any preferential amount payable upon shares of the series in the Rights Offering and does not make any recommendation with respect to such Subscription Rights (including with respect to the exercise or expiration of such Subscription Rights), shares or Warrants. We have agreed to pay the dealer-manager certain fees and to reimburse the dealer-manager for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this offering. See “Plan of Distribution.”
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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion is a summaryevent of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or upon the distribution of any of our assets; and
the prices or rates of conversion or exchange at which, and the terms and conditions on which, the shares of the series may be converted or exchanged into other securities, if the shares are convertible or exchangeable.
The particular terms of any additional series of preferred stock, and the transfer agent and registrar for that series, will be described in a prospectus supplement. Any material U.S.United States federal income tax consequences of the receipt and exercise (or expiration) of the Subscription Rights acquired through the Rights Offering, the ownership and disposition of shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants received upon exercise of the Subscription Rights or the ownership and disposition of the shares of common stock received upon the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or the exercise of the Warrants, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all potential tax effects. The effects of other U.S. federal tax laws, such as estate and gift tax laws, and any applicable state, local or non-U.S. tax laws are not discussed. This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and published rulings and administrative pronouncements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, in each case in effect as of the date hereof. These authorities may change or be subject to differing interpretations. Any such change or differing interpretation may be applied retroactively in a manner that could adversely affect a holder of the Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or shares of our common stock. We have not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS regarding the matters discussed below. There can be no assurance the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position to that discussed below regarding the tax consequences of the receipt of Subscription Rights acquired through the Rights Offering by persons holding shares of our common stock, the exercise (or expiration) of the Subscription Rights, the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, the acquisition, ownership and disposition (or expiration) of Warrants acquired upon exercise of the Subscription Rights, and the acquisition, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock acquired upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of the Warrants.
This discussion is limited to holders that hold the Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants and shares of our common stock, in each case, as a “capital asset” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to a holder’s particular circumstances, including the impact of the alternative minimum tax or the unearned income Medicare contribution tax. In addition, it does not address consequences relevant to holders subject to particular rules, including, without limitation:
U.S. expatriates and former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;
persons holding the Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or shares of our common stock as part of a hedge, straddle or other risk reduction strategy or as part of a conversion transaction or other integrated investment;
banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions;
brokers, dealers or traders in securities;
“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;
partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (and investors therein);
tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;
persons deemed to sell the Subscription Rights, shares of Series B Preferred Stock, or Warrants or shares of our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;
persons for whom our stock constitutes “qualified small business stock” within the meaning of Section 1202 of the Code;
persons who hold or receive the Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or shares of our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; and
tax-qualified retirement plans.
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If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants acquired upon exercise of Subscription Rights or shares of our common stock acquired upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of the Warrants, as the case may be, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, partnerships and the partners in such partnerships should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to them.
THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE RECEIPT, OWNERSHIP AND EXERCISE OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS AND THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP, AND DISPOSITION OF SHARES OF OUR SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS ACQUIRED UPON EXERCISE OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS AND SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK ACQUIRED UPON CONVERSION OF SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK OR EXERCISE OF WARRANTS ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.
Tax Considerations Applicable to U.S. Holders
Definition of a U.S. Holder
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. holder” is any beneficial owner of shares of our common stock Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants acquired upon exercise of Subscription Rights or shares of our common stock acquired upon conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of Warrants, as the case may be, that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is:
an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;
an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and the control of one or more United States persons (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code), or (2) has made a valid election under applicable Treasury Regulations to continue to be treated as a United States person.
Receipt of Subscription Rights
Although the authorities governing transactions such as this Rights Offering are complex and do not speak directly to the consequences of certain aspects of this Rights Offering, including the inclusion of the right to purchase Warrants in the Subscription Rights (rather than the right to purchase only shares of our Series B Preferred Stock) and the effects of the Over-Subscription Privilege, we do not believe a U.S. holder’s receipt of Subscription Rights pursuant to the Rights Offering should be treated as a taxable distributionspecial considerations with respect to their existing shares of commonany preferred stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Section 305(a) of the Code states that a stockholder’s taxable income does not include in-kind stock dividends; however, the general non-recognition rule in Section 305(a) is subject to exceptions in Section 305(b), which include “disproportionate distributions.” A disproportionate distribution is a distribution or a series of distributions, including deemed distributions, that has the effect of the receipt of cash or other property by some stockholders or holders of debt instruments convertible into stock and an increase in the proportionate interest of other stockholders in a corporation’s assets or earnings and profits.
Our position regarding the tax-free treatment of the Subscription Right distribution is not binding on the IRS, or the courts. Ifoffered under this position is finally determined by the IRS or a court to be incorrect, whether on the basis that the issuance of the Subscription Rights is a “disproportionate distribution” or otherwise, the fair market value of the Subscription Rights would be taxable to U.S. holders of our common stock as a dividend to the extent of the U.S.
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holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, with any excess being treated as a return of capital to the extent thereof and then as capital gain. If our position is incorrect, the tax consequences applicable to the holders mayprospectus will also be materially different than as described below.
The following discussion is based upon the treatment of the Subscription Right issuance as a non-taxable distribution with respect to a U.S. holders’ existing shares of common stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Tax Basis in the Subscription Rights
If the fair market value of the Subscription Rights a U.S. holder receives is less than 15% of the fair market value of the U.S. holder’s existing shares of common stock (with respect to which the Subscription Rights are distributed) on the date the U.S. holder receives the Subscription Rights, the Subscription Rights will be allocated a zero tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless the U.S. holder elects to allocate its tax basis in its existing shares of common stock between its existing shares of common stock and the Subscription Rights in proportion to the relative fair market values of the existing shares of common stock and the Subscription Rights determined on the date of receipt of the Subscription Rights. If a U.S. holder chooses to allocate tax basis between its existing common shares and the Subscription Rights, the U.S. holder must make this election on a statement included with its timely filed tax return (including extensions) for the taxable year in which the U.S. holder receives the Subscription Rights. Such an election is irrevocable.
However, if the fair market value of the Subscription Rights a U.S. holder receives is 15% or more of the fair market value of their existing shares of common stock on the date the U.S. holder receives the Subscription Rights, then the U.S. holder must allocate its tax basis in its existing shares of common stock between those shares and the Subscription Rights the U.S. holder receives in proportion to their fair market values determined on the date the U.S. holder receives the Subscription Rights.
The fair market value of the Subscription Rights on the date that the Subscription Rights are distributed is uncertain, and we have not obtained, and do not intend to obtain, an appraisal of the fair market value of the Subscription Rights on that date. In determining the fair market value of the Subscription Rights, U.S. holders should consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including any difference between the Subscription Price of the Subscription Rights and the trading price of our shares of common stock on the date that the Subscription Rights are distributed, the fair market value of the Series B Preferred Stock, the exercise price of the Warrants, the length of the period during which the Subscription Rights may be exercised and the fact that the Subscription Rights are non-transferable.
Exercise of Subscription Rights
Generally, a U.S. holder will not recognize gain or loss upon the exercise of a Subscription Right in the Rights Offering. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis, if any, in the Subscription Right plus the Subscription Price should be allocated between the new share of Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant acquired upon exercise of the Subscription Right in proportion to their relative fair market values on the exercise date. This allocation will establish the U.S. holder’s initial tax basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes in their new shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants. The holding period of a share of Series Preferred Stock or a Warrant acquired upon exercise of a Subscription Right in the Rights Offering will begin on the date of exercise.
If a U.S. holder exercises a Subscription Right received in the Rights Offering after disposing of the shares of our common stock with respect to which such Subscription Right is received, then certain aspects of the tax treatment of the exercise of the Subscription Right are unclear, including (1) the allocation of the tax basis between the shares of our common stock previously sold and the Subscription Right, (2) the impact of such allocation on the amount and timing of gain or loss recognized with respect to the shares of our common stock previously sold, and (3) the impact of such allocation on the tax basis of the shares of our Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants acquired upon exercise of the Subscription Right. If a U.S. holder exercises a Subscription Right received in the Rights Offering after disposing of shares of our common stock with respect to which the Subscription Right is received, the U.S. holder should consult with their tax advisor.
Expiration of Subscription Rights
If a U.S. holder allows Subscription Rights received in the Rights Offering to expire, the U.S. holder should not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the U.S. holder should re-allocate any portion
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of the tax basis in its existing common shares previously allocated to the Subscription Rights that have expired to the existing common shares.
Sale or Other Disposition, Exercise or Expiration of Warrants
Upon the sale or other disposition of a Warrant (other than by exercise), a U.S. holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Warrant. This capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period in such Warrant is more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
In general, a U.S. holder will not be required to recognize income, gain or loss upon exercise of a Warrant for its exercise price. A U.S. holder’s tax basis in a share of our common stock received upon exercise of the Warrants will be equal to the sum of (1) the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Warrants exchanged therefor and (2) the exercise price of such Warrants. A U.S. holder’s holding period in the shares of our common stock received upon exercise will commence on the day after such U.S. holder exercises the Warrants. Although there is no direct legal authority as to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of an exercise of a Warrant on a cashless basis, we intend to take the position that such exercise will not be taxable, either because the exercise is not a gain realization event or because it qualifies as a tax-free recapitalization. In the former case, the holding period of the shares of our common stock received upon exercise of Warrants should commence on the day after the Warrants are exercised. In the latter case, the holding period of the shares of our common stock received upon exercise of Warrants would include the holding period of the exercised Warrants. However, our position is not binding on the IRS and the IRS may treat a cashless exercise of a Warrant as a taxable exchange. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors as to the consequences of an exercise of a Warrant on a cashless basis, including with respect to their holding period and tax basis in the common stock received.
If a Warrant expires without being exercised, a U.S. holder will recognize a capital loss in an amount equal to such holder’s tax basis in the Warrant. Such loss will be long-term capital loss if, at the time of the expiration, the U.S. holder’s holding period in such Warrant is more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Constructive Dividends on Warrants
As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holdersapplicable prospectus supplement.
The issuance of our commonpreferred stock in the foreseeable future. However, if at any time during the period in which a U.S. holder holds Warrants, we were to pay a taxable dividend to our stockholders and, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the Warrants, the exercise price of the Warrants were decreased, thatcould decrease would be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to a U.S. holder of the Warrants to the extent of our earnings and profits, notwithstanding the fact that such holder will not receive a cash payment. If the exercise price is adjusted in certain other circumstances (or in certain circumstances, there is a failure to make adjustments), such adjustments may also result in the deemed payment of a taxable dividend to a U.S. holder. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the proper treatment of any adjustments to the exercise price of the Warrants.
We are currently required to report the amount of any deemed distributions on our website or to the IRS and to holders not exempt from reporting. On April 12, 2016, the IRS proposed regulations addressing the amount and timing of deemed distributions, as well as, obligations of withholding agents and filing and notice obligations of issuers in respect of such deemed distributions. If adopted as proposed, the regulations would generally provide that (i) the amount of a deemed distribution is the excess of the fair market value of the right to acquire stock immediately after the conversion rate adjustment over the fair market value of the right to acquire stock (after the conversion rate adjustment) without the adjustment, (ii) the deemed distribution occurs at the earlier of the date the adjustment occurs under the terms of the instrument and the date of the actual distribution of cash or property that results in the deemed distribution and (iii) we are required to report the amount of any deemed distributions on our website or to the IRS and to all holders (including holders that would otherwise be exempt from reporting). The final regulations will be effective for deemed distributions occurring on or after the date of adoption, but holders and withholding agents may rely on them prior to that date under certain circumstances.
Distributions on Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock
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As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends to the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determinedassets available for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by a corporate U.S. holder may be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to applicable limitations. Dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. holders, including individuals, are generally taxed at the lower applicable capital gains rate provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a return of capital and first be applied against and reduce a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Series B Preferred Stock or common stock, as the case may be, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below in the section relating to the sale or disposition of our common stock.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock
Upon a sale, exchange, or other disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock (other than by conversion) or our common stock, a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized (not including any amount attributable to declared and unpaid dividends, which will be taxable as described above to U.S. holders of record who have not previously included such dividends in income) and the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Series B Preferred Stock or our common stock. The U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our Series B Preferred Stock generally will equal its cost for the Series B Preferred stock, reduced by the amount of any cash distributions treated as a return of capital as described above. A U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in our common stock generally will equal its initial tax basis in our common stock (discussed below under “—Conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into Our Common Stock”) reduced by the amount of any cash distributions treated as a return of capital as described above. Such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for our Series B Preferred Stock or our common stock exceeded one year at the time of disposition (see the discussion below under “—Conversion of Our Series B Preferred Stock into Our Common Stock” regarding a U.S. holder’s holding period for our common stock). Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders, including individuals, generally are subject to reduced rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
Conversion of Our Series B Preferred Stock into Our Common Stock
Generally, a U.S. holder will not recognize any gain or loss in respect of the receipt of our common stock upon the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock. The adjusted tax basis of our common stock that a U.S. holder receives on conversion will equal the adjusted tax basis of the Series B Preferred Stock converted, and the holding period of such common stock received on conversion will include the period during which the U.S. holder held the Series B Preferred Stock prior to conversion.
In the event a U.S. holder’s Series B Preferred Stock is converted pursuant to an election by such U.S. holder in the case of certain acquisitions or fundamental changes or pursuant to certain other transactions (including our consolidation or merger into another person), the tax treatment of such a conversion will depend upon the facts underlying the particular transaction triggering such a conversion. In this regard, it is possible that any related adjustments of the conversion rate would be treated as a constructive distribution to the U.S. holder as described below under “—Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders — Constructive Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock.” U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the specific tax treatment of a conversion under such circumstances.
Constructive Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock
The conversion rate of our Series B Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, as described above under “Description of Securities—Series B Preferred Stock.” Section 305(c) of the Code and Treasury regulations thereunder will treat a U.S. holder of our Series B Preferred Stock as having received a constructive distribution includable in such U.S. holder’s income in the manner as described above under “—Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders — Distributions on Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock,” if and to the extent that certain adjustments in the conversion rate (or failures to make such an adjustment) increase the proportionate interest of such U.S. holder in our earnings and profits. For example, an increase in the conversion rate to reflect a taxable dividend to holders of our common stock or an increase inadversely affect the conversion rate upon certain
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events as described above will generally give rise to a deemed taxable dividend torights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of our Series B Preferred Stock to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. In certain other circumstances, an adjustment to the conversion rate of our Series B Preferred Stock or a failure to make such an adjustment could potentially give rise to constructive distributions to U.S. holders of our common stock. Thus, under certain circumstances, U.S. holders may recognize income in the eventThe issuance of a constructive distribution even though they may not receive any cash or property. Certain adjustments to the conversion rate made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula which haspreferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing dilutiona change in the interest of the U.S. holderscontrol of our company, which could depress the market price of our common stock.
Series B Preferred Stock will generally not be considered to result in a constructive distribution.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
A U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding when such holder receives dividend payments (including constructive dividends) or receives proceeds from the sale or other taxable disposition of the Warrants, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock acquired through the exercise of Subscription Rights or shares of our common stock acquired through conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of the Warrants. Certain U.S. holders are exempt from backup withholding, including corporations and certain tax-exempt organizations. A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding if such holder is not otherwise exempt and such holder:
fails to furnish the holder’s taxpayer identification number, which for an individual is ordinarily his or her social security number;
furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification number;
is notified by the IRS that the holder previously failed to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or
fails to certify under penalties of perjury that the holder has furnished a correct taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified the holder that the holder is subject to backup withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption.
Tax Considerations Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the Subscription Rights, shares of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or shares of our common stock that is neither a U.S. holder nor an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Receipt, Exercise and Expiration of the Subscription Rights
The discussion assumes that the receipt of Subscription Rights will be treated as a nontaxable distribution. See “— Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders – Receipts of Subscription Rights” above. Non-U.S. holders will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax (or any withholding thereof) on the receipt, exercise or expiration of the Subscription Rights.
Exercise of Warrants
A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the exercise of Warrants into shares of our common stock. However, if a cashless exercise of the Warrants results in a taxable exchange, as described in “— Tax Considerations Applicable to U.S. holders — Sale or Other Disposition, Exercise or Expiration of Warrants,” the rules described below under “Sale or Other Disposition of Series B Preferred Stock, Common Stock or Warrants” would apply.
Constructive Dividends on Warrants
As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holders
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of our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if at any time during the period in which a non-U.S. holder holds Warrants we were to pay a taxable dividend to our stockholders and, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions of the Warrants, the exercise price of the Warrants were decreased, that decrease would be deemed to be the payment of a taxable dividend to a non-U.S. holder to the extent of our earnings and profits, notwithstanding the fact that such holder will not receive a cash payment. If the exercise price is adjusted in certain other circumstances (or in certain circumstances, there is a failure to make adjustments), such adjustments may also result in the deemed payment of a taxable dividend to a non-U.S. holder. Any resulting withholding tax attributable to deemed dividends may be collected from other amounts payable or distributable to the non-U.S. holder. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the proper treatment of any adjustments to the Warrants.
Distributions on Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock
As described in the section entitled “Dividend Policy,” we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or property on our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Amounts not treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital and first be applied against and reduce a non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Series B Preferred Stock or common stock, as the case may be, but not below zero. Any excess will be treated as capital gain and will be treated as described below in the section relating to the sale or disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, our common stock or Warrants. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of the withholding rules discussed below we or the applicable withholding agent may treat the entire distribution as a dividend.
Subject to the discussion below on backup withholding and foreign accounts, dividends paid to a non- U.S. holder of our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock that are not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty)Conversion.
Non-U.S. holders will be entitled to a reduction in or an exemption from withholding on dividends as a result of either (a) an applicable income tax treaty or (b) the non-U.S. holder holding our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock in connection with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States and dividends being effectively connected with that trade or business. To claim such a reduction in or exemption from withholding, the non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed (a) IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable documentation) claiming an exemption from or reduction of the withholding tax under the benefit of an income tax treaty between the United States and the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established, or (b) IRS Form W-8ECI stating that the dividends are not subject to withholding tax because they are effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a trade or business within the United States, as may be applicable. These certifications must be provided to the applicable withholding agent prior to the payment of dividends and must be updated periodically. Non-U.S. holders that do not timely provide the applicable withholding agent with the required certification, but that qualify for a reduced rate under an applicable income tax treaty, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.
If dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such dividends are attributable), then, although exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax (provided the non-U.S. holder provides appropriate certification, as described above), the non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such dividends on a net income basis at the regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. In addition, a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year that are attributable to such dividends, as adjusted for certain items. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under
any applicable income tax treaty.
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Sale or Other Disposition of Series B Preferred Stock, Common Stock or Warrants
Subject to the discussions below on backup withholding and foreign accounts, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock unless:
the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the non-U.S. holder maintains a permanent establishment in the United States to which such gain is attributable);
the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other requirements are met; or
our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest, or USRPI, by reason of our status as a U.S. real property holding corporation, or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at the regular graduated rates. A Non-U.S. holder that is a corporation also may be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on such effectively connected gain, as adjusted for certain items.
Gain described in the second bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on any gain derived from the disposition, which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses.
With respect to the third bullet point above, we believe we are not currently and do not anticipate becoming a USRPHC. Because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our USRPIs relative to the fair market value of our other business assets and our non- U.S. real property interests, however, there can be no assurance we are not a USRPHC or will not become one in the future.
Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding potentially applicable income tax treaties that may provide for different rules.
Conversion of Our Series B Preferred Stock into Our Common Stock
A non-U.S. holder generally will not recognize any gain or loss in respect of the receipt of our common stock upon the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock.
Constructive Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock
As described above under “— Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders — Constructive Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock,” in certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder will be deemed to receive a constructive distribution from us. Adjustments in the conversion rate (or failures to adjust the conversion rate) that increase the proportionate interest of a non-U.S. holder in our earnings and profits could result in deemed distributions to the non-U.S. holder that are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any constructive dividend deemed paid to a non-U.S. holder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax in the manner described above under “— Tax Consequences Applicable to Non-U.S. Holders — Distributions on Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock.” It is possible that U.S. federal tax on the constructive dividend would be withheld, if applicable, from subsequent payments on the Series B Preferred Stock or our common stock.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Subject to the discussion below on foreign accounts, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding
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with respect to distributions on our Series B Preferred Stock or common stock we make to the non-U.S. holder, provided the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know such holder is a United States person and the holder certifies its non-U.S. status, such as by providing a valid IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or W-8ECI, or other applicable certification. However, information returns generally will be filed with the IRS in connection with any distributions (including deemed distributions) made on our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants and our common stock to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.
Information reporting and backup withholding may apply to the proceeds of a sale or other taxable disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock within the United States, and information reporting may (although backup withholding generally will not) apply to the proceeds of a sale or other taxable disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock outside the United States conducted through certain U.S.- related financial intermediaries, in each case, unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalty of perjury that it is a non-U.S. holder on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, or other applicable form (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a U.S. person) or such owner otherwise establishes an exemption. Proceeds of a disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock conducted through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against a non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Additional Withholding Tax on Payments Made to Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends (including deemed dividends) paid on our common stock or Warrants, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations, (2) the non-financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence and reporting requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States-owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends (including deemed dividends), and will apply to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Series B Preferred Stock, Warrants or our common stock on or after January 1, 2019. Because we may not know the extent to which a distribution is a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it is made, for purposes of these withholding rules we or the applicable withholding agent may treat the entire distribution as a dividend. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of these withholding provisions.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
In this offering, we are offering for sale Units, with each Unit consisting of one Each share of Series B Preferred Stock and a Warrant to purchase up to shares of common stock. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Warrants comprising the units are immediately separable and will be issued separately, but will be purchased together in this offering. We are also registering the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and exercise of the Warrants. You should review the certificate of designation for the Series B Preferred Stock and the form of Warrant, each filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrants. The following brief summary of the material terms and provisions of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrants is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the certificate of designation for the Series B Preferred Stock and the form of Warrant.
Preferred Stock
We have 5,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 13,500 shares of which were issued and none of which were outstanding as of June 30, 2017. Of this amount, 13,500 shares have been designated Series A convertible, preferred stock, none of which are outstanding as of June 30, 2017. Our board of directors is authorized, without action byat our stockholders, to classifyoption or reclassify any unissued portion of our authorized shares of preferred stock to provide for the issuance of shares of other classes or series, including preferred stock in one or more series. Our board of directors may fix or alter the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), the redemption price or prices, the liquidation preferences of any wholly unissued series of preferred stock, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of them. Our board of directors may also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issue of shares of that series, but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding. In case the number of shares of any series shall be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolution originally fixing the number of shares of such series.
We will authorize the Series B Preferred Stock by filing a certificate of designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The certificate of designation may be authorized by our board of directors without approval by our stockholders.
Conversion. Subject to obtaining the Stockholder Approval, each share of Series B Preferred Stock will be convertible at the option of the holder at any time, into the number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the $$1,000 stated value per share of the Series B Preferred Stock by a conversion price of $$2,547.74 per share. In addition, the conversion price per share is subject to adjustment for stock dividends, distributions, subdivisions, combinations or reclassifications, and for certain dilutive issuances.reclassifications. Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of the Series B Preferred Stock will not have the right to convert any portion of the Series B Preferred Stock to the extent that, after giving effect to the conversion, the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to its conversion.
Fundamental Transactions. In the event we effect certain mergers, consolidations, sales of substantially all of our assets, tender or exchange offers, reclassifications or share exchanges in which our common stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, we consummate a business combination in which another person acquires 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by our issued and outstanding common stock, then, upon any subsequent conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, a holder of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to receive any shares of the acquiring corporation or other consideration it would have been entitled to receive if it had been a holder of the number of shares of common stock then issuable upon conversion in full of the Series B Preferred Stock.Stock.
Dividends. SharesHolders of Series B Preferred Stock will not beare entitled to receive dividends unless(on an as-if-converted-to-common-stock basis) in the same form as dividends actually paid on shares of the common stock when, as and until specifically declared by our boardif such dividends are paid on shares of directors.common stock.
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Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided in the certificate of designation for the Series B Preferred Stock or as otherwise required by law, the Series B Preferred Stock has no voting rights.
LiquidationPreference. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of our assets, whether capital or surplus, an amount equal to the $$1,000 stated value per share for each share of Series B Preferred Stock before any distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any junior securities.
Redemption Rights. We are not obligated to redeem or repurchase any shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not otherwise entitled to any redemption rights, or mandatory sinking fund or analogous fund provisions.
Warrants21
