Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-265996
Prospectus supplement
(To Prospectus Dated July 12, 2022)
8,333,334 Shares
Common stock
We are offering 8,333,334 shares of our common stock in this offering.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol VERV. The last reported sales price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on July 20, 2022 was $35.91 per share.
We are an emerging growth company as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, we have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus supplement and may elect to do so for future filings. See Prospectus supplement summaryImplications of being an emerging growth company.
Per Share | Total | |||||||
Public offering price |
$ | 27.00 | $ | 225,000,018.00 | ||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1) |
$ | 1.62 | $ | 13,500,001.08 | ||||
Proceeds to Verve Therapeutics, Inc., before expenses |
$ | 25.38 | $ | 211,500,016.92 |
(1) | See Underwriting beginning on page S-25 for additional information regarding underwriter compensation. |
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional 1,250,000 shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
Investing in our common stock involves risks. See Risk factors beginning on page S-12 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on or about July 25, 2022.
J.P. Morgan | Jefferies | Guggenheim Securities | William Blair |
July 20, 2022
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About this prospectus supplement
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this common stock offering and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, provides more general information. Generally, when we refer to this prospectus supplement, we are referring to both parts of this document combined. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the information contained in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated by reference therein filed prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement; provided that if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later datefor example, a document incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectusthe statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.
We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation of an offer in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, or incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of the respective dates thereof, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or of any sale of our common stock. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections entitled Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the offering of the common stock in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the common stock and the distribution of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
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Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus supplement to the Company, we, our and us refer, collectively, to Verve Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiary.
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This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference herein and therein. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our common stock discussed under Risk factors beginning on page S-12 of this prospectus supplement and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, along with our consolidated financial statements and notes to those consolidated financial statements and the other information incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making an investment decision.
Company overview
We are a clinical-stage genetic medicines company pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, or CVD, transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines. Despite advances in treatment over the last 50 years, CVD remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The current paradigm of chronic care is fragilerequiring rigorous patient adherence, extensive healthcare infrastructure and regular healthcare accessand leaves many patients without adequate care. Our goal is to disrupt the chronic care model for CVD by providing a new therapeutic approach with single-course in vivo gene editing treatments focused on addressing the root causes of this highly prevalent and life-threatening disease. Our initial two programs target PCSK9 and ANGPTL3, respectively, genes that have been extensively validated as targets for lowering blood lipids, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C. We believe that editing these genes could potently and durably lower LDL-C throughout the lifetime of patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, the most common form of CVD.
Our approach leverages multiple breakthroughs in 21st century biomedicinehuman genetic analysis, gene editing, messenger RNA, or mRNA, -based therapies and lipid nanoparticle, or LNP, deliveryto target genes that are predominantly expressed in the liver and disrupt the production of proteins that cause CVD. Our initial two programs targeting PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 are single-course in vivo gene editing programs designed to mimic natural disease resistance mutations and turn off specific genes in order to lower blood lipids, thereby reducing the risk of ASCVD. We intend to initially develop these programs for the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, or FH, a genetic disease that causes life-long severely elevated blood LDL-C, leading to increased risk of early-onset ASCVD. If these programs are successful in FH, we believe they could also provide a potential treatment for the broader population of patients with established ASCVD. Ultimately, we believe that these treatments could potentially be developed for administration to people at risk for ASCVD as a preventative measure similar to the way that certain vaccines offer long-term protection against infectious diseases.
High cumulative life-long exposure to LDL-C drives the development of atherosclerotic plaque that results in the hardening of arteries seen in ASCVD. The relationship between lowering of cumulative LDL-C exposure and reduction in the risk of ASCVD is among the best understood relationships in medicine. Studies have shown that lowering LDL-C by 39 mg/dL for five years in patients with established ASCVD reduces the risk of a further event by 21%, whereas a similar degree of LDL-C difference over a lifetime reduces the risk of a first ASCVD event by 88%. This demonstrates that the challenge is not only to substantially reduce LDL-C but also to sustain such a reduction throughout a patients lifetime. We believe that the cornerstone of the treatment and prevention of ASCVD must be early and aggressive reduction of LDL-C for as long as possible.
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The current standard of care is a chronic care model that often fails to sufficiently control overall LDL-C exposure due to the continuous and life-long nature of its treatment approaches and the inherent adherence issues it presents. As a result, a large proportion of patients with established ASCVD have LDL-C levels above the goal recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, leaving them at risk for recurrent ASCVD events and the potential for invasive medical procedures or even death. Furthermore, given the silent nature of the damage done by elevated LDL-C, many patients at risk for ASCVD do not properly appreciate the therapeutic benefits of consistent treatment as well as the substantial risk of foregoing treatment, focusing instead on the heavy, life-long medication burden of daily pills, lifestyle changes and other chronic approaches. We believe that single-course gene editing treatments that potently and durably control cumulative LDL-C exposure could fundamentally disrupt the chronic care model for treating patients with or at risk for ASCVD and relieve the significant burden placed on patients, providers and the healthcare system.
VERVE-101
Our lead product candidate, VERVE-101, is designed to permanently turn off the PCSK9 gene in the liver. PCSK9 is a highly validated target that plays a critical role in controlling blood LDL-C through its regulation of the LDL receptor, or LDLR. Reduction of PCSK9 protein in the blood improves the ability of the liver to clear LDL-C from the blood. VERVE-101 utilizes LNP-mediated delivery to target the liver and base editing technology to make a single base change at a specific site in the PCSK9 gene in order to disrupt PCSK9 protein production.
VERVE-101 is being developed for the treatment of patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HeFH, which affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States and approximately 31 million worldwide. We are strategically developing VERVE-101 initially in patients with HeFH, recognizing that the unmet need is highest in those patients and the benefit-risk profile may be more favorable. We intend to use a stepwise clinical development plan for VERVE-101, evaluating efficacy and safety in higher-risk populations first, and then if successful, expanding into broader population of patients with established ASCVD, and ultimately to those at risk for ASCVD in the general population.
Preclinical data
In an ongoing in vivo proof-of-concept study of a precursor formulation of VERVE-101 in non-human primates, or NHPs, we observed substantial lowering of LDL-C levels that was sustained over an extended period of time following treatment. In this study, following a single intravenous infusion of a base editor targeting PCSK9, we observed an average reduction of blood PCSK9 protein of 89% accompanied by an average reduction of blood LDL-C levels of 59% at two weeks after treatment. This LDL-C reduction was maintained at an average of greater than 60% for 20 months following treatment. If we are able to achieve similar reductions in PCSK9 protein levels in humans, we believe this could result in marked and sustained LDL-C reductions of approximately 60%, which would potentially offer superior cumulative LDL-C lowering to what has been clinically demonstrated with other PCSK9-targeting treatment modalities.
In an ongoing preclinical study with VERVE-101 in NHPs, we observed 70% mean editing following a single administration of 1.5 mg/kg dose at the PCSK9 target gene site in liver biopsies taken at day 15. In this study, we also observed an average reduction in blood PCSK9 protein of 86% accompanied by an average reduction of blood LDL-C levels of 62% at two weeks after treatment. These reductions were durable when assessed 12 months after treatment, with mean reduction in blood PCSK9 protein of 89% and blood LDL-C levels of 68%.
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In our preclinical studies in NHPs to date, VERVE-101 has been well tolerated following a single administration with only mild elevations in liver function tests that resolved within two weeks.
In GLP toxicology studies, we observed that the highest dose that did not produce a significant increase in adverse effects relative to control was 2.0 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg in NHPs and a mouse model, respectively. In the toxicology studies in NHPs, we observed transient mild elevations in liver function tests and evidence of minimal to mild single cell hepatocyte necrosis two days after dosing and all findings were reversible and observed to be resolved at a 90-day measurement. In the mouse model, we did not observe any differences between wild-type mice or the HeFH mouse disease model.
In April 2022, we presented data from a comprehensive preclinical assessment of the potential for VERVE-101 to cause unintended, or off-target, DNA edits in primary human liver cells from multiple donors. We used multiple methods consistent with recent guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify more than 3,000 sites with the greatest experimental or bioinformatic similarity to the on-target site. We then used a sequencing assay to determine whether administration of VERVE-101 resulted in off-target editing at those sites. We did not observe any statistically significant off-target editing after treatment with VERVE-101 at the identified sites. We also evaluated the potential for off-target editing in non-target cells (spleen cells, adrenal cells, and hematopoietic stem cells) and other cellular contexts (pediatric human liver cells and human liver cell lines) and identified only two sites with statistically significant editing above untreated controls. The two instances of off-target editing occurred at doses greater than the dose we expect to achieve saturation for on-target editing. Based on these assessments, we believe that VERVE-101 has a low risk of off-target genomic modifications that would be expected to have an associated clinical adverse effect.
heart-1 clinical trial of VERVE-101
On July 12, 2022, we announced that the first patient has been dosed with VERVE-101 in our heart-1 clinical trial, which is a global Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating VERVE-101 as a treatment for patients with HeFH. The trial is underway and is enrolling patients with HeFH in New Zealand. We anticipate obtaining regulatory clearances for a clinical trial application in the United Kingdom and an investigational new drug, or IND, application in the United States in the second half of 2022. We are on track to complete the remaining IND-enabling studies in the third quarter of 2022. We expect to report interim clinical data from the heart-1 clinical trial, including safety parameters, blood PCSK9 level, and blood LDL-C level, in 2023.
The heart-1 clinical trial is designed to enroll approximately 40 adult HeFH patients with established ASCVD and evaluate the safety and tolerability of VERVE-101 administration, with additional analyses for pharmacokinetics and reductions in blood PCSK9 protein and LDL-C. The trial includes three parts (A) a single ascending dose portion, followed by (B) an expansion single-dose cohort, in which additional participants will receive the selected potentially therapeutic dose and (C) an optional second-dose cohort, in which eligible participants in lower dose cohorts in Part A have the option to receive a second treatment at the selected potentially therapeutic dose.
ANGPTL3 program
Our ANGPTL3 program is designed to permanently turn off the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver. We plan to develop this program initially for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HoFH, which affects approximately 1,300 patients in the United States. Similar to our approach with VERVE-101, we plan to expand the clinical development of our ANGPTL3 program in a stepwise fashion beyond HoFH to patients with established ASCVD who may need additional LDL-C and/or triglycerides reduction. Ultimately, we believe that
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our ANGPTL3 program may also be useful to people at risk for ASCVD as a preventative measure in the general population. We expect to identify our base editing development candidate targeting ANGPTL3 and begin IND-enabling studies in the second half of 2022.
We plan to utilize internally developed GalNAc-LNP technology in our ANGPTL3 program to deliver a base editor targeting the ANGPTL3 gene to the liver. In patients with HoFH, delivery of base editors with standard LNPs to the liver is challenging due to the deficiency of LDLR, which is known to mediate LNP uptake. We have developed proprietary LNPs with a GalNAc ligand designed to bind to asialoglycoprotein receptors in the liver, which bypass LDLR, thereby enabling uptake into the liver in HoFH patients.
In an ongoing proof of concept study of an ANGPTL3 base editor in NHPs (n=4), we observed a 96% reduction in blood ANGPTL3 protein from baseline, with follow-up out to approximately 20 months. In addition, no long-term impacts were observed on markers of liver toxicity, as measured by alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin levels following treatment administration.
In addition, in our preclinical studies of our ANGPTL3 program using a single treatment of two different formulations of our proprietary GalNAc-LNPs to deliver our ANGPTL3-targeted base editor, we observed approximately 94% (n=3) and 97% (n=3) reduction in blood ANGPTL3 protein, and reductions in LDL-C of nearly 100 mg/dL, which was an approximately 35% reduction from baseline. We conducted these studies in an internally developed NHP model of HoFH, which we created by editing the LDLR gene in wild-type NHPs and eliminating LDLR expression in the livers of NHPs using a Cas9 and dual guide RNA strategy encapsulated in standard LNPs, which led to nearly 70% whole liver DNA editing at the LDLR gene and resulted in an approximately 94% reduction in LDLR protein in the liver and a six-fold increase in blood LDL-C.
We are continuing to invest and build out capabilities in the development of novel and optimized GalNAc-targeting ligands, optimal lipid anchors, optimal compositions and ratios of LNP components, and optimal processes of addition and LNP formation with targeting ligands. We believe GalNAc provides a delivery platform for patients with both forms of FH and potentially may be applicable in other applications where liver-directed delivery is advantageous.
We have also assessed the potential broad utility of our proprietary GalNAc-LNP approach for delivery of our ANGPTL3-targeted base editor, in a preclinical study evaluating delivery efficiency of our ANGPTL3 base editor using either a GalNAc-LNP or a standard LNP without GalNAc in wild-type NHPs with normal livers. In these studies, we observed that wild-type NHPs treated with our ANGPTL3-targeted base editor delivered via our GalNAc-LNP had an approximately 89% reduction in ANGPTL3 protein compared to an approximately 74% reduction in wild-type NHPs treated with a standard LNP. A follow up study in which we performed dose-response assessments at three dose levels (0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg) in wild-type NHPs confirmed the observation that the addition of GalNAc-lipid to a standard LNP enhanced potency of liver base editing. In this study, we observed greater editing potency of a ANGPTL3 precursor formulation with our GalNAc-LNP than with standard LNPs at day 14. We also observed that the use of a GalNAc-LNP led to reductions in blood ANGPTL3 protein at each dose level at day 14, including a 51% reduction at 0.75mg/kg, an 83% reduction at 1.5 mg/kg and a 98% reduction at 3.0 mg/kg. In this study, the alanine aminotransferase profiles over 14 days following treatment did not differ between NHPs treated with GalNAc-LNP versus a standard LNP. We also evaluated the biodistribution of editing following administration of an ANGPTL3 precursor at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg using our GalNAc-LNP and observed editing to be localized to the liver with minimal biodistribution to other organs.
We believe this data suggests that GalNAc-LNP delivery may have broad utility for liver editing in other indications.
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Recent developments
Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals
On July 18, 2022, we entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement, or the Vertex Collaboration Agreement, with Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, or Vertex, for an exclusive, four-year worldwide research collaboration focused on developing in vivo gene editing candidates toward an undisclosed target for the treatment of a single liver disease. Additionally, on July 18, 2022, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Stock Purchase Agreement, with Vertex, pursuant to which we agreed to sell and issue shares of our common stock to Vertex in a private placement.
Pursuant to the Vertex Collaboration Agreement, we will be responsible for discovery, research and certain preclinical development of novel in vivo gene editing development candidates for the target of interest. Our research activities will be focused on (i) identifying and engineering specific gene editing systems and in vivo delivery systems directed to the target and (ii) evaluating and optimizing development candidates to achieve criteria specified in the Vertex Collaboration Agreement. Vertex will reimburse our research expenses consistent with an agreed-upon budget. The research term has an initial term of four years and may be extended by Vertex for up to one additional year.
Vertex will be solely responsible for subsequent development, manufacturing and commercialization of any product candidate resulting from our research efforts. We received an upfront payment from Vertex of $25 million on July 20, 2022. We are eligible to receive (i) success payments of up to $22 million for each product candidate (up to a maximum of $66 million) that achieves the applicable development criteria and (ii) up to an aggregate of $340 million in development and commercial milestone payments. We are also eligible to receive tiered single-digit royalties on net sales, subject to specified reductions. Such royalty payments will terminate on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis upon the later to occur of (i) the expiration of the last to expire valid claim under the patent rights covering such product in such country, (ii) the period of regulatory exclusivity associated with such product in such country or (iii) ten years after the first commercial sale of such product in such country.
Prior to the first patient dosing of the first Phase 1 clinical trial for the first product candidate developed under the Vertex Collaboration Agreement, we also have the right to opt-in to a profit share arrangement pursuant to which we would share the costs and net profits with Vertex for all product candidates emerging from the collaboration. If we exercise our opt-in right, in lieu of milestones and royalties, we will be obligated to pay for a specified percentage of the development and commercialization costs, and we will have the right to receive a specified percentage of the profits from any sales of any product candidates advanced under the collaboration. At the time we exercise the option, we may elect a profit/cost share of up to 40% (with Vertex retaining a minimum of 60%). In order to exercise our opt-in right, we are required to pay a fee ranging from $25-70 million, depending on the profit/cost percentage elected by us and the licensed technology of Verve included in the most advanced product candidate at the time Verve exercises its opt-in right. Under all profit share scenarios, Vertex will control the worldwide development and commercialization of any product candidates resulting from the collaboration.
The Vertex Collaboration Agreement includes customary representations and warranties, covenants and indemnification obligations for a transaction of this nature. We and Vertex each have the right to terminate the agreement for material breach by, or insolvency of, the other party following notice, and if applicable, a cure period. Vertex may also terminate the Vertex Collaboration Agreement in its entirety for convenience upon 90 days notice.
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In connection with the execution of the Vertex Collaboration Agreement, we also entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement with Vertex for the sale and issuance of 1,519,756 shares of our common stock in a private placement to Vertex at a price of $23.03 per share, which was equal to the five-day volume-weighted average share price as of July 15, 2022, for an aggregate purchase price of $35.0 million. The private placement closed on July 20, 2022.
Initiation of heart-1 clinical trial
On July 12, 2022, we announced that the first patient has been dosed with VERVE-101 in our heart-1 clinical trial, which is a global Phase 1b clinical trial that will evaluate VERVE-101 as a treatment for patients with HeFH. The trial is underway and is enrolling patients with HeFH in New Zealand. We anticipate obtaining regulatory clearances for a clinical trial application in the United Kingdom and an investigational new drug application in the United States in the second half of 2022. We expect to report interim clinical data from the heart-1 clinical trial, including safety parameters, blood PCSK9 level, and blood LDL-C level, in 2023.
Amended and Restated Collaboration and License Agreement with Beam Therapeutics
On July 5, 2022, we entered into an Amended and Restated Collaboration and License Agreement, or the Beam Amendment, with Beam Therapeutics Inc., or Beam, which amended the Collaboration and License Agreement entered into between us and Beam on April 3, 2019, or the Original Beam Agreement. The Original Beam Agreement provided us with an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license under certain of Beams base editing, gene editing, and delivery technologies for human therapeutic applications against four liver-mediated, cardiovascular disease targets, including PCSK9 and ANGPTL3, and two undisclosed gene targets.
Pursuant to the Beam Amendment, Beam granted us an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license under certain of Beams base editing technology to develop and commercialize products directed towards an additional liver-mediated, cardiovascular disease target. We will be responsible for the development and commercialization of products targeting such gene, subject to Beams opt-in right. Following the final dosing of a patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial of a licensed product for such gene, Beam has the right to opt-in to share 35% of worldwide expenses of the development of such licensed product, as well as jointly commercialize and share 35% of the profits and expenses of commercializing such licensed product worldwide. If Beam does not elect to opt-in, Beam would be entitled to receive milestones and royalties on the same basis as other collaboration products as provided in the Original Beam Agreement.
In exchange, we granted to Beam an exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable, fully paid-up license under our intellectual property, including under our GalNAc-LNP delivery technology, relating to a preclinical program developed by us.
In addition, the Beam Amendment:
| clarified intellectual property rights with respect to our GalNAc-LNP delivery technology; |
| granted Beam, on a target-by-target basis, the option to obtain a non-exclusive, worldwide, sublicensable license to our GalNAc-LNP delivery technology for the development and commercialization of certain base editor products, as to which Beam would owe us a fee upon exercise of each option, certain regulatory and commercial sale milestones as well as low single-digit royalties on net sales for base editor products using the GalNAc-LNP delivery technology; |
| terminated our rights and economic obligations under the Original Beam Agreement with respect to the undisclosed gene targets, allowing us and Beam to independently develop and commercialize products directed to such gene targets; and |
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| concluded other licenses that applied under the Original Beam Agreement with respect to delivery and other technologies developed by the parties for the development and commercialization of base editor products. |
At-the-Market Program
On July 1, 2022, we entered into an Open Market Sale AgreementSM, or the Sale Agreement, with Jefferies LLC, as agent, pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $150,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies LLC under an at-the-market offering program. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have not sold any shares pursuant to the Sale Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the lock-up provision discussed more fully in the Underwriting section of this prospectus supplement, we may not sell shares of our common stock under the Sale Agreement for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.
Risks associated with our business
Our business is subject to a number of risks of which you should be aware before making an investment decision. These risks are discussed more fully in the Risk factors section of this prospectus supplement immediately following this prospectus supplement summary, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, which are incorporated by reference herein. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
| We will need substantial additional funding. If we are unable to raise capital when needed, we could be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs or commercialization efforts; |
| Our limited operating history may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability; |
| We are very early in our development efforts, and we have only recently initiated clinical development of a product candidate. Clinical drug development involves an expensive process, with an uncertain outcome. As a result, we expect it will be many years before we commercialize any product candidate, if ever. If we are unable to advance our current or future product candidates into and through clinical trials, obtain marketing approval for and ultimately commercialize our product candidates or experience significant delays in doing so, our business will be materially harmed; |
| Gene editing, including base editing, is a novel technology in a rapidly evolving field that is not yet clinically validated as being safe and efficacious for human therapeutic use. The approaches we are taking to discover and develop novel therapeutics are unproven and may never lead to marketable products. We are focusing our research and development efforts on gene editing using base editing technology, but other gene editing technologies may be discovered that provide significant advantages over base editing and we may not be able to access or use those technologies, which could materially harm our business; |
| The outcome of preclinical studies and earlier-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of future results or the success of later preclinical studies and clinical trials; |
| If any of the product candidates we may develop, or the delivery modes we rely on to administer them, cause serious adverse events, undesirable side effects or unexpected characteristics, such events, side effects or characteristics could delay or prevent regulatory approval of the product candidates, limit the commercial potential or result in significant negative consequences following any potential marketing approval; |
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| Adverse public perception of genetic medicines, and gene editing and base editing in particular, may negatively impact regulatory approval of, and/or demand for, our potential products; |
| Genetic medicines are complex and difficult to manufacture. We could experience delays in satisfying regulatory authorities or production problems that result in delays in our development programs, limit the supply of our product candidates we may develop, or otherwise harm our business; |
| We are conducting our ongoing heart-1 clinical trial at sites outside the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may not accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States, and the conduct of trials outside the United States could subject us to additional delays and expense; |
| We rely, and expect to continue to rely, on third parties to conduct some or all aspects of our product manufacturing, research and preclinical and clinical testing, and these third parties may not perform satisfactorily; |
| We have entered into collaborations, and may enter into additional collaborations, with third parties for the research, development, manufacture and commercialization of programs or product candidates. If these collaborations are not successful, our business could be adversely affected; |
| If we or our licensors are unable to obtain, maintain, defend and enforce patent rights that cover our gene editing technology and product candidates or if the scope of the patent protection obtained is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize technology and products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully develop and commercialize our technology and product candidates may be adversely affected; |
| If we fail to comply with our obligations in our intellectual property license arrangements with third parties, or otherwise experience disruptions to our business relationships with our licensors, we could lose intellectual property rights that are important to our business; |
| The intellectual property landscape around genome editing technology, including base editing, is highly dynamic, and third parties may initiate legal proceedings alleging that we are infringing, misappropriating, or otherwise violating their intellectual property rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain and may prevent, delay or otherwise interfere with our product discovery, development and commercialization efforts; |
| We face substantial competition, which may result in others discovering, developing or commercializing products before us or more successfully than we do; and |
| The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may affect our ability to initiate and complete preclinical studies, complete ongoing clinical trials, delay the initiation of future clinical trials, disrupt regulatory activities or have other adverse effects on our business and operations. In addition, this pandemic has adversely impacted economies worldwide, which could result in adverse effects on our business, operations and ability to raise capital. |
Our corporate information
We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware on March 9, 2018 under the name Endcadia, Inc. On January 15, 2019, we changed our name to Verve Therapeutics, Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Technology Square, Suite 901, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 and our telephone number is (617) 603-0070. Our website address is http://www.vervetx.com. The
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information contained on, or accessible through, our website does not constitute part of this prospectus supplement. We have included our website address in this prospectus supplement solely as an inactive textual reference.
Implications of being an emerging growth company
We are an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act, enacted in April 2012. As a result, we may take advantage of reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies, including delaying auditor attestation of internal control over financial reporting, exemption from the requirements to hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation and golden parachute payments and reduced executive compensation disclosures.
We may remain an emerging growth company until December 31, 2026 or until such earlier time as we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenue, we become a large accelerated filer under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, or we issue more than $1 billion of non-convertible debt over a three-year period.
S-9
The offering
Common stock offered |
8,333,334 shares. |
Option to purchase additional shares |
We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement to purchase from us up to an additional 1,250,000 shares of our common stock. |
Common stock to be outstanding immediately following this offering |
56,998,690 shares (or 58,248,690 shares if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares). |
Use of proceeds |
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering will be approximately $211.2 million, or approximately $242.9 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, in each case after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, for (i) the clinical development of VERVE-101, including our ongoing heart-1 clinical trial, (ii) research and development of our ANGPTL3 program, including IND-enabling studies and initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials, (iii) research and development to support new programs and optimization of existing technology, including new targets, novel technology and novel process development to enable manufacturing at scale, and (iv) working capital and other general corporate purposes. See Use of proceeds. |
Risk factors |
You should read the Risk factors section of this prospectus supplement beginning on page S-12 and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 for a discussion of factors to consider carefully before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. |
Nasdaq Global Select Market symbol |
VERV |
The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 48,665,356 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2022, and excludes:
| 7,699,595 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of May 31, 2022, at a weighted-average exercise price of $14.07 per share; |
| 528,850 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units as of May 31, 2022; |
| 3,684,405 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2021 Plan, as of May 31, 2022, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2021 Plan; and |
S-10
| 844,918 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2021 ESPP, as of May 31, 2022, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2021 ESPP. |
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement:
| assumes no exercise of the outstanding stock options or vesting of the restricted stock units described above; |
| assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of our common stock; |
| does not reflect the potential issuance of shares of our common stock that remain available for sale as of the date of this prospectus supplement under our Sale Agreement; and |
| does not reflect 1,519,756 shares of common stock issued to Vertex in a private placement under the Stock Purchase Agreement executed on July 18, 2022. |
S-11
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before you decide to invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, together with all other information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could suffer materially. In such event, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock and This Offering
The trading price of our common stock has been highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially, which could result in substantial losses for our stockholders.
The trading price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. During the period from June 17, 2021 to July 20, 2022, the closing price of our common stock ranged from a high of $78.00 per share to a low of $10.70 per share. The stock market in general and the market for smaller pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, you may not be able to sell your common stock at or above the price you paid for your common stock in this offering.
If you purchase shares of common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of your investment.
The price of our common stock to be sold in this offering is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Therefore, if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds our net tangible book value per share after this offering. You will experience immediate dilution of $17.48 per share, representing the difference between our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2022 after giving effect to this offering and the public offering price of $27.00 per share. To the extent we issue additional shares, whether under the Sale Agreement, to The Broad Institute and the President and Fellows of Harvard College pursuant to our Cas9 license agreement with such institutions, upon the exercise of outstanding options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units or otherwise, you will incur further dilution. For additional information on the dilution that you will experience immediately after this offering, see the section titled Dilution in this prospectus supplement.
We have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree and in ways that may not yield a return on your investment.
Although we currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, in the manner described in the section titled Use of proceeds in this prospectus supplement, our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our common stock. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could harm our business, cause the price of our common stock to decline and delay the development of our product candidates. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
S-12
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our capital stock in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, stockholders must rely on capital appreciation, if any, for any return on their investment.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain all of our future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our common stock will be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.
S-13
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements and industry data
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management and expected market growth are forward-looking statements. The words anticipate, believe, contemplate, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, or the negative of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
The forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement include, among other things, statements about:
| the initiation, timing, progress and results of our research and development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the timing of our submissions of INDs and clinical trial applications to regulatory authorities; |
| our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, need for additional financing and the period over which we believe that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; |
| the timing of and our ability to submit applications for and obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our current and future product candidates; |
| the potential therapeutic attributes and advantages of our current and future product candidates; |
| our expectations about the translatability of NHPs results into humans; |
| our plans to develop and, if approved, subsequently commercialize any product candidates we may develop; |
| the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products, if approved; |
| our estimates regarding the addressable patient population and potential market opportunity for our current and future product candidates; |
| our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; |
| our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection; |
| our ability to identify additional products, product candidates or technologies with significant commercial potential that are consistent with our commercial objectives; |
| the impact of government laws and regulations; |
| our competitive position and expectations regarding developments and projections relating to our competitors and any competing therapies that are or become available; |
S-14
| developments relating to our competitors and our industry; |
| our ability to establish and maintain collaborations or obtain additional funding; |
| our expectations related to the use of proceeds from this offering; |
| the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and our response to the pandemic; and |
| our expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act. |
We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this prospectus supplement, particularly in the Risk factors in this prospectus supplement, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, which are incorporated herein by reference, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, collaborations, joint ventures or investments that we may make or enter into.
You should read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein include statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by independent third parties as well as our own estimates of the prevalence of certain diseases and conditions. All of the market data used in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such data. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. Our estimates of the patient population with the potential to benefit from treatment with any product candidates we may develop include several key assumptions based on our industry knowledge, industry publications, third-party research and other surveys, which may be based on a small sample size and may fail to accurately reflect the addressable patient population. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, including those described in the section titled Risk factors in this prospectus supplement, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.
In addition, statements that we believe and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus supplement, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information.
S-15
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the issuance and sale of 8,333,334 shares of common stock in this offering will be approximately $211.2 million, or approximately $242.9 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full, in each case after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, for (i) clinical development of VERVE-101, including our ongoing heart-1 clinical trial, (ii) research and development of our ANGPTL3 program, including IND-enabling studies and initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials, (iii) research and development to support new programs and optimization of existing technology, including new targets, novel technology and novel process development to enable manufacturing at scale, and (iv) working capital and other general corporate purposes.
We expect that the net proceeds from this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, combined with our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2022 and the $60 million of upfront payments that we have received from the Vertex collaboration and private placement, will be over $564.0 million.
We believe that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, and the upfront payments that we have received from the Vertex collaboration and private placement, will enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the second half of 2025. We will require additional capital to complete the clinical development of, or commercialize, any of our product candidates or programs. We have based our estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. We could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect, in which case we would need to obtain additional funding, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy
This expected use of the net proceeds from this offering and our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our development efforts, the status of and results from clinical trials, the timing of regulatory submissions and the outcome of regulatory review, any future commercialization efforts, as well as any collaborations that we may enter into with third parties for our product candidates and any unforeseen cash needs. As a result, our management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds from this offering. We have no current agreements, commitments or understandings for any material acquisitions or licenses of any products, businesses or technologies.
Pending our use of the net proceeds from this offering, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation investments, including short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing instruments and U.S. government securities.
S-16
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and expansion of our business and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare and pay dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant.
S-17
If you invest in our common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering.
Our historical net tangible book value as of March 31, 2022, was $331.4 million, or $6.81 per share of common stock. Our historical net tangible book value is the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities. Historical net tangible book value per share represents historical net tangible book value divided by the 48,655,241 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2022.
After giving effect to the sale of 8,333,334 shares of common stock that we are offering at the public offering price of $27.00 per share, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2022 would have been $542.6 million, or $9.52 per share. This represents an immediate increase of $2.71 in as adjusted net tangible book value per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $17.48 in as adjusted net tangible book value per share to investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering. Dilution per share to new investors is determined by subtracting as adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after this offering from the public offering price per share paid by new investors. The following table illustrates this dilution to the investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering without giving effect to any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares:
Public offering price per share |
$ | 27.00 | ||||||
Historical net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2022 |
$ | 6.81 | ||||||
Increase in as adjusted net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering |
2.71 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
As adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after this offering |
9.52 | |||||||
|
|
|||||||
Dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering |
$ | 17.48 | ||||||
|
|
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full the immediate dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share to investors in this offering would be $17.14 per share.
The table and discussion above are based on 48,655,241 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2022, and excludes:
| 7,536,372 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2022, at a weighted-average exercise price of $14.15 per share; |
| 225,700 shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units as of March 31, 2022; |
| 4,160,893 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2021 Plan, as of March 31, 2022, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2021 Plan; and |
| 870,136 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or the 2021 ESPP, as of March 31, 2022, as well as any automatic increases in the number of shares of common stock reserved under the 2021 ESPP. |
S-18
To the extent that we issue additional shares of common stock in the future, whether under the Sale Agreement, to The Broad Institute and the President and Fellows of Harvard College pursuant to our Cas9 license agreement with such institutions, upon the exercise of outstanding options, vesting of outstanding restricted stock units or otherwise, there will be further dilution to investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering.
S-19
Material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations for non-U.S. holders of common stock
The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax considerations applicable to non-U.S. holders with respect to their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock. This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not tax advice. Accordingly, all prospective non-U.S. holders of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock. For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner (other than a partnership or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of our common stock who is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| a corporation or any other organization taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| a trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trusts administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of the trusts substantial decisions or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
This discussion is based on current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code, existing and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, current administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus supplement, all of which are subject to change or to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Any change could alter the tax consequences to non-U.S. holders described in this prospectus supplement. We have not requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein or that any such challenge would not be sustained by a court. We assume in this discussion that a non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset, generally property held for investment.
This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of that non-U.S. holders individual circumstances nor does it address any aspects of U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxes, the alternative minimum tax, or the Medicare tax on net investment income. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a non-U.S. holder and does not address the special tax rules applicable to particular non-U.S. holders, such as:
| insurance companies; |
| tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations; |
| financial institutions; |
| brokers or dealers in securities; |
| pension plans; |
| controlled foreign corporations; |
S-20
| passive foreign investment companies; |
| corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax; |
| qualified foreign pension funds as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities all the interests of which are held by qualified foreign pension funds; |
| owners that hold our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, synthetic security or other integrated investment; |
| persons who acquired our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; and |
| certain U.S. expatriates. |
In addition, this discussion does not address the tax treatment of partnerships or persons who hold our common stock through partnerships or other entities or arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A partner in a partnership or other pass-through entity that will hold our common stock should consult his, her or its own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of our common stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity, as applicable.
Distributions on our common stock
As discussed under Dividend policy above, we do not expect to make cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Distributions, if any, on our common stock generally 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. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of the non-U.S. holders investment, up to such holders tax basis in the common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below in Gain on Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Stock. Any such distributions will also be subject to the discussion below under the section titled Withholding and Information Reporting RequirementsFATCA.
Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holders country of residence.
Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder within the United States and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, that are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States, are generally exempt from the 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies applicable certification and disclosure requirements (generally including provision of a valid IRS Form W-8ECI (or applicable successor form) certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holders conduct of a trade or business within the United States). However, such U.S. effectively connected income, net of specified deductions and credits, is generally taxed at the same U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code). Any U.S. effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holders country of residence.
A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who claims the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holders country of residence generally will be required to provide a properly executed
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IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form) and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty.
A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under an income tax treaty may obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing the required information with the IRS.
Gain on sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our common stock
In general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon such holders sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock unless:
| the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holders conduct of a trade or business within the United States and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by such non-U.S. holder in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. holder generally will be taxed at the U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code) and, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, the branch profits tax described above in Distributions on Our Common Stock also may apply; |
| the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the taxable disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holders country of residence) on the net gain derived from the taxable disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder provided the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses, if any; or |
| we are, or have been, at any time during the five-year period preceding such taxable disposition (or the non-U.S. holders holding period, if shorter) a U.S. real property holding corporation, unless our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market and the non-U.S. holder holds no more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, directly or indirectly, during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the taxable disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held our common stock. If we are determined to be a U.S. real property holding corporation and the foregoing exception does not apply, then the non-U.S. holder generally will be taxed on its net gain derived from the disposition at the U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code). Generally, a corporation is a U.S. real property holding corporation only if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests plus its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. Although there can be no assurance, we do not believe that we are, or have been, a U.S. real property holding corporation, or that we are likely to become one in the future. No assurance can be provided that our common stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the rules described above. |
U.S. federal estate tax
Shares of our common stock that are owned or treated as owned at the time of death by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States, as specifically defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, are considered U.S. situs assets and will be included in the individuals gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes. Such shares, therefore, may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax, unless an applicable estate tax or other treaty provides otherwise.
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Backup withholding and information reporting
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the gross amount of the distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the tax withheld, if any, with respect to such distributions. Non-U.S. holders may have to comply with specific certification procedures to establish that the holder is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) in order to avoid backup withholding at the applicable rate with respect to dividends on our common stock. Generally, a non-U.S. holder will comply with such procedures if it provides a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable Form W-8) or otherwise meets the documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a not a United States person or otherwise establishes an exemption. Dividends paid to non-U.S. holders subject to the U.S. withholding tax, as described above in Distributions on Our Common Stock, generally will be exempt from U.S. backup withholding.
Information reporting and backup withholding will generally apply to the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder effected by or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, unless the holder certifies its status as a non-U.S. holder and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds to a non-U.S. holder where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, for information reporting purposes, dispositions effected through a non-U.S. office of a broker with substantial U.S. ownership or operations generally will be treated in a manner similar to dispositions effected through a U.S. office of a broker. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.
Copies of information returns may be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is incorporated under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be refunded or credited against the non-U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that an appropriate claim is timely filed with the IRS.
Withholding and information reporting requirementsFATCA
Provisions of the Code commonly referred to as the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, generally impose a U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% on payments of dividends on, or gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock paid to foreign entities, unless (i) if the foreign entity is a foreign financial institution, such foreign entity undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) if the foreign entity is not a foreign financial institution, such foreign entity identifies certain of its U.S. investors, if any, or (iii) the foreign entity is otherwise exempt under FATCA.
Withholding under FATCA generally will apply to payments of dividends on our common stock. While withholding under FATCA may apply to payments of gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock, under proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations, withholding on payments of gross proceeds is not required. Although such regulations are not final, applicable withholding agents may rely on the proposed regulations until final regulations are issued.
If withholding under FATCA is required on any payment related to our common stock, investors not otherwise subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) on such payment may be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify these rules. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock and the entities through which they hold our common stock.
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The preceding discussion of material U.S. federal tax considerations is for informational purposes only. It is not legal or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our common stock, including the consequences of any proposed changes in applicable laws as well as tax consequences arising under U.S. federal non-income tax laws such as estate and gift tax or under any applicable tax treaty.
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We are offering the shares of common stock described in this prospectus supplement through a number of underwriters. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC, Guggenheim Securities, LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the representatives. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:
Name | Number of Shares | |||
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
3,250,000 | |||
Jefferies LLC |
2,583,334 | |||
Guggenheim Securities, LLC |
1,291,667 | |||
William Blair & Company, L.L.C. |
1,208,333 | |||
|
|
|||
Total |
8,333,334 |
The underwriters are committed to purchase all the shares of common stock offered by us if they purchase any shares. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may also be increased or the offering may be terminated.
The underwriters propose to offer the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $0.9720 per share. After the offering of the shares to the public, if all of the shares of common stock are not sold at the public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms. Sales of any shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters.
The underwriters have an option to buy up to 1,250,000 additional shares of common stock from us. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement to exercise this option to purchase additional shares. If any shares are purchased with this option to purchase additional shares, the underwriters will purchase shares in approximately the same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional shares of common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.
The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of common stock. The underwriting fee is $1.62 per share. The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares.
Without exercise of option to purchase additional shares |
With full exercise of option to purchase additional shares |
|||||||
Per Share |
$ | 1.62 | $ | 1.62 | ||||
Total |
$ | 13,500,001.08 | $ | 15,525,001.08 |
We estimate that our portion of the total expenses of this offering will be approximately $300,000. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain FINRA-related expenses and other expenses incurred by them in connection with this offering in an amount up to $20,000.
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A prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on the web sites maintained by one or more underwriters, or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representatives to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.
We have agreed that we will not (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or submit to, or file with, the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any shares of our common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to undertake the foregoing, or (ii) enter into any swap hedging or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any shares of common stock or any such other securities (whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise), without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC, Guggenheim Securities, LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, other than the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering.
The restrictions on our actions, as described above, do not apply to (i) the issuance of shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of our common stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities or the exercise of warrants or options (including net exercise) or the settlement of restricted stock units (including net settlement), in each case outstanding on the date of the underwriting agreement or described in this prospectus supplement; (ii) grants of stock options, stock awards, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or other equity awards and the issuance of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock (whether upon the exercise of stock options or otherwise) to our employees, officers, directors, advisors, or consultants pursuant to the terms of an equity compensation plan in effect as of the closing of this offering and described in this prospectus supplement, provided that such recipients enter into a lock-up agreement with the underwriters; (iii) our filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to any plan in effect on the date of the closing of this offering and described in this prospectus supplement or any assumed benefit plan pursuant to an acquisition or similar strategic transaction; (iv) the issuance of shares of our common stock to The Broad Institute and the President and Fellows of Harvard College pursuant to our Cas9 license agreement with such institutions; or (v) shares of our common stock or other securities issued in connection with a transaction with an unaffiliated third party that includes a debt financing or a bona fide commercial relationship (including joint ventures, marketing or distribution arrangements, collaboration agreements or intellectual property license agreements) or any acquisition of assets or acquisition of not less than a majority or controlling portion of the equity of another entity, provided that (x) the aggregate number of shares issued pursuant to this clause (v) does not exceed 5% of the total number of outstanding shares of our common stock immediately following this offering and (y) such recipient enter into a lock-up agreement.
Our directors and executive officers, and certain of our significant stockholders (such persons, the lock-up parties) have entered into lock up agreements with the underwriters prior to the commencement of this offering pursuant to which each lock-up party, with limited exceptions, for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement (such period, the restricted period), may not (and may not cause any of their direct or indirect affiliates to), without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC, Guggenheim Securities, LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any
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securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock (including, without limitation, common stock or such other securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such lock-up parties in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant (collectively with the common stock, the lock-up securities)), (ii) enter into any hedging, swap or other agreement or transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the lock-up securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise, (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any lock-up securities, or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing. Such persons or entities have acknowledged and agreed that the foregoing precludes them from engaging in any hedging or other transactions or arrangements (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) designed or intended, or which could reasonably be expected to lead to or result in, a sale or disposition or transfer (whether by the lock-up parties or any other person or entity) of any economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any lock-up securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of lock-up securities, in cash or otherwise.
The restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph and contained in the lock-up agreements between the underwriters and the lock-up parties do not apply, subject in certain cases to various conditions, to certain transactions, including (a) transfers or dispositions of lock-up securities: (i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, or for bona fide estate planning purposes, (ii) by will, other testamentary document or intestacy, (iii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the lock-up party or the immediate family of such lock-up party, or if the lock-up party is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or to the estate of a beneficiary of such trust (iv) to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other entity of which the lock-up party and/ or one or more members of the immediate family of such lock-up party are, directly or indirectly, the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests, (v) to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (i) through (iv) above, (vi) if the lock-up party is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity that is an affiliate of the lock-up party, or to any investment fund or other entity controlling, controlled by, managing or managed by or under common control with the lock-up party or its affiliates, or (B) as part of a distribution or other transfer to general or limited partners, members or shareholders of, or other holders of equity in, the lock-up party; (vii) by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree, separation agreement or court order, (viii) to us from an employee or other service provider of us upon death, disability or termination of employment or service relationship, in each case, of such employee or service provider, (ix) as part of a sale of a lock-up partys lock-up securities acquired in this offering or in open market transactions after the completion of this offering, (x) to us in connection with the vesting, settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of our common stock (including, in each case, by way of net or cashless exercise), including for the payment of exercise price and tax and remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights, provided that any such shares of our common stock received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement shall be subject to the terms of such lock-up agreements, and provided further that any such restricted stock units, options, warrants or rights are held by the lock-up parties pursuant to an agreement or equity award granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan or other arrangement, each such agreement, plan or arrangement which is described in this prospectus supplement, (xi) pursuant to a contract, instruction or plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1, or a 10b5-1 Plan, under the Exchange Act; provided that such 10b5-1 Plan was established prior to this offering, the
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existence and details of such 10b5-1 Plan were communicated to the representatives and such 10b5-1 Plan will not be amended or otherwise modified during the restricted period; provided, further, that any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in connection with such transfer shall indicate, to the extent permitted by such section and the related rules and regulations, that such transfer was pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan, or (xii) pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by our board of directors and made to all stockholders involving a change in control, provided that if such transaction is not completed, all such lock-up securities would remain subject to the restrictions in the immediately preceding paragraph; provided that (A) in the case of any transfer, disposition or distribution pursuant to clause (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi), such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value and, each donee, devisee, transferee or distributee shall execute and deliver to the Representatives a lock-up letter, (B) in the case of any transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (ix), no filing by any party (donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributer or distributee) under the Exchange Act, or other public announcement shall be required or shall be made voluntarily in connection with such transfer or distribution (other than a filing on a Form 5 or any required Schedule 13F, Schedule 13G or Schedule 13G/A, in each case made after the expiration of the restricted period referred to above) and (C) in the case of any transfer, disposition or distribution pursuant to clause (a) (vii), (viii) and (x) it shall be a condition to such transfer that no public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made and if any filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of common stock in connection with such transfer or distribution shall be legally required during the restricted period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto the nature of such transfer; (b) exercise outstanding options, settle restricted stock units or other equity awards granted pursuant to plans or other equity compensation arrangements or exercise warrants, in each case described in this prospectus supplement, provided that any lock-up securities received upon such exercise, vesting or settlement would be subject to restrictions similar to those in the immediately preceding paragraph; (c) exercise or convert outstanding preferred stock, warrants to acquire preferred stock or convertible securities or warrants to acquire shares of our common stock into shares of our common stock, provided that any such shares of common stock or warrants received upon such exercise or conversion would be subject to restrictions similar to those in the immediately preceding paragraph; and (d) the establishment by lock-up parties of one or more 10b5-1 Plans under the Exchange Act, provided that (1) such plans do not provide for the transfer or disposition of lock-up securities during the restricted period and (2) no filing by any party under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be required or made voluntarily in connection with such 10b5-1 Plan; and (e) the sale of our common stock pursuant to the terms of the underwriting agreement.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC, Guggenheim Securities, LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. in their sole discretion, may release the securities subject to any of the lock-up agreements with the underwriters described above, in whole or in part at any time. We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol VERV.
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, which involves making bids for, purchasing and selling shares of common stock in the open market for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock while this offering is in progress. These stabilizing transactions may include making short sales of common stock, which involves the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares of common stock than they are required to purchase in this offering, and purchasing shares of common stock on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales may be covered shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters option to purchase additional shares referred to above, or may be naked shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to
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purchase additional shares, in whole or in part, or by purchasing shares in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase shares through the option to purchase additional shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase shares in the open market to cover the position.
The underwriters have advised us that, pursuant to Regulation M of the Securities Act, they may also engage in other activities that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock, including the imposition of penalty bids. This means that if the representatives of the underwriters purchase common stock in the open market in stabilizing transactions or to cover short sales, the representatives can require the underwriters that sold those shares as part of this offering to repay the underwriting discount received by them.
These activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If the underwriters commence these activities, they may discontinue them at any time. The underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Conflicts of interest and other relationships
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future. For example, on July 1, 2022, we entered into the Sale Agreement with Jefferies LLC, one of the underwriters.
Selling restrictions
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus supplement may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
Notice to prospective investors in Canada
The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of
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the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchasers province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.
Notice to prospective investors in the European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each a Relevant State), no shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that the shares may be offered to the public in that Relevant State at any time:
(a) | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation; |
(b) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of representatives for any such offer; or |
(c) | in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation, |
provided that no such offer of the shares shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to the shares in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares, and the expression Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
Notice to prospective investors in the United Kingdom
No shares have been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in the United Kingdom prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Shares which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority, except that the shares may be offered to the public in the United Kingdom at any time:
(a) | to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation; |
(b) | to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined under Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for any such offer; or |
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(c) | in any other circumstances falling within Section 86 of the FSMA. |
provided that no such offer of the shares shall require us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Section 85 of the FSMA or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer to the public in relation to the shares in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares and the expression UK Prospectus Regulation means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018.
Notice to prospective investors in Switzerland
The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of, and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company or the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.
Notice to prospective investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre
This document relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules 2012 of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This document is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules 2012 of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for this document. The securities to which this document relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
In relation to its use in the Dubai International Financial Centre, or DIFC, this document is strictly private and confidential and is being distributed to a limited number of investors and must not be provided to any person other than the original recipient, and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. The interests in the securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly to the public in the DIFC.
Notice to prospective investors in the United Arab Emirates
The shares have not been, and are not being, publicly offered, sold, promoted or advertised in the United Arab Emirates (including the DIFC) other than in compliance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates (and the DIFC) governing the issue, offering and sale of securities. Further, this prospectus supplement does not constitute a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates (including the DIFC) and is not intended to be a public
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offer. This prospectus supplement has not been approved by or filed with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, the Securities and Commodities Authority or the DFSA.
Notice to prospective investors in Australia
This prospectus supplement:
| does not constitute a disclosure document or a prospectus under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act 2001, or the Corporations Act; |
| has not been, and will not be, lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, as a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act; and |
| may only be provided in Australia to select investors who are able to demonstrate that they fall within one or more of the categories of investors, available under section 708 of the Corporations Act, or Exempt Investors. |
The shares may not be directly or indirectly offered for subscription or purchased or sold, and no invitations to subscribe for or buy the shares may be issued, and no draft or definitive offering memorandum, advertisement or other offering material relating to any shares may be distributed in Australia, except where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act or is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Australian laws and regulations. By submitting an application for the shares, you represent and warrant to us that you are an Exempt Investor.
As any offer of shares under this document will be made without disclosure in Australia under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, the offer of those securities for resale in Australia within 12 months may, under section 707 of the Corporations Act, require disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D.2 if none of the exemptions in section 708 applies to that resale. By applying for the shares you undertake to us that you will not, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the shares, offer, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate those shares to investors in Australia except in circumstances where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or where a compliant disclosure document is prepared and lodged with ASIC.
Notice to prospective investors in Japan
The shares have not been and will not be registered pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Accordingly, none of the shares nor any interest therein may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan in effect at the relevant time.
Notice to prospective investors in Hong Kong
The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to professional investors as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or the SFO, of Hong Kong and any rules made thereunder; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong, or the CO or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the CO. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of
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issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors as defined in the SFO and any rules made thereunder.
Notice to prospective investors in Singapore
Each joint book-running manager has acknowledged that this prospectus supplement has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, each joint book-running manager has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold any shares or caused the shares to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and will not offer or sell any shares or cause the shares to be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or distribute, this prospectus supplement or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in Singapore other than:
(a) | to an institutional investor (as defined in Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289) of Singapore, as modified or amended from time to time, or the SFA) pursuant to Section 274 of the SFA; |
(b) | to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA; or |
(c) | otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. |
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
(a) | a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or |
(b) | a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, |
securities or securities-based derivatives contracts (each term as defined in Section 2(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
(i) | to an institutional investor or to a relevant person, or to any person arising from an offer referred to in Section 275(1A) or Section 276(4)(i)(B) of the SFA; |
(ii) | where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; |
(iii) | where the transfer is by operation of law; |
(iv) | as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA; or |
(v) | as specified in Regulation 37A of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Securities and Securities-based Derivatives Contracts) Regulations 2018. |
Singapore SFA Product ClassificationIn connection with Section 309B of the SFA and the CMP Regulations 2018, unless otherwise specified before an offer of Notes, we have determined, and hereby notify all relevant
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persons (as defined in Section 309A(1) of the SFA), that the shares are prescribed capital markets products (as defined in the CMP Regulations 2018) and Excluded Investment Products (as defined in MAS Notice SFA 04-N12: Notice on the Sale of Investment Products and MAS Notice FAA-N16: Notice on Recommendations on Investment Products).
Notice to prospective investors in Bermuda
Shares may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Business Act of 2003 of Bermuda which regulates the sale of securities in Bermuda. Additionally, non-Bermudian persons (including companies) may not carry on or engage in any trade or business in Bermuda unless such persons are permitted to do so under applicable Bermuda legislation.
Notice to prospective investors in Saudi Arabia
This document may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Offers of Securities Regulations as issued by the board of the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority, or CMA pursuant to resolution number 2-11-2004 dated 4 October 2004 as amended by resolution number 1-28-2008, as amended. The CMA does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this document and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of this document. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this document, you should consult an authorized financial adviser.
Notice to prospective investors in the British Virgin Islands
The shares are not being, and may not be offered to the public or to any person in the British Virgin Islands for purchase or subscription by or on our behalf. The shares may be offered to companies incorporated under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (British Virgin Islands), or BVI Companies, but only where the offer will be made to, and received by, the relevant BVI Company entirely outside of the British Virgin Islands.
Notice to prospective investors in China
This prospectus supplement will not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the shares will not be offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold to any person for re-offering or resale directly or indirectly to any residents of the PRC except pursuant to any applicable laws and regulations of the PRC. Neither this prospectus supplement nor any advertisement or other offering material may be distributed or published in the PRC, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Notice to prospective investors in Korea
The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Investments Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea and the decrees and regulations thereunder, or the FSCMA, and the shares have been and will be offered in Korea as a private placement under the FSCMA. None of the shares may be offered, sold or delivered directly or indirectly, or offered or sold to any person for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea, including the FSCMA and the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law of Korea and the decrees and regulations thereunder, or the FETL. The shares have not been listed on any of securities exchanges in the world including, without limitation, the Korea Exchange in Korea. Furthermore, the purchaser of the shares shall comply with all applicable regulatory requirements (including but not limited to requirements under the FETL) in connection with the purchase of the shares. By the purchase of the shares, the relevant holder thereof will be deemed to represent and warrant that if it is in Korea or is a resident of Korea, it purchased the shares pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea.
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Notice to prospective investors in Malaysia
No prospectus or other offering material or document in connection with the offer and sale of the shares has been or will be registered with the Securities Commission of Malaysia, or Commission, for the Commissions approval pursuant to the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. Accordingly, this prospectus supplement and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Malaysia other than (i) a closed end fund approved by the Commission; (ii) a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence; (iii) a person who acquires the shares, as principal, if the offer is on terms that the shares may only be acquired at a consideration of not less than RM250,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) for each transaction; (iv) an individual whose total net personal assets or total net joint assets with his or her spouse exceeds RM3 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), excluding the value of the primary residence of the individual; (v) an individual who has a gross annual income exceeding RM300,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vi) an individual who, jointly with his or her spouse, has a gross annual income of RM400,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vii) a corporation with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in a foreign currencies) based on the last audited accounts; (viii) a partnership with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies); (ix) a bank licensee or insurance licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; (x) an Islamic bank licensee or takaful licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; and (xi) any other person as may be specified by the Commission; provided that, in the each of the preceding categories (i) to (xi), the distribution of the shares is made by a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence who carries on the business of dealing in securities. The distribution in Malaysia of this prospectus supplement is subject to Malaysian laws. This prospectus supplement does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of public offering or an issue, offer for subscription or purchase, invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities requiring the registration of a prospectus with the Commission under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.
Notice to prospective investors in Taiwan
The shares have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in circumstances which constitutes an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan that requires a registration or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorized to offer, sell, give advice regarding or otherwise intermediate the offering and sale of the shares in Taiwan.
Notice to prospective investors in South Africa
Due to restrictions under the securities laws of South Africa, no offer to the public (as such term is defined in the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 (as amended or re-enacted), or the South African Companies Act) is being made in connection with the issue of the shares in South Africa. Accordingly, this document does not, nor is it intended to, constitute a registered prospectus (as that term is defined in the South African Companies Act) prepared and registered under the South African Companies Act and has not been approved by, and/or filed with, the South African Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or any other regulatory authority in South Africa. The shares are not offered, and the offer shall not be transferred, sold, renounced or
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delivered, in South Africa or to a person with an address in South Africa, unless one or other of the following exemptions stipulated in section 96 (1) applies:
Section 96 (1) (a) | the offer, transfer, sale, renunciation or delivery is to:
(i) persons whose ordinary business, or part of whose ordinary business, is to deal in securities, as principal or agent;
(ii) the South African Public Investment Corporation;
(iii) persons or entities regulated by the Reserve Bank of South Africa;
(iv) authorised financial service providers under South African law;
(v) financial institutions recognised as such under South African law; | |
(vi) a wholly owned subsidiary of any person or entity contemplated in (c), (d) or (e), acting as agent in the capacity of an authorised portfolio manager for a pension fund, or as manager for a collective investment scheme (in each case duly registered as such under South African law); or
(vii) any combination of the person in (i) to (vi); or | ||
Section 96 (1) (b) | the total contemplated acquisition cost of the securities, for any single addressee acting as principal is equal to or greater than ZAR1,000,000 or such higher amount as may be promulgated by notice in the Government Gazette of South Africa pursuant to section 96(2)(a) of the South African Companies Act. |
Information made available in this prospectus supplement should not be considered as advice as defined in the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002.
Notice to prospective investors in Israel
This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, or the Securities Law, and has not been filed with or approved by the Israel Securities Authority. In Israel, this prospectus supplement is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer of the shares is directed only at, (i) a limited number of persons in accordance with the Israeli Securities Law and (ii) investors listed in the first addendum, or the Addendum, to the Israeli Securities Law, consisting primarily of joint investment in trust funds, provident funds, insurance companies, banks, portfolio managers, investment advisors, members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, underwriters, venture capital funds, entities with equity in excess of NIS 50 million and qualified individuals, each as defined in the Addendum (as it may be amended from time to time), collectively referred to as qualified investors (in each case, purchasing for their own account or, where permitted under the Addendum, for the accounts of their clients who are investors listed in the Addendum). Qualified investors are required to submit written confirmation that they fall within the scope of the Addendum, are aware of the meaning of same and agree to it.
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The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby is being passed upon for us by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Cooley LLP is acting as counsel for the underwriters in connection with this offering.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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Where you can find more information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.vervetx.com. Our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement and information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.
This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC. The registration statement contains more information than this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus regarding us and the securities, including certain exhibits and schedules. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement from the SECs internet site.
Incorporation of certain information by reference
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is continually updated and those future filings may modify or supersede some of the information included or incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus incorporate by reference the documents listed below (File No. 001-40489) and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed) until the offering of the securities offered hereby is terminated or completed:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as filed with the SEC on April 29, 2022; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2022; |
| Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 13, 2022, July 7, 2022, July 12, 2022 and July 20, 2022; and |
| The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on June 11, 2021, as the description therein has been updated and superseded by the description of our capital stock contained in Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022, and including any amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
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You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address or telephone number:
Verve Therapeutics, Inc.
500 Technology Square, Suite 901
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
Attn: Investor Relations
(617) 603-0070
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$400,000,000
PROSPECTUS
Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Units
Warrants
We may offer and sell securities from time to time in one or more offerings of up to $400,000,000 in aggregate offering price. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.
We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol VERV.
Investing in these securities involves significant risks. See Risk Factors included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 12, 2022
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This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings for an aggregate initial offering price of up to $400,000,000.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in this prospectus or such accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to the Company, we, our and us refer, collectively, to Verve Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiary.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.vervetx.com. Our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information about us and our consolidated subsidiary and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings and the exhibits attached thereto. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference much of the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those publicly available documents. The information that we incorporate by reference in this prospectus is considered to be part of this prospectus. Because we are incorporating by reference future filings with the SEC, this prospectus is continually updated and those future filings may modify or supersede some of the information included or incorporated in this prospectus. This means that you must look at all of the SEC filings that we incorporate by reference to determine if any of the statements in this prospectus or in any document previously incorporated by reference have been modified or superseded. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below (File No. 001-40489) and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act (in each case, other than those documents or the portions of those documents not deemed to be filed) between the date of the initial filing of the registration statement and the effectiveness of the registration statement and following the effectiveness of the registration statement until the offering of the securities under the registration statement is terminated or completed:
| Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K from our definitive proxy statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; |
| Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2022; |
| Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 13, 2022; and |
| The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A as filed with the SEC on June 11, 2021, as the description therein has been updated and superseded by the description of our capital stock contained in Exhibit 4.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022, and including any amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:
Verve Therapeutics, Inc.
500 Technology Square, Suite 901
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
Attn: Investor Relations
(617) 603-0070
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This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words anticipate, believe, contemplate, continue could, estimate, expect, intend, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, should, target, will, would, or the negative of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
The forward-looking statements in this prospectus and incorporated by reference herein include, among other things, statements about:
| the initiation, timing, progress and results of our research and development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials, including the timing of our submissions of investigational new drug applications, or INDs, and clinical trial applications to regulatory authorities; |
| our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements, need for additional financing and the period over which we believe our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; |
| the timing of and our ability to submit applications for and obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our current and future product candidates; |
| the potential therapeutic attributes and advantages of our current and future product candidates; |
| our expectations about the translatability of non-human primates results into humans; |
| our plans to develop and, if approved, subsequently commercialize any product candidates we may develop; |
| the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products, if approved; |
| our estimates regarding the addressable patient population and potential market opportunity for our current and future product candidates; |
| our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; |
| our expectations regarding our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection; |
| our ability to identify additional products, product candidates or technologies with significant commercial potential that are consistent with our commercial objectives; |
| the impact of government laws and regulations; |
| our competitive position and expectations regarding developments and projections relating to our competitors and any competing therapies that are or become available; |
| developments relating to our competitors and our industry; |
| our ability to establish and maintain collaborations or obtain additional funding; |
| the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and our response to the pandemic; and |
| our expectations regarding the time during which we will be an emerging growth company under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. |
We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ
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materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this prospectus, particularly in the Risk Factors section and in the risk factors detailed in Item 1A, Risk Factors of our most recent annual report, our quarterly report and our SEC reports filed after this prospectus, that we believe could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, collaborations, joint ventures or investments we may make or enter into.
You should read this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the documents we have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are made as of the date of this prospectus, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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Investing in our securities involves significant risk. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors in the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free-writing prospectus that we authorize for use in connection with an offering, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the heading Risk Factors included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as revised or supplemented by our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or our current reports on Form 8-K that we have filed with the SEC, which are incorporated herein by reference, and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.
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We are a genetic medicines company pioneering a new approach to the care of cardiovascular disease, or CVD, transforming treatment from chronic management to single-course gene editing medicines. Despite advances in treatment over the last 50 years, CVD remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The current paradigm of chronic care is fragilerequiring rigorous patient adherence, extensive healthcare infrastructure and regular healthcare accessand leaves many patients without adequate care. Our goal is to disrupt the chronic care model for CVD by providing a new therapeutic approach with single-course in vivo gene editing treatments focused on addressing the root causes of this highly prevalent and life-threatening disease. Our initial two programs target PCSK9 and ANGPTL3, respectively, genes that have been extensively validated as targets for lowering blood lipids, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C. We believe that editing these genes could potently and durably lower LDL-C throughout the lifetime of patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, the most common form of CVD.
Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 and our telephone number is (617) 603-0070.
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We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include research and development activities, clinical trial expenditures, the acquisition or in-license of products, product candidates, businesses or technologies, collaborations, the hiring of additional personnel, working capital and capital expenditures. We may temporarily invest the net proceeds in a variety of capital preservation instruments, including short-term, investment grade, interest bearing instruments and U.S. government securities, until they are used for their stated purpose. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of the net proceeds of any offering.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description summarizes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that Verve Therapeutics, Inc. may offer and sell from time to time. We will describe the specific terms of the debt securities offered through that prospectus supplement, as well as any general terms and provisions described in this section that will not apply to those debt securities. As used in this Description of Debt Securities the term debt securities, means the senior and subordinated debt securities that we issue and the trustee authenticates and delivers under the applicable indenture. When we refer to the Company, we, our, and us in this section, we mean Verve Therapeutics, Inc. excluding, unless the context otherwise requires or as otherwise expressly stated, our subsidiary.
We may issue senior debt securities from time to time, in one or more series under a senior indenture to be entered into between us and a senior trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the senior trustee. We may issue subordinated debt securities from time to time, in one or more series under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a subordinated trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the subordinated trustee. The forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are referred to individually as an indenture and together as the indentures and the senior trustee and the subordinated trustee are referred to individually as a trustee and together as the trustees. This section summarizes some of the provisions of the indentures and is qualified in its entirety by the specific text of the indentures, including definitions of terms used in the indentures. Wherever we refer to particular sections of, or defined terms in, the indentures, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. You should review the indentures that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part for additional information.
Neither indenture will limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue. The applicable indenture will provide that debt securities may be issued up to an aggregate principal amount authorized from time to time by us and may be payable in any currency or currency unit designated by us or in amounts determined by reference to an index.
General
The senior debt securities will constitute our unsecured and unsubordinated general obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities will constitute our unsecured and subordinated general obligations and will be junior in right of payment to our senior indebtedness (including senior debt securities), as described under the heading Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt SecuritiesSubordination. The debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiary unless such subsidiary expressly guarantees such debt securities.
The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations. Any secured debt or other secured obligations will be effectively senior to the debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt or other obligations.
The applicable prospectus supplement and/or free writing prospectus will include any additional or different terms of the debt securities of any series being offered, including the following terms:
| the title and type of the debt securities; |
| whether the debt securities will be senior or subordinated debt securities, and, with respect to any subordinated debt securities the terms on which they are subordinated; |
| the initial aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
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| the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities; |
| the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the right, if any, to extend such date or dates; |
| the rate or rates, if any, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such rate or rates; |
| the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable or the method of determination of such dates; |
| the right, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of that extension; |
| the manner of paying principal and interest and the place or places where principal and interest will be payable; |
| the denominations of the debt securities if other than $1,000 or multiples of $1,000; |
| provisions for a sinking fund, purchase fund or other analogous fund, if any; |
| any redemption dates, prices, obligations and restrictions on the debt securities; |
| the currency, currencies or currency units in which the debt securities will be denominated and the currency, currencies or currency units in which principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities may be payable; |
| any conversion or exchange features of the debt securities; |
| whether the debt securities will be subject to the defeasance provisions in the indenture; |
| whether the debt securities will be issued in definitive or global form or in definitive form only upon satisfaction of certain conditions; |
| whether the debt securities will be guaranteed as to payment or performance; |
| any special tax implications of the debt securities; |
| any events of default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the indenture; and |
| any other material terms of the debt securities. |
When we refer to principal in this section with reference to the debt securities, we are also referring to premium, if any.
We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue further debt securities of any such series ranking equally with the debt securities of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than (1) the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such further debt securities or (2) the first payment of interest following the issue date of such further debt securities). Such further debt securities may be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of such series and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the debt securities of such series.
You may present debt securities for exchange and you may present debt securities for transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the debt securities and the applicable prospectus supplement. We will provide you those services without charge, although you may have to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any exchange or transfer, as set forth in the indenture.
Debt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating rate. Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below the prevailing market rate (original issue discount securities) may be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to any such discounted debt securities or to certain debt securities issued at par which are treated as having been issued at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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We may issue debt securities with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices or indices. You may receive a payment of principal on any principal payment date, or a payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater than or less than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates, depending on the value on such dates of the applicable currency, security or basket of securities, commodity or index. Information as to the methods for determining the amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies, securities or baskets of securities, commodities or indices to which the amount payable on such date is linked and certain related tax considerations will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Certain Terms of the Senior Debt Securities
Covenants. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the senior debt securities will not contain any financial or restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting either us or our subsidiary from incurring, issuing, assuming or guaranteeing any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our or our subsidiarys property or capital stock, or restricting either us or our subsidiary from entering into sale and leaseback transactions.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person, in a transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, in either case, unless:
| the successor entity, if any, is a U.S. corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust; |
| the successor entity assumes our obligations on the senior debt securities and under the senior indenture; |
| immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no default or event of default shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
| we have delivered to the senior trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture, comply with the senior indenture and all conditions precedent provided for in the senior indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with. |
The restrictions described in the bullets above do not apply (1) to our consolidation with or merging into one of our affiliates, if our board of directors determines in good faith that the purpose of the consolidation or merger is principally to change our state of incorporation or our form of organization to another form or (2) if we merge with or into a single direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ours.
The surviving business entity will succeed to, and be substituted for, us under the senior indenture and the senior debt securities and, except in the case of a lease, we shall be released from all obligations under the senior indenture and the senior debt securities.
No Protection in the Event of a Change in Control. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the senior debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the senior debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).
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Events of Default. Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the following are events of default under the senior indenture with respect to senior debt securities of each series:
| failure to pay interest on any senior debt securities of such series when due and payable, if that default continues for a period of 30 days (or such other period as may be specified for such series); |
| failure to pay principal on the senior debt securities of such series when due and payable whether at maturity, upon redemption, by declaration or otherwise (and, if specified for such series, the continuance of such failure for a specified period); |
| default in the performance of or breach of any of our covenants or agreements in the senior indenture applicable to senior debt securities of such series, other than a covenant breach which is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the senior indenture, and that default or breach continues for a period of 90 days after we receive written notice from the trustee or from the holders of 25% or more in aggregate principal amount of the senior debt securities of such series; |
| certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, whether or not voluntary; and |
| any other event of default provided for in such series of senior debt securities as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
Unless we indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement with respect to a particular series of senior debt securities, the default by us under any other debt, including any other series of our debt securities, is not a default under the senior indenture.
If an event of default other than an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs with respect to a series of senior debt securities and is continuing under the senior indenture, then, and in each such case, either the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series then outstanding under the senior indenture (each such series voting as a separate class) by written notice to us and to the trustee, if such notice is given by the holders, may, and the trustee at the request of such holders shall, declare the principal amount of and accrued interest on such series of senior debt securities to be immediately due and payable, and upon this declaration, the same shall become immediately due and payable.
If an event of default specified in the fourth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the entire principal amount of and accrued interest on each series of senior debt securities then outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable.
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a series of senior debt securities originally issued at a discount, the amount due upon acceleration shall include only the original issue price of the senior debt securities, the amount of original issue discount accrued to the date of acceleration and accrued interest, if any.
Upon certain conditions, declarations of acceleration may be rescinded and annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all the senior debt securities of such series affected by the default, each series voting as a separate class. Furthermore, subject to various provisions in the senior indenture, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities, by notice to the trustee, may waive a continuing default or event of default with respect to such senior debt securities and its consequences, except a default in the payment of principal of or interest on such senior debt securities (other than any such default in payment resulting solely from an acceleration of the senior debt securities) or in respect of a covenant or provision of the senior indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each such senior debt security. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any event of default with respect to such senior debt securities shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of the senior indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any right consequent thereto.
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The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of senior debt securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to such senior debt securities. However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the senior indenture, that may involve the trustee in personal liability or that the trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of holders of such series of senior debt securities not joining in the giving of such direction and may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from holders of such series of senior debt securities. A holder may not pursue any remedy with respect to the senior indenture or any series of senior debt securities unless:
| the holder gives the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default; |
| the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities make a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy in respect of such event of default; |
| the requesting holder or holders offer the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any costs, liability or expense; |
| the trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and |
| during such 60-day period, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such series of senior debt securities do not give the trustee a direction that is inconsistent with the request. |
These limitations, however, do not apply to the right of any holder of a senior debt security of any affected series to receive payment of the principal of and interest on such senior debt security in accordance with the terms of such debt security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment in accordance with the terms of such debt security, on or after the due date for the senior debt securities, which right shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the holder.
The senior indenture requires certain of our officers to certify, on or before a fixed date in each year in which any senior debt security is outstanding, as to their knowledge of our compliance with all covenants, agreements and conditions under the senior indenture.
Satisfaction and Discharge. We can satisfy and discharge our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities if:
| we have paid or caused to be paid the principal of and interest on all senior debt securities of such series (with certain limited exceptions) when due and payable; or |
| we deliver to the senior trustee for cancellation all senior debt securities of such series theretofore authenticated under the senior indenture (with certain limited exceptions); or |
| all senior debt securities of such series have become due and payable or will become due and payable within one year (or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the senior trustee) and we deposit in trust an amount of cash or a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations (or in the case of senior debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, foreign government securities or foreign government agency securities) sufficient to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates; |
and if, in any such case, we also pay or cause to be paid all other sums payable under the senior indenture, as and when the same shall be due and payable and we deliver to the senior trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that these conditions have been satisfied.
Under current U.S. federal income tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we took back your debt securities and gave you your share of the cash and debt securities or
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bonds deposited in trust. In that event, you could recognize gain or loss on the debt securities you give back to us. Purchasers of the debt securities should consult their own advisers with respect to the tax consequences to them of such deposit and discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than the U.S. federal income tax law.
Defeasance. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, the following discussion of legal defeasance and covenant defeasance will apply to any series of debt securities issued under the indentures.
Legal Defeasance. We can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations on the debt securities of any series (called legal defeasance) if certain conditions are met, including the following:
| We deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities of the same series cash or a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations (or, in the case of senior debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, foreign government or foreign government agency obligations) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates. |
| There is a change in current U.S. federal income tax law or an IRS ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the debt securities ourselves when due. Under current U.S. federal income tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we took back your debt securities and gave you your share of the cash and debt securities or bonds deposited in trust. In that event, you could recognize gain or loss on the debt securities you give back to us. |
| We deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming the tax law change or ruling described above. |
If we accomplish legal defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the event of any shortfall.
Covenant Defeasance. Without any change in current U.S. federal tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above and be released from some of the covenants in the debt securities (called covenant defeasance). In that event, you would lose the protection of those covenants but would gain the protection of having money and securities set aside in trust to repay the debt securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following (among other things):
| deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the debt securities of the same series cash or a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency obligations (or, in the case of senior debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, foreign government or foreign government agency obligations) that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities of that series on their various due dates. |
| deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that under current U.S. federal income tax law we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and instead repaid the debt securities ourselves when due. |
If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you could still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit. In fact, if one of the events of default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities become immediately due and payable, there may be such a shortfall. Depending on the events causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.
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Modification and Waiver. We and the trustee may amend or supplement the senior indenture or the senior debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder:
| to convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any assets as security for the senior debt securities of one or more series; |
| to evidence the succession of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust to us, and the assumption by such successor of our covenants, agreements and obligations under the senior indenture or to otherwise comply with the covenant relating to mergers, consolidations and sales of assets; |
| to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the senior indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the Trust Indenture Act); |
| to add to our covenants such new covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions for the protection of the holders, and to make the occurrence, or the occurrence and continuance, of a default in any such additional covenants, restrictions, conditions or provisions an event of default; |
| to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in the senior indenture or in any supplemental indenture or to conform the senior indenture or the senior debt securities to the description of senior debt securities of such series set forth in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement; |
| to provide for or add guarantors with respect to the senior debt securities of any series; |
| to establish the form or forms or terms of the senior debt securities as permitted by the senior indenture; |
| to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under the senior indenture by a successor trustee, or to make such changes as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts in the senior indenture by more than one trustee; |
| to add to, change or eliminate any of the provisions of the senior indenture in respect of one or more series of senior debt securities, provided that any such addition, change or elimination shall (a) neither (1) apply to any senior debt security of any series created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefit of such provision nor (2) modify the rights of the holder of any such senior debt security with respect to such provision or (b) become effective only when there is no senior debt security described in clause (a)(1) outstanding; |
| to make any change to the senior debt securities of any series so long as no senior debt securities of such series are outstanding; or |
| to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder in any material respect. |
Other amendments and modifications of the senior indenture or the senior debt securities issued may be made, and our compliance with any provision of the senior indenture with respect to any series of senior debt securities may be waived, with the consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding senior debt securities of each series affected by the amendment or modification (voting as separate series); provided, however, that each affected holder must consent to any modification, amendment or waiver that:
| extends the final maturity of any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the principal amount of any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the rate, or extends the time for payment of, interest on any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the amount payable upon the redemption of any senior debt securities of such series; |
| changes the currency of payment of principal of or interest on any senior debt securities of such series; |
| reduces the principal amount of original issue discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity or the amount provable in bankruptcy; |
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| waives a continuing default in the payment of principal of or interest on the senior debt securities (other than any such default in payment resulting solely from an acceleration of the senior debt securities); |
| changes the provisions relating to the waiver of past defaults or impairs the right of holders to receive payment or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment or conversion of any senior debt securities of such series on or after the due date therefor; |
| modifies any of the provisions of these restrictions on amendments and modifications, except to increase any required percentage or to provide that certain other provisions cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each senior debt security of such series affected by the modification; |
| adversely affects the right to convert or exchange senior debt securities into common stock, other securities or property in accordance with the terms of the senior debt securities; or |
| reduces the above-stated percentage of outstanding senior debt securities of such series whose holders must consent to a supplemental indenture or modifies or amends or waives certain provisions of or defaults under the senior indenture. |
It shall not be necessary for the holders to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if the holders consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver of the senior indenture in accordance with the provisions described in this section becomes effective, the trustee must give to the holders affected thereby certain notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver. Any failure by the trustee to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplemental indenture or waiver.
Notice of Redemption. Notice of any redemption of senior debt securities will be mailed at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of senior debt securities of a series to be redeemed. Any notice may, at our discretion, be subject to the satisfaction or waiver of one or more conditions precedent. In that case, such notice shall state the nature of such condition precedent. If we elect to redeem a portion but not all of such senior debt securities, the trustee will select the senior debt securities to be redeemed in a manner that complies with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements, if any. Interest on such debt securities or portions of senior debt securities will cease to accrue on and after the date fixed for redemption, unless we default in the payment of such redemption price and accrued interest with respect to any such senior debt security or portion thereof.
If any date of redemption of any senior debt security is not a business day, then payment of principal and interest may be made on the next succeeding business day with the same force and effect as if made on the nominal date of redemption and no interest will accrue for the period after such nominal date.
Conversion Rights. We will describe the terms upon which senior debt securities may be convertible into our common stock or other securities in a prospectus supplement. These terms will include the type of securities the senior debt securities are convertible into, the conversion price or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or the option of the holders, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of the senior debt securities and any restrictions on conversion. They may also include provisions adjusting the number of shares of our common stock or other securities issuable upon conversion.
No Personal Liability of Incorporators, Stockholders, Officers, or Directors. The senior indenture provides that no recourse shall be had under any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours in the senior indenture or any supplemental indenture, or in any of the senior debt securities or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, against any of our incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors, past, present or future, or of any predecessor or successor entity thereof under any law, statute or constitutional provision or by the
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enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise. Each holder, by accepting the senior debt securities, waives and releases all such liability.
Concerning the Trustee. The senior indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the trustee will not be liable except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in the senior indenture. If an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the senior indenture and will use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such persons own affairs.
The senior indenture and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by reference therein contain limitations on the rights of the trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of ours or our subsidiary, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions, provided that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.
We may have normal banking relationships with the senior trustee in the ordinary course of business.
Unclaimed Funds. All funds deposited with the trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, premium, interest or additional amounts in respect of the senior debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such amounts became due and payable will be repaid to us. Thereafter, any right of any holder of senior debt securities to such funds shall be enforceable only against us, and the trustee and paying agents will have no liability therefor.
Governing Law. The senior indenture and the senior debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities
Other than the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities relating to subordination or otherwise as described in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities are identical in all material respects to the terms of the senior indenture and senior debt securities.
Additional or different subordination terms may be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series.
Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as defined in the subordinated indenture. During the continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any of our senior indebtedness, we may not make any payment of principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities (except for certain sinking fund payments). In addition, upon any payment or distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our senior indebtedness. Because of this subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, holders of our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of our senior indebtedness. The subordination provisions do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.
The term senior indebtedness of a person means with respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or incurred by that person in the future:
| all of the indebtedness of that person for money borrowed; |
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| all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other securities sold by that person for money; |
| all of the lease obligations that are capitalized on the books of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the first two bullet points above and all lease obligations of others of the kind described in the third bullet point above that the person, in any manner, assumes or guarantees or that the person in effect guarantees through an agreement to purchase, whether that agreement is contingent or otherwise; and |
| all renewals, extensions or refundings of indebtedness of the kinds described in the first, second or fourth bullet point above and all renewals or extensions of leases of the kinds described in the third or fourth bullet point above; |
unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities constitute senior indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated indenture.
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The following description of our capital stock is intended as a summary only and therefore is not a complete description of our capital stock. This description is based upon, and is qualified by reference to, our restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws, and applicable provisions of Delaware corporate law. You should read our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for the provisions that are important to you.
Our authorized capital stock consists of 200,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of March 31, 2022, 48,655,241 shares of common stock were outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
Common Stock
Annual Meeting. Annual meetings of our stockholders are held on the date designated in accordance with our amended and restated bylaws. Written notice must be mailed to each stockholder entitled to vote not less than ten nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of the holders of record of a majority of our issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at such meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at meetings of the stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called for any purpose by the board of directors.
Voting Rights. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights. Each election of directors by our stockholders will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election. Any matters other than the election of directors to be voted upon by the stockholders at a meeting are decided by the vote of the holders of shares of stock having a majority in voting power of the votes cast by the holders of all of the shares of stock present or represented at the meeting and voting affirmatively or negatively on such matter, except when a different vote is required by law, our restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws.
Dividends. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive proportionately any dividends as may be declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferential dividend or other rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Liquidation, Dissolution and Winding Up. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive proportionately all assets available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential or other rights of any outstanding preferred stock.
Other Rights. Holders of our common stock have no preference, preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and not liable to further calls or assessment by us. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
Transfer Agent and Registrar. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue blank check preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more series upon authorization of our board of directors. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the designations, powers,
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preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the shares of each series of preferred stock. The authorized shares of our preferred stock are available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. If the approval of our stockholders is not required for the issuance of shares of our preferred stock, our board may determine not to seek stockholder approval. The specific terms of any series of preferred stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock.
A series of our preferred stock could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. Our board of directors will make any determination to issue preferred shares based upon its judgment as to the best interests of our stockholders. Our directors, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquirer may be able to change the composition of our board of directors, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a majority, of our stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price of the stock.
The preferred stock has the terms described below unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of preferred stock being offered for specific terms, including:
| the designation and stated value per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered; |
| the amount of liquidation preference per share; |
| the price at which the preferred stock will be issued; |
| the dividend rate, or method of calculation of dividends, the dates on which dividends will be payable, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will commence to accumulate; |
| any redemption or sinking fund provisions; |
| if other than the currency of the United States, the currency or currencies including composite currencies in which the preferred stock is denominated and/or in which payments will or may be payable; |
| any conversion provisions; and |
| any other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions on the preferred stock. |
The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will rank equally as to dividends and liquidation rights in all respects with each other series of preferred stock. The rights of holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.
Rank. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank:
| senior to our common stock and to all equity securities ranking junior to such preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; |
| on a parity with all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and |
| junior to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs. |
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The term equity securities does not include convertible debt securities.
Dividends. Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates described in the prospectus supplement. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different rates or based on different methods of calculation. The dividend rate may be fixed or variable or both. Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books on record dates fixed by our board of directors, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of noncumulative preferred stock, then the holders of that noncumulative preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend for that dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment dates. Dividends on any series of cumulative preferred stock will accrue from the date we initially issue shares of such series or such other date specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of any dividends on any parity securities unless full dividends have been paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock. If full dividends are not paid, the preferred stock will share dividends pro rata with the parity securities.
No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of dividends on any junior securities unless full dividends for all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the date of the declaration or payment will have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment set apart for payment on the preferred stock.
Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before we make any distribution or payment to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series of preferred stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets legally available for distribution to stockholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid noncumulative dividends for prior dividend periods. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, after payment of the full amount of their liquidating distributions, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of shares of capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.
Upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up and if we have made liquidating distributions in full to all holders of preferred stock, we will distribute our remaining assets among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock according to their respective rights and preferences and, in each case, according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or assets will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.
Redemption. If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.
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The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of preferred stock that shall be redeemed by us in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of redemption. Unless the shares have a cumulative dividend, such accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of our capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such shares of our capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable shares of our capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not redeem any preferred stock of a series unless:
| if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or |
| if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends for the then current dividend period. |
In addition, we will not acquire any preferred stock of a series unless:
| if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or |
| if that series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends on the preferred stock of such series for the then current dividend period. |
However, at any time we may purchase or acquire preferred stock of that series (1) pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series or (2) by conversion into or exchange for shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.
If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares that may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holder or by any other equitable manner that we determine. Such determination will reflect adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares.
Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will mail notice of redemption at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state:
| the redemption date; |
| the number of shares and series of preferred stock to be redeemed; |
| the redemption price; |
| the place or places where certificates for such preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; |
| that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date; |
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| the date on which the holders conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate; and |
| the specific number of shares to be redeemed from each such holder if fewer than all the shares of any series are to be redeemed. |
If notice of redemption has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any shares called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.
Voting Rights. Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise provided for under the terms of any series of preferred stock, no consent or vote of the holders of shares of preferred stock or any series thereof shall be required for any amendment to our restated certificate of incorporation that would increase the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof (but not below the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or such series, as the case may be, then outstanding).
Conversion Rights. The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred stock is convertible into shares of our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price, rate or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption.
Transfer Agent and Registrar. The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Registration rights
We have entered into a second amended and restated investors rights agreement dated as of January 14, 2021, or the investors rights agreement, with certain holders of our common stock. These holders have the right to require us to register these shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, upon demand and in connection with any registration statement that we plan to file, as described below under Demand registration rights and Incidental registration rights. We refer to the shares with these registration rights as registrable securities. After registration pursuant to these rights, the registrable securities will become freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act.
Demand registration rights. Under the investors rights agreement, subject to specified limitations set forth therein, certain holders of at least 40% of the registrable securities then outstanding may request that we register their registrable securities for purposes of a public offering.
In addition, subject to specified limitations set forth therein, certain holders of at least 20% of the registrable securities then outstanding may request that we register their registrable securities on Form S-3 for purposes of a public offering for which the reasonably anticipated aggregate offering price to the public would exceed, net of selling expenses, $5 million.
We have agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statements to become effective.
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Incidental registration rights. If we propose to register for our own account any of our securities under the Securities Act, the holders of registrable securities will be entitled to notice of the registration and, subject to specified exceptions, have the right to require us to register all or a portion of the registrable securities then held by them in that registration. We have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by us before the effective date of such registration.
In the event that any registration in which the holders of registrable securities participate pursuant to our investors rights agreement is an underwritten public offering, we have agreed to enter into an underwriting agreement in usual and customary form.
Expenses. Pursuant to the investors rights agreement, we are required to pay all registration expenses, including all registration, filing and qualification fees; printing and accounting fees; reasonable fees and disbursements not to exceed $75,000 of one counsel representing the selling stockholders; but excluding underwriting discounts, selling commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the sale of registrable securities and the fees and expenses of the selling stockholders own counsel (other than the counsel selected to represent all selling stockholders).
The investors rights agreement contains customary cross-indemnification provisions, pursuant to which we are obligated to indemnify the selling stockholders in the event of material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to us or any violation or alleged violation whether by action or inaction by us under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, any state securities or Blue Sky law or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities or Blue Sky law in connection with such registration statement or the qualification or compliance of the offering, and they are obligated to indemnify us for material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to them.
Provisions of Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws and Delaware Law That May Have Anti-Takeover Effects
Certain provisions of Delaware law, our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock and may limit the ability of stockholders to remove current management or directors or approve transactions that stockholders may deem to be in their best interest and, therefore, could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our board of directors and in the policies our board of directors implements, and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of our control. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.
Board of Directors. Our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide for a board of directors divided as nearly equally as possible into three classes. Each class is elected to a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of such election. The number of directors comprising our board of directors is fixed from time to time by the board of directors.
Removal of Directors by Stockholders. Our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that directors may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our shares of capital stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.
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Board Vacancies Filled Only by Majority of Directors Then in Office. Vacancies and newly created seats on our board may be filled only by our board of directors.
Stockholder Nomination of Directors. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that a stockholder must notify us in writing of any stockholder nomination of a director not earlier than the 120th day and not later than the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting; provided, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of (x) the 90th day prior to the date of such meeting and (y) the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made by us.
No Action By Written Consent. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders may not act by written consent and may only act at duly called meetings of stockholders.
Undesignated Preferred Stock. As discussed above, our board of directors has the ability to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of our company.
Delaware Business Combination Statute. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, or Section 203, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in business combinations with an interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is generally defined as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by such entity or person. Section 203 provides that an interested stockholder may not engage in business combinations with the corporation for a period of three years after the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, with the following exceptions:
| before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction began, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
| on or after such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
In general, Section 203 defines business combinations to include the following:
| any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
| any sale, lease, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation to or with the interested stockholder; |
| subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder; |
| any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock or any class or series of the corporation beneficially owned by the interested stockholder; or |
| the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loss, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits by or through the corporation. |
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Exclusive forum provision. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of proceedings: (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or stockholders to our company or our stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (4) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of our restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws (in each case, as they may be amended from time to time) or governed by the internal affairs doctrine. These choice of forum provisions will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act. Furthermore, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all such Securities Act actions. Accordingly, both state and federal courts have jurisdiction to entertain such claims. To prevent having to litigate claims in multiple jurisdictions and the threat of inconsistent or contrary rulings by different courts, among other considerations, our restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any claims arising under the Securities Act. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions. In such instance, we would expect to vigorously assert the validity and enforceability of the exclusive forum provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation. This may require significant additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions and there can be no assurance that the provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions.
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We may issue warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the accompanying prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the expiration date of the warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the following terms of any warrants:
| the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the offering price at which we will issue, the warrants; |
| the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable; |
| the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if you may not continuously exercise the warrants throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which you may exercise the warrants; |
| whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units; |
| whether the warrants will be issued in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit; |
| any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences; |
| the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents; |
| the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange; |
| the designation and terms of any equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants; |
| the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of any debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants; |
| if applicable, the designation and terms of the preferred stock with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security; |
| if applicable, the date from and after which any warrants issued as part of a unit and the related debt securities, preferred stock or common stock will be separately transferable; |
| the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased; |
| if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
| the anti-dilution provisions of, and other provisions for changes to or adjustment in the exercise price of, the warrants, if any; |
| any redemption or call provisions; and |
| any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of the warrants. |
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We may issue units consisting of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may issue units in one or more series, which will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the following terms of any units:
| the designation and the terms of the units and of the securities constituting the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately; |
| the identity of any unit agent for the units, if applicable, and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents; |
| any additional terms of the governing unit agreement, if applicable; |
| any additional provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or warrants constituting the unit; and |
| any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences. |
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Each debt security, unit and warrant will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, certificated securities will be issued in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, units or warrants represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investors beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.
Global Securities
We may issue the debt securities of a particular series, units and warrants in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.
If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in global securities.
So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, warrant agreement or unit agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, unit agreement or warrant agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, unit agreement or warrant agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take
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under the applicable indenture, unit agreement or warrant agreement, the depositary for the global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.
Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to warrants or units, represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security. None of us, or any trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other agent of ours, or any agent of any trustee, warrant agent or unit agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.
We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment to holders of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers or registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of those participants.
If the depositary for any of the securities represented by a global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositarys instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global security that had been held by the depositary.
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We may sell securities:
| through underwriters; |
| through dealers; |
| through agents; |
| directly to purchasers; or |
| through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution to our existing security holders. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. We will, in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act, and describe any commissions that we must pay. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis.
The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:
| at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time; |
| at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or |
| at negotiated prices. |
Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:
| the name of the agent or any underwriters; |
| the public offering or purchase price and the proceeds we will receive from the sale of the securities; |
| any discounts and commissions to be allowed or re-allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters; |
| all other items constituting underwriting compensation; |
| any discounts and commissions to be allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and |
| any exchanges on which the securities will be listed. |
If any underwriters or agents are utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
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Remarketing firms, agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:
| the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and |
| if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as our agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts. |
Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the second business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.
The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.
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Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the validity of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will be passed upon by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP.
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as set forth in their report, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLPs report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
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8,333,334 Shares
Common stock
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
J.P. Morgan | Jefferies | Guggenheim Securities | William Blair |
July 20, 2022