (12) months remaining during the initial term or an additional term, the term of the employment agreement will extend automatically through the date that is twelve (12) months following the effective date of the change in control.
The employment agreement provides for an initial base salary of $300,000, eligibility in the Company's bonus programs established by the Board or any committee of the Board, and eligibility to participate in our employee benefit programs. Under the terms of his employment agreements, if a participating individual is terminated byagreement the Company withoutprovided Mr. Olive a one-time grant of 500,000 restricted stock units on September 16, 2022. The restricted stock units granted to Mr. Olive are subject to a separate award agreement, which outlines the specifics of such grant, including but not limited to, the vesting schedule, forfeiture for cause or resignation for good reason (as defined inprovisions, the employment agreement) during the three months before or in the year after a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement),it would constitute a termination within the Change in Control Period.Company’s buyback rights and other restrictions and terms.
Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason Outside the Change in Control Period
Messrs. Aune and Crowder areMr. Olive is eligible to receive the following payments and benefits in connection with a termination not in connection with a Change in Control:
•annualcontinuing payments of severance pay at a rate equal to their base salary rate, as then in effect, for six (6) months from the date of termination in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies; andtermination;
•coverage under our group health insurance plans or payment of the full amount of health insurance premiums as provided under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”) for up to six (6) months after termination.
Messrs. Dangtermination; and Knitowski are eligible to receive the following payments and benefits in connection with a termination not in connection with a Change in Control:
•annual base salary for twelve (12) months from the date of termination in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll policies;
•the immediate vesting of all equity awards granted on or after the effective date of the employment agreement; and
•coverage under our group health insurance plans or payment of the full amount of health insurance premiums as provided under COBRA for up to twelve (12) months after termination.agreement.
Termination withoutWithout Cause or Resignation for Good Reason During the Change in Control Period
In the eventcase of a Change in Control, (as defined in the employment agreement), if Messrs. Aune or CrowderMr. Olive is terminated without cause, either during the three months before or in the year after a Change in Control, then he will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
•a lump sum severance payment equal to: (i) the amount of base salary in effect on the date of termination that he would have otherwise received had he remained employed by the Company through the twelve (12) month anniversary of the Change in Control, and (ii) an amount equal to the average annualized bonus earned by him for the two (2) calendar years prior to the calendar year during which the Change in Control occurs, but in no event will the
amount be less than his annual target bonus for the year during which the termination occurs, or if greater, his annual target bonus for the year during which the closing of the Change in Control occurs;
•the immediate vesting of all equity awards granted on or after the effective date of the employment agreement; and
•coverage under our group health insurance plans or payment of the full amount of health insurance premiums as provided under COBRA for up to twelve (12) months after termination.
In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement), if Mr. Dang is terminated without cause, either during the three months before or in the year after a Change in Control, then he will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
•a lump sum severance payment equal to: (i) the amount of base salary in effect on the date of termination that he would have otherwise received had he remained employed by the Company through the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Change in Control, and (ii) an amount equal to the average annualized bonus earned by him for the two (2) calendar years prior to the calendar year during which the Change in Control occurs, but in no event will the amount be less than his annual target bonus for the year during which the termination occurs, or if greater, his annual target bonus for the year during which the closing of the Change in Control occurs;
•the immediate vesting of all equity awards granted on or after the effective date of the employment agreement; and
•coverage under our group health insurance plans or payment of the full amount of health insurance premiums as provided under COBRA for up to eighteen (18) months after termination.
In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement), if Mr. Knitowski is terminated without cause, either during the three months before or in the year after a Change in Control, then he will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:
•a lump sum severance payment equal to: (i) the amount of base salary in effect on the date of termination that he would have otherwise received had he remained employed by the Company through the twenty-four (24) month anniversary of the Change in Control, but in no event will he be paid less than twelve (12) months base salary and (ii) an amount equal to the average annualized bonus earned by him for the two (2) calendar years prior to the calendar year during which the Change in Control occurs, but in no event will the amount be less than 50% of his base salary in effect on the date of termination;
•the immediate vesting of all equity awards granted on or after the effective date of the employment agreement; and
•coverage under our group health insurance plans or payment of the full amount of health insurance premiums as provided under COBRA for up to eighteen (18) months after termination.
Change in Control Vesting Acceleration
The employment agreements for Messrs. Dang and Knitowski provide a Change of Control accelerated vesting provision such that in the event of a Change in Control that occurs while an employee with the Company, 100% of any equity awards held as of the closing of the Change of Control will vest and become fully exercisable (to the extent possible) as of the closing of the Change of Control. With request to equity awards granted on or after the effective date of the employment agreement but granted prior to the closing of a Change of Control, the same vesting acceleration provision provided in the prior sentence will apply to such equity awards, expect to the extent provided in the applicable equity award agreement by explicit reference to the employment agreement.
Executive Bonus Plan
Each of our named executive officers participated in our Senior Staff Bonus Plan. The Senior Staff Bonus Plan provided for bonus payments to eligible employees. The target bonuses for each named executive officer and our significant employee under the Senior Staff Bonus Plan for the year ended December 31, 2019 are as follows: Mr. Knitowski: $225,000; Mr. Aune: $137,500; Mr. Dang: $125,000; and Mr. Crowder: $150,000.
EquityPay Versus Performance
In accordance with disclosure requirements of the SEC regarding pay versus performance, this section presents the SEC-defined "Compensation Actually Paid." Compensation Plan Information
decisions made by our Compensation Committee and Board are made independently of disclosure requirements. Compensation Actually Paid should be viewed is a supplemental measure, not a replacement, of other performance measures as it relates to our compensation-setting strategy.
The following table sets forth with respect to shares ofinformation regarding our pay versus performance analysis for the Company's common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans by plan category as ofyears ended December 31, 2019. Each of these plans has been approved by the Company's stockholders. The Company does not maintain any equity incentive plans that have not been approved by stockholders.2022 and 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Plan Category(1) | | Number of securities issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and vesting of restricted stock unit awards | | Weighted average exercise price ($)(2) | | Number of securities available for future issuances |
2009 Equity Incentive Plan(3) | | 1,465,450 | | | 0.80 | | | — | |
2018 Equity Incentive Plan(4) | | 2,436,968 | | | 3.15 | | | 205,206 | |
2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(5) | | — | | | — | | | 272,942 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO | | | | | | | | |
Year | | Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO | | Alan Knitowski | | Russell Buyse | | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs | | Average Compensation Actually Paid of Non-PEO NEOs | | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On Total Shareholder Return | | Net Loss (in thousands) |
2022(1) | | $ | 619,387 | | | $ | (1,090,078) | | | $ | 43,693 | | | $ | 1,020,883 | | | $ | 637,383 | | | $ | 29 | | | $ | (50,894) | |
2021(2) | | $ | 2,458,954 | | | $ | 3,015,554 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,285,071 | | | $ | 1,680,277 | | | $ | 209 | | | $ | (53,522) | |
| | | | | |
(1) | Our equity compensation plans are more fully described in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020.PEOs during 2022 were Alan Knitowski and Russell Buyse. Our PEO during 2021 was Alan Knitowski |
(2) | The weighted-average exercise price of stock option awards outstanding under the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) as of December 31, 2019. Restricted stock units are granted at no cost to employeesOur non-PEO NEOs for 2022 were Matt Lull and Directors. |
(3)
| Effective with the adoption of the 2018 Plan, no additional grants will be made under the 2009 Plan. |
(4)
| As of December 31, 2019, 3,245,922 awards have been granted under the 2018 Plan. The shares of common stock reservedChris Olive. Our non-PEO NEOs for issuance under the 2018 Plan also include any shares of common stock subject to stock options, restricted stock units or similar awards granted under the 2009 Plan that expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full2021 were Matt Aune and shares of common stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2009 Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by us, with the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be added to the 2018 Plan pursuant to the foregoing equal to 1,471,669, as of December 31, 2019, which is not included in the figure above. |
(5)
| As of December 31, 2019, the Company had not consummated an enrollment or offering period related to the 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.Randall Crowder. |
The following table provides a reconciliation of total compensation per our Summary Compensation Table to Compensation Actually Paid as disclosed above:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | PEO | | Average Non-PEO NEO |
| | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
Summary compensation table total | | $ | 619,387 | | | $ | 2,458,954 | | | $ | 1,020,883 | | | $ | 1,285,071 | |
Less: | | | | | | | | |
Stock awards reported in summary compensation table | | — | | | (1,613,570) | | | (770,000) | | | (694,761) | |
Further adjusted for: | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of awards as of December 31 granted in current year, outstanding and unvested | | — | | | 1,964,670 | | | 386,500 | | | 845,936 | |
Change in fair value of awards granted in prior fiscal year, outstanding and unvested | | (878,849) | | | 51,375 | | | — | | | 98,469 | |
Fair value of awards, granted and vested in same year | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Change in fair value of awards granted in prior years, but vested in current year | | (786,922) | | | 154,125 | | | — | | | 145,563 | |
Compensation Actually Paid | | $ | (1,046,384) | | | $ | 3,015,554 | | | $ | 637,383 | | | $ | 1,680,277 | |
The following graph reflects the relationship among the compensation actually paid to our PEO(s), the average compensation paid to our non-PEO NEOs and the Company's cumulative total shareholder return (assuming an initial fixed investment of $100 on December 31, 2020) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
The following graph reflects the relationship among the compensation actually paid to our PEO(s), the average compensation paid to our non-PEO NEOs and the Company's net income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 30, 2020,October 1, 2023, for:
•each stockholder known to us to be beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
•each of our directors currently serving on our Board and director nominees;
•each of our named executive officers;officers currently employed; and
•all of our current directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable.
Applicable percentage ownership is based on 45,452,422129,108,635 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2020.October 1, 2023 for our named executive officers currently employed and our directors currently serving our our Board. In computing the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we included outstanding shares of our common stock subject to options or restricted stock units held by that person that are currently exercisable or releasable or that will become exercisable or releasable within 60 days of September 30, 2020.October 1, 2023. We did not include these shares as outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner listed on the table below is c/o Phunware, Inc., 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757.78701.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Shares(1) | | Percentage |
Magellan Investments Corp.(2) | | 1,407,436 | | | 3.1% |
Named Executive Officers and Directors: | | | | |
Alan S. Knitowski(3) | | 1,249,844 | | | 2.7% |
Luan Dang(4) | | 1,128,855 | | | 2.5% |
Matt Aune(5) | | 334,019 | | | 0.7% |
Randall Crowder(6) | | 315,777 | | | 0.7% |
Keith Cowan(7) | | 115,401 | | | 0.3% |
Eric Manlunas(8) | | 1,323,247 | | | 2.9% |
Lori Tauber Marcus(9) | | 113,809 | | | 0.3% |
Blythe Masters(10) | | 117,419 | | | 0.3% |
Kathy Tan Mayor(11) | | 109,568 | | | 0.2% |
George Syllantavos(12) | | 1,471,498 | | | 3.2% |
All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons)(13) | | 6,279,437 | | | 13.6% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name of Beneficial Owner | | Shares(1) | | Percentage |
Named Executive Officers and Directors: | | | | |
| | | | |
Stephen Chen(2) | | 104,742 | | | 0.1% |
Ryan Costello(3) | | 188,776 | | | 0.1% |
Randall Crowder(4) | | 826,078 | | | 0.6% |
Rahul Mewawalla(5) | | 228,776 | | | 0.2% |
Chris Olive(6) | | 198,063 | | | 0.2% |
| | | | |
All executive officers and directors as a group (5 persons)(7) | | 1,546,435 | | | 1.2% |
| | | | | |
(1) | The percentage of beneficial ownership is calculated based on 45,452,422129,108,635 shares of our common stock as of September 30, 2020,October 1, 2023, adjusted for each owner’s options or restricted stock units held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020,October 1, 2023, if any. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares beneficially owned by them. |
(2) | Mr. Syllantavos is the sole shareholder of Magellan Investments Corp. As a result, Mr. Syllantavos may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of any shares deemed to be beneficially owned by Magellan Investments Inc. The address for these entities is 90 Kifissias Avenue, Maroussi 15125, Athens, Greece. |
(3)
| Consists of (i) 380,27878,557 shares held of record by Mr. Knitowski;Chen; (ii) 539,867 shares held of record by Cane Capital, LLC, for which Mr. Knitowski serves as president; (iii) 12,000 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 1), for which Mr. Knitowski serves as co-president; (iv) 20,000 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 2), for which Mr. Knitowski serves as co-president; (v) 11,750 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 3), for which Mr. Knitowski serves as co-president; (vi) 1,972 shares held of record by Knitowski Childrens Trust, for which Mr. Knitowski serves as president; (vii) 233,88678,557 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020, of which 221,644 had vested as of such date; and (viii) 62,333vested; and (iii) 26,185 shares subject to vesting for restricted stock units within 60 days of September 30, 2020.October 1, 2023. |
(3) | Consists of 188,776 shares held directly by Mr. Costello. |
(4) | Consists of (i) 962,703 shares held of record by Mr. Dang; (ii) 12,000 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 1), for which Mr. Dang serves as co-president; (iii) 20,000 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 2), for which Mr. Dang serves as co-president; (iv) 11,750 shares held of record by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund I, LLC (Fund 3), for which Mr. Dang serves as co-president; (v) 90,158 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020, of which 82,985 had vested as of such date; and (vi) 39,417 shares subject to vesting for restricted stock units within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(5)
| Consists of (i) 129,978 shares held of record by Mr. Aune; (ii) 165,240 shares subject to option exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020, of which 160,458 had vested as of such date; and (iii) 43,583 shares subject to vesting for restricted stock units within 60 days of September 30, 2020. |
(6)
| Consists of (i) 133,164553,914 shares held of record by Mr. Crowder; (ii) 229,500 shares subject to option exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020,October 1, 2023, of which 157,780229,500 had vested as of such date; and (iii) 24,83342,664 shares subject to vesting for restricted stock units within 60 days of September 30, 2020.October 1, 2023. |
(7) (5) | Consists of (i) 115,401228,776 shares held directly by Mr. Cowan.Mewawalla. |
(8) (6) | Consists of (i) 90,521 shares held directly by Mr. Manlunas; (ii) 555,007157,553 shares held of record by Wavemaker Partners II LP (f/k/a Siemer Ventures II LP),Mr. Olive and (ii) 40,510 shares subject to vesting for which Mr. Manlunas serves as managing partner; (iii) 329,037 shares heldrestricted stock units within 60 days of record by Kmeleon International Limited, for which Mr. Manlunas serves as managing partner; (iv) 184,296 shares held of record by Wavemaker Phunware Partners LP, for which Mr. Manlunas serves as managing partner; and (v) 164,386 shares held of record by Wavemaker Partners III LP, for which Mr. Manlunas serves as managing partner. The address for these entities is 1438 Ninth Street, Suite 600, Santa Monica, CA 90401.October 1, 2023. |
(9)
| Consists of 113,809 shares held directly by Ms. Marcus. |
(10)
| Consists of 117,419 shares held directly by Ms. Masters. |
(11)
| Consists of 109,568 shares held directly by Ms. Mayor. |
(12) (7) | Consists of (i) 64,062 shares held directly by Mr. Syllantavos; and (ii) 1,407,436 shares held of record by Magellan Investments Corp., for which Mr. Syllantavos is the sole shareholder. |
(13)
| Consists of (i) 5,486,4041,546,435 shares held of record by our current directors and executive officers, (ii) 718,784109,359 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 2020,October 1, 2023, of which 622,867229,500 had vested as of such date, and (iii) 170,166109,359 shares subject to vesting for restricted stock units within 60 days of September 30, 2020.October 1, 2023. |
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s common stock (collectively, “Reporting Persons”) to file with the SEC reports regarding their ownership and changes in our ownership of our securities. We believe that, during 2019,2022, our directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except for (i)late Form 3 filings by each of Chris Olive and Matt Lull on April 22, 2022 and May 6, 2022, respectively, and a late Form 4 filing by each of Matt Aune, Luan Dang, Alan S. Knitowski, George Syllantavos and Prokopios (Akis) Tsirigakis, all dated March 25, 2019, to report the exercise of warrants; (ii) a late Form 4 filing for Randall Crowder dated March 25, 2019 to report the transfer to shares and warrants and to report the exercise of warrants by the reporting person; (iii) a late Form 4 filing by each of Matt Aune, Keith Cowan, Randall Crowder, Lori Tauber Marcus and Kathy Mayor, all dated May 24, 2019, to report the a grant of restricted stock equity awards; (iv) a late Form 4 filing by each of Luan Dang and Alan Knitowski, both dated May 24, 2019,Eric Manlunas on December 16, 2022 to report a grantsale of restrictedour common stock, equity awards and the transfer of certain holdings of the reporting persons; (v) a late Form 4 filing by each of Keith Cowan, Kathy Mayor and Lori Tauber Marcus, all dated November 29, 2019, to report the vesting of previously granted and reported restricted stock equity awards; and (vi) a late Form 4 filing for Eric Manlunas, datedwhich occurred on December 12, 2019, to report a grant of restricted stock equity awards.8, 2021.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS AND INDEMNIFICATION
Policy for Related Person Transactions
We have adopted a formal written policy providing that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as directors, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our capital stock, any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest, are not permitted to enter into a related party transaction with us without the approval of our Audit Committee, subject to the exceptions described below.
A related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we and any related person are, were or will be participants in which the amount involves exceeds $120,000. Transactions involving compensation for services provided the Company as an employee or director are not covered by this policy.
The Board has determined that certain transactions will not require the approval of the Audit Committee, including certain employment arrangements of executive officers, director compensation, transactions with another company at which a related party’s only relationship is as a director, non-executive employee or beneficial owner of less than 10% of that company’s outstanding capital stock, and transactions where a related party’s interest arises solely from the ownership of our common stock and all holders of our common stock received the same benefit on a pro rata basis and transactions available to all employees generally.
Related Person Transactions
The following sets forthis a summary of related party transactions since January 1, 2019.2021.
Transfer Sponsor Warrant Notes. Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Russell Buyse.As consideration for certain warrants transferred to Phunware stockholders, On October 25, 2023, the Company entered into a promissory note (the “Transfer Sponsor Warrant Note”) was issued to entities in which Messrs. SyllantavosConfidential Transition, Consulting and Tsirigakis have interests.General Release Agreement with Russell Buyse. The amounttransition agreement provides that Mr. Buyse's employment as chief executive officer terminated effective the same date. Furthermore, effective on October 26, 2023, Mr. Buyse freely and voluntarily resigned his position as a director of the note was approximately $1,993,000,Board. The Company and Mr. Buyse agreed that from the period of October 26, 2023 and continuing through November 10, 2023, Mr. Buyse will serve as a consultant to the Company. The Company and Mr. Buyse both agreed to a mutual general release, which represented $0.50 per warrant transferredexcludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Buyse also agreed to former stockholderscertain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a consultant during the period noted above, Mr. Buyse will receive aggregate gross compensation of Phunware. The Transfer Sponsor Warrant Note bore no interest. The Transfer Sponsor Warrants have an exercise price$40,000, less applicable withholdings, payable in four (4) bi-monthly installments of $11.50 per share. The Transfer Sponsor Warrant Note was to mature$10,000, beginning October 31, 2023 and concluding on December 26, 2019.15, 2023. The Transfer Sponsor Warrant NoteCompany will also reimburse Mr. Buyse for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through March 31, 2024.
During the course of his employment with the Company, Mr. Buyse was waivedawarded a grant of restricted stock units. As of the October 25, 2023, Mr. Buyse had approximately 1,470,588 unvested restricted stock units pursuant to the grant with original vesting commencing on December 28, 2023 and forgiven byconcluding on December 28, 2025. As additional compensation under the noteholderstransition agreement, the Company modified the vesting schedule with respect to the unvested portion of Mr. Buyse's restricted stock unit award, such that 500,000 restricted stock units vested on January 15, 2019.October 25, 2023 and 500,000 restricted stock units will vest of November 30, 2023.
Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Matt Aune. On June 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Matt Aune. The separation agreement with Mr. Aune provided that he would cease as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer as of June 2, 2023 and his
employment terminated with the Company effective June 30, 2023. The Company and Mr. Aune agreed that from the period of the July 1, 2023 and continuing through December 31, 2023, Mr. Aune will provide certain additional transitional services to the Company.
In exchange for Mr. Aune's performance of obligations to the Company under the terms of the separation agreement, including a general release of claims which excludes certain specified types of claims, Mr. Aune will receive severance consisting of (i) six months of his continued base salary (in the aggregate amount of $175,000), commencing on July 1, 2023 and continuing through December 31, 2023, in bi-monthly installments and in accordance with the Company’s general payroll policies, less applicable taxes and withholdings, (ii) the Company will pay continuation coverage under the Company’s group health plan in accordance with COBRA for Mr. Aune, his spouse and his dependents, through the earlier of (x) the date on which he commences full-time employment with another entity and (y) December 31, 2023, and (iii) accelerated vesting of 132,330 restricted stock units, which vested on June 30, 2023.
In exchange for Mr. Aune’s continued service as an advisor through December 31, 2023, Mr. Aune will remain eligible to vest in his remaining restricted stock unit grant and, if Mr. Aune enters into an additional release of claims with the Company, in December 2023, Mr. Aune will receive accelerated vesting of any then-remaining unvested restricted stock units on December 31, 2023.
Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Matt Lull. On May 30, 2023, the Company entered into a Confidential Separation and General Release Agreement with Mall Lull. The separation agreement provides that Mr. Lull's employment with the Company terminated effective May 29, 2023. The Company and Mr. Lull agreed that from the period of May 29, 2023 and continuing through August 31, 2023, Mr. Lull will serve as a special advisor to the Company. The Company and Mr. Lull both agreed to a mutual general release, which excludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Lull also agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a special advisor, Mr. Lull received aggregate gross cash compensation of $105,000, less applicable withholdings, of which $50,000 was paid on June 15, 2023, $12,500 was paid on each of July 15, 2023 and August 15, 2023 and $7,500 is payable in monthly installments beginning on September 15, 2023 and concluding on December 15, 2023. The Company will also reimburse Mr. Lull for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through December 31, 2023. As additional compensation under the separation agreement, the Company accelerated the vesting of 218,750 restricted stock units, which vested on June 1, 2023, and 145,833 unvested restricted stock units, terminated in accordance with the Company's 2018 Equity Incentive Plan.
Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Alan Knitowski. On December 13, 2022, the Company entered into a Confidential Transition, Consulting and General Release Agreement with Alan Knitowski. The transition agreement provides that Mr. Knitowski's employment terminated effective on the December 27, 2022. Furthermore, effective on December 27, 2022, Mr. Knitowski freely and voluntarily resigned his position as a director of the Board. The Company and Mr. Knitowski agreed that from the period of December 27, 2022 and continuing through December 31, 2023, Mr. Knitowski will serve as a special advisor to the Company. The Company and Mr. Knitowski both agreed to a mutual general release, which excludes certain specified types of claims. Mr. Knitowski also agreed to certain restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions.
As compensation for his service as a special advisor during the period noted above, Mr. Knitowski will receive aggregate gross compensation of $225,000, less applicable withholdings, payable in twelve (12) monthly installments of $18,750, beginning January 31, 2023. The monthly installment payment may be made in the form of cash, Bitcoin or the issuance of common stock of the Company, in the Company's sole discretion. The Company will also reimburse Mr. Knitowski for continuation coverage under the Company's group health plan in accordance with COBRA through December 31, 2023.
During the course of his employment with the Company, Mr. Knitowski was awarded a certain number of grants of restricted stock units. As of the December 27, 2022, Mr. Knitowski had approximately 473,263 unvested restricted stock units, under multiple awards, each of which contained various vesting share amounts on various dates, with the last vesting period
scheduled to occur in May 2025. As additional compensation under the transition agreement, the Company modified the vesting schedule with respect to the unvested portion of Mr. Knitowski's restricted stock units, such that 39,438 restricted stock units will vest on each of the last day of each month from January 2023 through November 2023 and 39,445 restricted stock units will vest on December 31, 2023.
Assumed Payables.The Company assumed approximately $255,000 in payables from Stellar Acquisition III, Inc. for Nautilus Energy Management Corporation, an affiliate of Messrs.Mr. Syllantavos, and Tsirigakis.who served as a member of our board until December 2, 2021. On December 29, 2021, we paid $170,917 in full satisfaction of the outstanding payable.
PhunwarePromissory Notes. On November 15, 2019, the Company issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $195,000, in exchange for cash consideration, to Cane Capital, LLC, an entity owned in part by Alan S. Knitowski, who at the time of issuance served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of its board of directors.
Related Party Bridge Loans. In On October 27, 2021, we paid the first quarter of 2020, various related parties loaned the Company $560,000. The Related Party Bridge Loans ("RPBLs") have an interest of 10% per annum and will mature on November 14, 2024. Payments on or payoff of the RPBLs may be made earlynote in full with no early payment penalty. The RPBLs were made in the following amounts by the following related parties: (i) $204,000 by Cane Capital, LLC, an entity owned in part by Alan S. Knitowski, our Chief Executive Officer; (ii) $151,000 by Curo Capital Appreciation Fund, LLC, an entity in which Alan S. Knitowski, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Luan Dang, our Chief Technology Officer, serve as co-presidents; (iii) $155,000 by various individuals associated by familiar relationship with Alan S. Knitowski, our Chief Executive Officer; and (iv) $50,000 by Luan Dang, the Company's Chief Technology Officer.
Investors’ Rights Agreement
At December 31, 2019, Phunware was party to an investors’ rights agreement that provides, among other things, that holders of Phunware’s preferred stock, including stockholders affiliated with some of its directors, have the right to demand that Phunware file a registration statement or request that their shares be covered by a registration statement that it is otherwise filing. Subsequent to this date, the holders redeemed their preferred stock for cash.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification Matters
As permitted under Delaware law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify our employees and other agents, to the fullest extent not prohibited under Delaware or applicable law. The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with the Board, officers and certain employees. These agreements provide for the indemnification of our directors, officers and some employees for certain expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or hearing, inquiry or investigation that may lead to the foregoing, to which they are a party, or are threatened to be made a party, by reason of the fact that they are or were a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of our Company, or any of our subsidiaries, by reason of any action or inaction by them while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary, or by reason of the fact that they were serving at our request as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another entity. In the case of an action or proceeding by or in the right of our Company or any of our subsidiaries, no indemnification will be provided for any claim where a court determines that the indemnified party is prohibited from receiving indemnification. We believe that these charter and bylaw provisions and indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
TheOur Board is divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. Currently, there are two directorsis one director in Class II, Lori Tauber Marcus and Kathy Tan Mayor,Ryan Costello, whose terms expireterm expires at this Annual Meeting. Accordingly, at this Annual Meeting,Mr. Costello is the Company’s stockholders will elect two Class II directors.
Thenominee for election to our Board is nominating the current Class II directors, Mses. Marcus and Mayor, for reelection at the Annual Meeting.
Directors will beare elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares of our common stock present at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Proxies cannot be voted for more than one person.three persons. If elected, Mses. Marcus and MayorMr. Costello will serve until the 20232026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until theirhis successor has been elected and qualified, or until theirhis earlier death, resignation, or removal. In the event that the nomineesnominee for any reason areis unable to serve, or for good cause will not serve, the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee as the Board may determine. Each of the nomineesThe nominee has agreed to be named in this proxy statement and to serve as a director if elected.
A director elected by the Board to fill a vacancy, including vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors, shall serve for the remainder of the full term and until the director’s successor is duly elected and qualified. Unless otherwise provided by law, any vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy created by an increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled by the stockholders, by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
The relevant experiences,experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of Mses. Marcus and MayorMr. Costello that led the Board to recommend the above personshim as nomineesa nominee for director are described in the section entitled “Executive Officers, Directors and Corporate Governance.”
The Board recommends a vote FOR the election of the named nominees.nominee.
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected Marcum LLP to be our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020,2023, and recommends that the stockholders vote for ratification of such appointment. Marcum LLP has been engaged as our independent registered public accounting firm since 2017. The ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 20202023 will be determined by the voteholders of a majority of the voting power of the shares present or represented at the Annual Meeting or represented by proxy and voting affirmatively or negativelyentitled to vote on the proposal.matter. If you "Abstain" from voting, it will have the same effect as an "Against" vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval. In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its appointment. We expect representatives of Marcum LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth aggregate fees billed to the Company for professional services by our independent registered public accounting firm, Marcum LLP for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20192022 and 2018 (in thousands).2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | 2018 |
Audit Fees(1) | | $ | 334 | | | $ | 466 | |
Audit-related Fees(2) | | — | | | — | |
Tax Fees(3) | | — | | | — | |
All Other Fees(4) | | — | | | — | |
Total Fees | | $ | 334 | | | $ | 466 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
Audit Fees(1) | | $ | 338,815 | | | $ | 246,219 | |
Audit-related Fees(2) | | 102,485 | | | 98,365 | |
Tax Fees(3) | | — | | | — | |
All Other Fees(4) | | — | | | — | |
Total Fees | | $ | 441,300 | | | $ | 344,584 | |
| | | | | |
(1) | “Audit Fees” consist of fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements, including audited financial statements presented in our annual report on Form 10-K, review of our quarterly financial statements presented in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q and services that are normally provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years, including audit services in connection with filing registration statements, and amendments thereto. |
(2) | “Audit-related Fees” consist of fees related to audit and assurance procedures not otherwise included in Audit Fees, including fees related to the application of GAAP to proposed transactions and new accounting pronouncements. |
(3) | “Tax Fees” consist of tax return preparation, international and domestic tax studies, consulting and planning. |
(4) | “All Other Fees” consist of fees other than those relating to audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval
The Audit Committee's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company's independent registered accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services, and other services. The Audit Committee generally pre-approves particular services or categories of services on a case-by-case basis. Our independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with these pre-approvals, and the fees for the services performed to date.
All of the services described above were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the independent registered accounting firm of the Company for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2020.
2023.
PREPROPOSALPROPOSAL 3
ALTOAPPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT AMENDMENT
Description of the Proposed Reverse Stock Split
Our Board has approved, and is recommending that our stockholders approve, a proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, to effect a reverse split of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock at a ratio of between 1-for-10 and 1-for-50, which ratio will be selected by our Board of Directors at their sole discretion and set forth in a public announcement (the “Reverse Stock Split”). The form of proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement (“Reverse Stock Split Amendment”). The text of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment is subject to revision to include such changes as may be required by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and as our Board of Directors deems necessary or advisable to effect the proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation.
The Reverse Stock Split will be realized simultaneously for all outstanding common stock. The Reverse Stock Split will affect all holders of common stock uniformly and no stockholder’s interest in the Company will be diluted as each stockholder will hold the same percentage of common stock outstanding immediately following the Reverse Stock Split as that stockholder held immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split, except for immaterial adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below. The Reverse Stock Split Amendment will not reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock (which will remain at 1,000,000,000) and will not change the par value of our common stock (which will remain at $0.0001 per share).
By approving this Proposal, stockholders will approve the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to which any whole number of outstanding shares, between and including 10 and 50, would be combined into one share of common stock and authorize our Board of Directors to file the Reverse Stock Split Amendment, as determined by our Board of Directors in the manner described herein. If approved, our Board may also elect not to effect any Reverse Stock Split and consequently not file any certificate of amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation.
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
Nasdaq Continued Listing Requirements
On April 13, 2023, we received written notice (the “Notice”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the previous 30 consecutive business days, the bid price for our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share minimum bid price requirement for continued inclusion on the Nasdaq Capital Market pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Notice had no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock, which continues to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PHUN”.
In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we were granted a period of 180 calendar days, or until October 10, 2023, to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days.
We did not regain compliance by October 10, 2023. On October 10, 2023, we requested an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. On October 12, 2023, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq advising that the Company had been granted a 180-day extension to April 8, 2024, to regain compliance with the Bid Price Requirement, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A). If we do not qualify for, or fail to regain, compliance during the second compliance period, then Nasdaq will notify us of its determination to delist our common stock, at which point the Company may appeal Nasdaq’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Hearings Panel.
Our Board of Directors has considered the potential harm of a delisting of our common stock and has determined that, if our common stock continues to trade below $1.00 per share, the consummation of the Reverse Stock Split is the best way to maintain liquidity by achieving compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement.
Increase Marketability of Existing Shares
Our Board of Directors also believes that the current low per share market price of our common stock has a negative effect on the marketability of our existing shares. Our Board of Directors believes there are several reasons for this effect. First, certain institutional investors have internal policies preventing the purchase of low-priced stocks. Second, a variety of policies and practices of broker-dealers discourage individual brokers within those firms from dealing in low-priced stocks. Third, because the brokers’ commissions on low-priced stocks generally represent a higher percentage of the stock price than commissions on higher priced stocks, the current share price of the common stock can result in individual stockholders paying transaction costs (commissions, markups or markdowns) that are a higher percentage of their total share value than would be the case if the share price of our common stock were substantially higher. This factor is also believed to limit the willingness of some institutions to purchase our common stock. Our Board of Directors anticipates that a Reverse Stock Split will result in a higher bid price for our common stock, which may help to alleviate some of these problems.
If the Reverse Stock Split Amendment is effected, it would cause a decrease in the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding and increase the market price of our common stock, as well as effectively increase the number of authorized and unissued shares of our common stock available for future issuance. The Board of Directors intends to effect the Reverse Stock Split only if it believes that a decrease in the number of shares outstanding is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders and is likely to improve the trading price of our common stock and improve the likelihood that we will be able to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq Capital Market. Accordingly, our Board of Directors approved the Reverse Stock Split Amendment and recommended it be submitted to stockholders for approval. We believe that maintaining listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market will provide us with a market for the common stock that is more accessible than if the common stock were traded on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the “pink sheets” maintained by the OTC Markets Group, Inc. Such alternative markets are generally considered to be less efficient than, and not as broad as, the Nasdaq Stock Market. Among other factors, trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market increases liquidity and may potentially minimize the spread between the “bid” and “asked” prices quoted by Market Makers (as defined in Nasdaq Rule 5005). We believe that prospective investors will view an investment in our Company more favorably if our shares qualify for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market as compared with the OTC markets.
Criteria to be Used for Decision to Apply the Reverse Stock Split
If our stockholders approve the Reverse Stock Split Amendment, our Board of Directors will be authorized to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split. The exact ratio of the Reverse Stock Split, within the 1-for-10 to 1-for-50 range, would be determined by our Board of Directors and publicly announced by us prior to the effective time of the Reverse Stock Split. In determining whether to proceed with the Reverse Stock Split and setting the appropriate ratio for the Reverse Stock Split, our Board of Directors will consider, among other things, factors such as:
| | | | | |
• | the Company’s compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing rules; |
• | the number of shares of our common stock that would be outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split; |
• | the then-prevailing and expected trading prices and trading volume of our common stock and the anticipated impact of the Reverse Stock Split on the trading market for our common stock; |
• | the development and performance of our business; and |
• | prevailing general market and economic conditions. |
Certain Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split
The Reverse Stock Split may not increase the price of our common stock over the long-term.
As noted above, a principal purpose of the Reverse Stock Split is to increase the trading price of our common stock to enhance our ability to satisfy Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements. However, the effect of the Reverse Stock Split on the market price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any certainty, and we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split will accomplish this objective for any meaningful period of time, or at all. While we expect that the reduction in the number of outstanding shares of common stock will proportionally increase the market price of our common stock, we cannot assure you that the Reverse Stock Split will increase the market price of our common stock by a multiple of the Reverse Stock Split ratio, or result in any permanent or sustained increase in the market price of our common stock. The market price of our common stock may be affected by other factors which may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding, including the Company’s business and financial performance, general market conditions, and prospects for future growth.
The Reverse Stock Split may decrease the liquidity of our common stock.
Our Board of Directors believes that the Reverse Stock Split may result in an increase in the market price of our common stock, which could lead to increased interest in our common stock and possibly promote greater liquidity for our stockholders. However, the Reverse Stock Split will also reduce the total number of outstanding shares of common stock, which may lead to reduced trading and a smaller number of market makers for our common stock.
The Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” that may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per share to sell. If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented, it will increase the number of stockholders who own “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of common stock. A purchase or sale of less than 100 shares of common stock (an “odd lot” transaction) may result in incrementally higher trading costs through certain brokers, particularly “full service” brokers. Therefore, those stockholders who own fewer than 100 shares of common stock following the Reverse Stock Split may be required to pay higher transaction costs if they sell their common stock.
The Reverse Stock Split may lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization.
The Reverse Stock Split may be viewed negatively by the market and, consequently, could lead to a decrease in our overall market capitalization. If the per share market price of our common stock does not increase in proportion to the Reverse Stock Split ratio, or following such increase does not maintain or exceed such price, then the value of our Company, as measured by our market capitalization, will be reduced. Additionally, any reduction in our market capitalization may be magnified as a result of the smaller number of total shares of common stock outstanding following the Reverse Stock Split.
Effective Time
The effective time of the Reverse Stock Split (the “Effective Time”), if approved by stockholders and implemented by the Company, will be the date and time set forth in the Certificate of Amendment that is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State. The exact timing of the filing of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment (if in fact it is filed) will be determined by our Board based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to the Company and our stockholders taking into consideration the factors noted above, among other matters that may be relevant at the time.
If, at any time prior to the filing of the Certificate of Amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State, notwithstanding stockholder approval, and without further action by the stockholders, our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines that it is in the Company’s best interests and the best interests of our stockholders to delay the filing of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment or abandon the Reverse Stock Split, the Reverse Stock Split may be delayed or abandoned.
Fractional Shares
Our stockholders will not receive fractional post-Reverse Stock Split shares in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, if, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, any holder would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of common stock, the Company intends to issue such holder an additional fractional share of common stock such that, when combined with the fractional share otherwise issuable to such holder as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, equals a whole share of common stock, such that no fractional shares result from the Reverse Stock Split. This has the same practical effect as rounding up the fractional share to the nearest whole share.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split on our Equity
General
If the Reverse Stock Split is implemented by our Board of Directors, after the Effective Time, each stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of common stock. The principal effect of the Reverse Stock Split will be to proportionately decrease the number of outstanding shares of our common stock based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by our Board of Directors.
Voting rights and other rights of the holders of our common stock will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split, other than as a result of the treatment of fractional shares as described above. For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Reverse Stock Split will generally continue to hold 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock after the Reverse Stock Split. The number of stockholders of record will not be affected by the Reverse Stock Split. If approved and implemented, the Reverse Stock Split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of our common stock. Odd lot shares may be more difficult to sell, and brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots are generally somewhat higher than the costs of transactions in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares. Our Board believes, however, that these potential effects are outweighed by the benefits of the Reverse Stock Split.
The following table, which is provided for illustrative purposes only, contains approximate information relating to our common stock immediately following the Reverse Stock Split under certain possible exchange ratios, based on share information as of June 30, 2023, without giving effect to the treatment of fractional shares.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pre-Reverse Stock Split | 1-for-10 | 1-for-20 | 1-for-40 | 1-for-50 |
Number of authorized shares of common stock | 1,000,000,000 | | 1,000,000,000 | | 1,000,000,000 | | 1,000,000,000 | | 1,000,000,000 | |
Number of outstanding shares of common stock | 107,058,624 | | 10,705,862 | | 5,352,931 | | 2,676,466 | | 2,141,172 | |
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options under our 2009 Equity Incentive Plan | 779,531 | | 77,953 | | 38,977 | | 19,488 | | 15,591 | |
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options under our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan | 125,000 | | 12,500 | | 6,250 | | 3,125 | | 2,500 | |
Number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the vesting of restricted stock units under the Company's various equity plans | 4,843,881 | | 484,388 | | 242,194 | | 121,097 | | 96,878 | |
Number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under the Company's 2018 Equity Incentive Plan | 7,178,608 | | 717,861 | | 358,930 | | 179,465 | | 143,572 | |
Number of shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | 1,528,745 | | 152,875 | | 76,437 | | 38,219 | | 30,575 | |
Number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants | 6,255,159 | | 625,516 | | 312,758 | | 156,379 | | 125,103 | |
Effect on Common Stock
The Reverse Stock Split will not change the number of authorized shares of common stock or the relative voting power of such holders of our outstanding common stock. Therefore, the number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock will effectively increase and will be available for reissuance by the Company. Given the Company’s current financial position, our Board of Directors has determined that maintaining the Company’s current number of authorized shares is warranted and in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.
After the effective date of the Reverse Stock Split that our Board of Directors elects to implement, our common stock would have a new committee on uniform securities identification procedures, or CUSIP number, a number used to identify our common stock. Our common stock is currently registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and we are subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act.
Effect on the Company’s Equity Plans
Under our 2023 Inducement Plan (the “2023 Plan”), the 2022 Inducement Plan (the "2022 Plan), the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan) and the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”, collectively, the “Stock Plans”) the Board has discretion to determine the appropriate adjustment to the awards granted under our Stock Plans in the event of a reverse stock split. Accordingly, if the Reverse Stock Split is effected, the number of shares available for issuance under the Stock Plans, as well as the number of shares subject to any outstanding award under the Stock Plans, and the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any such award under the Stock
Plans, are expected to be proportionately adjusted by the Board of Directors to reflect the Reverse Stock Split. Our Board of Directors will also determine the treatment of fractional shares subject to stock options and other outstanding awards under the Stock Plans. In addition, pursuant to the authority provided under the Stock Plans, the Board of Directors is expected to authorize the Company to effect any other changes necessary, desirable or appropriate to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split, including any applicable technical, conforming changes to our Stock Plans. The Board will also determine the appropriate adjustments to our 2018 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Effect on Warrants
All outstanding warrants exercisable for shares of our common stock will be adjusted as a result of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment, as required by the terms of those securities. In particular, the conversion ratio for each warrant will be reduced and the exercise price will be increased in accordance with the terms of each warrant and based on the ratio in the range between and including 1-for-10 shares and 1-for-50 shares, with the final ratio to be determined by the Company's Board.
Effect on Preferred Stock
Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, our authorized preferred stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The Reverse Stock Split Amendment would not impact the total authorized number of shares of preferred stock or the par value of the preferred stock.
Effect on Par Value
The proposed amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation will not affect the par value of our common stock, which will remain at $0.0001.
Reduction In Stated Capital
As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, upon the Effective Time, the stated capital on our balance sheet attributable to our common stock, which consists of the par value per share of our common stock multiplied by the aggregate number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, will be reduced in proportion to the size of the Reverse Stock Split, subject to a minor adjustment in respect of the treatment of fractional shares, and the additional paid-in capital account will be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. Our stockholders’ equity, in the aggregate, will remain unchanged.
No Going Private Transaction
Notwithstanding the decrease in the number of outstanding shares following the proposed Reverse Stock Split, our Board does not intend for this transaction to be the first step in a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act.
Shares Held in Book-Entry and Through a Broker, Bank or Other Holder of Record
If you hold registered shares of our common stock in a book-entry form, you do not need to take any action to receive your post-Reverse Stock Split shares of our common stock in registered book-entry form. If you are entitled to post-Reverse Stock Split shares of our common stock, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to your address of record as soon as practicable after the Effective Time indicating the number of shares of our common stock you hold. At the Effective Time, we intend to treat stockholders holding shares of our common stock in “street name” (that is, through a broker, bank or other holder of record) in the same manner as registered stockholders whose shares of our common stock are registered in their names. Brokers, banks or other holders of record will be instructed to effect the Reverse Stock Split for their beneficial holders holding shares of our common stock in “street name”; however, these brokers, banks or other holders of record may apply their own specific procedures for processing the Reverse Stock Split. If you hold your shares of our common stock with a broker, bank
or other holder of record, and you have any questions in this regard, we encourage you to contact your holder of record.
No Appraisal Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders are not entitled to dissenter’s rights or appraisal rights with respect to the Reverse Stock Split and we will not independently provide our stockholders with any such rights.
Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
No officer or director has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Reverse Stock Split that is not shared by all of our other stockholders.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reverse Stock Split
The following discussion is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split that may be relevant to holders of our common stock that hold such stock as a capital asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, property held for investment). This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions as of the date hereof, all of which may change, possibly with retroactive effect, resulting in U.S. federal income tax consequences that may differ from those discussed below.
This discussion applies only to holders that are U.S. Holders (as defined below) and does not address all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to such holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders that may be subject to special tax rules, including: (i) holders subject to the alternative minimum tax; (ii) banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions; (iii) tax-exempt organizations; (iv) dealers in securities or commodities; (v) regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; (vi) partnerships (or other flow-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners or members); (vii) traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings; (viii) U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar; (ix) persons holding our common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, “straddle,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction; (x) persons who acquire shares of our common stock in connection with employment or other performance of services; or (xi) U.S. expatriates. If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of our common stock, the tax treatment of a holder that is a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
We have not sought, and will not seek, an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Reverse Stock Split and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the statements and conclusions set forth below or a court would not sustain any such challenge. The following summary does not address any U.S. state or local or any non-U.S. tax consequences, any estate, gift or other non-U.S. federal income tax consequences, or the Medicare tax on net investment income.
EACH HOLDER OF COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT SUCH HOLDER’S TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT TO SUCH HOLDER.
For purposes of the discussion below, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that for U.S. federal income tax purposes is: (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States; (2) a corporation (including any entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state or political subdivision thereof; (3) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or (4) a trust, if (i) a court within the United States
is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.
The Reverse Stock Split is intended to be treated as a recapitalization for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the Code, and the remainder of this discussion assumes the Reverse Stock Split so qualifies. As a result, a U.S. Holder generally should not recognize gain or loss upon the Reverse Stock Split, except potentially with respect to any additional fraction of a share of our common stock received as a result of the issuance of any fractional share of our common stock, as discussed below. Subject to the below discussion regarding a U.S. Holder’s receipt of a fractional share of our common stock such that, when combined with the fractional share otherwise issuable to such holder as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, equals a whole share of common stock, a U.S. Holder’s aggregate tax basis in the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split should equal the aggregate tax basis of the shares of our common stock owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split, and such U.S. Holder’s holding period in the shares of our common stock received should include the holding period in the shares of our common stock that such U.S. Holder owned immediately prior to the Reverse Stock Split. Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code provide detailed rules for allocating the tax basis and holding period of the shares of our common stock surrendered to the shares of our common stock received pursuant to the Reverse Stock Split. Holders of shares of our common stock acquired on different dates and at different prices should consult their tax advisors regarding the allocation of the tax basis and holding period of such shares.
As noted above, no fractional shares of our common stock will be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Instead, if, as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, any U.S. Holder would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of common stock, the Company intends to issue to such U.S. Holder an additional fractional share of common stock such that, when combined with the fractional share otherwise issuable to such holder as a result of the Reverse Stock Split, equals a whole share of common stock and no fractional shares result from the Reverse Stock Split. This has the same practical effect as rounding up the fractional share. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the receipt of such additional fraction of a share of our common stock are not clear. A U.S. Holder who receives such additional fractional share of common stock may recognize income or gain. We are not making any representation as to whether the receipt of such additional fractional share of common stock will result in income or gain to any U.S. Holder, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the possible tax consequences of receiving such fractional share.
Vote Required and Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote for this proposal is required to adopt and approve the Reverse Stock Split Amendment to effect the Reverse Stock Split. If you “Abstain” from voting, it will have the same effect as an “Against” vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect and will not be counted in determining the number of shares necessary for approval. However, if you prefer that this proposal not be approved, you should cast your vote against the proposal. Because this proposal is considered “routine” and brokers have discretion to vote for this proposal, we expect few if any broker non-votes for this proposal.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval and adoption of the Reverse Stock Split Amendment.
PROPOSAL 4
STREETERVILLE TRANSACTION PROPOSAL
Background
On July 14, 2020, the Company6, 2022, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchasenote purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with AltoStreeterville Capital, LLC (the “Investor”“noteholder” or “Streeterville”) and consummatedcompleted the sale to such Investor of one Series A Senior Convertible Note (a “Series A Note”an unsecured promissory note (the "2022 Promissory Note"), with an initialoriginal principal amount of $4,320,000 and one Series B Senior Secured Convertible Note (a “Series B Note,” and together with the Series A Note, the “Convertible Notes”) with an initial principal amount of $17,280,000$12,808,672 in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) that closed on July 15, 2020.
placement. The Series A2022 Promissory Note was sold with an original issue discount of $320,000$491,872 and the Series B Note was sold with an original issue discount of $1,280,000. As such, the Investorwe paid for the Series A Note to be issued to such Investor by delivering $4,000,000 in cash consideration and paid for the Series B Note by delivering a secured promissory note (the “Investor Note”) with an initial principal amount of $16,000,000. We will receive cash in respect of the Series B Note only upon cash repayment of the corresponding Investor Note. In certain circumstances, the Investor Note may be satisfied through netting against the Series B Note, as described more fully below, rather than through the payment of cash. Until the Investor Note is repaid, the original issue discount and the rest of the principal under the corresponding Series B Note is considered to be “restricted.” Upon any repayment of the Investor Note, the principal of the corresponding Series B Note becomes “unrestricted” on dollar-for-dollar basis, along with a proportional amount of the original issue discount.at closing issuance costs totaling $521,872. After deducting the placement agent fee and our estimated expenses associated with the Private Placement, our estimatedall transaction fees paid by us at closing, net cash proceeds to the Company at the closing were approximately $3,835,000. If the Investor Note is subsequently satisfied in full by payment in cash, we anticipate the additional financial advisory fee$11,794,928. No interest was to accrue on the cash proceeds received from2022 Promissory Note. Beginning on November 1, 2022, our monthly amortization payment was approximately $1,565,504, until the Investororiginal maturity date of July 1, 2023. We had the right to defer any monthly payment by one month up to twelve times so long as certain conditions, as defined in the 2022 Promissory Note, are satisfied. In the event we exercise the deferral right for any given month: (i) the outstanding balance will automatically increase by 1.85%; (ii) we will not be obligated to make the monthly payment for such month; and (iii) the maturity date will be another $480,000, andextended for one month. We may prepay any or all outstanding balance of the aggregate net cash proceeds from2022 Promissory Note earlier than it is due by paying the Private Placement as a whole will be approximately $19,355,000.noteholder 110% of the portion of the outstanding balance we elect to prepay. The prepayment premium also applies to the monthly amortization payments.
WarrantOn March 15, 2023, we elected to defer monthly payment obligations for April, May, June and July 2023, as permitted, at the time, by the 2022 Promissory Note. In connection therewith, we entered into a waiver agreement with the holder waiving the Payment Deferral Conditions, as defined in the 2022 Promissory Note. For agreeing to waive the Payment Deferral Conditions, we agreed to compensate the noteholder an amount equal to 5% of the outstanding balance immediately before entering into the waiver agreement. As a result of our election to defer the four (4) monthly payments, the outstanding balance of the 2022 Promissory Note was increased by 1.85% on the first day of each month beginning on April 1, 2023 and concluding on July 1, 2023. The waiver fee and the additional principal was to be paid in connection with our monthly installment payments once the deferral period concluded. Beginning on August 1, 2023 and on the same day of each month thereafter, we were required to pay to the noteholder the new monthly amortization payment in the amount of approximately $1,768,837.
In additionOn August 14, 2023, we entered into an Amendment to the Convertible Notes,2022 Promissory Note (the “Amendment”) with the noteholder. The amendment extends the maturity date to June 1, 2024 and provides that effective August 1, 2023, we issuedare required to make monthly amortization payments of at least $800,000 commencing on August 31, 2023 until the 2022 Promissory Note is paid-in-full. The Amendment also removed the required payment of $1,768,837 that was due on August 1, 2023. We also granted the holder certain limited conversion rights, subject to advance payment and volume conditions. Conversions into shares of our common stock made pursuant to the limited conversion rights will be calculated on a warrant (the “Warrant”) exercisableconversion price equal to 90% of the lower of (i) the closing trading price of our common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date for 3 yearssuch conversion or (ii) the average closing trading price of our common stock for the purchasefive trading days immediately preceding the date for such conversion. If the holder elects to convert pursuant to the limited conversion option, such conversions will reduce the current month’s monthly amortization payment. Any conversions in any given month in excess of the $800,000 monthly payment will be applied to reduce the following month's required monthly amortization payment. In connection with the amendment, we agreed to pay an aggregateextension fee equal to approximately $708,000, which is 10% of up to 2,160,000 sharesthe outstanding principal balance of Common Stock (the “Warrant Shares”), at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. The number of Warrant Shares and exercise price are each subject to adjustment provided under the Warrant. If,2022 Promissory Note at the time of exerciseentering into the Amendment. The Amendment also provides that the outstanding balance shall accrue interest at a rate of 8% beginning on August 1, 2023, and payment deferrals are no longer permitted under the Warrant, there is no effective registration statement registering, or no current prospectus available for,2022 Promissory Note.
Until amounts due under the issuance2022 Promissory Note, as amended, are paid in full, the Company agreed, among other things, to: (i) timely make all filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (ii) ensure the Warrant SharesCompany’s common stock continues to be listed on the Investor, thenNasdaq Capital Market, (iii) ensure trading in the Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, by means of a “cashless exercise.” The Warrant mayCommon Stock will not be exercised if, after giving effect tosuspended or otherwise cease trading on the exerciseCompany’s principal trading market, (iv) prohibit the Investor, together with its Attribution Parties (as defined in the Warrant), would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of the Warrant Shares. At the Investor’s option, the ownership limitation blocker may be raised or lowered to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, as applicable, except that any raise will only be effective upon 61-days’ prior notice to the Company. In addition, the Warrant limits the number of Warrant Shares for which it is exercisable to an amount equal to 30% of the quotient of (i) the sum of the aggregate amount of unrestricted principal and unrestricted original issue discount, divided by (ii) $3.00.
If the Company issues or sells, or the Company publicly announces the issuance or sale of, any shares of Common Stock, or convertible securities or options issuable or exchangeable into Common Stock (a “New Issuance”), under which such Common Stock is sold for a consideration per share less than the exercise price then in effect, the exercise price of the Warrant will be adjusted to the New Issuance price in accordance with the formulas provided in the Warrant. Any such adjustment will not apply with respect to the issuance of Excluded Securities (as defined in the Warrant). Upon any adjustment to the exercise price, the number of Warrant Shares that may be
purchased upon exerciseCompany from making any issuing or incurring any debt that is senior to the 2022 Promissory Note other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of the Warrant will be increasedbusiness or decreased proportionately, so that after such adjustment the aggregate exercise price payable for the adjusted number of Warrant Shares will be the same as the aggregate exercise price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment. In addition, if the Company entersenter into a Fundamentalany Variable Rate Transaction (as defined in the Warrants) at any time that2022 Promissory Note).
Upon the occurrence of certain events described in the 2022 Promissory Note, including, among others, our failure to pay amounts due and payable under the 2022 Promissory Note, events of insolvency or bankruptcy, failure to observe covenants contained in the Purchase Agreement and the 2022 Promissory Note, breaches of representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement, and occurrence of certain transactions without the noteholder’s consent (each such event, a Warrant is outstanding, then, upon any subsequent exercise of“Trigger Event”), the Warrant, the Investor willnoteholder shall have the right, subject to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately priorcertain exceptions, to increase the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, the number of shares of Common Stockbalance of the successor or acquiring corporation or2022 Promissory Note by 15% for a Major Trigger Event (as defined in the 2022 Promissory Note) and 5% for a Minor Trigger Event (as defined in the 2022 Promissory Note). If a Trigger Event is not cured within five (5) trading days of written notice thereof from the Company, ifnoteholder, it iswill result in an event of default (such event, an “Event of Default”). Following an Event of Default, the surviving corporation,Lender may accelerate the 2022 Promissory Note such that all amounts thereunder become immediately due and any additional consideration receivable aspayable, and interest shall accrue at a resultrate of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction, provided, further, that if holders of Common Stock are not offered or paid any consideration in such Fundamental Transaction, such holder of Common Stock will be deemed to have received common stock of the successor entity (which entity may be the Company following such Fundamental Transaction) in such Fundamental Transaction.15% annually until paid.
Promptly after the consummationAs of the saleRecord Date, the outstanding balance of the Convertible Notes, we repaid2022 Promissory Note, including accrued interest was approximately $5,143,000.
The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement and the 2022 Promissory Note are summaries, do not purport to be complete, and are qualified in full the outstanding principal balance and all accrued but unpaid interest expense on a Senior Secured Note issued on March 20, 2020their entirety by reference to the same Investor (the “March Note”). The cash paymentPurchase Agreement and the 2022 Promissory Note, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to the Investor to satisfyCompany’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the March Note was in the amount of $2,084,080.98.Securities and Exchange Commission on July 8, 2022.
Pursuant to Nasdaq Rule 5635,5635(d) (the "Issuance Cap"), stockholder approval is required prior to the issuance of securities in a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by the Company of common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock), which equals 20% or more of the common stock or 20% or more of the voting power outstanding before the issuance, at a price less than the lower of: (i) the closing price immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement for the transaction.
In light of this rule, the Purchase Agreement, Convertible Notes and Warrant provideAmendment provides that, unless the Company obtains the approval of its stockholders as required by Nasdaq, the Company is prohibited from issuing any shares of common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, exerciseoutstanding balance of the Warrant or otherwiseAmendment, pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Notes and Warrant,Amendment, if the issuance of such shares of common stock would exceed 19.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock as of July 15, 2020August 14, 2013 or otherwise exceed the aggregate number of shares of common stock which the Company may issue without breaching its obligations under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Furthermore, the Company agreed to hold ause commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any requisite stockholder meeting, by no later than December 31, 2020, to approve resolutions authorizingapproval of the issuance of shares ofif the Company’s common stock under the Convertible Notes and Warrant for the purposes of compliance with the stockholder approval rules of Nasdaq.
Accordingly, at the Annual Meeting, stockholders will vote on a proposal to approve the issuance of securities in the transaction contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, the Warrant and the Convertible Notes (the “Alto Transaction Proposal”).
The Alto Transaction
Purchase Agreement
The Purchase Agreement contains certain representations and warranties, covenants and indemnities customary for similar transactions. Under the Purchase Agreement, we also agreed to the following additional covenants:
•So long as the Convertible Notes remain outstanding, we will not effect or enter an agreement to effect any variable rate transaction other than a bona fide at-the-market offering or equity line of credit.
•We also agreed to hold a stockholder meeting by no later than December 31, 2020, to approve resolutions authorizing the issuancenumber of shares of our common stock underissued pursuant to the Convertible Notes forconversion rights in the purposesAmendment is within thirty percent (30%) of compliance with the stockholder approval rules of Nasdaq. We will be obligated to continue to seek stockholder approval quarterly until such approval is obtained.Issuance Cap.
In addition, we granted the Investor participation rights in future equity and equity-linked offerings of securities , subject to certain limited exceptions, during the two years after the later of (a) the closing or (b) the date the Investor Note no longer remains outstanding, in an amount of up to 30% of the securities being sold in such offerings.
Convertible Notes
General
The Convertible Notes were issued to the Investor on July 15, 2020 and mature on December 31, 2021 (subject to extension in certain circumstances, including bankruptcy and outstanding events of default).
Amortization
Starting on July 31, 2020 and on the last trading day of the month for each month thereafter, and on the maturity date (each, an “Installment Date”), unless deferred or accelerated as described below, the Company is required to make monthly amortization payments equal to 1/18th of the unrestricted principal (and related unrestricted original issue discount) and interest on the Convertible Notes payable (the “Installment Amount”), which must be satisfied in cash at a redemption price equal to 107% of such Installment Amount (each, an “Installment Redemption”). Installment Amounts will be automatically deferred to the extent due in respect of restricted principal (and related restricted original issue discount) under Series B Note, until they become unrestricted or netted against the Investor Note as described below.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the noteholder may, at its sole option, elect to defer any Installment Amount until a subsequent Installment Date selected by the noteholder, provided that any such deferred amounts shall not continue to accrue interest unless the deferral is at the request of the Company.
Interest
The Convertible Notes each bear interest at the rate of 7% per annum on unrestricted principal (and related restricted original issue discount) and 3% per annum on restricted principal (and related restricted original issue discount) (under the Series B Note) and, upon any conversion or redemption, shall include a make-whole of interest from such date of determination through the maturity date. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Convertible Notes), the Convertible Notes will accrue interest at the rate of 18.0% per annum. See “—Events of Default” below.
Conversion; Alternate Conversion upon Event of Default
Each Convertible Note (other than restricted amounts under a Series B Note) is convertible, at the option of the noteholder, into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $3.00 per share. The conversion price is subject to full ratchet antidilution protection upon any subsequent transaction at a fixed price lower than the conversion price then in effect and standard adjustments in the event of any stock split, stock dividend, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction. If we enter into any agreement to issue (or issue) any variable rate securities, other than a bona fide at-the-market offering or equity line of credit, the noteholder has the additional right to substitute such variable price (or formula) for the conversion price.
If an Event of Default has occurred under the Convertible Notes, the noteholder may elect to alternatively convert the Convertible Notes at a redemption premium of 115% at an alternate conversion price equal to the lower of (x) the conversion price then in effect and (y) the greater of the Floor Price (as defined in the Convertible Notes) and 85% of the lowest volume weighted average price in the 10 days prior to the applicable conversion date.
Conversion Limitation and Exchange Cap
The noteholder will not have the right to convert any portion of a Convertible Note, to the extent that, after giving effect to such conversion, the noteholder (together with certain related parties) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. The noteholder may from time to time increase this limit to 9.99%, provided that any such increase will not be effective until the 61st day after delivery of a notice to us of such increase.
In addition, unless we obtain the approval of our stockholders as required by Nasdaq, we are prohibited from issuing any shares of common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes or otherwise pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Notes, if the issuance of such shares of common stock would exceed 19.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of July 15, 2020 or otherwise exceed the aggregate number of shares of common stock which we may issue without breaching our obligations under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.
Events of Default
The Convertible Notes include certain customary Events of Default, including, among other things, failure to maintain an effective shelf registration statement with capacity to issue an offering amount equal to at least 125% of unrestricted principal, the breach of the financial covenant described in “—Covenants” below and the termination of Alan Knitowski, our Chief Executive Officer, and Randall Crowder, our Chief Operating Officer, by the Company for any reason other than such person’s death, disability or willful misconduct.
In connection with an Event of Default, the noteholder may require us to redeem in cash any or all of the Convertible Notes. The redemption price will equal 115% of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Note to be redeemed, and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon, or an amount equal to market value of the shares of our common stock underlying the Convertible Note, as determined in accordance with the Convertible Note, if greater.
Change of Control
In connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the Convertible Notes), a noteholder may require us to redeem all or any portion of the Convertible Notes. The redemption price per share will equal the greatest of (i) 115% of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Note to be redeemed, and accrued and unpaid interest and
unpaid late charges thereon, (ii) 115% of the market value of the shares of our common stock underlying the Convertible Note, as determined in accordance with the Convertible Note, and (iii) 115% of the aggregate cash consideration that would have been payable in respect of the shares of our common stock underlying the Convertible Note, as determined in accordance with the Convertible Note.
Subsequent Placement Optional Redemption
At any time after the earlier of the date a noteholder becomes aware of any placement by us of equity or equity-linked securities or the date of consummation of such a placement, subject to certain limited exceptions, the noteholder will have the right to have us redeem a portion of each Convertible Note not in excess of 40% of the net proceeds from such placement at a redemption price of 107% of the portion of the Convertible Note subject to redemption (or, if greater, the market value of the shares underlying the Convertible Note).
Covenants
We will be subject to certain customary affirmative and negative covenants regarding the incurrence of indebtedness, the existence of liens, the repayment of indebtedness, the payment of cash in respect of dividends, distributions or redemptions, and the transfer of assets, among other matters. We also will be subject to a financial covenant that requires us to maintain available cash in the amount of $500,000 at the end of each fiscal quarter, subject to a right to cure.
Company Optional Redemption Rights
We may redeem the Convertible Notes at a price equal to 107% of the outstanding principal of the Convertible Notes (or, if greater, the market value of the shares underlying the Convertible Note) to be redeemed, and accrued and unpaid interest and unpaid late charges thereon. We also may redeem any portion of any Series B Note by offsetting the principal amount thereof against the principal amount of the corresponding Investor Note. Upon any such redemption, the original issue discount under the Series B Note associated with the principal amount thereof being redeemed will be deemed satisfied.
Netting Under Series B Notes
Pursuant to the Investor Note and a Master Netting Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2020 (the “Master Netting Agreement”), between the Investor and us, upon any required redemption of any portion of the Senior Convertible Notes that consists of restricted principal (whether due to our optional redemption right, acceleration upon an event of default, bankruptcy, a prohibited transfer of a Series B Note or otherwise), the corresponding portion of the Series B Note shall be automatically offset and cancelled; provided, that (i) if such netting occurred as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default or Change of Control, the original issue discount with respect to such Series B Note associated with the principal amount thereof being netted against will remain outstanding and will not be deemed satisfied or (ii) otherwise, the associated original issue discount with respect to such Series B Note will be deemed cancelled concurrently with such netting event.
Investor Note
The Investor Note was issued pursuant to a Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2020 (the “NPA”), by and between the Investor and us.
The Investor’s obligation to pay us the amount of principal outstanding pursuant to the applicable Investor Note is to be secured by an equal amount of cash, cash equivalents, or currency, notes or securities backed by certain governments. The Investor may, at its option and at any time, voluntarily prepay an Investor Note, in whole or in
part. In addition, the Investor Note is subject to mandatory prepayment, in whole or in part, upon the occurrence of certain events:
•The Investor will be required to prepay the Investor Note in certain amounts (each a “Mandatory Prepayment”) on the 30th trading day after the effectiveness of a resale registration statement (or the availability of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) if certain equity and other conditions are satisfied as of such date. The equity and other conditions include minimum price and volume thresholds, a minimum market capitalization at least $40 million, and a requirement that we have available shelf registered placement capacity equal to at least 300% of the unrestricted principal outstanding under the Convertible Notes (including the Mandatory Prepayment Amount).
•Mandatory Prepayments my not exceed the lesser of (a) such aggregate amount of principal outstanding under the Investor Note and (b) such aggregate amount of principal outstanding under the Investor Note that, together with the unrestricted principal would not exceed the lesser of (i) $5 million and (ii) 10% of the 30 trading day market capitalization of the Company.
•If the Investor desires to voluntarily convert any restricted amount of a Series B Note, the corresponding Investor Note will be subject to a mandatory prepayment in an amount equal to such restricted principal then subject to conversion
Under the Investor Note, we and the Investor have certain optional offset rights, which if exercised, would reduce the amount outstanding under the Series B Note and Investor Note and, accordingly, the cash proceeds received by us from the Investors in this offering.
Registration Rights Agreement
Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2020 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) between the Investor and us, we have granted certain registration rights to the noteholder. The Registration Rights Agreement requires us to file a registration statement covering the resale of the shares underlying the Convertible Notes and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant within 60 days and to have the registration statement declared effective within 90 days of after the closing of the Purchase Agreement. It also grants the Investor customary “piggyback” registration rights. If we fail to file the registration statement or have it declared effective by the deadlines above, or if certain other conditions relating to the availability of the registration statement and current public information are not met, we will pay certain Registration Delay Payments to such noteholder (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).
Reasons for the Transaction and Effect on Current Stockholders
The Board has determined that the ability to issue securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Warrant and the Convertible NotesAmendment is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the right of the holder to convert the Convertible Notes2022 Promissory Note allows the Company to preserve liquidity for other corporate purposes, including the payment of costs and expenses necessary for the investment in growth in our business.
The issuance of securities pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Warrant and the Convertible Notes2022 Promissory Note will not affect the rights of the holders of outstanding common stock, but such issuances will have a dilutive effect on the existing stockholders, including the voting power and economic rights of the existing stockholders.
The Purchase Agreement, Convertible Notes and Warrant provideAmendment provides that the holdernoteholder is prohibited from converting the Convertible Notes or exercising the Warrant, and any payments of interest and principal in shares of common stock will be held in abeyance,2022 Promissory Note to the extent the holder would beneficially own more than 4.99% (or 9.99%, if the holder elects the higher threshold) of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock after such conversion or payment.conversion. Unlike Nasdaq Rule 5635 and the corresponding provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Warrant and the Convertible Notes,Amendment, which limit the aggregate number of shares the Company may issue to the holdernoteholder of the Warrant and Convertible Notes,2022 Promissory Note, this beneficial ownership limitation limits the number of shares the holder may beneficially own at any one time. Consequently, the number of shares the holder may beneficially own in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation may increase over time as the number of outstanding shares of common stock increases over time. In addition, the holder may sell some or all of the shares it receives under the Warrant and/or Convertible Notes,2022 Promissory Note, permitting it to acquire additional shares in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation. We are not seeking stockholder approval to lift such ownership limitation.
Required Vote and Recommendation
Approval of the Alto Transaction Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, represented in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of the Alto Transaction Proposal.
PROPOSAL 4
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE 2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Introduction
The 2018 Equity Incentive Plan authorizes the award of stock-based incentives to eligible employees , officers, directors, and consultants, as described below. On October 2, 2020 the Board approved, subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting, an amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan, as initially approved by stockholders in 2018 to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder by 2,500,000 shares from 5,227,895 shares to 7,727,895 shares.
The Company’s directors and executive officers currently are permitted to participate in the 2018 Plan, and therefore they have an interest in this proposal.
The form of the amended and restated 2018 Plan is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement.
Reasons for the Amendment to the 2018 Plan
The Company plans to make equity grants in connection with employment offers to new employees, promotions to existing employees and in connection with performance reviews of existing employees. The Company believes its employees are valuable assets. Offering a broad-based equity compensation program is vital to attract and retain the most highly skilled people in the Company’s industry. In addition, the Company believes that employees who have a stake in the future success of its business become highly motivated to achieve the Company’s long-term business goals and to expend maximum effort in the creation of stockholder value, thereby aligning the interests of such individuals with those of stockholders generally.
In an effort to preserve the Company’s cash, the Board has previously accepted equity grants in lieu of it approved cash compensation for its service to the Company. In addition, the Company has and may continue to pay service providers, including consultants, with equity awards, in lieu of cash compensation.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company has granted, net of forfeitures, restricted stock unit awards of 5,126,022 out of the 5,227,895 shares presently available under the 2018 Plan. The Board believes that increased capacity to make equity awards provided by the amendment is essential to the Company’s continued growth, and therefore in the best interest of its stockholders. In particular, the Board is recommending approval of this increase to facilitate the retention of existing employees, recruiting of new personnel and provide the Company with flexibility to compensate service providers and consultants.
Summary of the 2018 Plan
The following is a summary of the principal features of the 2018 Plan. The summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2018 Plan.
Purpose. In 2018, our Board adopted, and our stockholders approved, the 2018 Plan. The purposes of the 2018 Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants who perform services to the Company or any parent or subsidiary, and to promote the success of our business. These incentives are provided through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and performance shares.
Authorized Shares. Assuming the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan, there will be 7,727,895 shares of the Company's common stock authorized for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Shares of stock subject to awards that are forfeited or terminated will be available for future award grants under the 2018 Plan. In addition, the shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan also will include any shares of common stock subject to stock options, restricted stock units or similar awards granted under the Company's 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2009 Plan"), that, on or after the date of the adoption of the 2018 Plan, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and shares of common stock issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2009 Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by us.
The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2018 Plan will also include an annual increase on the first day of each fiscal year equal to the least of:
•10% of the post-closing outstanding shares of common stock;
•5% of the outstanding shares of common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; or
•such other amount as our Board may determine.
If an award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an exchange program, or, with respect to restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units or performance shares, is forfeited to, or repurchased by, the Company due to failure to vest, then the unpurchased shares (or for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights, the forfeited or repurchased shares) will become available for future grant or sale under the 2018 Plan (unless the 2018 Plan has terminated). With respect to stock appreciation rights, the net shares issued will cease to be available under the 2018 Plan and all remaining shares will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2018 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2018 Plan. To the extent an award is paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in a reduction in the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
Adjustments to Shares Subject to the 2018 Plan. In the event of any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure affecting the common stock occurs, the administrator (as defined below), in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2018 Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares that may be delivered under the 2018 Plan, and/or the number, class and price of shares covered by outstanding awards, and the numerical share limitations in the 2018 Plan.
Administration. Our board of directors or one or more committees appointed by our board of directors administers the 2018 Plan (referred to as the “administrator”). If the administrator determines it is desirable to qualify transactions under the 2018 Plan as exempt under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, such transactions will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3. Subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator has the power to administer the 2018 Plan, including but not limited to, the power to interpret the terms of the 2018 Plan and awards granted under it, to prescribed, amend and rescind rules relating to the 2018 Plan, including creating sub-plans, and to determine the terms of the awards, including the exercise price, the number of shares of common stock subject to each such award, the exercisability of the awards and the form of consideration, if any, payable upon exercise. The administrator also has the authority to amend existing awards to reduce or
increase their exercise prices, to allow participants the opportunity to transfer outstanding awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the administrator and to institute an exchange program by which outstanding awards may be surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type which may have a higher or lower exercise price or different terms, awards of a different type and/or cash.
Eligibility. Awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and employees and consultants of any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees who, as of the time of grant, are employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company.
Stock Options. Stock options in the form of non-statutory stock options or incentive stock options may be granted under the 2018 Plan. The administrator determines the number of shares subject to each option. The administrator determines the exercise price of options granted under the 2018 Plan, provided that the exercise price must at least be equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The term of an incentive stock option may not exceed ten years, except that with respect to any participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the outstanding stock, the term must not exceed five years and the exercise price must equal at least 110% of the fair market value on the grant date. The administrator will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other property acceptable to the administrator, as well as other types of consideration permitted by applicable law. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, he or she may exercise his or her option for the period of time stated in his or her option agreement. Generally, if termination is due to death or disability, the option will remain exercisable for 12 months. In all other cases, the option generally will remain exercisable for three months following the termination of service. An option may not be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator determines the other terms of options.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the 2018 Plan. Stock appreciation rights allow the recipient to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of common stock between the exercise date and the date of grant. Stock appreciation rights may not have a term exceeding ten years. After the termination of service of an employee, director or consultant, he or she may exercise his or her stock appreciation right for the period of time stated in his or her stock appreciation rights agreement. Generally, the terms and conditions relating to the period of post-termination exercise with respect to options described above also apply to stock appreciation rights, however, in no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised later than the expiration of its term. Subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator determines the other terms of stock appreciation rights, including when such rights become exercisable and whether to pay any increased appreciation in cash or with shares of common stock, or a combination thereof, except that the per share exercise price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the exercise of a stock appreciation right will be no less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock may be granted under the 2018 Plan. Restricted stock awards are grants of shares of common stock that vest in accordance with terms and conditions established by the administrator. The administrator will determine the number of shares of restricted stock granted to any employee, director or consultant and, subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan, will determine the terms and conditions of such awards. The administrator may impose whatever conditions to vesting it determines to be appropriate (for example, the administrator may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals or continued service to the Company); provided, however, that the administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Recipients of restricted stock awards generally will have voting and
dividend rights with respect to such shares upon grant without regard to vesting, unless the administrator provides otherwise. Shares of restricted stock that do not vest are subject to our right of repurchase or forfeiture.
Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units may be granted under the 2018 Plan. Restricted stock units are bookkeeping entries representing an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of common stock. Subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan, the administrator determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock units, including the vesting criteria (which may include accomplishing specified performance criteria or continued service to the Company) and the form and timing of payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
Performance Units and Performance Shares. Performance units and performance shares may be granted under the 2018 Plan. Performance units and performance shares are awards that will result in a payment to a participant only if performance goals established by the administrator are achieved or the awards otherwise vest. The administrator will establish organizational or individual performance goals or other vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number and/or the value of performance units and performance shares to be paid out to participants. After the grant of a performance unit or performance share, the administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance criteria or other vesting provisions for such performance units or performance shares. Performance units shall have an initial dollar value established by the administrator on or prior to the grant date. Performance shares shall have an initial value equal to the fair market value of common stock on the grant date. The administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned performance units or performance shares in the form of cash, in shares of common stock or in some combination thereof.
Transferability of Awards. Unless the administrator provides otherwise, the 2018 Plan generally does not allow for the transfer of awards and only the recipient of an award may exercise an award during his or her lifetime.
Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of a proposed liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the administrator will notify participants as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction, and, to the extent not exercised, all awards will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed transaction.
Merger or Change in Control. The 2018 Plan provides that in the event of a merger or change in control, as defined under the 2018 Plan, each outstanding award will be treated as the administrator determines, except that if a successor corporation or its parent or subsidiary does not assume or substitute an equivalent award for any outstanding award, then such award will fully vest, all restrictions on such award will lapse, all performance goals or other vesting criteria applicable to such award will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels. In addition, if an option or stock appreciation right is not assumed or substituted, the administrator will notify the participant in writing or electronically that the option or stock appreciation right will become fully exercisable, for a specified period prior to the transaction, and will then terminate upon the expiration of the specified period of time. Upon a change in control, awards granted to an outside director will vest fully and become immediately exercisable, all restrictions on his or her restricted stock and restricted stock units will lapse, and with respect to awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at 100% of target levels, and all other terms and conditions met.
Amendment; Termination. The administrator has the authority to amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the 2018 Plan provided such action does not impair the existing rights of any participant. The 2018 Plan automatically will terminate in 2028, unless it is terminated sooner.
New Plan Benefits
The benefits that will be awarded or paid in connection with the increase in available shares under the 2018 Plan are not currently determinable. Awards granted under the 2018 Plan are within the discretion of our Compensation Committee and Board and our Compensation Committee and Board have not determined any future awards or who might receive them. The closing sale price of the Company's common stock was [___] on October [__], 2020.
Required Vote and Recommendation
Approval of the amendment to the 2018 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan.
PROPOSAL 5
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE A REDUCTION OF THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FROM 1,000,000,000 TO 250,000,000 AND PREFERRED STOCK FROM 100,000,000 TO 25,000,000
Overview
The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation currently provides that 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized for issuance. The Board has unanimously approved and recommends to our stockholders for approval, an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the authorized number of shares of common stock. The proposed amendment would reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock to 250,000,000 shares preferred stock to 25,000,000. There would be no change in the rights attributable to the authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock. The proposed amendment will not affect the par values of the common stock or preferred stock, which will both remain at $0.0001 per share.
The Board reserves the right to elect not to proceed with this proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation if, at any time prior to its filing, the Board, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in the Company’s best interests or the best interests of the stockholders to decrease our authorized number of shares of common stock and preferred stock.
The proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock is expected to be filed substantially in the form set forth in Annex B to this proxy statement. The following discussion is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the proposed amendment, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Reasons for Decrease in Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock
Our Board has determined that the proposed decrease in the authorized number of shares of our common stock and preferred stock is in the Company’s and the stockholders’ best interests because the Company believes it will reduce Company expenses. The Company believes that 250,000,000 shares of common stock, plus the 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock, are sufficient to meet its needs for employee equity incentives, the maintenance of appropriate reserves or other corporate purposes as may be deemed by the Board to be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders from time to time.
Additionally, the proposed reduction in our authorized common stock and preferred stock may enable us to reduce the amount of the Company’s annual franchise tax in the State of Delaware. Each year, we are required to make franchise tax payments to the State of Delaware in an amount determined, in part, by the total number of shares of stock we are authorized to issue. Accordingly, by reducing the number of authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock, we may be able to reduce the amount of the franchise tax for which we will be liable.
Certain Risks and Potential Disadvantages Associated with the Decrease in Authorized Common Stock and Preferred Stock
The proposed decrease in the authorized number of shares of our common stock and preferred stock could have an adverse effect on us because the Board will have less ability to issue shares of common stock and/or preferred stock in connection with a potential merger or acquisition, or capital raising transaction. Authorized but
unissued shares of our common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance as may be determined by our Board without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder approval is required by applicable law or securities exchange listing requirements in connection with a particular transaction. These additional shares may be issued in the future for a variety of corporate purposes including, but not limited to, raising additional capital, corporate acquisitions and equity incentive plans. Future issuances of shares of common stock or preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of our Company. In addition, the issuance of additional shares, or the perception that additional shares may be issued could also adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Effective Time of Decrease in Authorized Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock
Following stockholder approval of this Proposal 5, the decrease in authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock would become effective upon the filing of a certificate of amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or such later effective time as is specified in such certificate of amendment as permitted under Delaware law. The exact timing of the amendment will be determined by our Board based on its evaluation as to when such action will be the most advantageous to us and our stockholders. Our Board reserves the right, notwithstanding stockholder approval and without further action by the stockholders, to elect not to proceed with the amendment to decrease the authorized number of shares if, at any time prior to filing the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, our Board, in its sole discretion, determines that it is no longer in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders to decrease the authorized number of shares of common stock and/or preferred stock.
If the amendment is filed, at the effective time of the amendment, shares of our common stock authorized for issuance will be decreased to 250,000,000 shares and shares of our preferred stock authorized for issuance will be decreased to 25,000,000 shares.
Required Vote and Recommendation
Approval of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to decrease shares of our common stock authorized for issuance to 250,000,000 shares and decrease shares of our preferred stock authorized for issuance to 25,000,000 shares requires theThe affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding sharesvoting power of the Company's common stock, representedshares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote.vote for this proposal is required to approve the issuance of shares of common stock to Streeterville.
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of the amendmentStreeterville Transaction Proposal.
PROPOSAL 5
LINCOLN PARK TRANSACTION PROPOSAL
On August 22, 2023, Phunware, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a common stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), which provides that, upon the terms and subject to our Certificatethe conditions and limitations set forth therein, the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to sell to Lincoln Park up to $30,000,000 (the "Commitment Amount") of Incorporationshares of the Company’s common stock (the “Purchase Shares”) from time to decreasetime over the authorized number24-month term of the Purchase Agreement. Concurrently with entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the sale of the shares of the Company’s common stock that have been and may be issued to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to the Company’s existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-262461) (the “Registration Statement”) or a new registration statement.
We are submitting this Proposal 5 to you in order to obtain the requisite stockholder authorization which is required under Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635 (a), (b) and (d) (i) if we sell shares of our common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 250,000,000 and preferredLincoln Park in excess of 19.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock from 100,000,000as of the date we enter into the Purchase Agreement, (ii) if sales of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement constitute a change of control, or (iii) if sales of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement would be deemed to 25,000,000.be in connection with the acquisition of another company’s stock or assets requiring stockholder approval under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(a), in each case as more fully described below.
Agreement with Lincoln Park
Under the Purchase Agreement, we may, from time to time over a 24-month period commencing after the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, on any business day selected by us, direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock subject to adjustment as set forth below, on such business day (or the purchase date), which we refer to as a "Regular Purchase," provided, however, that (i) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 350,000 shares if the closing sale price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market ("Nasdaq") is not below $0.20 on the applicable purchase date; (ii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 450,000 shares if the closing sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq is not below $0.30 on the applicable purchase date; (iii) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 550,000 shares if the closing sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq is not below $0.50 on the applicable purchase date; and (iv) a Regular Purchase may be increased to up to 650,000 shares if the closing sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq is not below $0.75 on the applicable purchase date. Lincoln Park’s committed obligation under any single regular purchase, subject to certain exceptions, cannot exceed $1,000,000. We may direct Lincoln Park to purchase shares in Regular Purchases as often as every business day, so long as the closing sale price of our common stock on such business day is not less than the floor price of $0.10 per share.
The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:
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• | the lowest sale price for our common stock on Nasdaq on the purchase date of such shares; and |
• | the arithmetic average of the three (3) lowest closing sale prices for our common stock on Nasdaq during the ten (10) consecutive business days prior to the purchase date of such shares. |
In addition, the Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which the Company has submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount allowed for such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of up to the lesser of:
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• | 300% of the number of shares purchased pursuant to such Regular Purchase; or |
• | 30% of the aggregate shares of our common stock traded on Nasdaq during the period on the trading day immediately following the purchase date for such Regular Purchase (the “Accelerated Purchase Date”), beginning at the commencement of regular trading on Nasdaq (or such later time on such Accelerated Purchase Date as mutually agreed by us and Lincoln Park specified in the Accelerated Purchase notice for such Accelerated Purchase), and ending at the close of regular trading on Nasdaq on such Accelerated Purchase Date, or, if certain trading volume or market price thresholds specified in the Purchase Agreement are crossed prior to the close of regular trading on Nasdaq on the applicable Accelerated Purchase Date, ending at such earlier time that any one of such thresholds is crossed, which period of time on the applicable Accelerated Purchase Date (the “Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period”). |
The purchase price per share for each such Accelerated Purchase will be equal to 96% of the lower of:
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• | the closing sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date; and |
• | the volume-weighted average price of our common stock on Nasdaq during the applicable Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date. |
The Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which an Accelerated Purchase has been completed and all of the shares to be purchased thereunder have been delivered to Lincoln Park in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Additional Accelerated Purchase”) as described in the Purchase Agreement.
The purchase price per share for each such Additional Accelerated Purchase will be equal to 96% of the lower of:
| | | | | |
• | the closing sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase date; and |
• | the volume-weighted average price of our common stock on Nasdaq during the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase Date. |
In the case of Regular Purchases, Accelerated Purchases and Additional Accelerated Purchases, the purchase price per share will be equitably adjusted for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar transaction occurring during the business days used to compute the purchase price.
The Purchase Agreement prohibits the Company from directing Lincoln Park to purchase any shares of common stock if those shares, when aggregated with all other shares of common stock then beneficially owned by Lincoln Park, would result in Lincoln Park and its affiliates exceeding a cap equal to 4.99% (the “Beneficial Ownership Cap”), of the Company’s then issued and outstanding shares of common stock, which Lincoln Park may, in its sole discretion, increase to up to 9.99% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock by delivering written notice thereof to the Company, which shall not be effective until the 61st day after such written notice is delivered to the Company.
We agreed to issue Lincoln Park up to 1,360,503 shares of our common stock upon execution of the Purchase Agreement as an initial fee for its commitment to purchase shares of our common stock at our direction from time to time under the Purchase Agreement (the “Initial Commitment Shares”) and up to 680,252 additional shares of our common stock that we will issue to Lincoln Park pro rata only as the Commitment Amount is funded, if and when we determine, in our sole discretion, to sell such Purchase Shares to Lincoln Park (the “Additional Commitment Shares” and, together with the Initial Commitment Shares, the “Commitment Shares”). Lincoln Park has agreed not to cause or engage, in any manner whatsoever, any direct or indirect short selling or hedging of the Company’s common stock.
The Purchase Agreement may be terminated by the Company at any time, for any reason and without any payment or liability to the Company, by giving notice to Lincoln Park to terminate the Purchase Agreement with effect one business day after the notice has been received by Lincoln Park. The Company may deliver purchase notices under the Purchase Agreement, subject to market conditions, and in light of the Company’s capital needs, from time to time and under the limitations contained in the Purchase Agreement. Any proceeds that the Company receives under the Purchase Agreement are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The issuance of the Purchase Shares and Commitment Shares is being made pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement, and the Company’s prospectus supplement relating to this transaction, which we filed with the SEC on August 23, 2023, that forms part of the Registration Statement.
The foregoing is a summary description of certain terms of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement and, by its nature, is incomplete. Copies of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively to the Form 8-K we filed with the SEC on August 22, 2023. The foregoing descriptions of the Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to such exhibits.
The Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement contain customary representations and warranties, covenants and indemnification provisions that the parties made to, and solely for the benefit of, each other in the context of all of the terms and conditions of such agreements and in the context of the specific relationship between the parties thereto. The provisions of the Purchase Agreement and Registration Rights Agreement, including any representations and warranties contained therein, are not for the benefit of any party other than the parties thereto and are not intended as documents for investors and the public to obtain factual information about the current state of affairs of the parties thereto. Rather, investors and the public should look to other disclosures contained in the Company’s annual, quarterly and current reports the Company may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Requirement to Seek Stockholder Approval
As a result of our listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, issuances of our common stock are subject to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, including Rules 5635(d), 5635(a) and 5635(b). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities in connection with a transaction, other than a public offering, involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance by us of more than 19.99% of our outstanding shares of our common stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of our common stock) at a price less than the lower of (i) the closing price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement, or (ii) the average closing price of the common stock (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) for the five trading days immediately preceding the signing of the binding agreement.
In no event may we issue or sell to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement more than 19.99% of the shares of our common stock outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement (the “Exchange Cap”) unless (i) we obtain stockholder approval to issue shares of common stock in excess of the Exchange Cap or (ii) the average price of all applicable sales of common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds the closing price of our common stock immediately prior to the date that the Purchase Agreement is executed, such that issuances and sales of the common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement would be exempt from the Exchange Cap limitation under applicable Nasdaq rules. In any event, the Purchase Agreement will specifically provide that we may not issue or sell any shares of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement if such issuance or sale would breach any applicable Nasdaq rules.
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(a) requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to any potential issuances of our common stock that would be made in connection with the acquisition of another company’s stock or assets if (i) the common stock that we would be issuing in such transaction would (1) have voting power equal to or in excess of 20% of the voting power outstanding before such issuance or (2) would be in excess of 20% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding before such issuance or (ii) if any of our directors, officers or substantial stockholders have a 5% or greater interest, directly or indirectly, in the company or assets to be acquired or in the consideration to
be paid in the transaction or series of related transactions and the potential issuance of common stock could result in an increase in outstanding common shares or voting power of 5% or more.
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(b) generally requires us to obtain stockholder approval prior to the issuance of securities when the issuance or potential issuance will result in a change of control. Pursuant to applicable Nasdaq guidance, a change of control may generally be deemed to occur when an investor would own or have the right to acquire 20% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or voting power and such ownership or voting power would be the largest ownership position of the issuer. However, in determining if a change of control has occurred (and stockholder approval is required), Nasdaq will consider all circumstances concerning the transaction and may determine that a change of control has occurred even if the number of shares of common stock or voting power that an investor has a right to acquire is less than 20%.
Under applicable listing rules of Nasdaq, the Company is prohibited from issuing to Lincoln Park more than 24,246,099 shares of common stock under the Purchase Agreement (the “Exchange Cap”), including Purchase Shares and Commitment Shares, such maximum number of shares representing 19.99% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock immediately prior to execution of the Purchase Agreement, unless (i) the Company first obtains stockholder approval in accordance with applicable Nasdaq listing rules to issue shares in excess of the Exchange Cap to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement or (ii) the average price paid by Lincoln Park for all shares of common stock issued by the Company under the Purchase Agreement is equal to or greater than the Base Price, as defined in the Purchase Agreement, such that the Exchange Cap will not apply under applicable Nasdaq listing rules to limit issuances and sales of common stock to Lincoln Park pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. In any event, the Purchase Agreement specifically provides that we are not required or permitted to issue, and Lincoln Park is not required to purchase, any shares of common stock under the Purchase Agreement if the issuance would violate the rules or regulations of Nasdaq.
Based on the closing sale price of our common stock of $0.167 on October 9, 2023, which reports our lowest closing sale price since January 1, 2023 as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, to fully utilize the $30.0 million facility, we would need to issue approximately 179.6 million shares, which would be in excess of the Exchange Cap as of October 9, 2023. Further, we may use the proceeds we receive under the Purchase Agreement for any permitted purpose including the acquisition of another company’s stock or assets, although we do not currently intend to pursue any such acquisition. In order to fully utilize the $10.0 million expected to be available under the Purchase Agreement we are required to obtain stockholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635(a), 5635(b) and 5635(d) to permit issuances of our common stock (including the issuance of more than 19.99% of our common stock) to Lincoln Park pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Accordingly, we are seeking stockholder approval for the issuance of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap.
Effect of Failure to Obtain Stockholder Approval
If this proposal is not approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, we will not be permitted to issue shares of common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap, unless the average price of all sales and issuances of common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds the Minimum Price (as defined under Nasdaq Rule 5635(d)(1)(A)), such that issuances and sales of our common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement would be exempt from the Exchange Cap limitation, and we may not issue shares under the Purchase Agreement if the issuance would violate Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635(a) and (b). If, as a result of failing to obtain stockholder approval, we are prohibited from issuing shares of common stock to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap (or in an amount that would violate Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635(a) or (b)), we would likely be required to seek alternative sources of financing sooner than if we obtain stockholder approval under this proposal and are able to access the maximum amount of $30.0 million under the Purchase Agreement.
Reasons for Transaction and Effect on Current Stockholders
Our Board has determined that the Purchase Agreement with Lincoln Park is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders because the right to sell shares to Lincoln Park provides the Company with a reliable source of capital and the ability to access that capital when and as needed.
Dilution
The Purchase Agreement will not affect the rights of the holders of outstanding common stock, but the sale of shares to Lincoln Park pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement will have a dilutive effect on the existing stockholders, including the voting power and economic rights of the existing stockholders. For example if we were to sell to Lincoln Park all 179.6 million shares (which is the maximum number of shares we could sell under the anticipated terms of the Purchase Agreement at a price equal to the lowest closing price of our common stock since January 1, 2023 as reported on www.nasdaq.com) for which we are seeking stockholder approval to issue under the Purchase Agreement, Lincoln Park would beneficially own approximately 62.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company after such issuances on a pro forma basis, as of June 30, 2023.
Beneficial Ownership Limitation and Control Considerations
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Purchase Agreement provides that the Company shall not issue, and Lincoln Park shall not purchase, any shares of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement if such shares proposed to be issued and sold, when aggregated with all other shares of our common stock then owned beneficially (as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by Lincoln Park and its affiliates, would result in the beneficial ownership by Lincoln Park and its affiliates of more than 9.99% of our then issued and outstanding shares of common stock(the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”). This Beneficial Ownership Limitation limits the number of shares Lincoln Park may beneficially own at any one time to 9.99% of our outstanding common stock. Consequently, the number of shares Lincoln Park may beneficially own in compliance with the beneficial ownership limitation may increase over time as the number of outstanding shares of our common stock increases over time. Lincoln Park may sell some or all of the shares it purchases under the Purchase Agreement, permitting it to purchase additional shares in compliance with the Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
Effect of Approval
If this proposal is approved by our stockholders, we will be able to issue shares in a greater number than permitted by the Exchange Cap to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement, up to a maximum of $20.0 million of our common stock. If approved, we will be able to sell shares of our common stock under the Purchase Agreement from time to time, at our sole discretion, over the 24-month period beginning on August 23, 2023. Based on the closing price of our common stock of $0.167 per share on October 9, 2023 (which is the lowest closing sale price of our common stock since January 1, 2023 as reported on Nasdaq.com), the maximum number of shares we could issue and sell under the Purchase Agreement would be approximately 179.6 million shares. The actual purchase price for Regular Purchases will equal the lesser of (i) the lowest sale price of our common stock on the purchase date, or (ii) the arithmetic average of the three lowest closing sale prices for our common stock during the ten consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately preceding the purchase date. While the number of shares of common stock that we may issue would fluctuate from time to time based on the price of our common stock (and, as a practical matter, may be limited by the Beneficial Ownership Limitations and SEC rules limiting the number of shares that we may sell under our registration statement on Form S-3), we would seek additional stockholder approval before agreeing to any increase in the value of the shares of common stock we may issue to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement above $30.0 million.
The additional shares that we could issue to Lincoln Park will result in greater dilution to existing stockholders and may result in a decline in our stock price or greater price volatility.
Each additional share of common stock that would be issuable to Lincoln Park would have the same rights and privileges as each share of our currently authorized common stock.
Required Vote and Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote for this proposal is required to approve the issuance of shares of common stock to Lincoln Park pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rules 5635(a), 5635(b) and 5635(d).
The Board recommends a vote FOR the approval of the Lincoln Park Transaction Proposal.
OTHER MATTERS
Note About Forward-Looking Statements
This proxy statement containsincludes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this proxy statement, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2022 and other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this proxy statement may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
Information Referenced in this Proxy Statement
The content of the websites referred to in this proxy statement are not incorporated into this proxy statement. Our references to the URLs for any websites presented are intended to be inactive textual references only.
Stockholder Engagement and Communications
Stockholders may contact the Board about bona fide issues or questions about Phunware by sending a letter to the following address: Phunware, Inc., 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757,78701, Attention: Secretary. Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted, the general topic of the communication, and the number of shares of our stock that are owned of record (if a record holder) or beneficially. If a stockholder wishes to contact the independent members of the Board, the stockholder should address such communication to the attention of the Chairman of the Board at the address above. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our Austin, Texas headquarters are currently not staffed to regularly receive correspondence via mail. Should stockholders wish to communicate to our Board, we encourage them to send an e-mail to investorrelations@phunware.com, and this communication will be routed to our Secretary.
Our Secretary monitors these communications and will provide a summary of all received messages to the Board at each regularly-scheduled meeting of the Board. The Board generally meets on a quarterly basis. Where the nature of a communication warrants, our Secretary may determine, in his or her judgment, to obtain the more immediate attention of the appropriate committee of the Board or non-management director, of independent advisors or of Company management, as our Secretary considers appropriate. Our Secretary may decide in the exercise of his or her judgment whether a response to any stockholder or interested party communication is necessary. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly unsuitable will be excluded, with the provision that any communication that is filtered out must be made available to any non-management director upon request. More information about investor relations is available on our website at https://investors.phunware.cominvestors.phunware.com.
Householding of Proxy Materials
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for Notices of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials with respect to two or
more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other Annual Meeting materials addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
A single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be “householding” communications to your address, “householding” will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in “householding” and would prefer to receive a separate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, please notify your broker or Phunware, Inc. Direct your written request to Investor Relations, Phunware, Inc., 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, Texas 78757;78701; Telephone: (512) 394-6837; Email: investorrelations@phunware.com. Upon written or oral request, the Company will provide a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials at their addresses and would like to request “householding” of their communications should contact their brokers or the Company at the address stated above. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with respect to notification to the Company, we encourage stockholders to communicate via email or telephone regarding the "householding" of their communications.
Other Business
The Board knows of no other business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
| | | | | |
| By Order of the Board of Directors, |
| |
| /s/ Alan S. KnitowskiMichael Snavely |
| Alan S. KnitowskiMichael Snavely |
| Director &and Chief Executive Officer |
October
November [__], 20202023
A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192022 is available without charge upon written request to: Phunware, Inc., 7800 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 230-South,1002 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78757,78701, Attention: Secretary. Due to the COVID-19 our Austin, Texas headquarters are currently not staffed to regularly receive correspondence via mail. Should stockholders wish toStockholders may also request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, please send2022, by sending an e-mail to investorrelations@phunware.com.
ANNEX A
PHUNWARE, INC.
2018 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(Amended and Restated as of , 2020, (the “Restatement Date”))
1.Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
•to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility,
•to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and
•to promote the success of the Company’s business.
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units and Performance Shares.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) “Administrator” means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) “Applicable Laws” means the legal and regulatory requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related issuance of Shares thereunder, including but not limited to U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any non-U.S. country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares.
(d) “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) A change in the ownership of the Company which occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (“Person”), acquires ownership of the stock of the Company that, together with the stock held by such Person, constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection, the acquisition of additional stock by any one Person, who is considered to own more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the stock of the Company will not be considered a Change in Control. Further, if the stockholders of the Company immediately before such change in ownership continue to retain immediately after the change in ownership, in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company’s voting stock immediately prior to the change in ownership, direct or indirect beneficial ownership of fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company or of the ultimate parent entity of the Company, such event shall not be considered a Change in Control under this subsection (i). For this purpose, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities; or
(ii) A change in the effective control of the Company which occurs on the date that a majority of members of the Board is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election. For purposes of this subsection (ii), if any Person is considered to be in effective control of the Company, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person will not be considered a Change in Control; or
(iii) A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets which occurs on the date that any Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than fifty percent (50%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions; provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (iii), the following will not constitute a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets: (A) a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the Company’s stockholders immediately after the transfer, or (B) a transfer of assets by the Company to: (1) a stockholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock, (2) an entity, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company, (3) a Person, that owns, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the total value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company, or (4) an entity, at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person described in this subsection (iii)(B)(3). For purposes of this subsection (iii), gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
For purposes of this definition, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control unless the transaction qualifies as a change in control event within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as it has been and may be amended from time to time, and any proposed or final Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance that has been promulgated or may be promulgated thereunder from time to time.
Further and for the avoidance of doubt, a transaction will not constitute a Change in Control if: (i) its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation, or (ii) its sole purpose is to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transaction.
(g) “Closing” means the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Stellar Acquisition III Inc., STLR Merger Subsidiary Inc. and the Company, dated February 27, 2018.
(h) “Closing Date” means the date the Closing occurs.
(i) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Reference to a specific section of the Code or regulation thereunder will include such section or regulation, any valid regulation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing or superseding such section or regulation.
(j) “Committee” means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board, or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(k) “Common Stock” means the common stock of the Company.
(l) “Company” means Phunware, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(m) “Consultant” means any natural person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render bona fide services to such entity, provided the services (i) are not in connection with
the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (ii) do not directly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, in each case, within the meaning of Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act, and provided, further, that a Consultant will include only those persons to whom the issuance of Shares may be registered under Form S-8 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(n) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(o) “Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to time.
(p) “Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute “employment” by the Company.
(q) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(r) “Exchange Program” means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower exercise prices and different terms), awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding Award is increased or reduced. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange Program in its sole discretion.
(s) “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Capital Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the date of determination (or, if no bids and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; or
(iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
(t) “Fiscal Year” means the fiscal year of the Company.
(u) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms qualifies and is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(v) “Inside Director” means a Director who is an Employee.
(w) “Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(x) “Officer” means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(y) “Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(z) “Outside Director” means a Director who is not an Employee.
(aa) “Parent” means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(bb) “Participant” means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(cc) “Performance Share” means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.
(dd) “Performance Unit” means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing pursuant to Section 10.
(ee) “Period of Restriction” means the period during which the transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(ff) “Plan” means this 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated to date.
(gg) “Purchaser” means Stellar Acquisition III Inc.
(hh) “Restricted Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under Section 8 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(ii) “Restricted Stock Unit” means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 9. Each Restricted Stock Unit represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(jj) “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3, as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(kk) “Section 16(b)” means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(ll) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(mm) “Service Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(nn) “Share” means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13 of the Plan.
(oo) “Stock Appreciation Right” means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an Option, that pursuant to Section 7 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(pp) “Subsidiary” means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is equal to 5% of the post-Closing outstanding shares, plus (i) the number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(b), (ii) any Shares subject to stock
options, restricted stock units or similar awards granted under the Company’s 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) that, on or after the Closing Date, are assumed in connection with the Closing, expire or otherwise terminate without having been exercised in full and Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2009 Plan that, on or after the Closing Date, are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clause (ii) equal to the number of shares subject to outstanding awards as of the Closing, plus (iii) two million five hundred thousand (2,500,000) additional Shares as of the Restatement Date. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b) Automatic Share Reserve Increase. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2019 Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (i) 10% of the post-Closing outstanding shares, (ii) five percent (5%) of the outstanding Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year or (iii) such number of Shares determined by the Board; provided, however, that such determination under clause (iii) will be made no later than the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year.
(c) Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to, or repurchased by, the Company due to failure to vest, then the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares), which were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued (i.e., the net Shares issued) pursuant to a Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). Shares that actually have been issued under the Plan under any Award will not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan; provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a), plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Sections 3(b) and 3(c).
(d) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iii) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator will determine;
(vi) to institute and determine the terms and conditions of an Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
(viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18 of the Plan), including but not limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option (subject to Section 6(b) of the Plan regarding Incentive Stock Options);
(x) to allow Participants to satisfy tax withholding obligations in such manner as prescribed in Section 14 of the Plan;
(xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that otherwise would be due to such Participant under an Award; and
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision. The Administrator’s decisions, determinations and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards and will be given the maximum deference permitted by Applicable Laws.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
6. Stock Options.
(a) Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were
granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(b) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement.
(c) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the Code.
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory note, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and provided that accepting such Shares will not result in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company, as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion; (5) consideration received by the Company under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program (whether through a broker or otherwise) implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; (6) by net exercise; (7) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (8) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(d) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) a notice of exercise (in such form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised (together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or, if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Participant’s termination as the result of the Participant’s death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Participant’s Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participant’s termination. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised following the Participant’s death within such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Award Agreement), by the Participant’s designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Participant’s death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Participant’s will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participant’s death. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Otherwise, the Administrator, subject to the provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(d) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e) Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan will expire ten (10) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) relating to exercise also will apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f) Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by multiplying:
(i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the exercise price; times
(ii) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
8. Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, if any, the number of Shares granted, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 8 or the Award Agreement, Shares of Restricted Stock may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 8, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released from escrow as soon as
practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
9. Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms, conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit, or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(c) Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to receive a payout.
(d) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may only settle earned Restricted Stock Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
(e) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions must be met will be called the “Performance Period.” Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, business unit or individual goals (including, but not limited to, continued employment or service), applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the Administrator in its discretion.
(d) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such Performance Unit/Share.
(e) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or in a combination thereof.
(f) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed three (3) months, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then six (6) months following the first (1st) day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
12. Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
13. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan, will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limit in Section 3 of the Plan.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such
proposed transaction. To the extent it previously has not been exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation or other entity or a Change in Control, each outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines (subject to the provisions of the following paragraph) without a Participant’s consent, including, without limitation, that (i) Awards may be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards will be substituted, by the acquiring or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof) with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices; (ii) upon written notice to a Participant, that the Participant’s Awards will terminate upon or immediately prior to the consummation of such merger or Change in Control; (iii) outstanding Awards will vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award will lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (iv) (A) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of the Participant’s rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Company without payment), or (B) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 13(c), the Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards, all Awards held by a Participant, or all Awards of the same type, similarly in the transaction.
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award (or portion thereof), the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met, in all cases, unless specifically provided otherwise under the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Participant and the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or substituted in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection (c) (and subsection (d) below), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Award immediately prior to the merger or Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, and unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, an Award that vests, is earned or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participant’s consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor corporation’s post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an otherwise valid Award assumption.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, if a payment under an Award Agreement is subject to Code Section 409A and if the change in control definition contained in the Award Agreement does not comply with the definition of “change of control” for purposes of a distribution under Code Section 409A, then any payment of an amount that is otherwise accelerated under this Section will be delayed until the earliest time that such payment would be permissible under Code Section 409A without triggering any penalties applicable under Code Section 409A.
(d) Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director, in the event of a Change in Control, the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award, including those Shares which otherwise would not be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
14. Tax.
(a) Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to an Award (or exercise thereof) or such earlier time as any tax withholding obligations are due, the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participant’s FICA obligation) required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b) Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b) electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld or other greater amount up to the maximum statutory rate under Applicable Laws, as applicable to the Participant, if such other greater amount would not result in adverse financial accounting treatment, as determined by the Company (including in connection with the effectiveness of FASB Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 amending FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation), or (c) delivering to the Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
(c) Compliance With Code Section 409A. Awards will be designed and operated in such a manner that they are either exempt from the application of, or comply with, the requirements of Code Section 409A such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. The Plan and each Award Agreement under the Plan is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and will be construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent, except as otherwise determined in the sole discretion of the Administrator. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Code Section 409A, the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Code Section 409A, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Code Section 409A. In no event will the Company have any obligation under the terms of this Plan to reimburse a Participant for any taxes or other costs that may be imposed on Participant as a result of Code Section 409A.
15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participant’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participant’s right or the right of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws.
16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is determined by the
Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
17. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 21 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon the later to occur of (i) its adoption by the Board or (ii) the business day immediately prior to the Closing Date. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the date adopted by the Board, unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Administrator may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan will materially impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required.
20. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction or to complete or comply with the requirements of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state, federal or foreign law or under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the stock exchange on which Shares of the same class are then listed, or any other governmental or regulatory body, which authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority, registration, qualification or rule compliance will not have been obtained.
21. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of Purchaser within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable Laws.
22. Forfeiture Events. The Administrator may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award will be subject to the reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary under this Plan, an Award shall be subject to the Company’s clawback policy as may be established and/or amended from time to time (the “Clawback Policy”). The Administrator may require a Participant to forfeit, return or reimburse the Company all or a portion of the Award and any amounts paid thereunder pursuant to the terms of the Clawback Policy or as necessary or appropriate to comply with Applicable Laws.
ANNEX B
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENTTO
TO
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
PHUNWARE, INC.
(a Delaware corporation)
Phunware, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), does hereby certifies as follows:certify:
1. The name of the Corporation is Phunware, Inc. The date of the filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was December 26, 2018.
1.
This2. Pursuant to Section 242 of the DGCL, this Certificate of Amendment (theto the Certificate of Incorporation (this “Certificate of Amendment”) amends the provisions of the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation filed withof the Secretary of State on December 26, 2018, as amendedCorporation (the “Certificate of IncorporationCharter”).
2.The3. This Certificate of Amendment has been approved and duly adopted by the Corporation’s Board of Directors of the Corporation has duly adopted a resolution pursuant to Section 242 of the DGCL setting forth a proposed amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The amendment amends the Certificate of Incorporation as follows:
ARTICLE IV, Subsection A of the Certificate of Incorporation is hereby deletedstockholders in its entirety and replacedaccordance with the following:
“A. Authorized Capital Stock. The total numberprovisions of shares of capital stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 275,000,000, consisting of the following: 250,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"), and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Preferred Stock").”
3. The requisite stockholders of the Corporation have duly approved this Certificate of Amendment in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL.
4. ThisUpon this Certificate of Amendment shall bebecoming effective, atthe Charter is hereby amended as follows:
ARTICLE IV. Section C. “Common Stock” is hereby amended to add the following:
“4. Effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ____________, 2020.the date this Certificate of Amendment is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Effective Time”), each [between 10 and 50 as determined by the Board] shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation in treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be combined and converted into one (1) share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). There shall be no fractional shares issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. A holder of record of Common Stock at the Effective Time who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive one full share. Each stock certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Common Stock ( an “Old Certificate”) that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, represent that number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined, subject to the elimination of fractional share interests described above.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be executed as of the date set forth below.
| | | | | |
October [ ], 2020___], 2023 | PHUNWARE, INC. |
| |
| |
| Alan S. KnitowskiMichael Snavely |
| Title:Director and Chief Executive Officer |