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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2013

Registration No. 333-189006

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 3

to

Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware   3663   77-0158076

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

460 Ward Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93111-2356

(805) 690-4500

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Jeffrey A. Quiram

President and Chief Executive Officer

Superconductor Technologies Inc.

460 Ward Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93111-2356

(805) 690-4500

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copy to:

 

Ben D. Orlanski, Esq.
Matthew S. O’Loughlin, Esq. 
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
11355 West Olympic Blvd. 
Los Angeles, California 90064
(310) 312-4000
(310) 312-4224 — Facsimile
 

Michael F. Nertney, Esq. 
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
150 East 42nd Street

New York, New York 10017

(212) 370-1300

(212) 370-7889 — Facsimile

 

 

(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.     x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.     ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Proposed Maximum

Aggregate Offering

Price (1)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee

Common Stock, $0.001 par value

       

Warrants to purchase Common Stock (2)

   

Common Stock issuable upon exercise of Warrants to purchase Common Stock (3)

       

Total

  $45,000,000   $6,138(4)

 

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2) No additional registration fee is payable pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock as may be issued after the date hereof as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(4) $4,092 previously paid.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 2, 2013

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

 

LOGO

$12,000,000 of Common Stock

Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

(                 shares of Common Stock Underlying the Warrants)

 

 

We are offering $12,000,000 of shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to                      shares of our common stock (and the shares of common stock that are issuable from time to time upon exercise of the warrants). Each share of common stock is being sold together with a Term A warrant to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $         per share and a Term B warrant to purchase one-half of a share of our common stock at an exercise price of $             per share. The shares of common stock and Term A and Term B warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.

We are also offering to those purchasers, whose purchase of shares of common stock in this offering would result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 9.9% of our outstanding common stock following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, in lieu of the shares of our common stock that would result in ownership in excess of 9.9%, pre-funded warrants to purchase such excess shares of our common stock. The purchase price for each such pre-funded warrant would equal the per share public offering price for the common stock in this offering less the $0.01 per share exercise price of each such pre-funded warrant, and the exercise price of these pre-funded warrants would equal $0.01 per share. Each pre-funded warrant is being sold together with the same warrants described above being sold with each share of common stock. The pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.

Our common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SCON.” On July 31, 2013, the reported closing price per share of our common stock was $2.65. The warrants will not be listed on any national securities exchange.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 11 to read about factors you should consider before buying our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

     Per Share      Per Pre-
Funded
Warrant
     Per Term A
and
Term B
Warrant
     Total  

Public offering price

   $                   $                   $                    $                

Underwriting discounts and commissions (1)

   $        $        $         $     

Proceeds to us (before expenses)

   $        $        $         $     

 

(1)  

We have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain of its expenses. In addition, we have agreed to issue to the underwriter warrants to purchase our common stock. See “Underwriting” on page 31 of this prospectus for a description of the compensation payable to the underwriter.

Delivery of the shares and warrants will take place on or about                 , 2013, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

 

 

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.

The date of this prospectus is , 2013.


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LOGO


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     i   

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     i   

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1   

SUMMARY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     9   

RISK FACTORS

     11   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     22   

CAPITALIZATION

     23   

DILUTION

     24   

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

     25   

DIVIDEND POLICY

     25   

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     26   

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING

     29   

UNDERWRITING

     31   

LEGAL MATTERS

     35   

EXPERTS

     35   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     35   

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     35   


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriter has not, authorized any person to provide you with different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriter is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates. Superconductor Technologies Inc.’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and in 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.

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Superconductor Technologies Inc.,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms used in this prospectus refer to Superconductor Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains, and may incorporate by reference, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our business strategy, future commercial revenues, market growth, capital requirements, new product introductions, expansion plans and the adequacy of our funding. Other statements contained in this prospectus that are not historical facts are also forward-looking statements. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

   

our limited cash and a history of losses;

 

   

our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our operations, and the impact on our strategic initiatives of any inability to raise such funds;

 

   

the impact of any such financing activity on the level of our stock price;

 

   

our limited number of potential customers;

 

   

decreases in average selling prices for our products;

 

   

rapidly advancing technology in our target markets;

 

   

our need to overcome additional technical challenges in attaining milestones to develop and manufacture commercial lengths of our Conductus ® HTS wire;

 

   

customer acceptance of our HTS wire;

 

   

the impact of competitive products, technologies and pricing;

 

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the limited number of suppliers for some of our components;

 

   

no significant backlog from quarter to quarter;

 

   

fluctuations in sales and product demand from quarter to quarter, which can be significant;

 

   

our proprietary rights, while important to our business, are difficult and costly to protect;

 

   

manufacturing capacity constraints and difficulties;

 

   

cost and uncertainty from compliance with environmental regulations; and

 

   

local, regional, and national and international economic conditions and events, and the impact they may have on us and our customers.

We claim the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements presented in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, or those that we may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based upon management’s beliefs and assumptions and are made based on information available to us as of the time made and the actual outcome will be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on known results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section contained in this prospectus, and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Business Overview

We are a leading company in high temperature superconductor (HTS) materials and related technologies and have a strategic focus on the commercialization of second generation HTS (2G HTS) wire for “Smart Grid” and other power applications. HTS materials have the unique ability to conduct various signals or energy (e.g., electrical current or radio frequency (RF) signals) with little or no resistance when cooled to “critical” temperatures. Electric currents that flow through conventional conductors encounter resistance that requires power to overcome and generates heat. HTS materials can substantially improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reducing power loss, lowering heat generation and decreasing electrical noise. Commercial use of HTS materials requires a number of cutting edge technologies, including development of HTS materials, specialized manufacturing expertise to create uniform thin layers of these materials, and technologies to maintain an extremely low temperature environment for HTS applications (although the critical temperatures for HTS materials are “high” compared with traditional superconductors, they are still extremely cold by other standards).

Market Overview

The electric power industry is facing many challenges that threaten the ability of utilities and other electricity providers to deliver reliable and efficient power. Electricity providers in industrialized nations are struggling to replace an aging grid infrastructure while keeping pace with the addition of new alternative energy sources and managing increasing electricity demand. In emerging nations, electricity demand and the need for additional grid infrastructure is increasing. Electricity providers are focused on providing “future-proof” technologies that provide efficient, reliable and cost effective power. Due to these and many other challenges facing electricity providers, infrastructure enhancements are planned to improve the safety, reliability and survivability of electric power systems. These enhancements are focused on creating a decentralized Smart Grid by enabling real-time management, improving power transmission and distribution efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy.

A number of existing and emerging power equipment solutions are required for energy generation, storage, and transmission and distribution improvement. Conventional equipment is inherently inefficient compared to emerging technologies because the conventional power infrastructure is typically copper-based in the form of stranded copper wire used in power cables, coils for circuit breakers, transformers, motors and generators. Using copper as the conductor has limitations that include lower power density and inefficiency. The power density limitation of copper increases the amount of wire required to support high current. The higher the current the larger the amount of copper needed, increasing size and weight. We believe that conventional equipment cannot adequately support the new Smart Grid infrastructure or the increased power demand. Advanced transmission and distribution technologies are necessary to enhance Smart Grid efficiency, real-time management, throughput, and reliability.

Existing, centralized power grids utilizing legacy, copper-based systems are prime targets for change through disruptive technology. New, emerging, economical, high performance superconducting technologies have become a viable alternative to conventional, copper-based solutions by providing unique benefits targeting Smart Grid infrastructure improvement. Superconductivity is an exceptional characteristic of certain materials to exhibit no electrical resistance when cooled to very low temperatures. Without resistance, superconducting wire

 

 

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has been shown to carry many times the current of an equivalent size of copper wire. Superconducting power devices are extremely efficient, providing an efficiency rating of 95 to 99%. These attributes can translate into significant reductions of cost, size and weight for motors, generators and power cables.

We believe that superconducting technologies will play a crucial role in the electric power industry: from power generation (including offshore superconducting wind turbine generators) to transmission and distribution (including high power superconducting cables, superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs), superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), and superconducting transformers) and device use (including superconducting industrial motors, generators and condensers). Rapid technology development, proof of concept demonstrations and limited commercial deployments are underway for all of these superconducting power applications. HTS wire may replace conventional copper and aluminum conductors to help create distributed grid architecture. This would relieve many stranded grid assets and provide an efficient, adaptive or “self-healing” grid architecture that is well suited for the future Smart Grid. According to a 2012 report by the Korean Industries Confederation for Commercialization of Superconductivity, or the 2012 Report, the global market for superconducting devices is forecast to increase from $24.5 billion in 2015 to over $113 billion in 2050. We believe a material portion of this global market for superconducting devices will consist of sales of second generation HTS wire, or 2G HTS wire, for applications in generation, distribution, storage, conversion and end-use devices. We seek to supply 2G HTS wire to each of these sub-markets within the global market for superconducting devices. For example, the 2012 Report forecasts that by 2015 the sub-market for HTS power cable, the primary component of which is HTS wire, will be $9.9 billion. We believe that the market for the HTS wire within the power cable sub-market will exceed $1 billion by 2015. In addition to this opportunity in the power cable sub-market (which we refer to as the distribution sub-market), we believe that meaningful market opportunities exist for sales of our 2G HTS wire within each of the other sub-markets (generation, storage, conversion and end-use devices) comprising the overall global superconducting device market.

Total Addressable Market (TAM) for Superconducting Devices

 

LOGO

 

 

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Strategic Initiatives

We are leveraging our leadership in superconducting technologies, extensive intellectual property, and High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) manufacturing expertise to develop and produce Conductus ® superconducting wire; giving STI access to attractive opportunities in high growth markets. Our novel, cost-effective superconducting growth technique, which has been improved over the last decade in full production within our wireless business, offers a strong competitive advantage when applied in the production of our Conductus ® 2G HTS wire. This critical experience allows us to minimize our time to market and increase wire performance, while at the same time leverages our proven, high-yield and low-cost manufacturing process. Our Conductus ® 2G HTS wire development roadmap is carefully aligned with market opportunities: including HTS power cables, superconducting fault current limiters and superconducting rotating machines like motors and generators.

In 2010, our strategic direction shifted from producing HTS wireless devices to the development of Conductus ® 2G HTS wire. The current HTS wireless electronics infrastructure market is forecast as low growth, while HTS wire markets are expected to be large for the foreseeable future. Our goal by the end of 2013 is to produce commercial grade, high-performance Conductus ® 2G HTS wire. Our strategy is to deploy kilometer length HTS wire production capability that will meet multiple customer specifications in 2014 to secure near-term revenue. We plan to increase our manufacturing volume to track anticipated market demand in 2014-2016.

Company History of Superconducting Innovation

 

LOGO

While substantial production and business challenges remain before our anticipated commercial product launch, we believe we have made, and continue to make, significant technical and commercial progress. In 2012, we demonstrated industry leading performance in current density for our Conductus ® HTS wire, attaining a

 

 

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critical performance milestone for HTS power cable applications. A number of potential customers, who are leading multi-national industrial companies, have tested and qualified our wire for other demanding grid device applications. We have a number of product requests for delivery of Conductus ® HTS wire for evaluation and qualification. In the first quarter of 2013, we completed the installation of our pilot production HTS wire manufacturing equipment in our new Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AMCE) in Austin, Texas. Requests from customers for our wire to complete product evaluations continues to grow as our wire has now been tested and approved for use in the following target applications: HTS power cables, superconducting high-field magnets, SFCLs, and superconducting motors and generators.

Conductus ® HTS Wire Development Milestones

 

LOGO

Our Wireless Business

In addition to our core strategic initiative relating to our Conductus ® HTS wire platform, we also have on-going business activities relating to RF filters and cryocoolers.

RF Filters . Conventional RF filters are fabricated primarily from aluminum blocks with hollow cavities, resonators, and tuning elements incorporated to make a frequency specific filter. Our filter structures resemble a circuit on a semiconductor using a circuit that is etched into HTS materials that are deposited on a wafer. Our unique and innovative circuits allow us to utilize the characteristics of the HTS materials for this application. We have also developed unique tuning methods that allow us to produce a frequency specific filter. We have also contributed some specialized intellectual property in exchange for a minority ownership position in Resonant LLC, a company formed to commercialize our innovative Reconfigurable Resonance™ technology for the mobile communication products industry.

 

 

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Cryocoolers . HTS circuits need to be cooled to the critical temperature that enables the superconducting properties of the materials to be utilized. To meet this need, we developed a unique cryocooler that can efficiently and reliably cool the circuit to the critical temperature (77 degrees Kelvin). As a result, our wireless products are maintenance free and reliable enough to be deployed for many years.

Our current revenue comes from the manufacture and sale of high performance infrastructure products for wireless communication applications. We have three current product lines, SuperLink ® , AmpLink ® , and SuperPlex; all of which relate to wireless base stations. We sell most of our current commercial products to a small number of wireless carriers in the United States, including AT&T and Verizon Wireless. We derived 96% of our commercial product revenues from Verizon Wireless and AT&T in 2012 and 2011. Demand for wireless communications equipment fluctuates dramatically and unpredictably and recently demand for our products has been trending downward. The wireless communications infrastructure equipment market is extremely competitive and is characterized by rapid technological change, new product development, product obsolescence, evolving industry standards and price erosion over the life of a product. We face constant pressures to reduce prices. Consequently, we expect the average selling prices of our products will continue decreasing over time. We expect these trends to continue and they may cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly and annual revenues. Our commercial operations are subject to a number of significant risks. See “Risk Factors.”

Our Competitive Advantage

We consider our unique manufacturing systems to be the critical success factor for our Conductus ® wire business plan and competitive positioning. We have developed a proprietary Reactive Co-Evaporation and Cyclical Deposition Reaction (RCE-CDR) deposition technique that allows us to precisely control growth rates, the relative proportions of metals and the chamber temperature. The process further allows us to precisely control and make the refinements necessary for high-yield, high-output manufacturing. Utilizing this tightly controlled process and revolutionary RCE-CDR deposition method we increased production yield of our Rare Earth Barium Copper Oxide (ReBCO) wafers to 99.5%. In addition, because we can control the factors that determine the structure of the HTS crystal being grown, we are able to make innovative changes to the crystal to optimize its performance for various applications. We have been adapting this proprietary manufacturing process to the production of 2G HTS wire over the past several years.

Our Proprietary Technology

Our development efforts over the last 25 years have yielded an extensive patent portfolio as well as critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. We enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with our employees, suppliers and consultants to protect our proprietary information. Like almost all technology companies, we remain subject to a number of risks related to our ability to protect our proprietary technology. Our development efforts (including those described above under Strategic Initiatives) can take a significant number of years to commercialize, and we must overcome significant technical barriers and deal with other significant risks. See “Risk Factors.”

Our Corporate Information

Our executive offices are located at 9101 Wall Street, Austin, Texas 78754 and at 460 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111, and our telephone number is (805) 690-4500. We were incorporated in Delaware on May 11, 1987. Additional information about us is available on our website at www.suptech.com. The information contained on or that may be obtained from our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of or incorporated into this prospectus. Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SCON.”

 

 

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Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risks described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus, as well as other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, before making an investment decision.

 

 

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The Offering

The following summary contains basic information about the offering and the common stock and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the common stock and the warrants, please refer to the sections of this prospectus titled “Description of Capital Stock” and “Description of Securities We Are Offering.”

 

Common stock offered by us

$12,000,000 of shares of common stock. Each share of common stock is being sold together with a Term A warrant to purchase one share of our common stock and a Term B warrant to purchase one-half of a share of our common stock.

 

Pre-funded warrants offered by us

If the issuance of shares of our common stock to a purchaser in this offering would result in such purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 9.9% of our outstanding common stock following the consummation of this offering, then such purchaser may purchase, in lieu of the shares of our common stock that would result in such excess ownership, a warrant to purchase shares of our common stock for a purchase price per share of common stock subject to such warrant equal to the per share public offering price for the common stock in this offering less the $0.01 per share exercise price of such warrant. Each pre-funded warrant will have an exercise price of $0.01 per share, will be exercisable upon issuance and will expire five years from the date of issuance. Purchasers of these pre-funded warrants would also receive the Term A and Term B warrants as if such purchasers were buying shares of our common stock in this offering. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of these pre-funded warrants.

 

Term A and Term B warrants offered by us

Warrants to purchase up to              shares of our common stock including      Term A warrants and      Term B warrants. Each warrant will have an exercise price of $         per share, will be exercisable upon issuance. The Term A warrants will expire five years from the date of issuance and the Term B warrants will expire two years from the date of issuance. These warrants contain a price-based anti-dilution adjustment mechanism which provides that if we sell shares of our common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective per share price less than the then exercise price of the Term A and Term B warrants, that the exercise price of the Term A and Term B warrants will be reset to such lower price. This feature will terminate when the volume weighted average price of our common stock as reported by our principal trading market exceeds 300% of the then exercise price of the warrant for thirty consecutive trading days and does not apply to certain exempt issuances, including, in certain circumstances, issuances under equity incentive plans, securities issued upon exercise or conversion of existing securities or securities issued in connection with acquisitions or strategic transactions. The pre-funded warrants do not include this price-based anti-dilution adjustment mechanism. This prospectus also relates to the offering of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Term A and Term B warrants.

 

 

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Common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering

            shares of common stock (1)(2)

 

Use of proceeds

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include capital expenditures. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Market for our common stock

Our common stock is quoted and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SCON.”

 

No Market for Warrants

There is no established public trading market for our warrants, and we do not intend to apply to list the warrants on any securities exchange or automated quotation system

 

(1) The number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after the closing of this offering is based on 4,751,284 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 29, 2013, and, as of that date, excluded:

 

   

447,100 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the 536,520 shares of outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series A Preferred Stock (the conversion of our Series A Preferred Stock is subject to certain limitations. See “Description of Capital Stock – Preferred Stock – Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” on page 27 of this prospectus);

 

   

137,534 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options under our stock plans at a weighted average exercise price of $35.56 per share; and

 

   

443,409 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $15.58 per share.

(2) Excludes the shares of common stock that may be issued under the warrants to be issued in this offering.

Recent Events

In June 2013 we announced that Resonant Inc., a spin-out from Superconductor Technologies Inc., raised $7 million from outside investors in a private placement. Resonant was spun-out in July 2012 to leverage Reconfigurable Resonance (RcR) technology developed by the Company for advanced wireless applications. This funding enables Resonant to continue to commercialize RcR technology for the rapidly growing mobile communications industry. After the June 2013 investment, Resonant’s management and new investors own the majority of equity and equity equivalents, and we hold a convertible note that would represent a minority position in Resonant’s fully diluted equity on an as converted basis. While we remain highly focused on our 2G HTS wire program, we will also continue to pursue alternatives, such as the Resonant spin-out, to extract value from our substantial intellectual properties unrelated to our 2G HTS wire. In connection with the spin out, we contributed patents to Resonant to form a company to assist mobile device manufacturers as they attempt to keep up with the growth of mobile data demand from next generation mobile devices and we also contributed a product development agreement with a global leader in mobile communications products to bring to market RcR technology. Resonant was founded as a company separate from Superconductor Technologies Inc. and is controlled by its own board and management.

On March 11, 2013, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock, or the Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every twelve shares of our pre-Reverse Stock Split common stock were combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock. The Reverse Stock Split did not change the authorized number of shares or the par value of our common stock. Certain of the information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus present information on our common stock on a pre-Reverse Split basis.

 

 

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SUMMARY SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

You should read the summary selected consolidated financial information presented below in conjunction with the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section and our financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

The following tables set forth selected consolidated financial data for us at and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2012 and at and for the three month periods ending March 30, 2013 and March 31, 2012.

The summary statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the summary statement of financial condition data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The summary statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the summary statement of financial condition data as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included nor incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

      Three Months
Ended March 30,
2013 and March 31,
2012
    Years Ended December 31,  
      2013     2012     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
    (Amounts and numbers in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Statement of Operations Data:

             

Net revenues:

             

Net commercial product revenues

  $ 776      $ 344      $ 3,237      $ 3,416      $ 6,548      $ 7,239      $ 6,768   

Government and other contract revenues

    —          55        222        83        1,999        3,577        4,525   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net revenues

    776        399        3,459        3,499        8,547        10,816        11,293   

Costs and expenses:

             

Cost of commercial product revenues

    226        844        3,850        5,434        7,732        9,102        8,911   

Cost of government and other contract revenues

    —          52        165        79        1,180        2,552        3,649   

Other research and development

    1,438        1,161        5,030        5,325        5,067        4,399        3,394   

Selling, general and administrative

    1,345        1,348        5,440        6,322        6,684        6,925        8,151   

Restructuring expenses and impairment charges

    —          —          —          —          —          —          141   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

    3,009        3,405        14,485        17,160        20,663        22,978        24,246   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

    (2,233     (3,006     (11,026     (13,661     (12,116     (12,162     (12,953

Other income (expense), net

    (175     18        98        278        148        (817     252   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $ (2,408   $ (2,988   $ (10,928   $ (13,383   $ (11,968   $ (12,979   $ (12,701
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per common share (1)

    (0.58     (1.01     (3.34     (5.05     (6.15     (7.85     (9.29
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (1)

    4,152        2,965        3,269        2,652        1,945        1,654        1,367   

 

 

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      March 30, 2013 and
March 31, 2012
    December 31,  
      2013     2012     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
    (Amounts and numbers in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Balance Sheet Data:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 1,656      $ 9,530      $ 3,634      $ 6,165      $ 6,069      $ 10,365      $ 7,569   

Working capital

    1,132        9,143        3,059        7,161        7,655        12,557        12,253   

Total assets

    9,952        11,455        12,029        12,949        12,569        18,126        19,358   

Long-term debt, including current portion

    663        593        674        628        608        576        521   

Total stockholders’ equity

  $ 8,050      $ 15,001      $ 10,292      $ 11,175      $ 10,896      $ 16,241      $ 17,552   

 

(1) All per share information (other than information as of March 30, 2013) has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock that was effective on March 11, 2013.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as those risks described in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” each contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, as well as other information in this prospectus or in any other documents incorporated by reference. Each of the risks described in these sections and documents could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a complete loss of your investment. This prospectus and the incorporated documents also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks mentioned above.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a history of losses and may never become profitable.

In each of our last five years, we have experienced significant net losses and negative cash flows from operations. For the three-month period ended March 30, 2013, we incurred a net loss of $2.4 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $1.8 million. In 2012, we incurred a net loss of $10.9 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $8.2 million. In 2011, we incurred a net loss of $13.4 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $10.0 million. Our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its audit reports an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we fail to increase our revenues, we may not achieve and maintain profitability and may not meet our expectations or the expectations of financial analysts who report on our stock.

We need to raise additional capital, and if we are unable to raise capital our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company could be adversely affected.

At March 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had $1.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash resources will not be sufficient to fund our business for at least the next twelve months. We believe the key factors to our future liquidity will be our ability to successfully use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various ways, including commercial operations, joint ventures and licenses. Because of the expected timing and uncertainty of these factors, we will need to raise funds to meet our working capital needs.

Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock and could also require that we issue warrants in connection with sales of our stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company.

Our strategic initiative to develop a new wire platform may not prove to be successful.

We have spent a considerable amount of resources in developing a new wire platform for power applications. Substantial technical and business challenges remain before we have a commercially successful product introduction. We may not be able to overcome these challenges in a timely or cost effective manner, if at all. Such a failure could adversely impact our prospects, liquidity, stock price and carrying value of our fixed assets.

 

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There are numerous technological challenges that must be overcome in order for our Conductus HTS wire to become commercially successful and our ability to address such technological challenges may adversely affect our ability to gain customers.

Our superconducting wire product is in the middle stages of development, and in the early stages of commercialization. There are a number of technological challenges to overcome for broad commercialization of HTS wire. First, the current HTS wire market is supply constrained. Current producers cannot manufacture sufficient wire to meet demand; customers cannot purchase long-length wire with any reasonable confidence or guaranteed volume; and electric utilities and other electricity providers lack confidence in product availability which leads to delays in their deployment roadmap. Secondly, HTS wire performance is currently below what many customers require. Many power applications require high performance wire with high current carrying capacity, mechanical durability, electrical integrity with low AC losses and minimal splices. Producing high performance HTS wire has proven difficult, especially at volumes required for large scale deployment. Thirdly, high demand for premium performance wire available in very low volume results in a high wire price that narrows the market and limits commercial viability. Delays in our HTS wire development, as a result of technological challenges or other factors, may result in the introduction or commercial acceptance of our HTS wire products later than expected.

The commercial uses of superconducting wire and superconducting wire related products are limited today, and a broad commercial market may not develop.

Even if the technological hurdles are overcome, there is no certainty that a robust commercial market for unproven HTS wire products will come to fruition. To date, commercial use of HTS wire has been limited to small feasibility demonstrations, and these projects are largely subsidized by government authorities. While customer demand is high and market forecasts project large revenue opportunity for superconducting wire in power applications, the market may not develop and superconducting wire might never achieve long term, broad commercialization. In such an event, we would not be able to commercialize our HTS wire initiative and our business could be adversely impacted.

We have limited experience marketing and selling superconducting wire products, and our failure to effectively market and sell our superconducting wire solutions would lower our revenue and cash flow.

We have little experience marketing and selling our superconducting wire. Once our superconducting wire is ready for commercial use, we will have to hire and develop a marketing and sales team that will effectively demonstrate the advantages of our product over both more traditional products and competing superconducting products or other adjacent technologies. We may not be successful in our efforts to market this new technology.

We rely on a small group of customers for the majority of our commercial wireless revenues, and the loss of any one of these customers could adversely affect our business.

We sell most of our wireless products to a small number of wireless carriers. We derived 96% of our commercial product revenues from Verizon Wireless and AT&T in 2012 and 2011. This is up from 92% in 2010.

Demand for wireless communications equipment fluctuates dramatically and unpredictably and recently has been trending downward. As a result of this downward trend, we have managed our inventory to historically low levels, which may result in longer delivery lead times, which may not be acceptable to our customers. If this downward trend continues we may be compelled to refocus our manufacturing away from wireless products altogether

In addition, the market for HTS wire would also consist of a small number of customers and would face similar challenges to those we face in our wire business.

 

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We expect decreases in average selling prices, requiring us to reduce product costs in order to achieve and maintain profitability.

We face pressure to reduce prices and accordingly, the average selling price of our existing products has decreased over the years. We anticipate customer pressure on our product pricing will continue for the foreseeable future. In our HTS wire initiative, wire is currently being sold at $250- 400/kiloampere-meter (kA-m). At this price, HTS wire represents more than half the cost of the end device. A price reduction is required for long term commercialization. Cryogenic systems, including cryocoolers and cryostats, have been developed but will also need to be cost optimized as HTS wire becomes available in volume. We have plans to further reduce the manufacturing cost of our products, but there is no assurance that our future cost reduction efforts will keep pace with price erosion. We will need to further reduce our manufacturing costs through engineering improvements and economies of scale in production and purchasing in order to achieve adequate gross margins. We may not be able to achieve the required product cost savings at a rate needed to keep pace with competitive pricing pressure. Additionally, we may be forced to discount future orders or may never reach commercial viability. If we fail to reach our cost saving objectives or we are required to offer future discounts, our business may be harmed.

We face competition with respect to various aspects of our technology and product development.

Our current wireless products compete on the basis of performance, functionality, reliability, pricing, quality, and compliance with industry standards. With respect to our HTS materials, we compete with American Superconductor, SuperPower, SuNam, and THEVA, among others. Our current and potential competitors with respect to our wireless business include conventional RF filter manufacturers, including Alcatel-Lucent, Powerwave, and RFS and both established and newly emerging companies developing similar or competing HTS technologies. In addition, we currently supply components and license technology to several companies that may eventually decide to manufacture or design their own HTS components, rather than purchasing or licensing our technology. If we are unable to compete successfully against our current or future competitors, then our business and results of operations will be adversely affected.

We may not be able to compete effectively against alternative technologies.

Our products also compete with a number of alternative approaches and technologies. Some of these alternatives may be more cost effective or offer better performance than our products and we may not succeed in competing against these alternatives.

We currently rely on specific technologies and may not successfully adapt to the rapidly changing market environments.

We must overcome technical challenges to commercialize our HTS wire. If we are able to so, we will need to attain customer acceptance of our HTS wire, and we cannot ensure that such acceptance will occur. We will have to continue to develop and integrate advances to our core technologies. We will also need to continue to develop and integrate advances in complementary technologies. We cannot guarantee that our development efforts will not be rendered obsolete by research efforts and technological advances made by others. Wireless telecommunication equipment is characterized by rapidly advancing technology. Our wireless business success depends upon our ability to keep pace with advancing wireless technology, including materials, processes and industry standards.

We experience significant fluctuations in sales and operating results from quarter to quarter.

Our quarterly results fluctuate due to a number of factors, including:

 

   

the lack of any contractual obligation by our customers to purchase their forecasted demand for our products;

 

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variations in the timing, cancellation, or rescheduling of customer orders and shipments; and

 

   

high fixed expenses that may disproportionately impact operating expenses, especially during a quarter with a sales shortfall.

The nature of our business requires that we promptly ship products after we receive orders. This means that we typically do not have a significant backlog of unfilled orders at the start of each quarter. Our major customers generally have no contractual obligation to purchase forecasted amounts and may cancel orders, change delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered with minimal notice and minimal penalty. As a result of these factors, we may not be able to accurately predict our quarterly sales. Any shortfall in sales relative to our quarterly expectations or any delay of customer orders would adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.

Order deferrals and cancellations by our customers, declining average sales prices, changes in the mix of products sold, increases in inventory and finished goods, delays in the introduction of new products and longer than anticipated sales cycles for our products have, in the past, adversely affected our results of operations. Despite these factors, we maintain significant finished goods, work-in-progress and raw materials inventory to meet estimated order forecasts. If our customers purchase less than the forecasted amounts or cancel or delay existing purchase orders, there will be higher levels of inventory that face a greater risk of obsolescence. If our customers desire to purchase products in excess of the forecasted amounts or in a different product mix, there may not be enough inventory or manufacturing capacity to fill their orders.

Due to these and other factors, our past results may not be reliable indicators of our future performance in our wireless business, and has no predictive value as to our HTS wire initiative. Future revenues and operating results may not meet the expectations of stock analysts and investors. In either case, the price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.

We depend on the capital spending patterns of our customers, and if capital spending is decreased or delayed, our business may be harmed.

Any substantial decrease or delay in capital spending patterns from our customers may harm our business. Demand from customers for our products depends to a significant degree upon the amount and timing of capital spending by these customers for constructing, rebuilding or upgrading their systems. Their capital spending patterns depend on a variety of factors, including access to financing, the status of federal, local and foreign government regulation and deregulation, overall demand, competitive pressures and general economic conditions. In addition, capital spending patterns can be subject to some degree of seasonality, with lower levels of spending in the first and third calendar quarters, based on annual budget cycles.

The current worldwide uncertainty may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

The United States and global economies continue to experience a financial downturn, with some financial and economic analysts predicting that the global economy may be entering into a prolonged economic downturn characterized by high unemployment, limited availability of credit, increased rates of default and bankruptcy and decreased consumer and business spending. These developments could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition in a number of ways. For example, current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending with us or may not pay us, or may delay paying us for previously purchased products. In addition, this downturn has had, and may continue to have, an unprecedented negative impact on the global credit markets. Credit has tightened significantly, resulting in financing terms that are less attractive to borrowers, and in many cases, the unavailability of certain types of debt financing. If this crisis continues or worsens, and if we are required to obtain financing in the near term to meet our working capital or other business needs, we may not be able obtain that financing. Further, even if we are able to obtain the financing we need, it may be on terms that are not favorable to us, with increased financing costs and restrictive covenants.

 

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Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers and the long lead time of components for our products could impair our ability to manufacture and deliver our systems on a timely basis.

A number of components used in our products are available from a limited number of outside suppliers due to unique designs as well as certain quality and performance requirements. There are components that we source from a single vendor due to the present volume. In addition, key components of our conventional products are manufactured by a sole foreign manufacturer. Our reliance on sole or limited source suppliers involves certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These include the possibility of a shortage or the discontinuation of certain key components. Any reduced availability of these parts or components when required could impair our ability to manufacture and deliver our systems on a timely basis and result in the delay or cancellation of orders, which could harm our business.

In addition, the purchase of some of our key components involves long lead times and, in the event of unanticipated increases in demand for our solutions, we may be unable to obtain these components in sufficient quantities to meet our customers’ requirements. We do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with any of these suppliers, do not maintain an extensive inventory of parts or components and customarily purchase sole or limited source parts and components pursuant to purchase orders. Business disruptions, quality issues, production shortfalls or financial difficulties of a sole or limited source supplier could materially and adversely affect us by increasing product costs, or eliminating or delaying the availability of such parts or components. In such events, our inability to develop alternative sources of supply quickly and on a cost-effective basis could impair our ability to manufacture and deliver our systems on a timely basis and could harm our business.

Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers exposes us to quality control issues.

Our reliance on certain single-source and limited-source components exposes us to quality control issues if these suppliers experience a failure in their production process or otherwise fail to meet our quality requirements. A failure in single-source or limited-source components or products could force us to repair or replace a product utilizing replacement components. If we cannot obtain comparable replacements or effectively return or redesign our products, we could lose customer orders or incur additional costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our gross margins and results of operations.

Our ability to protect our patents and other proprietary rights is uncertain, exposing us to possible losses of competitive advantage.

Our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not succeed in preventing infringement by others or ensure that these rights will provide us with a competitive advantage. Pending patent applications may not result in issued patents and the validity of issued patents may be subject to challenge. Third parties may also be able to design around the patented aspects of the products. Additionally, certain of the issued patents and patent applications are owned jointly with third parties. Because any owner or co-owner of a patent can license its rights under jointly-owned patents or applications, inventions made by us jointly with others are not subject to our exclusive control. Any of these possible events could result in losses of competitive advantage.

We depend on specific patents and licenses to technologies, and we will likely need additional technologies in the future that we may not be able to obtain.

We utilize technologies under licenses of patents from others for our products. These patents may be subject to challenge, which may result in significant litigation expense (which may or may not be recoverable against future royalty obligations). Additionally, we continually try to develop new products, and, in the course of doing so, we may be required to utilize intellectual property rights owned by others and may seek licenses to do so. Such licenses may not be obtainable on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. It is also possible that we may inadvertently utilize intellectual property rights held by others, which could result in substantial claims.

 

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Intellectual property infringement claims against us could materially harm results of operations.

Our products incorporate a number of technologies, including high-temperature superconductor technology, technology related to other materials, and electronics technologies. Our patent positions, and that of other companies using high-temperature superconductor technology, is uncertain and there is significant risk that others, including our competitors or potential competitors, have obtained or will obtain patents relating to our products or technologies or products or technologies planned to be introduced by us.

We believe that patents may be or have been issued, or applications may be pending, claiming various compositions of matter used in our products. We may need to secure one or more licenses of these patents. There can be no assurances that such licenses could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. We may be required to expend significant resources to develop alternatives that would not infringe such patents or to obtain licenses to the related technology. We may not be able to successfully design around these patents or obtain licenses to them and may have to defend ourselves at substantial cost against allegations of infringement of third party patents or other rights to intellectual property. In those circumstances, we could face significant liabilities and also be forced to cease the use of key technology.

Other parties may have the right to utilize technology important to our business.

We utilize certain intellectual property rights under non-exclusive licenses or have granted to others the right to utilize certain intellectual property rights licensed from a third party. Because we may not have the exclusive rights to utilize such intellectual property, other parties may be able to compete with us, which may harm our business.

Because competition for target employees is intense, we may be subject to claims of unfair hiring practices, trade secret misappropriation or other related claims.

Companies in the wireless telecommunications and HTS wire industries whose employees accept positions with competitors frequently claim that competitors have engaged in unfair hiring practices, trade secret misappropriation or other related claims. We may be subject to such claims in the future as we seek to hire qualified personnel, and such claims may result in material litigation. If this should occur, we could incur substantial costs in defending against these claims, regardless of their merits.

Our success depends on the attraction and retention of senior management and technical personnel with relevant expertise.

As a competitor in a highly technical market, we depend heavily upon the efforts of our existing senior management and technical teams. The loss of the services of one or more members of these teams could slow product development and commercialization objectives. Due to the specialized nature of our products, we also depend upon our ability to attract and retain qualified technical personnel with substantial industry knowledge and expertise. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we may not be able to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business.

Regulatory changes could substantially harm our business.

Certain regulatory agencies in the United States and other countries set standards for operations within their territories. Equipment marketed for use within their territories must meet specific technical standards. Our ability to sell our products is impacted by regulatory changes and requirements and depends on the ability of our customers to obtain and retain the necessary approvals and licenses. HTS wire is subject to a regulatory regime, which may become more strictly regulated if the market grows. Any failure or delay in obtaining necessary approvals could harm our business.

 

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We may acquire or make investments in companies or technologies that could cause loss of value to stockholders and disruption of business.

We may explore opportunities to acquire companies or technologies in the future. Other than the acquisition of Conductus, Inc. in 2002 and our minority investment in Resonant LLC in 2012, we have not made any such acquisitions or investments to date and, therefore, our ability as an organization to make acquisitions or investments is unproven. An acquisition entails many risks, any of which could adversely affect our business, including:

 

   

failure to integrate operations, services and personnel;

 

   

the price paid may exceed the value eventually realized;

 

   

loss of share value to existing stockholders as a result of issuing equity securities to finance an acquisition;

 

   

potential loss of key employees from either our then current business or any acquired business;

 

   

entering into markets in which we have little or no prior experience;

 

   

diversion of financial resources and management’s attention from other business concerns;

 

   

assumption of unanticipated liabilities related to the acquired assets; and

 

   

the business or technologies acquired or invested in may have limited operating histories and may be subjected to many of the same risks to which we are exposed.

In addition, future acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, or the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses or charges related to goodwill or other intangible assets, any of which could harm our business. As a result, if we fail to properly evaluate and execute acquisitions or investments, our business and prospects may be seriously harmed.

If we are unable to implement appropriate controls and procedures to manage our potential growth, we may not be able to successfully offer our products and implement our business plan.

Our ability to successfully offer our products and implement our business plan in a rapidly evolving market requires an effective planning and management process. Growth in future operations would place a significant strain on management systems and resources. We expect that we would need to improve our financial and managerial controls, reporting systems and procedures, and would need to expand, train and manage our work force worldwide. Furthermore, we expect that we would be required to manage multiple relationships with various customers and other third parties.

Compliance with environmental regulations could be especially costly due to the hazardous materials used in the manufacturing process. In addition, we could incur expenditures related to hazardous material accidents.

We are subject to a number of federal, state and local governmental regulations related to the use, storage, discharge and disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used in our business. Current or future laws and regulations could require substantial expenditures for preventative or remedial action, reduction of chemical exposure, waste treatment or disposal. Any failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines being imposed, suspension of production or interruption of operations. In addition, these regulations could restrict our ability to expand or could require us to acquire costly equipment or incur other significant expense to comply with environmental regulations or to clean up prior discharges.

In addition, although we believe that our safety procedures for the handling and disposing of hazardous materials comply with the standards prescribed by state and federal regulations, there is always the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. To date, we have not incurred substantial expenditures for preventive action with respect to hazardous materials or for remedial action with respect to any hazardous materials accident, but the use and disposal of hazardous materials involves risk that we could incur substantial expenditures for such

 

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preventive or remedial actions. If such an accident were to occur, we could be held liable for resulting damages. The liability in the event of an accident or the costs of such remedial actions could exceed our resources or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The reliability of market data included in our public filings is uncertain.

Since we operate in a rapidly changing market, we have in the past, and may from time to time in the future, include market data from industry publications and our own internal estimates in some of the documents we file with the SEC. The reliability of this data cannot be assured. Industry publications generally state that the information contained in these publications has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that its accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed. Although we believe that the market data used in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is and will be reliable, it has not been independently verified. Similarly, internal company estimates, while believed by us to be reliable, have not been verified by any independent sources.

Our international operations expose us to certain risks.

In 2007, we formed a joint venture with Hunchun Baoli Communication Co. Ltd. (“BAOLI”) to manufacture and sell our SuperLink interference elimination solution in China. In additional to facing many of the risks faced by our domestic business, if that joint venture or any other international operation we may have is to be successful, we (together with any joint venture partner) must recruit the necessary personnel and develop the facilities needed to manufacture and sell the products involved, learn about the local market (which may be significantly different from our domestic market), build brand awareness among potential customers and compete successfully with local organizations with greater market knowledge and potentially greater resources than we have. We must also obtain a number of critical governmental approvals from both the United States and the local country governments on a timely basis, including those related to any transfers of our technology. We must establish sufficient controls on any foreign operations to ensure that those operations are operated in accordance with our interests, that our intellectual property is protected and that our involvement does not inadvertently create potential competitors. There can be no assurance that these conditions will be met. Even if they are met, the process of building our international operations could divert financial resources and management attention from other business concerns. Finally, our international operations will also be subject to the general risks of international operations, such as:

 

   

changes in exchange rates;

 

   

international political and economic conditions;

 

   

changes in government regulation in various countries;

 

   

trade barriers;

 

   

adverse tax consequences; and

 

   

costs associated with expansion into new territories.

Risks Related to the Offering

Our stock price is volatile.

The market price of our common stock has been, and we expect will continue to be, subject to significant volatility. The value of our common stock may decline regardless of our operating performance or prospects. Factors affecting our market price include:

 

   

our perceived prospects and liquidity;

 

   

progress or any lack of progress (or perceptions related to progress) in timely overcoming the remaining substantial technical and commercial challenges related to our HTS wire initiative;

 

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variations in our operating results and whether we have achieved key business targets;

 

   

changes in, or our failure to meet, earnings estimates;

 

   

changes in securities analysts’ buy/sell recommendations;

 

   

differences between our reported results and those expected by investors and securities analysts;

 

   

announcements of new contracts by us or our competitors;

 

   

market reaction to any acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic investments announced by us or our competitors; and

 

   

general economic, political or stock market conditions.

Recent events have caused stock prices for many companies, including ours, to fluctuate in ways unrelated or disproportionate to their operating performance. The general economic, political and stock market conditions that may affect the market price of our common stock are beyond our control. The market price of our common stock at any particular time may not remain the market price in the future.

We have a significant number of outstanding warrants and options, and future sales of the shares obtained upon exercise of these options or warrants could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

As of March 30, 2013, we had outstanding options exercisable for an aggregate of 137,534 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $35.56 per share and warrants to purchase up to 443,409 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $15.58 per share. We have registered the issuance of all the shares issuable upon exercise of the options and warrants, and they will be freely tradable by the exercising party upon issuance. The holders may sell these shares in the public markets from time to time, without limitations on the timing, amount or method of sale. As our stock price rises, the holders may exercise their warrants and options and sell a large number of shares. This could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

We also have an aggregate of 536,520 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series A Preferred Stock, outstanding which can be converted (under certain conditions) into an additional 447,100 shares of our common stock so long as the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by BAOLI and its affiliates following such conversion does not exceed 9.9% of our outstanding common stock. All of these shares are “restricted securities” as defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. See the section in the accompanying prospectus entitled “Description of Capital Stock – Preferred Stock.”

Management will have broad discretion as to the use of the proceeds from this offering, and we may not use the proceeds effectively.

We have not designated the amount of net proceeds from this offering to be used for any particular purpose. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion as to the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could use them for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of this offering. Our stockholders may not agree with the manner in which our management chooses to allocate and spend the net proceeds. Moreover, our management may use the net proceeds for corporate purposes that may not increase our profitability or market value.

Our corporate governance structure may prevent our acquisition by another company at a premium over the public trading price of our shares.

It is possible that the acquisition of a majority of our outstanding voting stock by another company could result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the public trading price for our shares. Provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended, and of Delaware corporate law could delay or

 

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make more difficult an acquisition of our company by merger, tender offer or proxy contest, even if it would create an immediate benefit to our stockholders. For example, our restated certificate of incorporation does not permit stockholders to act by written consent, and our bylaws generally require ninety days advance notice of any matters to be brought before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting.

In addition, our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to determine the terms, rights and preferences of this preferred stock, including voting rights of those shares, without any further vote or action by the stockholders. At March 30, 2013, 1,388,477 shares of preferred stock remained unissued. The rights of the holders of common stock may be subordinate to, and adversely affected by, the rights of holders of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could also make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock, even at a premium over our public trading price.

Further, our certificate of incorporation also provides for a classified board of directors with directors divided into three classes serving staggered terms. These provisions may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us without action by our stockholders and, therefore, could adversely affect the price of our stock or the possibility of sale of shares to an acquiring person. See the section in the accompanying prospectus entitled “Description of Capital Stock – Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents.”

We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock.

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business.

There is no public market for the warrants to purchase shares of our common stock being offered by us in this offering.

There is no established public trading market for the warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system, including the NASDAQ Capital Market. Without an active market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.

You will experience immediate dilution in the book value per share of common stock as a result of this offering.

Investors in this offering will experience immediate dilution in their net tangible book value per share to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of common stock and the “adjusted” net tangible book value per share after giving effect to the offering. Our net tangible book value as of March 30, 2013 was approximately $7.2 million, or $1.71 per share of our common stock based on 4,237,457 shares outstanding. Assuming that we issue $12,000,000 of common stock and pre-funded warrants at an assumed offering price of $2.65 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 31, 2013, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value as of March 30, 2013, would have been approximately $18.1 million, or $2.07 per share of our common stock. This calculation excludes the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of the warrants issued in this offering. This amount represents an increase in net tangible book value of $0.36 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $0.58 per share to investors in this offering. These amounts do not take into account the potential material decrease in our net book value related to any warrant derivative liability we record related to the warrants issued in this offering. See “—We may record a material warrant derivative liability, which could impact our ability to remain listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market.” See the section entitled “Dilution” below.

 

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We may record a material warrant derivative liability, which could impact our ability to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market

The price-based anti-dilution feature of the warrants (other than the pre-funded warrants) issued in this offering may create a warrant derivative liability that we would have to record in our financial statements. Similarly, a separate feature in the warrants (other than the pre-funded warrants) requires that, in connection with certain fundamental transactions (such as a sale of the Company in an all-cash transaction), a warrant holder has the option to require the Company to pay the holder cash in an amount equal to the value of the warrant determined under the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We have not yet finalized the accounting for the issuance of such warrants and while we believe it is likely that we will record a warrant derivative liability that would be material in amount, we cannot at this time determine the extent of such liability. Further, such warrant derivative liability and our net loss would likely increase and our stockholders’ equity would decrease if our stock price increases. The continued listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market on which our stock is listed require, among other things, that we maintain at least $2.5 million in stockholders’ equity. Although the potential warrant derivative liability is not settled in cash, it would still reduce our stockholders’ equity for purposes of this continued listing requirement and financial reporting purposes generally. Any warrant derivative liability, and particularly a large liability, will make it more difficult for us to maintain the minimum equity required for the NASDAQ Capital Market. As we continue to execute our business plan our total assets are, at least in the near term, likely to decline. Unless we are able to maintain or increase our total assets, the presence of a large warrant derivative liability will reduce our stockholders’ equity over time. The warrant derivative liability will be adjusted to fair value at each reporting period (quarterly and annual basis), and could increase or decrease significantly on a periodic basis. However, assuming that the fair value of any warrant derivative liability is and remains material, then without any offsetting increase to our stockholders’ equity, we estimate we could be close to, or below, the Nasdaq Capital Market minimum listing standard by the first or second quarter of 2014, and earlier if our stock price were to increase significantly before that time. Failure to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market could have a material adverse effect on the value and liquidity of our common stock and our warrants.

Additional Risks Related to our Business, Industry and an Investment in our Common Stock

For a discussion of additional risks associated with our business, our industry and an investment in our common stock, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on March 8, 2013, as well as the disclosures contained in documents filed by us thereafter pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, which are incorporated by reference into, and deemed to be a part of, this prospectus.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We expect to receive net proceeds from the sale of our common stock and warrants that we are offering to be approximately $10.9 million, after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by us, as described in the section titled “Underwriting” on page 31.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include repayment of debt and capital expenditures. In addition, we may use a portion of any net proceeds to acquire complementary products, technologies or businesses. We will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. Investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds of any sale of our common stock securities. We may invest the net proceeds temporarily until we use them for their stated purpose.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our actual cash and cash equivalents and capitalization, each as of March 30, 2013, and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of our common stock and pre-funded warrants offered hereby and the use of proceeds, as described in the section entitled “Use of Proceeds.”

 

     As of March 30, 2013  
     Actual     As Adjusted(1)(2)(3)  
     (Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,656      $ 12,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ 1,902      $ 1,902   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, authorized 2,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share; Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding 536,520

   $ 1      $ 1   

Common stock, authorized 250,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value; issued and outstanding 4,237,457, actual; issued and outstanding              shares, as adjusted

     4        9   

Additional paid in capital

     272,397        283,292   

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

     (264,352     (264,352

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 8,050      $ 18,950   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Capitalization

   $ 9,952      $ 20,852   

 

(1) Assumes that $12,000,000 of our common stock and pre-funded warrants are sold in this offering at an assumed offering price of $2.65 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 31, 2013, and that the net proceeds thereof are approximately $10.9 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and our estimated expenses.
(2) Does not include the shares of common stock that may be issued under the Term A and Term B warrants to be issued in this offering.
(3) The price-based anti-dilution feature of the warrants (other than the pre-funded warrants) issued in this offering may create a warrant derivative liability that we would have to record in our financial statements. We have not yet finalized the accounting for the issuance of such warrants and while we believe it is likely that we will record a warrant derivative liability and that it would be material in amount, we cannot at this time determine the extent of such liability. The total liabilities shown in this column do not give any effect to such potentially material warrant derivative liabilities. Our total liabilities may be materially higher and our total capitalization and stockholders’ equity materially lower as a result of the likely warrant derivative liability we record in connection with the warrants issued in this offering. See “Risk Factors—We may record a material warrant derivative liability, which could impact our ability to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market.”

 

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DILUTION

Our net tangible book value as of March 30, 2013 was approximately $7.2 million, or $1.71 per share of our common stock. Our net tangible book value per share represents our total tangible assets less total liabilities divided by the number of shares of our common stock outstanding on March 30, 2013. Assuming that we issue $12,000,000 of common stock and pre-funded warrants at an assumed offering price of $2.65 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 31, 2013, and after deducting the commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our net tangible book value as of March 30, 2013 would have been approximately $18.1 million, or $2.07 per share of our common stock. This calculation excludes the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of warrants issued in this offering. This amount represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.36 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $0.58 per share to new investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering.

We determine dilution by subtracting the adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering from the public offering price per share of our common stock. The following table illustrates the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors:

 

Assumed public offering price per share

        $2.65   

Net tangible book value per share as of March 30, 2013

     $1.71      

Increase per share attributable to new investors

     $0.36      
  

 

 

    

Adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering

        $2.07   
     

 

 

 

Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors

        $0.58   
     

 

 

 

The price-based anti-dilution feature of the warrants issued in this offering may create a warrant derivative liability that we would have to record in our financial statements. We have not yet finalized the accounting for the issuance of such warrants and while we believe it is likely that we will record a warrant derivative liability and that it would be material in amount, we cannot at this time determine the extent of such liability. The total liabilities amount used to determine our net tangible book value per share amounts shown in the table above do not give any effect to such potentially material warrant derivative liabilities. Our total liabilities may be materially higher and our net tangible book value per share and stockholders’ equity may be materially lower as a result of the likely warrant derivative liability we record in connection with the warrants (other than the pre-funded warrants) issued in this offering. See “Risk Factors—We may record a material warrant derivative liability, which could impact our ability to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market.”

If any shares of common stock are issued upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants, including the warrants issued in this offering, you may experience further dilution.

The information above is based on 4,237,457 shares outstanding as of March 30, 2013 and excludes the shares of common stock that may be issued under the Term A and Term B warrants to be issued in this offering and also the following:

 

   

447,100 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the 536,520 shares of outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, or Series A Preferred Stock (the conversion of our Series A Preferred Stock is subject to certain limitations. See “Description of Capital Stock – Preferred Stock – Series A Convertible Preferred Stock” on page 27 of this prospectus);

 

   

137,534 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options under our stock plans at a weighted average exercise price of $35.56 per share; and

 

   

443,409 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $15.58 per share.

 

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

Our common stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SCON.” The following table sets forth, for the quarters shown, the range of high and low sales prices of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market (as adjusted, for periods prior to March 11, 2013, for the Reverse Stock Split completed on such date).

 

Quarter Ended    High      Low  

2013

     

Quarter ended September 28, 2013 (through July 31, 2013)

   $ 3.88       $ 2.53   

Quarter ended June 29, 2013

   $ 5.70       $ 2.30   

Quarter ended March 30, 2013

   $ 4.32       $ 1.92   

2012

     

Quarter ended December 31, 2012

   $ 6.72       $ 3.00   

Quarter ended September 29, 2012

   $ 10.56       $ 5.04   

Quarter ended June 30, 2012

   $ 9.96       $ 7.32   

Quarter ended March 31, 2012

   $ 21.24      $ 7.80  

2011

     

Quarter ended December 31, 2011

   $ 20.52       $ 13.08   

Quarter ended October 1, 2011

   $ 29.40       $ 17.40   

Quarter ended July 2, 2011

   $ 44.52       $ 23.52   

Quarter ended April 2, 2011

   $ 50.28       $ 17.52   

As of June 29, 2013 we had approximately 4,751,284 shares of common stock outstanding, held by approximately 7,200 stockholders, including stockholders of record and beneficial owners. The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on July 31, 2013 was $2.65 per share.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any cash dividends in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and plans for expansion.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a brief description of our capital stock. This summary does not purport to be complete in all respects. This description is subject to and qualified entirely by the terms of our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, or our certificate of incorporation, and our restated bylaws, or our bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC and are also available upon request from us, and by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Authorized Capitalization

We have 252,000,000 shares of capital stock authorized under our certificate of incorporation, consisting of 250,000,000 shares of common stock and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which 706,829 have been designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, or Series A Preferred Stock. As of March 30, 2013, we had 4,237,457 shares of common stock and 536,520 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding. Our authorized shares of common stock and 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 or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. If the approval of our stockholders is not so required, our board of directors may determine not to seek stockholder approval.

On March 11, 2013, we effected a 1-for-12 reverse stock split of our common stock, or the Reverse Stock Split. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every twelve shares of our pre-Reverse Stock Split common stock were combined and reclassified into one share of our common stock.

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for such purpose, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any then outstanding preferred stock. The shares of common stock are neither redeemable nor convertible. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights to purchase any of our securities.

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each such share outstanding in the holder’s name. No holder of common stock is entitled to cumulate votes in voting for directors.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of our common stock are entitled to receive pro rata our assets that are legally available for distribution, after payments of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any holders of preferred stock then outstanding. All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus and the shares of common stock underlying the warrants offered by this prospectus will be fully paid and non-assessable.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Stock Market under the symbol “SCON.” The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar & Transfer Company. Its address is 10 Commerce Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016, and its telephone number is (800) 866-1340.

Preferred Stock

Our certificate of incorporation permits us to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and with rights and preferences that may be fixed or designated by our board of directors without any further action by our stockholders. We currently have 706,829 shares of preferred stock designated as Series A Preferred Stock, of which, as of March 30, 2013, 536,520 shares were outstanding.

Subject to the limitations prescribed in our certificate of incorporation and under Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation authorizes the board of directors, from time to time by resolution and without further stockholder action, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock, in one or more series, and to fix the

 

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designation, powers, preferences and other rights of the shares and to fix the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock, including with respect to voting, dividends and liquidation and, by issuing shares of preferred stock with certain voting, conversion and/or redemption rights. Such issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control.

Preferred stock could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of us or to make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may decrease the market price of our common stock. The number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased, but not decreased below the number of shares then outstanding, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our common stock without a vote of the holders of preferred stock, or any series of preferred stock, unless a vote of any such holder is required pursuant to the terms of such series of preferred stock.

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

In October 2007, in connection with entering into an amended investment agreement with Hunchun BaoLi Communication Co. Ltd., or BAOLI, our board of directors authorized the designation and issuance of 706,829 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The terms of the investment agreement were subsequently amended and, in February 2008, we issued to BAOLI and two related purchasers (collectively, BAOLI), a total of approximately 258,447 shares of our common stock and 611,523 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock (convertible under certain conditions into approximately 509,602 shares of our common stock).

Subject to the terms and conditions of our Series A Preferred Stock and to customary adjustments to the conversion rate, each share of our Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into ten shares of our common stock so long as the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by BAOLI following such conversion does not exceed 9.9% of our outstanding common stock. Except for a preference on liquidation of $0.01 per share, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is the economic equivalent of the ten shares of common stock into which it is convertible. Except as required by law, the Series A Preferred Stock will not have any voting rights. For a complete description of the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, please see the certificate of designations, which is incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Charter Documents

The following is a summary of certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the corporate law of Delaware and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.

Effect of Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.  We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

   

prior to that 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 consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares of voting stock outstanding (but not the voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned by persons who are directors and officers and by excluding employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

 

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on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

 

   

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

   

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving 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 of 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 loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation, or who beneficially owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at anytime within a three-year period immediately prior to the date of determining whether such person is an interested stockholder, and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

Our Charter Documents.  Our charter documents include provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control or an unsolicited acquisition proposal that a stockholder might consider favorable, including a proposal that might result in the payment of a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. Certain of these provisions are summarized in the following paragraphs.

Classified Board of Directors.  Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, the number of directors is fixed by our board of directors. Our directors are divided into three classes, each class to serve a three-year term and to consist as nearly as possible of one-third of the total number of directors. Pursuant to our bylaws, directors elected by stockholders at an annual meeting of stockholders will be elected by a plurality of all votes cast.

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent.  Our bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the chairman of the board, a majority of the entire board of directors or the president. Stockholders are not permitted to call, or to require that the board of directors call, a special meeting of stockholders. Moreover, the business permitted to be conducted at any special meeting of stockholders is limited to the business brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of the meeting given. In addition, our certificate of incorporation provides that any action taken by our stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent instead of a meeting. Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before meetings of our stockholders.

Change in Control Agreements.  A number of our executives have agreements with us that entitle them to payments in certain circumstances following a change in control.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING

We are offering $12,000,000 of shares of our common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. Each share of common stock or pre-funded warrant is being sold together with a Term A warrant to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $         per share and a Term B warrant to purchase one-half of a share of our common stock at an exercise price of $         per share. The shares of common stock and warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.

Common Stock

The material terms of our common stock and our other capital stock are described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Description of Capital Stock” beginning on page 26 of this prospectus.

Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

The material terms of the pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to be issued are summarized below. This summary does not purport to be complete in all respects. This description is subject to and qualified entirely by the terms of the form of warrant filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

The pre-funded warrants will have an initial exercise price of $0.01 per share and the Term A and Term B warrants to be issued with each share of our common stock and pre-funded warrant offered will have an initial exercise price of $         per share. Each warrant will be exercisable from their date of issuance and at any time up to the date that is five years after their original date of issuance in the case of the pre-funded warrants, five years after their original date of issuance in the case of the Term A warrants and two years after their original issuance in the case of the Term B warrants. A warrant may not be exercised by the holder to the extent that the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own, after such exercise more than 4.99% of the shares of common stock then outstanding (subject to the right of the holder to increase or decrease such beneficial ownership limitation upon not less than 61 days prior notice provided that such limitation cannot exceed 9.99%).

The warrants are exercisable for cash or, solely in the absence of an effective registration statement or prospectus, by cashless exercise.

The exercise price of the warrants is subject to adjustment in the case of stock dividends or other distributions on shares of common stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of common stock, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock, and also, subject to limitations, upon any distribution of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders.

In addition, in the event we consummate a merger or consolidation with or into another person or other reorganization event in which our common shares are converted or exchange for securities, cash or other property, or we sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets or we or another person acquire 50% or more of our outstanding common shares, then following such event, the holders of the warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the warrants the same kind and amount of securities, cash or property which the holders would have received had they exercised the warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction. Any successor to us or surviving entity shall assume the obligations under the warrants.

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the common stock purchasable upon exercise, including voting right, however, the holders of the warrants will have certain rights to participate in distributions or dividends paid on our common stock to the extent set forth in the warrants.

 

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We do not plan on applying to list any of the warrants on the NASDAQ Capital Market, any other national securities exchange or any other nationally recognized trading system.

Terms specific to the Term A and Term B Warrants . The Term A and Term B warrants contain a price-based anti-dilution adjustment mechanism which provides that if we sell shares of our common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective per share price less than the then exercise price of such warrants, that the exercise price of the Term A and Term B warrants will be reset to such lower price. This feature will terminate when the volume-weighted average price of our common stock as reported by our principal trading market exceeds 300% of the then exercise price of the warrant for thirty consecutive trading days and does not apply to certain exempt issuances, including, in certain circumstances, issuances under equity incentive plans, securities issued upon exercise or conversion of existing securities or securities issued in connection with acquisitions or strategic transactions.

In addition, the Term A and Term B warrants provide that if, at any time while such warrants are outstanding, we (1) consolidate or merge with or into another corporation, (2) sell all or substantially all of our assets or (3) are subject to or complete a tender or exchange offer pursuant to which holders of our common stock are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (4) effect any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of our common stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which our common stock is converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (5) engage in one or more transactions with another party that results in that party acquiring more than 50% of our outstanding shares of common stock (each, a “Fundamental Transaction”), then the holder of such warrants shall have the right thereafter to receive, upon exercise of the warrant, the same amount and kind of securities, cash or property as it would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction if it had been, immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction, the holder of the number of warrant shares then issuable upon exercise of the warrant, and any additional consideration payable as part of the Fundamental Transaction. Any successor to us or surviving entity shall assume the obligations under the warrant. In the event of a Fundamental Transactions that is an all cash transaction, a “Rule 13e-3 transaction” as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act, or a Fundamental Transaction involving a person or entity not traded on a national securities exchange, the holders of the warrants will be entitled to receive, in lieu of our common stock and at the holders’ option, cash in an amount equal to the value of the remaining unexercised portion of the warrant on the date of the transaction determined using Black-Scholes option pricing model with an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100-day historical price volatility obtained by Bloomberg L.P. as of the trading day immediately following the public announcement of the transaction.

The provisions of the Term A and Term B warrants may be amended as a single class if the Company has obtained the written consent of holders representing not less than a majority of shares of our common stock then exercisable under the Term A and B warrants collectively (in which case such amendments shall be binding on all holders of Term A and Term B warrants). However, the number of shares of our common stock exercisable, the exercise price or the exercise period may not be amended without the written consent of the holder of each such warrant.

 

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UNDERWRITING

We have entered into an underwriting agreement, dated                     , 2013, with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., who we refer to as the “underwriter.” The underwriting agreement provides for the purchase of a specific number of shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants to purchase common stock by the underwriter. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriter has agreed to purchase the number of our securities set forth opposite its name below

 

Underwriter

   Shares of
Common Stock
   Pre-funded
Warrants
   Term A
    Warrants     
   Term B
    Warrants     

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.

           
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total

           
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

A copy of the underwriting agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part.

We have been advised by the underwriter that it proposes to offer the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. Any shares of our common stock and pre-funded warrants sold by the underwriter to securities dealers will be sold at the public offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $         per share. The underwriter may allow, and these selected dealers may re-allow, a concession of not more than $         per share to other brokers and dealers.

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriter’s obligation to purchase the securities we are offering is subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement. The underwriter is obligated to purchase and pay for all of the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock offered by this prospectus.

No action has been taken by us or the underwriter that would permit a public offering of the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock included in this offering in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. None of our securities included in this offering may be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sales of any of the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock 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 who receive this prospectus are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering of the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy the common stock, pre-funded warrants and Term A and Term B warrants to purchase common stock in any jurisdiction where that would not be permitted or legal.

The underwriter has advised us that it does not intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority.

 

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Underwriting discount and expenses

The following table summarizes the underwriting discount and expenses to be paid to the underwriter by us.

 

     Per Share      Per Pre-
Funded
Warrant
     Per Term A
and Term B
Warrant
     Total  

Public offering price

   $        $         $         $     

Underwriting discount to be paid to the underwriter by us

   $        $         $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Proceeds to us (before expenses) (1)

   $               $               $                $            
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) We estimate that our total expenses of this offering, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $        .

The underwriting discount of 8% is subject to a reduction to equal 5% with respect to securities we are offering which are sold to certain existing stockholders of the company, as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

In addition to the underwriting discount to be paid by us, we have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain of its out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this offering, including road show costs and expenses incurred in connection with this offering, and the disbursements for the fees and expenses of underwriter’s counsel, subject to a total expense reimbursement cap of $75,000 and subject to compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D).

We also agreed to grant compensation warrants to the underwriter to purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 3.0% of the number of shares of our common stock and pre-funded warrants sold to purchasers in this offering (other than with respect to such securities sold to existing stockholders of the Company, as set forth in the underwriting agreement, for which the underwriter will not receive any compensation warrants), or the Compensation Warrants. No Compensation Warrants will be issued with respect to the Term A and Term B warrants sold with each share of common stock or pre-funded warrant sold in this offering. The Compensation Warrants will have the same terms as the Term A and Term B warrants sold pursuant to this prospectus with each share of common stock or pre-funded warrant except that the Compensation Warrants will have no anti-dilution or Black-Scholes valuation provisions, will have an exercise price equal to $         (125% of the public offering price per share of common stock sold in this offering) and will be exercisable for a period of three years commencing on the date that is the effective date of the registration statement. In addition, pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(g), neither the Compensation Warrants nor any warrant shares issued upon exercise of the Compensation Warrants shall be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of effectiveness or commencement of sales of this offering, except the transfer of any security:

 

   

by operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the Company;

 

   

to any FINRA member firm participating in the offering and the officers or partners thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the lock-up restriction for the remainder of the time period;

 

   

if the aggregate amount of securities of the Company held by the holder of the Compensation Warrants or related person do not exceed 1% of the securities being offered;

 

   

that is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or otherwise directs investments by the fund, and participating members in the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund; or

 

   

the exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities received remain subject to the lock-up restriction for the remainder of the time period.

 

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The securities we are offering are being offered by the underwriter subject to certain conditions specified in the underwriting agreement.

Other Relationships

Upon completion of this offering and contingent upon this offering raising at least $12 million, we have granted the underwriter a right of first refusal under certain circumstances to act as lead or co-lead underwriter or placement agent in connection with any subsequent public or private offering of equity securities or other capital markets financing by us. This right of first refusal extends for one year from the date of this offering. The terms of any such engagement of the underwriter will be determined by separate agreement.

The underwriter has performed investment banking services for us in the past, for which it has received customary fees and expenses. The underwriter may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of its business and may continue to receive compensation from us for such services.

Determination of offering price

The public offering price of the securities we are offering and the exercise price and other terms of the warrants were negotiated between us and the underwriter, based on the trading of our common stock prior to the offering, among other things. Other factors considered in determining the public offering price of the securities we are offering and the exercise price and other terms of the warrants include the history and prospects of the Company, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as were deemed relevant.

Lock-up Agreements

Our officers and directors have agreed with the underwriter to be subject to a lock-up period of 60 days following the date of this prospectus. This means that, during the applicable lock-up period, such persons may not to offer for sale, contract to sell, sell, distribute, grant any option, right to warrant to purchase, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of our common stock. Certain limited transfers are permitted during the lock-up period if the transferee agrees to these lock-up restrictions. We have also agreed, in the underwriting agreement, to similar lock-up restrictions on the issuance and sale of our securities for     days following the date of this prospectus, although we will be permitted to issue stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants under our existing plans. The 60 day lock-up period is subject to an additional extension to accommodate for our reports of financial results or material news releases. The underwriter may, in its sole discretion and without notice, waive the terms of any of these lock-up agreements.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Registrar & Transfer Company.

Stabilization, short positions and penalty bids

The underwriter may engage in over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions, stabilizing transactions and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of our common stock:

 

   

Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriter of securities in excess of the number of securities the underwriter is obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The underwriter may close out any short position by purchasing shares in the open market.

 

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Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.

 

   

Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specific maximum.

 

   

Penalty bids permit the underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

These syndicate covering transactions, stabilizing transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market prices of our securities or preventing or retarding a decline in the market prices of our securities. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Capital Market, in the over-the-counter market or on any other trading market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

In connection with this offering, the underwriter also may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market in accordance with Regulation M during a period before the commencement of offers or sales of shares of our common stock in this offering and extending through the completion of the distribution. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for that security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, that bid must then be lowered when specific purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the prices of our securities. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that any transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Indemnification

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make with respect to any of these liabilities.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters relating to the validity of our securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Los Angeles, California. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole, LLP, New York, New York, is counsel for the underwriter in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Superconductor Technologies Inc., incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Superconductor Technologies Inc., as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph that raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern) of Marcum LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

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 SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations page of our website at www.suptech.com. Information on our web site is not part of this prospectus. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facilities at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of the documents upon the payment of a duplicating fee to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits included in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part for further information about us 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. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus. Information contained in this prospectus supersedes information incorporated by reference that we have filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference the following documents listed below (excluding any document or portion thereof to the extent such disclosure is furnished and not filed):

 

   

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2013, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 4, 2013;

 

   

Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2013, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2013;

 

   

Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A as filed with the SEC on February 5, 2013; and

 

   

Our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2013 and April 30, 2013.

 

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These documents contain important information about us, our business and our financial condition. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

Superconductor Technologies Inc.

460 Ward Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93111-2310

(805) 690-4500

 

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LOGO

$12,000,000 of Common Stock

Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

(                 shares of Common Stock Underlying the Warrants)

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.

                , 2013

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

The following table sets forth the various expenses to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of our securities being registered hereby, all of which will be borne by us (except any underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses incurred for brokerage, accounting, tax or legal services or any other expenses incurred in disposing of the shares). All amounts shown are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

 

SEC registration fee

   $ 6,138   

FINRA filing fee

     7,250   

Printing and engraving expenses

     25,000   

Legal fees and expenses

     125,000   

Accounting fees and expenses

     20,000   

Transfer Agent Fees

     1,000   

Miscellaneous fees and expenses

     612   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 185,000   
  

 

 

 

 

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the Delaware Law, provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation — a “derivative action”), if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. Under Section 145, a corporation shall indemnify an agent of the corporation for expenses actually and reasonably incurred if and to the extent such person was successful on the merits in a proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein.

We may from time to time be subject to Section 2115 of the California Corporations Code, or the California Code, according to which Section 317 of the California Code applies to the indemnification of our officers and directors. Under Section 317 of the California Code, permissible indemnification by a corporation of its officers and directors is substantially the same as permissible indemnification under Section 145 of the Delaware Law, except that (i) permissible indemnification does not cover actions the person reasonably believed were not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, as opposed to those the person believed were in fact in the best interests of the corporation, (ii) the Delaware Law permits advancement of expenses to agents other than officers and directors only upon approval of the board of directors, (iii) in a case of stockholders approval of indemnification, the California Code requires certain minimum votes in favor of such indemnification and excludes the vote of the potentially indemnified person and (iv) the California Code only permits independent counsel to approve indemnification if an independent quorum of directors is not obtainable, while the Delaware Law permits the directors in any circumstances to appoint counsel to undertake such determination.

Section 145 of the Delaware Law and Section 317 of the California Code provide that they are not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation’s charter, bylaws, disinterested director vote,

 

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stockholders vote, agreement or otherwise. The limitation of liability contained in our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and the indemnification provision included in our amended and restated bylaws, as amended, are consistent with Delaware Law Sections 102(b)(7) and 145 and California Code Section 317. We have purchased directors and officers liability insurance.

Section 145 of the Delaware Law authorizes court to award, or a corporation’s board of directors to grant, indemnity to directors and officers in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933. Our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and amended and restated bylaws, as amended, provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware Law. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to such provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

None.

 

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

 

  (a) Exhibits . The exhibits are incorporated by reference from the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

  (a) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

 

  (b) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

  (c) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

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(4) That each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede of modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions described herein, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus as filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Austin, State of Texas, on this 2nd day of August, 2013.

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
By:   /s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram
 

Jeffrey A. Quiram

President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

 

Date

/s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram

Jeffrey A. Quiram

  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   August 2, 2013

/s/ William J. Buchanan

William J. Buchanan

  Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
  August 2, 2013

*

David W. Vellequette

  Director   August 2, 2013

*

Lynn J. Davis

  Director   August 2, 2013

*

Martin A. Kaplan

  Chairman of the Board   August 2, 2013
*By   /s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram     August 2, 2013
 

Jeffrey A. Quiram

Attorney-in-fact

   

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  


DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT

  1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement. v
  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant as amended through March 1, 2006. (15)
  3.2    Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant as amended through March 11, 2013. (25)
  3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. (15)
  3.4    Amendment adopted March 29, 2010 to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant. (16)
  4.1    Form of Common Stock Certificate. (14)
  4.2    Certificate of Designations of Registrant of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Registrant filed November 13, 2007. (13)
  4.4    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on February 22, 2012. (18)
  4.5    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on November 20, 2012. (22)
  4.6    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on December 18, 2012. (23)
  4.7    Forms of Series A and Series B Warrants to Purchase Common Stock issued by Registrant on April 26, 2013. (23)
  4.8   

Form of Pre-funded Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. v

  4.9   

Form of Term A and Term B Warrant to Purchase Common Stock. v

  4.10    Form of Warrant to be issued to the Underwriter. *
  5.1    Opinion of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP regarding the validity of the common stock being registered. v
10.1    Form of Change in Control Agreement dated March 28, 2003. (2)***
10.2    Form of Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of May 24, 2005. (8)***
10.3    Form of Amendment No. 2 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of December 31, 2006. (10)***
10.4    Patent License Agreement by and between Registrant and Lucent Technologies GRL LLC. (3)**
10.5    License Agreement between Registrant and Sunpower dated May 2, 2005. (4)**
10.6    Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of February 14, 2005. (5)***
10.7    Stock Option Grant and 2003 Equity Incentive Plan Option Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated February 14, 2005. (5)***
10.8    Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of December 31, 2006. (10)***
10.9    2003 Equity Incentive Plan As Amended May 25, 2005. (7)***
10.10    Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement for 2003 Equity Incentive Plan. (5)***
10.11    Management Incentive Plan (July 24, 2006). (9)***
10.12    Compensation Policy for Non-Employee Directors dated March 18, 2005. (6)***
10.13    Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement. (8)***
10.14    Lease Agreement between the Registrant and 1200 Enterprises LLC dated as of June 1, 2001. (1)


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT

NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT

10.15    First Amendment to Lease between Registrant and 1200 Enterprises LLC dated October 1, 2007. (17)
10.16    Second Amendment to Lease Agreement between the Registrant and 1200 Enterprises LLC dated January 19, 2009. (15)
10.17    Third Amendment to Lease between the Registrant and 1200 Enterprises LLC dated October 26, 2011. (20)
10.18    Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Prologis Texas III LLC dated December 5, 2011. (19)
10.19    First Amendment to Lease Agreement between the Registrant and Prologis Texas III LLC dated August 23, 2012. (21)
10.20    Agreement between Registrant and Hunchun BaoLi Communication Co., Ltd. (“BAOLI”) dated August 17, 2007. (11)
10.21    First Amendment to Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated November 1, 2007. (12)
10.22    Second Amendment to Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated January 7, 2008. (12)
10.23    Framework Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated November 8, 2007. (12)
10.24    Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Contract between Superconductor Investments (Mauritius) Limited and BAOLI dated December 8, 2007 (Exhibit A to Framework Agreement with BAOLI). (12)
10.25    Form of Technology and Trademark License Agreement between Superconductor Investments (Mauritius) Limited, Registrant and BAOLI (Exhibit B to Framework Agreement). (12)
10.26    Consulting agreement between Registrant and John Lockton dated May 5, 2012. (20)
10.27    Consulting agreement between Registrant and Dennis Horowitz dated May 6, 2012. (20)
21    List of Subsidiaries. (24)
23.1    Consent of Marcum, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. v
23.2    Consent of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). v
24.1    Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the Registration Statement).

 

(1) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2002.
(2) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2003.
(3) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed March 11, 2004.
(4) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2004, filed November 10, 2004.
(5) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(6) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2005, filed May 6, 2005.
(7) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 27, 2005.
(8) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
(9) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2006.
(10) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.


Table of Contents
(11) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007.
(12) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
(13) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed February 25, 2008.
(14) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
(15) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
(16) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2010.
(17) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed March 21, 2011.
(18) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2012.
(19) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed March 30, 2012.
(20) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 10, 2012.
(21) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2012, filed November 9, 2012.
(22) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 27, 2012.
(23) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 19, 2012.
(24) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed March 8, 2013.
(25) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2013.
(26) Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 30, 2013.
    v Filed herewith.
    * Previously filed.
  ** Confidential treatment has been previously granted for certain portions of these exhibits.
*** This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Exhibit 1.1

                 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK;

                    PRE-FUNDED WARRANTS AND

                    WARRANTS OF

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

            , 2013

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.

As the Representative of the

Several underwriters, if any, named in Schedule I hereto

4400 Biscayne Blvd., 14th Floor

Miami, FL 33137

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned, SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC., a Delaware corporation (collectively with its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, without limitation, all entities disclosed or described in the Registration Statement as being subsidiaries or affiliates of the SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC., the “ Company ”), hereby confirms its agreement (this “ Agreement ”) with the several underwriters (such underwriters, including the Representative (as defined below), the “ Underwriters ” and each an “ Underwriter ”) named in Schedule I hereto for whom Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. is acting as representative to the several Underwriters (the “ Representative ” and if there are no Underwriters other than the Representative, references to multiple Underwriters shall be disregarded and the term Representative as used herein shall have the same meaning as Underwriter) on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

It is understood that the several Underwriters are to make a public offering of the Public Securities as soon as the Representative deems it advisable to do so. The Public Securities are to be initially offered to the public at the initial public offering price set forth in the Prospectus. The Representative may from time to time thereafter change the public offering price and other selling terms.

It is further understood that you will act as the Representative for the Underwriters in the offering and sale of the Closing Securities in accordance with this Agreement.

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions . In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.1:


Action ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(k).

Affiliate ” means with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Board of Directors ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

Closing ” means the closing of the purchase and sale of the Closing Securities pursuant to Section 2.1.

Closing Date ” means the hour and the date on the Trading Day on which all conditions precedent to (i) the Underwriters’ obligations to pay the Closing Purchase Price and (ii) the Company’s obligations to deliver the Closing Securities, in each case, have been satisfied or waived, but in no event later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the third Trading Day following the date hereof or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company.

Closing Purchase Price ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(b), which aggregate purchase price shall be net of the underwriting discounts and commissions.

Closing Securities ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(a)(ii).

Closing Shares ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(a)(i).

Closing Warrants ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(a)(ii).

Combined Purchase Price ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(b).

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

Common Stock Equivalents ” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

 

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Company Auditor ” means Marcum, LLP, with offices located at 2049 Century Park East Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

Company Counsel ” means Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, 11355 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90064

Disclosure Schedules ” means the Disclosure Schedules of the Company delivered concurrently herewith.

Effective Date ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(f).

EGS ” means Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, with offices located at 150 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10017.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Execution Date ” shall mean the date on which the parties execute and enter into this Agreement.

Exempt Issuance ” means the issuance of (a) shares of Common Stock or options to consultants, employees, officers or directors of the Company pursuant to any stock or option plan duly adopted for such purpose, by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of a committee of non-employee directors established for such purpose, (b) securities upon the exercise or exchange of or conversion of any Securities issued hereunder and/or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement, provided that such securities have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities, (c) securities issued by the Company or any subsidiary thereof pursuant to acquisitions or strategic transactions, carve-outs or spin offs approved by the Board of Directors, including a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company and (d) securities issued by the Company with the consent of the Representative.

FCPA ” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.

FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

GAAP ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(i).

Liens ” means a lien, charge, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, right of first refusal, preemptive right or other restriction (other than restrictions imposed by securities laws).

Lock-Up Agreements ” shall mean the lock-up agreements, in the form of Exhibit D attached hereto, delivered at the Closing by each of the Company’s officers and directors.

 

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Material Adverse Effect ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(b).

Offering ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 2.1(c).

Person ” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

Preliminary Prospectus ” means, if any, any preliminary prospectus relating to the Securities included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b).

Proceeding ” means an action, claim, suit, investigation or proceeding (including, without limitation, an informal investigation or partial proceeding, such as a deposition), whether commenced or threatened.

Prospectus ” means the final prospectus filed for the Registration Statement.

Prospectus Supplement ” means, if any, any supplement to the Prospectus complying with Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act that is filed with the Commission. If there is no Prospectus Supplement, references to the Prospectus Supplement shall mean the Prospectus.

Public Securities ” means, collectively, the Closing Securities.

Registration Statement ” means, collectively, the various parts of the registration statement prepared by the Company on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 189006) with respect to the Securities, each as amended as of the date hereof, including the Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement, if any, the Preliminary Prospectus, if any, and all exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference into such registration statement.

Required Approvals ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(e).

Rule 424 ” means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

SEC Reports ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3.1(i).

Securities ” means the Closing Securities and the Warrant Shares.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Shares ” means, collectively, the shares of Common Stock delivered to the Underwriters in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(i) and Section 2.2(a).

 

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Subsidiary ” means any subsidiary of the Company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act and shall, where applicable, also include any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company formed or acquired after the date hereof.

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading.

Trading Market ” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE MKT, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange or the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

Transaction Documents ” means this Agreement, the Warrants and any other documents or agreements executed in connection with the transactions contemplated hereunder.

Transfer Agent ” means the current transfer agent of the Company and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

Warrant Shares ” means the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

Warrants ” means, collectively, the Common Stock purchase warrants delivered to the Underwriters in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(ii), Section 2.1(a)(iii) and Section 2.2.

ARTICLE II.

PURCHASE AND SALE

2.1 Closing .

(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the Company agrees to sell in the aggregate (i)                  shares of Common Stock, (ii) Warrants (the “ Pre-Funded Warrants ”) exercisable for an aggregate of                  shares of Common Stock and (iii) Warrants (the “ Traditional Warrants ”) exercisable for an aggregate of                  shares of Common Stock, and each Underwriter agrees to purchase, severally and not jointly, at the Closing, the following securities of the Company:

(i) the number of shares of Common Stock (the “ Closing Shares ”) set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereof;

(ii) Traditional Warrants to purchase up to the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereof, which warrants shall have an exercise price equal to $         (subject to adjustment therein), and shall be exercisable immediately following their issuance and have a term of exercise of six years, which warrants shall be in the form of Exhibit E-1 hereto;

(iii) Traditional Warrants to purchase up to the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereof, which warrants shall have an exercise price equal to $         (subject to adjustment therein), and

 

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shall be exercisable immediately following their issuance and have a term of exercise of two years, which warrants shall be in the form of Exhibit E-1 hereto; and

(iv) Pre-Funded Warrants to purchase up to the number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereof, which warrants shall have an exercise price equal to $0.01 (subject to adjustment therein), and shall be exercisable immediately following their issuance and have a term of exercise of five years, which warrants shall be in the form of Exhibit E-2 hereto (collectively, with the Traditional Warrants, the “ Closing Warrants ” and, collectively with the Closing Shares, the “ Closing Securities ).

(b) The aggregate purchase price for the Closing Securities shall equal the amount set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter on Schedule I hereto (the “ Closing Purchase Price ”). The combined purchase price for (x) (i) one Share (ii) a Traditional Warrant to purchase one Warrant Share having an exercise term of six years and (iii) a Traditional Warrant to purchase one-half of a Warrant Share having an exercise term of two years, shall be $         (the “Share and Warrant Combined Purchase Price ”) and (y) (i) a Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one Warrant Share and (ii) a Traditional Warrant to purchase one Warrant Share having an exercise term of five years and (iii) a Traditional Warrant to purchase one-half of a Warrant Share having an exercise term of two years shall be $         (the “ Pre-Funded Warrant and Warrant Combined Purchase Price ”, and each of the Share and Warrant Combined Purchase Price, the “ Combined Purchase Price ”); and

(c) On the Closing Date, each Underwriter shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Company, via wire transfer, immediately available funds equal to such Underwriter’s Closing Purchase Price and the Company shall deliver to, or as directed by, such Underwriter its respective Closing Securities and the Company shall deliver the other items required pursuant to Section 2.3 deliverable at the Closing. Upon satisfaction of the covenants and conditions set forth in Sections 2.3 and 2.4, the Closing shall occur at the offices of EGS or such other location as the Company and Representative shall mutually agree. The Public Securities are to be offered initially to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus Supplement (the “ Offering ”).

2.2 Deliveries . The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Underwriter (if applicable) the following:

(i) At the Closing Date, the Closing Shares, which shares shall be delivered via The Depository Trust Company Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system for the accounts of the several Underwriters;

(ii) At the Closing Date, the Closing Warrants in certificated form registered in the name or names and in such authorized denominations as the applicable Underwriter may request in writing at least two full Business Days prior to the Closing Date;

(iii) At the Closing Date, to the Representative only, a Warrant to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 3% of the Closing Shares and Pre-Funded

 

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Warrants issued on the Closing Date, for the account of the Representative (or its designees), which Warrant shall have an exercise price of $    , subject to adjustment therein, and registered in the name of the Representative, which Warrants shall be exercisable immediately, and have a term of exercise expiring on the three year anniversary of the effective date of the Registration Statement and shall be in the form of Exhibit E-3 attached hereto;

(iv) Contemporaneously herewith, a legal opinion of Company Counsel addressed to the Underwriters, including, without limitation, a negative assurance letter, substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto and as to the Closing Date a bring-down opinion from Company Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative to the Company, including, without limitation, a negative assurance letter, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative;

(v) Contemporaneously herewith, a cold comfort letter, addressed to the Underwriters and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory in all respects to the Representative from the Company Auditor dated, respectively, as of the date of this Agreement and a bring-down letter dated as of the Closing Date;

(vi) Contemporaneously herewith and on the Closing Date, the duly executed and delivered Officer’s Certificate, substantially in the form required by Exhibit B attached hereto;

(vii) Contemporaneously herewith and on the Closing Date, the duly executed and delivered Secretary’s Certificate, substantially in the form required by Exhibit C attached hereto; and

(viii) Contemporaneously herewith, the duly executed and delivered Lock-Up Agreements.

2.3 Closing Conditions . The respective obligations of each Underwriter hereunder in connection with the Closing are subject to the following conditions being met:

(i) the accuracy in all material respects when made and on the date in question (other than representations and warranties of the Company already qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) of the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein (unless as of a specific date therein);

(ii) all obligations, covenants and agreements of the Company required to be performed at or prior to the date in question shall have been performed;

(iii) the delivery by the Company of the items set forth in Section 2.3 of this Agreement;

(iv) the Registration Statement shall be effective on the date of this Agreement and at each of the Closing Date, if any, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued and no proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or shall be pending or contemplated by the Commission and any request on the

 

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part of the Commission for additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable satisfaction of the Representative;

(v) by the Execution Date, if required by FINRA, the Underwriters shall have received clearance from FINRA as to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as described in the Registration Statement;

(vi) the Closing Shares and the Warrant Shares have been approved for listing on the Trading Market; and

(vii) prior to and on each of the Closing Date: (i) there shall have been no material adverse change or development involving a reasonably likely prospective material adverse change in the condition or prospects or the business activities, financial or otherwise, of the Company from the latest dates as of which such condition is set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; (ii) no action suit or proceeding, at law or in equity, shall have been pending or threatened against the Company or any Affiliate of the Company before or by any court or federal or state commission, board or other administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business, operations, prospects or financial condition or income of the Company, except as set forth in the Registration Statement and Prospectus; (iii) no stop order shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and (iv) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material statements which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and shall conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and neither the Registration Statement nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

ARTICLE III.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company . Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedules, which Disclosure Schedules shall be deemed a part hereof and shall qualify any representation or otherwise made herein to the extent of the disclosure contained in the corresponding section of the Disclosure Schedules, the Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters as of the Execution Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:

(a) Subsidiaries . All of the direct and indirect Subsidiaries of the Company are set forth on the SEC Reports. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, all of the capital stock or other equity interests of each Subsidiary free and clear of any Liens, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary are validly issued and are fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive and similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. If the Company has no subsidiaries, all other references to the Subsidiaries or any of them in the Transaction Documents shall be disregarded.

 

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(b) Organization and Qualification . The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is an entity duly incorporated or otherwise organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, with the requisite corporate power and authority to own and use its properties and assets and to carry on its business as currently conducted. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation nor default of any of the provisions of its respective certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is duly qualified to conduct business and is in good standing as a foreign corporation or other entity in each jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted or property owned by it makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing, as the case may be, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of any Transaction Document, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and the Subsidiaries (whether or not “significant”), taken as a whole, or (iii) material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under any Transaction Document (any of (i), (ii) or (iii), a “ Material Adverse Effect ”) and no Proceeding has been instituted in any such jurisdiction revoking, limiting or curtailing or seeking to revoke, limit or curtail such power and authority or qualification.

(c) Authorization; Enforcement . The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the Company and no further action is required by the Company, the Board of Directors or the Company’s stockholders in connection herewith or therewith other than in connection with the Required Approvals. This Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except (i) as limited by general equitable principles and applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, (ii) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and (iii) insofar as indemnification and contribution provisions may be limited by applicable law.

(d) No Conflicts . The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party, the issuance and sale of the Securities and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby do not and will not (i) conflict with or violate any provision of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational or charter documents, or (ii) subject to obtaining the Required Approvals, conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of the Company or any

 

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Subsidiary, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) of, any agreement, credit facility, debt or other instrument (evidencing a Company or Subsidiary debt or otherwise) or other understanding to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary is bound or affected, or (iii) subject to the Required Approvals, conflict with or result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment, injunction, decree or other restriction of any court or governmental authority to which the Company or a Subsidiary is subject (including federal and state securities laws and regulations), or by which any property or asset of the Company or a Subsidiary is bound or affected; except in the case of each of clauses (ii) and (iii), such as would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Filings, Consents and Approvals . The Company is not required to obtain any consent, waiver, authorization or order of, give any notice to, or make any filing or registration with, any court or other federal, state, local or other governmental authority or other Person in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of the Transaction Documents, other than: (i) the filing with the Commission of the Prospectus Supplement and (ii) such filings as are required to be made under applicable state securities laws (collectively, the “ Required Approvals ”).

(f) Registration Statement . The Company has filed with the Commission the Registration Statement, including any related Prospectus or Prospectuses, for the registration of the Securities under the Securities Act, which Registration Statement has been prepared by the Company in all material respects in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on             , 2013 (the “ Effective Date ”). The Company has advised the Representative of all further information (financial and other) with respect to the Company required to be set forth therein in the Registration Statement and Prospectus Supplement. Any reference in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-1 which were filed under the Securities Exchange Act, on or before the date of this Agreement, or the issue date of the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement, as the case may be; and any reference in this Agreement to the terms “amend,” “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Exchange Act after the date of this Agreement, or the issue date of the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement, as the case may be, deemed to be incorporated therein by reference. All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information which is “contained,” “included,” “described,” “referenced,” “set forth” or “stated” in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement (and all other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information which is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement, as the case may be. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the use of the Prospectus or the Prospectus Supplement has been issued, and no proceeding for any such purpose is pending or has been initiated or, to the

 

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Company’s knowledge, is threatened by the Commission. For purposes of this Agreement, “ free writing prospectus ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. The Company will not, without the prior consent of the Representative, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus.

(g) Issuance of Securities . The Securities are duly authorized and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the applicable Transaction Documents, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company. The Warrant Shares, when issued in accordance with the terms of the Warrants, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of all Liens imposed by the Company. The Company has reserved from its duly authorized capital stock the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to this Agreement and the Warrants. The holder of the Securities will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders. The Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. All corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Securities has been duly and validly taken. The Securities conform in all material respects to all statements with respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement.

(h) Capitalization . The capitalization of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. The Company has not issued any capital stock since its most recently filed periodic or current report under the Exchange Act, other than pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options under the Company’s stock option plans, the issuance of shares of Common Stock to employees pursuant to the Company’s employee stock purchase plans and pursuant to the conversion and/or exercise of Common Stock Equivalents outstanding as of the date of the most recently filed periodic report under the Exchange Act. No Person has any Company-granted right of first refusal, preemptive right, right of participation, or any similar right to participate in the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Except as a result of the purchase and sale of the Securities or as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities, rights or obligations convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or giving any Person any right to subscribe for or acquire, any shares of Common Stock, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any Subsidiary is or may become bound to issue additional shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents. The issuance and sale of the Securities will not obligate the Company to issue shares of Common Stock or other securities to any Person (other than the Underwriters) and will not result in a right of any holder of Company securities to adjust the exercise, conversion, exchange or reset price under any of such securities. All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance in all material respects with all federal and state securities laws, and none of such outstanding shares was issued in violation of any preemptive rights or similar rights to subscribe for or purchase securities. The authorized shares of the Company conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the Company’s securities were at all relevant times either registered under the Securities Act and the applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws or, based in part on the representations and

 

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warranties of the purchasers, exempt from such registration requirements. No further approval or authorization of any stockholder, the Board of Directors or others is required for the issuance and sale of the Securities. There are no stockholders agreements, voting agreements or other similar agreements with respect to the Company’s capital stock to which the Company is a party or, to the knowledge of the Company, between or among any of the Company’s stockholders.

(i) SEC Reports; Financial Statements . The Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) thereof, for the two years preceding the date hereof (or such shorter period as the Company was required by law or regulation to file such material) (the foregoing materials, including the exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein, together with the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, being collectively referred to herein as the “ SEC Reports ”) on a timely basis or has received a valid extension of such time of filing and has filed any such SEC Reports prior to the expiration of any such extension. As of their respective dates, the SEC Reports complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none of the SEC Reports, when filed, contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company has never been an issuer subject to Rule 144(i) under the Securities Act. The financial statements of the Company included in the SEC Reports comply in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the rules and regulations of the Commission with respect thereto as in effect at the time of filing. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (“ GAAP ”), except as may be otherwise specified in such financial statements or the notes thereto and except that unaudited financial statements may not contain all footnotes required by GAAP, and fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of and for the dates thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended, subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal, immaterial, year-end audit adjustments. The agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement and the SEC Reports conform to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there are no agreements or other documents required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder to be described in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement or the SEC Reports or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which the Company is a party or by which it is or may be bound or affected and (i) that is referred to in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement or the SEC Reports, or (ii) is material to the Company’s business, has been duly authorized and validly executed by the Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable against the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the

 

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federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefore may be brought. None of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in default thereunder and, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, performance by the Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any governmental agency or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses, including, without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and regulations.

(j) Material Changes; Undisclosed Events, Liabilities or Developments . Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, except as disclosed in a subsequent SEC Report filed prior to the date hereof, (i) there has been no event, occurrence or development that has had or that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) the Company has not altered its method of accounting except as required by GAAP, (iii) the Company has not declared or made any dividend or distribution of cash or other property to its stockholders or purchased, redeemed or made any agreements to purchase or redeem any shares of its capital stock and (iv) the Company has not issued any equity securities to any officer, director or Affiliate, except pursuant to existing Company stock option plans. The Company does not have pending before the Commission any request for confidential treatment of information. Except for the issuance of the Securities contemplated by this Agreement, to the Company’s best knowledge no event, liability, fact, circumstance, occurrence or development has occurred or exists or is reasonably expected to occur or exist with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses, prospects, properties, operations, assets or financial condition that would be required to be disclosed by the Company under applicable securities laws at the time this representation is made or deemed made that has not been publicly disclosed at least 1 Trading Day prior to the date that this representation is made. Unless otherwise disclosed in an SEC Report filed prior to the date hereof, the Company has not since the date of the most recent SEC Report: (i) issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other distribution on or in respect to its capital stock.

(k) Litigation . There is no action, suit, inquiry, notice of violation, proceeding or investigation pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties before or by any court, arbitrator, governmental or administrative agency or regulatory authority (federal, state, county, local or foreign) (collectively, an “ Action ”) which (i) adversely affects or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Transaction Documents or the Securities or (ii) is required to be disclosed and is not disclosed in the SEC Reports. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor, the Company’s knowledge any director or officer thereof, is or has been within the past three (3) years, the subject of any Action involving a claim of violation of or liability under federal or state securities laws or a claim of breach of fiduciary duty. To the

 

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knowledge of the Company, there has not been and there is not pending or contemplated, any investigation by the Commission involving the Company or any current or former director or officer of the Company. The Commission has not issued any stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement filed by the Company or any Subsidiary under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act.

(l) Labor Relations . No labor dispute exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent with respect to any of the employees of the Company, which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ employees is a member of a union that relates to such employee’s relationship with the Company or such Subsidiary, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company and its Subsidiaries believe that their relationships with their employees are good. To the knowledge of the Company, no executive officer of the Company or any Subsidiary, is, or is now expected to be, in violation of any material term of any employment contract, confidentiality, disclosure or proprietary information agreement or non-competition agreement, or any other contract or agreement or any restrictive covenant in favor of any third party, and the continued employment of each such executive officer does not subject the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any liability with respect to any of the foregoing matters that would have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours, except where the failure to be in compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(m) Compliance . Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary: (i) is in default under or in violation of (and no event has occurred that has not been waived that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would result in a default by the Company or any Subsidiary under), nor has the Company or any Subsidiary received notice of a claim that it is in default under or that it is in violation of, any indenture, loan or credit agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound (whether or not such default or violation has been waived), (ii) is in violation of any judgment, decree or order of any court, arbitrator or other governmental authority or (iii) to the knowledge of the Company is or has been in violation of any statute, rule, ordinance or regulation of any governmental authority, including without limitation all foreign, federal, state and local laws relating to taxes, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, product quality and safety and employment and labor matters, except in each case as would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(n) Regulatory Permits . To the knowledge of the Company, the Company and the Subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses as described in the SEC Reports, except where the failure to possess such permits would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (“ Material Permits ”), and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Material Permit. The disclosures in the Registration

 

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Statement concerning the effects of Federal, State, local and all foreign regulation on the Company’s business as currently contemplated are correct in all material respects.

(o) Title to Assets . The Company and the Subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property owned by them and good and marketable title in all tangible personal property owned by them that is material to the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all Liens, except for (i) Liens as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and the Subsidiaries, (ii) Liens for the payment of federal, state or other taxes, for which appropriate reserves have been made therefore in accordance with GAAP, and, the payment of which is neither delinquent nor subject to penalties, and (iii) except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and the Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with which the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(p) Intellectual Property . The Company and the Subsidiaries have, or have rights to use, all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, service marks, trade names, trade secrets, inventions, copyrights, licenses and other intellectual property rights and similar rights necessary or required for use in connection with their respective businesses as described in the SEC Reports and which the failure to so have would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (collectively, the “ Intellectual Property Rights ”). None of, and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received a notice (written or otherwise) that any of, the Intellectual Property Rights has expired, terminated or been abandoned, or is expected to expire or terminate or be abandoned, within two (2) years from the date of this Agreement that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included within the SEC Reports, a written notice of a claim or otherwise has any knowledge that the Intellectual Property Rights violate or infringe upon the rights of any Person, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, all such Intellectual Property Rights are enforceable and there is no existing infringement by another Person of any of the Intellectual Property Rights that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken reasonable security measures to protect the secrecy, confidentiality and value of all of their intellectual properties, except where failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(q) Insurance . The Company and the Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and the Subsidiaries are engaged. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business without a significant increase in cost.

 

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(r) Transactions With Affiliates and Employees . Except as set forth in the SEC Reports, there are no transactions that are required by Item 404 to be set forth in the SEC Reports that are not set forth in such reports.

(s) Sarbanes-Oxley; Internal Accounting Controls . The Company and the Subsidiaries are in material compliance with any and all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that are effective as of the date hereof, and any and all rules and regulations applicable to smaller reporting companies promulgated by the Commission thereunder that are effective as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date.

(t) Certain Fees . Except as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, no brokerage or finder’s fees or commissions are or will be payable by the Company, any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company to any broker, financial advisor or consultant, finder, placement agent, investment banker, bank or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. To the Company’s knowledge, there are no other arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its stockholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA. The Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) in the twelve months prior to the Execution Date, to: (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company; (ii) any FINRA member; or (iii) any person or entity that has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member, other than as set forth in the other filings made by the Company under Rule 424(b). None of the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any participating FINRA member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized herein.

(u) Investment Company . The Company is not, and is not an Affiliate of, and immediately after receipt of payment for the Securities will not be or be an Affiliate of, an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(v) Registration Rights . No Person has any right to cause the Company or any Subsidiary to effect the registration under the Securities Act of any securities of the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with the Offering.

(w) Listing and Maintenance Requirements . The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12 (g) of the Exchange Act, and the Company has taken no action designed to, or which to its knowledge is likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration. The Company has not, in the 12 months preceding the date hereof, received notice from any Trading Market on which the Common Stock is or has been listed or quoted to the effect that the Company is not in compliance with the listing or maintenance requirements of such Trading Market, except such as has been cured. The Company is, and has no reason to believe that it will not in the foreseeable future continue to be, in compliance with all such listing and maintenance requirements.

 

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(x) Anti-Takeover Matters . The Company has not adopted any shareholder rights agreement, rights plan, “poison pill” or other similar agreement or plan.

(y) Disclosure; 10b-5 . The Registration Statement (and any further documents to be filed with the Commission) contains all exhibits and schedules as required by the Securities Act. Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, if any, at the time it became effective, complied in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Act and did not and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, each as of its respective date, comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations. Each of the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, as amended or supplemented, did not and will not contain as of the date thereof any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. Any further documents filed and incorporated by reference in the Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement, when such documents are filed with the Commission, will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Exchange Act and the applicable rules and regulations, as applicable, and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading. No post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement reflecting any facts or events arising after the date thereof which represent, individually or in the aggregate, a fundamental change in the information set forth therein is required to be filed with the Commission.

(z) No Integrated Offering . Neither the Company, nor any of its Affiliates, nor any Person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause this offering of the Securities to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of any applicable shareholder approval provisions of any Trading Market on which any of the securities of the Company are listed or designated.

(aa) Solvency . Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder, and subject to the disclosures in the SEC Reports concerning the Company’s liquidity requirements and financial condition (i) the fair saleable value of the Company’s assets exceeds the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the Company’s existing debts and other liabilities (including known contingent liabilities) as they mature, (ii) the Company’s assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry on its business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted including its capital needs taking into account the particular capital requirements of the business conducted by the Company, consolidated and projected capital requirements and capital availability thereof, and (iii) the current cash flow of the Company, together with the proceeds the Company would receive, were it to liquidate all of its assets, after taking into account all anticipated uses of the cash, would be sufficient to pay all amounts on or in respect of its liabilities when such amounts are

 

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required to be paid. The Company does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be payable on or in respect of its debt). Based on the consolidated financial condition of the Company as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the receipt by the Company of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities hereunder, and subject to the disclosures in the SEC Reports concerning the Company’s liquidity requirements and financial condition, the Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which lead it to believe that it will file for reorganization or liquidation under the bankruptcy or reorganization laws of any jurisdiction within one year from the Closing Date.

(bb) Tax Status . Except for matters that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries each (i) has made or filed all United States federal, state and local income and all foreign income and franchise tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all material taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. There are no unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company or of any Subsidiary know of no basis for any such claim.

(cc) Foreign Corrupt Practices . Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company or any Subsidiary, any agent or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary, has (i) directly or indirectly, used any funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful expenses related to foreign or domestic political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to any foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, (iii) failed to disclose fully any contribution made by the Company or any Subsidiary (or made by any person acting on its behalf of which the Company is aware) which is in violation of law, or (iv) violated in any material respect any provision of FCPA.

(dd) Accountants . To the knowledge and belief of the Company, the Company Auditor (i) is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Exchange Act and (ii) shall express its opinion with respect to the financial statements to be included in the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. The Company Auditor has not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included in the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act.

(ee) Office of Foreign Assets Control . Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department.

 

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(ff) U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation . The Company is not and has never been a U.S. real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section 897 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Company shall so certify upon the Representative’s request.

(gg) Bank Holding Company Act . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “ BHCA ”) and to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “ Federal Reserve ”). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the outstanding shares of any class of voting securities or twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total equity of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or any entity that is subject to the BHCA and to regulation by the Federal Reserve.

(hh) Money Laundering . The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial record-keeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, applicable money laundering statutes and applicable rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company or any Subsidiary, threatened.

(ii) D&O Questionnaires . To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires most recently completed by each of the Company’s directors and officers prior to the Offering as well as in the Lock-Up Agreement provided to the Underwriters is true and correct in all material respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in such questionnaires become inaccurate and incorrect.

(jj) FINRA Affiliation . No officer, director or (to the Company’s knowledge) any beneficial owner of 5% or more of the Company’s unregistered securities has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA). The Company will advise the Representative and EGS if it learns that any officer, director or (to the Company’s knowledge) owner of 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member firm.

(kk) Officers’ Certificate . Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company and delivered to you or to EGS in connection with this Offering shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

(ll) Board of Directors . The Board of Directors is comprised of the persons set forth under the heading of the Prospectus captioned “Management.” The qualifications of the

 

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persons serving as board members and the overall composition of the Board of Directors comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and the rules of the Trading Market. At least one member of the Board of Directors qualifies as a “financial expert” as such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder and the rules of the Trading Market. In addition, at least a majority of the persons serving on the Board of Directors qualify as “independent” as defined under the rules of the Trading Market.

ARTICLE IV.

OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES

4.1 Amendments to Registration Statement . The Company has delivered, or will as promptly as practicable deliver, to the Underwriters complete conformed copies of the Registration Statement and of each consent and certificate of experts, as applicable, filed as a part thereof, and conformed copies of the Registration Statement (without exhibits), the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, as amended or supplemented, in such quantities and at such places as an Underwriter reasonably requests. Neither the Company nor any of its directors and officers has distributed and none of them will distribute, prior to the Closing Date, any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Registration Statement, and copies of the documents incorporated by reference therein. The Company shall not file any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object in writing.

4.2 Federal Securities Laws .

(a) Compliance . During the time when a Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, the Company will use its best efforts to comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, as from time to time in force, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Securities in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus. If at any time when a Prospectus relating to the Securities is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, any event shall have occurred as a result of which, in the opinion of counsel for the Company or reasonable opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, the Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to amend the Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act, the Company will notify the Underwriters promptly (or if such opinion is of counsel for the Underwriters, the Underwriters shall promptly notify the Company) and prepare and file with the Commission, subject to Section 4.1 hereof, an appropriate amendment or supplement in accordance with Section 10 of the Securities Act.

(b) Filing of Final Prospectus Supplement . The Company will file the Prospectus Supplement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative) with the Commission pursuant to the requirements of Rule 424.

 

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(c) Exchange Act Registration . For a period of three years from the Execution Date, the Company will use its best efforts to maintain the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act (except in connection with a strategic transaction approved by the Company’s Board of Directors).

(d) Free Writing Prospectuses . The Company represents and agrees that it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433 of the rules and regulations under the Securities Act, without the prior written consent of the Representative. Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Representative is hereinafter referred to as a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus .” The Company represents that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in rule and regulations under the Securities Act, and has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 of the Securities Act, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping. The Representative has consented to the Permitted Free Writing Prospectus filed on July 8, 2013. The Representative shall not distribute any other free writing prospectus without the consent of the Company.

4.3 Delivery to the Underwriters of Prospectuses . The Company will deliver to the Underwriters, without charge, from time to time during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act such number of copies of each Prospectus as the Underwriters may reasonably request and, as soon as the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement thereto becomes effective, deliver to you two original executed Registration Statements, including exhibits, and all post-effective amendments thereto and copies of all exhibits filed therewith or incorporated therein by reference and all original executed consents of certified experts.

4.4 Effectiveness and Events Requiring Notice to the Underwriters . The Company will use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective with a current prospectus until six (6) months from the Execution Date, and during such period will notify the Underwriters and holders of the Warrants promptly and confirm the notice in writing: (i) of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto; (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iii) of the issuance by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing of any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus; (v) of the receipt of any comments or request for any additional information from the Commission; and (vi) of the happening of any event during the period described in this Section 4.4 that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus untrue or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Commission or any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such qualification at any time, the Company will make every reasonable effort to obtain promptly the lifting of such order.

4.5 [Omitted] .

 

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4.6 Reports to the Underwriters .

(a) General Expenses Related to the Offering . The Company hereby agrees to pay on the Closing Date, to the extent not paid at the Closing Date, all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, including, but not limited to: (a) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the Securities to be sold in the Offering with the Commission; (b) all FINRA Public Offering Filing System fees associated with the review of the Offering by FINRA; all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such Closing Shares on the Trading Market and such other stock exchanges as the Company and the Representative together determine; (c) [omitted]; (d) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of such Securities under the “blue sky” securities laws of such states and other foreign jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (e) the costs of all mailing and printing of the underwriting documents (including, without limitation, the Underwriting Agreement, any Blue Sky Surveys and, if appropriate, any Agreement Among Underwriters, Selected Dealers’ Agreement, Underwriters’ Questionnaire and Power of Attorney), Registration Statements, Prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final Prospectuses as the Representative may reasonably deem necessary; (f) the costs and expenses of the public relations firm; (g) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the Securities; (h) fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent for the Securities (including, without limitation, any fees required for same-day processing of any instruction letter delivered by the Company); (i) stock transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from the Company to the Underwriters; (j) [omitted]; (k) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants; (l) the fees and expenses of the Company’s legal counsel and other agents and representatives; (m) the Underwriters’ use of i-Deal’s book-building, prospects tracking and compliance software (or other similar software) for the Offering; (n) the Underwriters’ costs of mailing prospectuses to prospective investors; and (o) [omitted]. The Underwriters may also deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to the Company on the Closing Date the expenses set forth herein to be paid by the Company to the Underwriters.

(b) Expenses . The Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to Section 4.6(c), on the Closing Date it will reimburse the Representative for its documented out of pocket expenses related to the Offering, subject to a total expense reimbursement cap of $75,000 and subject to compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(D), by deduction from the proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein.

4.7 Application of Net Proceeds . The Company will apply the net proceeds from the Offering received by it in a manner consistent with the application described under the caption “Use Of Proceeds” in the Prospectus.

4.8 Delivery of Earnings Statements to Security Holders . The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than the first day of the fifteenth full calendar month following the Execution Date, an earnings statement (which need not be certified by independent public or independent certified public accountants unless required by the

 

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Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act, but which shall satisfy the provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) covering a period of at least twelve consecutive months beginning after the Execution Date.

4.9 Stabilization . Neither the Company, nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or shareholders (without the consent of the Representative) has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act, or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.

4.10 Internal Controls . The Company will maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

4.11 Accountants . The Company shall continue to retain a nationally recognized independent certified public accounting firm for a period of the lesser of at least three years after the Execution Date or as long as the Company is required by applicable securities law to publicly file audited financial statements. The Underwriters acknowledge that the Company Auditor is acceptable to the Underwriters.

4.12 FINRA . The Company shall advise the Underwriters (who shall make an appropriate filing with FINRA) if it is aware that any 5% or greater shareholder of the Company becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member firm.

4.13 No Fiduciary Duties . The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters’ responsibility to the Company is solely contractual and commercial in nature, based on arms-length negotiations and that neither the Underwriters nor their affiliates or any selected dealer shall be deemed to be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owes any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company acknowledges that the Underwriters may have financial interests in the success of the Offering that are not limited to the difference between the price to the public and the purchase price paid to the Company by the Underwriters for the shares and the Underwriters have no obligation to disclose, or account to the Company for, any of such additional financial interests. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have against the Underwriters with respect to any breach or alleged breach of fiduciary duty.

4.14 Warrant Shares . If all or any portion of a Warrant is exercised at a time when there is an effective registration statement to cover the issuance of the Warrant Shares or if the Warrant is exercised via cashless exercise at a time when such Warrant Shares would be eligible for resale under Rule 144 by a non-affiliate of the Company, the Warrant Shares issued pursuant to any such exercise shall be issued free of all restrictive legends. If at any time following the date hereof the Registration

 

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Statement (or any subsequent registration statement registering the sale or resale of the Warrant Shares) is not effective or is not otherwise available for the sale of the Warrant Shares, the Company shall promptly notify the holders of the Warrants in writing that such registration statement is not then effective and thereafter shall promptly notify such holders if and when the registration statement is effective again and available for the sale of the Warrant Shares (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not limit the ability of the Company to issue, or any holder thereof to sell, any of the Warrant Shares in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws).

4.15 [Omitted] .

4.16 Securities Laws Disclosure; Publicity . At the request of the Representative, by                      (New York City time) on the date hereof, the Company shall issue a press release disclosing the material terms of the Offering. The Company and the Representative shall consult with each other in issuing any other press releases with respect to the Offering, and neither the Company nor any Underwriter shall issue any such press release nor otherwise make any such public statement without the prior consent of the Company, with respect to any press release of such Underwriter, or without the prior consent of such Underwriter, with respect to any press release of the Company, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed, except if such disclosure is required by law, in which case the disclosing party shall promptly provide the other party with prior notice of such public statement or communication. The Company will not issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the Representative’s prior written consent, for a period ending at 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the first business day following the 40th day following the Closing Date, other than normal and customary releases issued in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

4.17 Shareholder Rights Plan . No claim will be made or enforced by the Company or, with the consent of the Company, any other Person, that any Underwriter of the Securities is an “Acquiring Person” in connection with the Offering under any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or similar anti-takeover plan or arrangement in effect or hereafter adopted by the Company (other than any such plan or arrangement adopted hereafter that is not in connection with the Offering), or that any Underwriter of Securities could be deemed to trigger the provisions of any such plan or arrangement, by virtue of receiving Securities in connection with the Offering.

4.18 Reservation of Common Stock . As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved and the Company shall continue to reserve and keep available at all times, free of preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of enabling the Company to issue the Closing Shares and the Warrant Shares pursuant to any exercise of the Warrants.

4.19 Listing of Common Stock . The Company hereby agrees for a three year period from the Execution Date, to use best efforts to maintain the listing or quotation of the Common Stock on the Trading Market on which it is currently listed, and concurrently with the Closing, the Company shall apply to list or quote all of the Closing Shares and Warrant Shares on such Trading Market and promptly secure the listing of all of the Closing Shares and Warrant Shares on such Trading Market. The Company further agrees, if the Company applies to have the Common Stock traded on any other Trading Market, it will then include in such application all of the Closing Shares and Warrant Shares, and will take such other action as is necessary to cause all of the Closing Shares and Warrant Shares to

 

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be listed or quoted on such other Trading Market as promptly as possible. The Company will then take all action reasonably necessary to continue the listing and trading of its Common Stock on a Trading Market and will comply in all respects with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of the Trading Market. Nothing herein requires the Company to maintain a listing or quotation if the Company’s board of directors approves a strategic transaction that would make such listing or quotation unnecessary.

4.20 [Omitted]

4.21 Subsequent Equity Sales . From the date hereof until 60 days following the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 4.21 shall not apply in respect of an Exempt Issuance.

4.22 [Omitted] .

4.23 Research Independence . In addition, the Company acknowledges that each Underwriter’s research analysts and research departments, if any, are required to be independent from their respective investment banking divisions and are subject to certain regulations and internal policies, and that such Underwriter’s research analysts may hold and make statements or investment recommendations and/or publish research reports with respect to the Company and/or the offering that differ from the views of its investment bankers. The Company hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that the Company may have against such Underwriter with respect to any conflict of interest that may arise from the fact that the views expressed by their independent research analysts and research departments may be different from or inconsistent with the views or advice communicated to the Company by such Underwriter’s investment banking divisions. The Company acknowledges that the Representative is a full service securities firm and as such from time to time, subject to applicable securities laws, may effect transactions for its own account or the account of its customers and hold long or short position in debt or equity securities of the Company.

ARTICLE V.

DEFAULT BY UNDERWRITERS

If on the Closing Date, if any, any Underwriter shall fail to purchase and pay for the portion of the Closing Securities, as the case may be, which such Underwriter has agreed to purchase and pay for on such date (otherwise than by reason of any default on the part of the Company), the Representative, or if the Representative is the defaulting Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters, shall use their reasonable efforts to procure within 36 hours thereafter one or more of the other Underwriters, or any others, to purchase from the Company such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the terms set forth herein, the Closing Securities which the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters failed to purchase. If during such 36 hours the Representative shall not have procured such other Underwriters, or any others, to purchase the Closing Securities agreed to be purchased by the defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then (a) if the aggregate number of Closing Securities with respect to which such default shall occur does not exceed 10% of the Closing Securities covered hereby, the other

 

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Underwriters shall be obligated, severally, in proportion to the respective numbers of Closing Securities which they are obligated to purchase hereunder, to purchase the Closing Securities which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters failed to purchase, or (b) if the aggregate number of Closing Securities with respect to which such default shall occur exceeds 10% of the Closing Securities covered hereby, the Company or the Representative will have the right to terminate this Agreement without liability on the part of the non-defaulting Underwriters or of the Company except to the extent provided in Article VI hereof. In the event of a default by any Underwriter or Underwriters, as set forth in this Article V, the applicable Closing Date may be postponed for such period, not exceeding seven days, as the Representative, or if the Representative is the defaulting Underwriter, the non-defaulting Underwriters, may determine in order that the required changes in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. The term “Underwriter” includes any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter. Any action taken under this Section shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.

ARTICLE VI.

INDEMNIFICATION

6.1 Indemnification of the Underwriters . Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underwriters, and each dealer selected by each Underwriter that participates in the offer and sale of the Securities (each a “ Selected Dealer ”) and each of their respective directors, officers and employees and each Person, if any, who controls such Underwriter or any Selected Dealer (“ Controlling Person ”) within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between such Underwriter and the Company or between such Underwriter and any third party or otherwise) to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common law or otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in (i) any Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as from time to time each may be amended and supplemented); (ii) any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities, including any “road show” or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically); or (iii) any application or other document or written communication (in this Article VI, collectively called “ application ”) executed by the Company or based upon written information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, Trading Market or any securities exchange; or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to the applicable Underwriter by or on behalf of such Underwriter expressly for use in any Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the Registration

 

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Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, as the case may be. With respect to any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in the Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6.1 shall not inure to the benefit of an Underwriter to the extent that any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense of such Underwriter results from the fact that a copy of the Prospectus was not given or sent to the Person asserting any such loss, liability, claim or damage at or prior to the written confirmation of sale of the Securities to such Person as required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and if the untrue statement or omission has been corrected in the Prospectus, unless such failure to deliver the Prospectus was a result of non-compliance by the Company with its obligations under this Agreement. The Company agrees promptly to notify each Underwriter of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors or Controlling Persons in connection with the issue and sale of the Public Securities or in connection with the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

6.2 Procedure . If any action is brought against an Underwriter, a Selected Dealer or a Controlling Person in respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to Section 6.1, such Underwriter, such Selected Dealer or Controlling Person, as the case may be, shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the institution of such action and the Company shall assume the defense of such action, including the employment and fees of counsel (subject to the reasonable approval of such Underwriter or such Selected Dealer, as the case may be) and payment of actual expenses. Such Underwriter, such Selected Dealer or Controlling Person shall have the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Underwriter, such Selected Dealer or Controlling Person unless (i) the employment of such counsel at the expense of the Company shall have been authorized in writing by the Company in connection with the defense of such action, or (ii) the Company shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the defense of such action, or (iii) such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them which are different from or additional to those available to the Company (in which case the Company shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events the reasonable fees and expenses of not more than one additional firm of attorneys selected by such Underwriter (in addition to local counsel), Selected Dealer and/or Controlling Person shall be borne by the Company but only, with respect to clause (iii) with respect to such defenses). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any Underwriter, Selected Dealer or Controlling Person shall assume the defense of such action as provided above, the Company shall have the right to approve the terms of any settlement of such action which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

6.3 Indemnification of the Company . Each Underwriter severally and not jointly agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers and employees and agents who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to such Underwriter, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in any Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any application, in reliance upon, and in strict conformity with, written information furnished to the Company with respect to such Underwriter by or on behalf of such Underwriter expressly for use

 

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in such Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any such application. In case any action shall be brought against the Company or any other Person so indemnified based on any Preliminary Prospectus, if any, the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against such Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other Person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to such Underwriter by the provisions of this Article VI. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.3, no Underwriter shall be required to indemnify the Company under this Section 6.3 for any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter. The Underwriters’ obligations in this Section 6.3 to indemnify the Company are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

6.4 Contribution .

(a) Contribution Rights . In order to provide for just and equitable contribution under the Securities Act in any case in which (i) any Person entitled to indemnification under this Article VI makes a claim for indemnification pursuant hereto but it is judicially determined (by the entry of a final judgment or decree by a court of competent jurisdiction and the expiration of time to appeal or the denial of the last right of appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case notwithstanding the fact that this Article VI provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise may be required on the part of any such Person in circumstances for which indemnification is provided under this Article VI, then, and in each such case, the Company and each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said indemnity agreement incurred by the Company and such Underwriter, as incurred, in such proportions that such Underwriter is responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the underwriting discount appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus bears to the initial offering price appearing thereon and the Company is responsible for the balance; provided, that, no Person guilty of a fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section, each director, officer and employee of such Underwriter or the Company, as applicable, and each Person, if any, who controls such Underwriter or the Company, as applicable, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter or the Company, as applicable. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 6.4, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Securities purchased by such Underwriter. The Underwriters’ obligations in this Section 6.4 to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

(b) Contribution Procedure . Within fifteen days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made against another party (“ contributing party ”), notify the contributing party of the commencement thereof, but the failure to so notify the contributing party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party other than for contribution hereunder (except to the extent

 

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actual prejudice results from such failure to notify). In case any such action, suit or proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid fifteen days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified. Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution without the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions contained in this Section 6.4 are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted by law, any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise available.

ARTICLE VII.

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1 Termination .

(a) Termination Right . The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time after the execution hereof and prior to any Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in its reasonable opinion will in the immediate future materially disrupt, general securities markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading generally on any Trading Market shall have been suspended or materially limited by The Nasdaq Stock Market, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required by FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other government authority having jurisdiction, or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved in a new war or an increase in major hostilities as will, in the Representative’s reasonable opinion, make it inadviseable to proceed with the delivery of the securities, or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by a New York State or federal authority, or (v) if a moratorium on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially adversely impacts the United States securities markets, or (vi) if the Company shall have sustained a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage or other calamity or malicious act which, whether or not such loss shall have been insured, will, in the Representative’s reasonable opinion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Securities, or (vii) if the Company is in material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants hereunder, or (viii) if the Representative shall have become aware after the date hereof of such adverse material change in general market conditions as in the Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and/or delivery of the Securities or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters for the sale of the Securities.

(b) Expenses . In the event this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(a), within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant to the terms herein, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Representative its actual and accountable out of pocket expenses related to the transactions contemplated herein then due and payable, including the fees and disbursements of EGS, in an aggregate amount for all such expenses, up to $25,000 ( provided , however , that such expense cap in no way limits or impairs the indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement).

 

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(c) Indemnification . Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Article VI shall not be in any way effected by such election or termination or failure to carry out the terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.

7.2 Entire Agreement . The Transaction Documents, together with the exhibits and schedules thereto, the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, with respect to such matters, which the parties acknowledge have been merged into such documents, exhibits and schedules. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Investment Banking Agreement, dated April 18, 2013, by and between the parties hereto shall continue to be effective and the terms therein, including but not limited to Sections 4(b) and 5 with respect to any future offerings, shall continue to survive and be enforceable by the Underwriter, in accordance with it terms.

7.3 Notices . Any and all notices or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be provided hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and effective on the earliest of: (a) the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto at or prior to 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on a Trading Day, (b) the next Trading Day after the date of transmission, if such notice or communication is delivered via facsimile at the facsimile number set forth on the signature pages attached hereto on a day that is not a Trading Day or later than 5:30 p.m. (New York City time) on any Trading Day, (c) the second (2 nd ) Trading Day following the date of mailing, if sent by U.S. nationally recognized overnight courier service or (d) upon actual receipt by the party to whom such notice is required to be given. The address for such notices and communications shall be as set forth on the signature pages attached hereto.

7.4 Amendments; Waivers . No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified, supplemented or amended except in a written instrument signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company and the Representative. No waiver of any default with respect to any provision, condition or requirement of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a continuing waiver in the future or a waiver of any subsequent default or a waiver of any other provision, condition or requirement hereof, nor shall any delay or omission of any party to exercise any right hereunder in any manner impair the exercise of any such right.

7.5 Headings . The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

7.6 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and permitted assigns.

7.7 Governing Law . All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of the Transaction Documents shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretations,

 

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enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any other Transaction Documents (whether brought against a party hereto or its respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein (including with respect to the enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents), and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any action, suit or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such proceeding. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. If either party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of the Transaction Documents, then, in addition to the obligations of the Company under Article VI, the prevailing party in such action, suit or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for its reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

7.8 Survival . The representations and warranties contained herein shall survive the Closing and the delivery of the Securities.

7.9 Execution . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which when taken together shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to each other party, it being understood that the parties need not sign the same counterpart. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by e-mail delivery of a “.pdf” format data file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or “.pdf” signature page were an original thereof.

7.10 Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision, covenant or restriction. It is hereby stipulated and declared to be the intention of the parties that they would have executed the remaining terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions without including any of such that may be hereafter declared invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable.

7.11 Remedies . In addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted by law, including recovery of damages, the Underwriters and the Company will be entitled to specific performance under the Transaction Documents. The parties agree that monetary damages may not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of any breach of obligations contained in the

 

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Transaction Documents and hereby agree to waive and not to assert in any action for specific performance of any such obligation the defense that a remedy at law would be adequate.

7.12 Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc . If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

7.13 Construction . The parties agree that each of them and/or their respective counsel have reviewed and had an opportunity to revise the Transaction Documents and, therefore, the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of the Transaction Documents or any amendments thereto. In addition, each and every reference to share prices and shares of Common Stock in any Transaction Document shall be subject to adjustment for reverse and forward stock splits, stock dividends, stock combinations and other similar transactions of the Common Stock that occur after the date of this Agreement.

7.14 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING IN ANY JURISDICTION BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, THE PARTIES EACH KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEREBY ABSOLUTELY, UNCONDITIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVE FOREVER ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

(Signature Pages Follow)

 

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If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement among the Company and the several Underwriters in accordance with its terms.

 

Very truly yours,
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
By:  

 

  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Address for Notice:
460 Ward Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93111-2356
Copy to:
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
11355 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Attention: Ben Orlanski, Esq,
Matthew O’Loughlin, Esq.
Accepted on the date first above written.
LADENBURG THALMANN & CO. INC.
As the Representative of the several
Underwriters listed on Schedule I
By:   LADENBURG THALMANN & CO. INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
Address for Notice:
4400 Biscayne Blvd., 14th Floor
Miami, FL 33137
Attn: General Counsel
With a copy to:

 

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Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP

150 East 42 nd Street

New York, New York 10017

Facsimile: (201) 401-4741

Attention: Joseph Smith

 

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SCHEDULE I

S CHEDULE OF U NDERWRITERS

 

Underwriters

   Closing
Shares
   Pre-
Funded
Warrants
   Traditional
Warrants
with a five
year term
(100%
coverage
(for each of
the Closing
Shares and
Pre-Funded
Warrants)
   Traditional Warrants with a
two year term (50% coverage
(for each of the Closing
Shares and Pre-Funded
Warrants
   Closing Purchase
Price

LADENBURG THALMANN & CO. INC.

              

 

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Exhibit 4.8

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

 

Warrant Shares:                    Issue Date:             , 2013

THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “ Warrant ”) certifies that, for value received,                      or its assigns (the “ Holder ”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after                      (the “ Initial Exercise Date ”) and on or prior to the close of business on                      2018 (the “ Termination Date ”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Superconductor Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), up to                  shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “ Warrant Shares ”) of Common Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

Section 1 . Definitions . In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1:

Affiliate ” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Business Day ” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

Common Stock Equivalents ” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or

 

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exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Person ” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Subsidiary ” shall mean a subsidiary of the Company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading.

Trading Market ” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE AMEX, the NASDAQ Capital Market, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange or the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

Transfer Agent ” means Registrar and Transfer Company, the current transfer agent of the Company, with a mailing address of 10 Commerce Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016 and a facsimile number of (908) 497-2310, and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

VWAP ” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if the OTC Bulletin Board is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTC Bulletin Board, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by Pink

 

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OTC Markets, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holders of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

Warrants ” means the substantially identical warrants initially issued by the Company on or about the date first written above and having the same exercise price as this Warrant.

Section 2. Exercise .

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto. Within three (3) Trading Days following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

b) Exercise Price . The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $0.01 , subject to adjustment hereunder (the “ Exercise Price ”).

 

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c) Cashless Exercise . If, and only if, at the time of exercise hereof there is no effective registration statement registering, or the prospectus contained therein is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder, then this Warrant may be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) =   the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date on which Holder elects to exercise this Warrant by means of a “cashless exercise,” as set forth in the applicable Notice of Exercise;
(B) =   the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
(X) =   the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

d) Mechanics of Exercise .

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise . The Company shall use best efforts to cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s prime broker with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“ DWAC ”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise, and otherwise by physical delivery to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is three (3) Trading Days after the date of delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “ Warrant Share Delivery Date ”). The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised, with payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(d)(vi) prior to the issuance of such shares, having been paid. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise.

 

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ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise . If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

iii. Rescission Rights . If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise . In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “ Buy-In ”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of

 

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Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip . No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses . Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided , however , that in the event Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise.

vii. Closing of Books . The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations . The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the

 

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Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “ Beneficial Ownership Limitation ” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon not less than 61 days’ prior notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any such increase or decrease will not be effective until the 61 st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

Section 3 . Certain Adjustments .

a) Stock Dividends and Splits . If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or

 

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distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

b) [Omitted] .

c) Subsequent Rights Offerings . In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “ Purchase Rights ”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

d) Pro Rata Distributions . During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “ Distribution ”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be

 

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entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution ( provided , however , to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completed exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

e) Fundamental Transaction . If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “ Fundamental Transaction ”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “ Alternate Consideration ”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such

 

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Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “ Successor Entity ”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(e) pursuant to written agreements and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

f) Calculations . All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

g) Notice to Holder .

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price . Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly mail to the Holder a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant

 

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Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder . If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be mailed to the Holder at its last address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to mail such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

Section 4 . Transfer of Warrant .

a) Transferability . This Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly

 

11


executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

b) New Warrants . This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

c) Warrant Register . The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “ Warrant Register ”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

Section 5 . Miscellaneous .

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise . This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3.

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant . The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc . If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a

 

12


Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

d) Authorized Shares .

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of executing stock certificates to execute and issue the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

 

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e) Jurisdiction . All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretations, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Warrant (whether brought against a party hereto or their respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such proceeding. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. If either party shall commence an action, suit or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, the prevailing party in such action, suit or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party for their reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

f) Restrictions . The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws unless the Holder utilizes the cashless exercise provisions hereof and has held this Warrant for at least six (6) months (or one year in the event that there is not current public information available with respect to the Company as required by Rule 144(c)) and the Holder is not and has not been an Affiliate of the Company within 90 days of the date of exercise.

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses . No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Purchase Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

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h) Notices . Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

i) Limitation of Liability . No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

j) Remedies . The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

k) Successors and Assigns . Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

l) Amendment . The provisions of this Warrant and all of the other Warrants may be amended and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company has obtained the written consent of the Persons holding Warrants representing not less than a majority of the Common Stock obtainable upon exercise of all such Warrants then outstanding; provided, that the number of Warrant Shares subject to this Warrant, the Exercise Price, the Initial Exercise Date and the Termination Date may not be amended, and the right to exercise this Warrant may not be altered or waived, without the written consent of the Holder. Any such amendment shall apply to all Warrants and be binding upon all registered holders of such Warrants whether or not they have consented (except only for those amendments that, pursuant the preceding sentence, require the written consent of the Holder).

m) Severability . Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

n) Headings . The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

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********************

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase                  Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

[    ] in lawful money of the United States; or

[    ] if permitted, the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

 

   

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:  

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity :  

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:   

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:  

 

Date:  

 

 


ASSIGNMENT FORM

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute

this form and supply required information.

Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [        ] all of or [                    ] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

    whose address is
    .   
    
      

 

   Dated:             ,         
  Holder’s Signature:      
  Holder’s Address:      
       

NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

Exhibit 4.9

COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

 

Warrant Shares:            Issue Date:             , 2013            

THIS COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANT (the “ Warrant ”) certifies that, for value received,                      or its assigns (the “ Holder ”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after                      (the “ Initial Exercise Date ”) and on or prior to the close of business on [2018] [2015] (the “ Termination Date ”) but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Superconductor Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), up to              shares (as subject to adjustment hereunder, the “ Warrant Shares ”) of Common Stock. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

Section 1 . Definitions . In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, for all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth in this Section 1:

Affiliate ” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Business Day ” means any day except any Saturday, any Sunday, any day which is a federal legal holiday in the United States or any day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close.

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Stock ” means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share, and any other class of securities into which such securities may hereafter be reclassified or changed.

Common Stock Equivalents ” means any securities of the Company or the Subsidiaries which would entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Stock, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, right, option, warrant or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or

 

1


exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Stock.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Exempt Issuance ” means the issuance of (a) shares of Common Stock or options to employees, officers, directors and bona-fide consultants of the Company pursuant to any stock or option plan duly adopted for such purpose, by a majority of the non-employee members of the Board of Directors or a majority of the members of a committee of non-employee directors established for such purpose, (b) securities upon the exercise, conversion or exchange of securities exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the date of this Agreement, provided that such securities have not been amended since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of such securities or to decrease the exercise price, exchange price or conversion price of such securities and (c) securities issued pursuant to acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that any such issuance shall only be to a Person (or to the equityholders of a Person) which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company or an owner of an asset in a business synergistic with the business of the Company (such synergy to be determined by a majority disinterested directors of the Company) and shall provide to the Company additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which the Company is issuing securities primarily for the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities.

Person ” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Subsidiary ” shall mean a subsidiary of the Company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal Trading Market is open for trading.

 

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Trading Market ” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE AMEX, the NASDAQ Capital Market, the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange or the OTC Bulletin Board (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

Transfer Agent ” means Registrar and Transfer Company, the current transfer agent of the Company, with a mailing address of 10 Commerce Drive, Cranford, NJ 07016 and a facsimile number of (908) 497-2310, and any successor transfer agent of the Company.

VWAP ” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock is then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b) if the OTC Bulletin Board is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTC Bulletin Board, (c) if the Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTC Bulletin Board and if prices for the Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by Pink OTC Markets, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of the Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holders of a majority in interest of the Securities then outstanding and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

Warrants ” means the substantially identical warrants initially issued by the Company on or about the date first written above and having the same exercise price as this Warrant and includes both the two- and five-year term warrants.

Section 2 . Exercise .

a) Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto. Within three (3) Trading Days following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise

 

3


procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within three (3) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

b) Exercise Price . The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $             , subject to adjustment hereunder (the “ Exercise Price ”).

c) Cashless Exercise . If, and only if, at the time of exercise hereof there is no effective registration statement registering, or the prospectus contained therein is not available for the issuance of the Warrant Shares to the Holder, then this Warrant may be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive a number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

(A) =

  the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date on which Holder elects to exercise this Warrant by means of a “cashless exercise,” as set forth in the applicable Notice of Exercise;
(B) =   the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and
(X) =   the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

d) Mechanics of Exercise .

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise . The Company shall use best efforts to cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by the Transfer Agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s prime broker with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“ DWAC ”) if the

 

4


Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder or (B) this Warrant is being exercised via cashless exercise, and otherwise by physical delivery to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is three (3) Trading Days after the date of delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “ Warrant Share Delivery Date ”). The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised, with payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(d)(vi) prior to the issuance of such shares, having been paid. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise.

ii. Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise . If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

iii. Rescission Rights . If the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise.

iv. Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise . In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause the Transfer Agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “ Buy-In ”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the

 

5


amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip . No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses . Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided , however , that in the event Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all Transfer Agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise.

 

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vii. Closing of Books . The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations . The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below). For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Transfer Agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the

 

7


Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “ Beneficial Ownership Limitation ” shall be 4.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon not less than 61 days’ prior notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any such increase or decrease will not be effective until the 61 st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

Section 3 . Certain Adjustments .

a) Stock Dividends and Splits . If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification.

b) Subsequent Equity Sales . Until such time that 30 consecutive VWAPs exceed 300% of the then Exercise Price of this Warrant, if the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, at an effective price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect (such lower price, the “ Base Share Price

 

8


and such issuances collectively, a “ Dilutive Issuance ”) (it being understood and agreed that if the holder of the Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents so issued shall at any time, whether by operation of purchase price adjustments, reset provisions, floating conversion, exercise or exchange prices or otherwise, or due to warrants, options or rights per share which are issued in connection with such issuance, be entitled to receive shares of Common Stock at an effective price per share that is less than the Exercise Price, such issuance shall be deemed to have occurred for less than the Exercise Price on such date of the Dilutive Issuance at such effective price), then simultaneously with the consummation of each Dilutive Issuance the Exercise Price shall be reduced and only reduced to equal the Base Share Price. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustments shall be made under this Section 3(b) in respect of an Exempt Issuance. The Company shall notify the Holder, in writing, no later than the Trading Day following the issuance or deemed issuance of any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents subject to this Section 3(b), indicating therein the applicable issuance price, or applicable reset price, exchange price, conversion price and other pricing terms (such notice, the “ Dilutive Issuance Notice ”). For purposes of clarification, whether or not the Company provides a Dilutive Issuance Notice pursuant to this Section 3(b), upon the occurrence of any Dilutive Issuance, the Holder is entitled to receive the benefit of the adjusted Exercise Price.

c) Subsequent Rights Offerings . In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “ Purchase Rights ”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

d) Pro Rata Distributions . During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of cash, stock or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a “ Distribution ”), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have

 

9


participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution ( provided , however , to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completed exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

e) Fundamental Transaction . If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “ Fundamental Transaction ”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “ Alternate Consideration ”) receivable as a result of such Fundamental Transaction by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise

 

10


of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in the event of a Fundamental Transaction that is (1) an all cash transaction, (2) a “Rule 13e-3 transaction” as defined in Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange Act, or (3) a Fundamental Transaction involving a person or entity not traded on a national securities exchange, including, but not limited to, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, or the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company or any Successor Entity (as defined below) shall, at the Holder’s option, exercisable at any time concurrently with, or within 30 days after, the consummation of the Fundamental Transaction, purchase this Warrant from the Holder by paying to the Holder an amount of cash equal to the Black Scholes Value of the remaining unexercised portion of this Warrant on the date of the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction. “ Black Scholes Value ” means the value of this Warrant based on the Black and Scholes Option Pricing Model obtained from the “OV” function on Bloomberg, L.P. (“ Bloomberg ”) determined as of the day of consummation of the applicable Fundamental Transaction for pricing purposes and reflecting (A) a risk-free interest rate corresponding to the U.S. Treasury rate for a period equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date, (B) an expected volatility equal to the greater of 100% and the 100 day volatility obtained from the HVT function on Bloomberg as of the Trading Day immediately following the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction, (C) the underlying price per share used in such calculation shall be the sum of the price per share being offered in cash, if any, plus the value of any non-cash consideration, if any, being offered in such Fundamental Transaction and (D) a remaining option time equal to the time between the date of the public announcement of the applicable Fundamental Transaction and the Termination Date. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “ Successor Entity ”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(e) pursuant to written agreements and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of

 

11


shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

f) Calculations . All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

g) Notice to Holder .

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price . Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly mail to the Holder a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder . If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be mailed to the Holder at its last address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or

 

12


warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to mail such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

Section 4 . Transfer of Warrant .

a) Transferability . This Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

b) New Warrants . This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

c) Warrant Register . The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “ Warrant Register ”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the

 

13


registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

Section 5 . Miscellaneous .

a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise . This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i), except as expressly set forth in Section 3.

b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant . The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any stock certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc . If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Business Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Business Day.

d) Authorized Shares .

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of executing stock certificates to execute and issue the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

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Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof.

e) Jurisdiction . All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law thereof. Each party agrees that all legal proceedings concerning the interpretations, enforcement and defense of the transactions contemplated by this Warrant (whether brought against a party hereto or their respective affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, partners, members, employees or agents) shall be commenced exclusively in the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is improper or is an inconvenient venue for such proceeding. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. If either party shall commence an action, suit or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Warrant, the prevailing party in such action, suit or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other party

 

15


for their reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred with the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

f) Restrictions . The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws unless the Holder utilizes the cashless exercise provisions hereof and has held this Warrant for at least six (6) months (or one year in the event that there is not current public information available with respect to the Company as required by Rule 144(c)) and the Holder is not and has not been an Affiliate of the Company within 90 days of the date of exercise.

g) Nonwaiver and Expenses . No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Purchase Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

h) Notices . Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement.

i) Limitation of Liability . No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

j) Remedies . The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

k) Successors and Assigns . Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

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l) Amendment . The provisions of this Warrant and all of the other Warrants may be amended and the Company may take any action herein prohibited, or omit to perform any act herein required to be performed by it, only if the Company has obtained the written consent of the Persons holding Warrants representing not less than a majority of the Common Stock obtainable upon exercise of all such Warrants then outstanding; provided, that the number of Warrant Shares subject to this Warrant, the Exercise Price, the Initial Exercise Date and the Termination Date may not be amended, and the right to exercise this Warrant may not be altered or waived, without the written consent of the Holder. Any such amendment shall apply to all Warrants and be binding upon all registered holders of such Warrants whether or not they have consented (except only for those amendments that, pursuant the preceding sentence, require the written consent of the Holder).

m) Severability . Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

n) Headings . The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

********************

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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NOTICE OF EXERCISE

 

TO: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(1) The undersigned hereby elects to purchase                  Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

(2) Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box):

[    ] in lawful money of the United States; or

[    ] if permitted, the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c).

(3) Please issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below:

 

 

   

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number:

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:   

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity :   

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:   

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:   

 

Date:   

 

 


ASSIGNMENT FORM

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute

this form and supply required information.

Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [        ] all of or [                    ] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

    whose address is
    .   
    
      

 

   Dated:             ,         
  Holder’s Signature:      
  Holder’s Address:      
       

NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

Exhibit 5.1

 

LOGO

August 2, 2013

Superconductor Technologies Inc.

460 Ward Drive

Santa Barbara, California 93111-2310

 

  Re: Registration Statement on Form S-1

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to Superconductor Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), in connection with the preparation and filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-189006) originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) by the Company on or about May 31, 2013 (as amended, the “ Registration Statement ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). The Registration Statement relates to the proposed issuance and sale by the Company (the “ Offering ”) of shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Common Stock ”) and warrants to purchase Common Stock (“ Warrants ”), with a proposed maximum aggregate offering price of up to $45,000,000 (collectively, the “ Securities ”). The Securities are to be sold by the Company pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) to be entered into by and among the Company, on the one hand, and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., on the other hand, on behalf of themselves and as representative of the several underwriters named therein. This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

We have examined or considered originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the certificate of incorporation of the Company, as amended and as in effect on and as of the date hereof, the bylaws of the Company, as amended and as in effect on and as of the date hereof, records of relevant corporate proceedings with respect to the Offering and such other documents, instruments and corporate records as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the expression of the opinions contained herein. We have also reviewed the Registration Statement as filed with the Commission.

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion herein, we have assumed the authenticity and completeness of all records, certificates and other instruments submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all records, certificates and other instruments submitted to us as copies, the authenticity and completeness of the originals of those records, certificates and other instruments submitted to us as copies and the correctness of all statements of fact contained in all records, certificates and other instruments that we have examined. We also have obtained from the officers of the Company certificates as to certain factual matters necessary for the purpose of this opinion and, insofar as this opinion is based on such matters of fact, we have relied solely on such certificates without independent investigation.


Our opinions set forth below are qualified to the extent that they may be subject to or affected by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally, (ii) statutory or decisional law concerning recourse by creditors to security in the absence of notice or hearing, (iii) duties and standards imposed on creditors and parties to contracts, including, without limitation, requirements of good faith, reasonableness and fair dealing, and (iv) general equitable principles. We express no opinion as to the availability of any equitable or specific remedy upon any breach of any of the agreements as to which we are opining herein, or any of the agreements, documents or obligations referred to therein, or to the successful assertion of any equitable defenses, inasmuch as the availability of such remedies or the success of any equitable defense may be subject to the discretion of a court.

We also express no opinion herein as to any provision of any agreement (a) which may be deemed to or construed to waive any right of the Company, (b) to the effect that rights and remedies are not exclusive, that every right or remedy is cumulative and may be exercised in addition to or with any other right or remedy and does not preclude recourse to one or more other rights or remedies, (c) relating to the effect of invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Warrants on the validity or enforceability of any other provision thereof, (d) which is in violation of public policy, including, without limitation, any provision relating to indemnification and contribution with respect to securities law matters, (e) which provides that the terms of the Warrants may not be waived or modified except in writing or (f) relating to choice of law or consent to jurisdiction.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the assumptions, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. The shares of Common Stock included in the Offering have been authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

2. The Warrants have been duly authorized for issuance and, when the Warrants are issued and paid for in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the Warrants will have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.

3. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants (the “ Warrant Shares ”) have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor in accordance with the provisions of the Warrants, including the payment of the exercise price therefor, the Warrant Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We express no opinion as to the applicability or effect of any laws, orders or judgments of any state or other jurisdiction other than the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including the statutory provisions and all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting those laws), and the federal securities


laws. Further, this opinion is based solely upon existing laws, rules and regulations, and we undertake no obligation to advise you of any changes that may be brought to our attention after the date hereof. This opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth above and we render no opinion, whether by implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to the Company or the Common Stock.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and the use of our name therein under the caption “Legal Matters.” In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission adopted under the Securities Act.

Very truly yours,

/S/ M ANATT , P HELPS  & P HILLIPS , LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

 

Exhibit 23 . 1

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM’S CONSENT

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement of Superconductor Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-189006) of our report, which includes an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, dated March 8, 2013, with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial statement schedules of Superconductor Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Superconductor Technologies, Inc. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ Marcum LLP

Los Angeles, CA

August 2, 2013