As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 15, 2016
Registration No. 333-212995 |
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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Amendment No.2 to FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
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4899 |
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20-8259086 |
(State or other jurisdiction |
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(Primary Standard Industrial |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
of incorporation or organization) |
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Classification Code Number) |
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Identification Number) |
88 Silva Lane
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
(401) 848-5848
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Philip Urso
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Towerstream Corporation
88 Silva Lane
Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
(401) 848-5848
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With copies to:
Harvey Kesner, Esq. Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP 61 Broadway, 32nd Fl. New York, NY 10006 (212) 930-9700
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Steven M. Skolnick , Esq. Lowenstein Sandler LLP 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 (646) 414-684 7 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.
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: ☒
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.
Large accelerated filer ☐ |
Accelerated filer ☒ |
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) ☐ |
Smaller reporting company ☐ |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered |
Amount to be Registered |
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Amount of Registration Fee |
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Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (1)(2) |
$ | 5,750,000.00 (3) | $ | 579.03 | ||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share being registered for resale (4) | 805,000 | $ | 1,730,750.00 (5) | $ | 174.29 | |||||||
Total |
$ | 7,480,750.00 | $ | 753.32 |
(1) |
Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act , the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional securities as may be issued after the date hereof as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions. |
(2) |
Includes shares subject to underwriters’ over-allotment option. |
( 3) |
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(4) | Includes 680,000 shares of common stock that are issuable upon the conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. |
(5) |
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Registrant’s common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 12, 2016. The shares offered hereunder may be sold by the selling stockholders from time to time in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or a combination of these methods, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices. |
*$2,014 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 the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This registration statement contains two forms of prospectus, as set forth below.
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Public Offering Prospectus . A prospectus to be used for the initial public offering by the Registrant of $5 million of shares of common stock (and an additional 15% of shares of common stock which may be sold upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) through the underwriters named on the cover page of the Public Offering Prospectus. |
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Selling Stockholder Prospectus . A prospectus to be used in connection with the potential resale by certain selling stockholders of up to an aggregate of 805,000 shares of common stock, of which 680,000 are issuable upon conversion of the Company’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. |
The Public Offering Prospectus and the Selling Stockholder Prospectus will be identical in all respects except for the following principal points:
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they contain different front covers; |
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they contain different Use of Proceeds sections; |
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a Shares Registered for Resale section is included in the Selling Stockholder Prospectus; |
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a Selling Stockholders section is included in the Selling Stockholder Prospectus; |
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the Underwriting section from the Public Offering Prospectus is deleted from the Selling Stockholder Prospectus and a Plan of Distribution section is inserted in its place; |
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• | they contain different disclosures in the Legal Matters section; |
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the Risk Factors sections contain immaterial differences; and |
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they contain different back covers. |
The registrant has included in this registration statement, after the financial statements, a set of alternate pages to reflect the foregoing differences between the Selling Stockholder Prospectus and the Public Offering Prospectus.
_____ Shares of C ommon S tock |
Towerstream Corporation is offering $5,000,000 of shares of its common stock pursuant to this prospectus.
Our common stock is presently quoted on The NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “TWER”. On September 12, 2016, the last reported sale price for our common stock on NASDAQ was $2.13 per share.
Our business and an investment in our securities involve a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that you should consider before investing in our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Per Share |
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Total |
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Public offering price |
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Underwriting discount (1) |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to us (2) |
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(1) |
We have agreed to reimburse the underwriter for certain of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. See “Underwriting” beginning on page 74 for more information on this offering and the underwriting arrangements. |
(2) |
We estimate the total expenses of this offering payable by us, excluding the underwriting discount, will be approximately $375,000. All costs associated with the registration will be borne by us. |
The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 15% of shares of our common stock within 45 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any.
The underwriter expects to deliver the shares against payment therefor on or about , 2016.
Sole Book Running Manager
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd.
The date of this prospectus is ______, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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Prospectus Summary |
7 |
Risk Factors |
13 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data |
27 |
Use of Proceeds |
28 |
Price Range of Common Stock and Related Matters |
29 |
Dividend Policy |
30 |
Dilution |
31 |
Capitalization |
32 |
Selected Consolidated Financial Data | 33 |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
34 |
Business |
47 |
Management |
54 |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
67 |
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions |
69 |
Description of Securities |
69 |
Underwriting |
74 |
Legal Matters |
80 |
Experts |
80 |
Where You Can Find More Information |
81 |
Index to Financial Statements |
82 |
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus that we may specifically authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with any information other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to offer and sell shares of our common stock. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
For investors outside the United States: We have not and the underwriters have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in our common stock, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes and the information set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in each case included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “our,” “us,” or the “Company” in this prospectus mean Towerstream Corporation on a consolidated basis with its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Towersteam Corporation
Towerstream Corporation is primarily a provider of fixed wireless services to businesses in twelve major urban markets across the U.S. During its first decade of operations, the Company's business activities were focused on delivering fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. The Company's fixed wireless service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks, disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. The Company provides services to business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. The Company's "Fixed Wireless Services Business" ("Fixed Wireless" or "FW") has historically grown both organically and through the acquisition of five other fixed wireless broadband providers in various markets.
The Company's traditional fixed wireless business delivers high volume broadband to clients through a radio receiver/transmitter on each client’s building which is dedicated solely to the Company’s clients in such building. Beginning in the first half of 2014, the Company shifted its sales and marketing strategy to focus on its fixed wireless On-Net platform, which allows one radio receiver/transmitter to service multiple clients per building. Under its On-Net platform, the Company is able to connect, or “light”, the entire building at once and at a cost similar to what was traditionally required for one high bandwidth customer requiring point-to-point equipment. This can be accomplished, in part, because the capabilities of the equipment installed by the Company have improved even as the cost has decreased. As a result, Towerstream is able to leverage the initial installation cost to serve the entire building tenant base. In place of a wireless install for every single customer, Towerstream now only has to install the wireless portion of the install once. Subsequent customers are connected by simply running a wire to the common space in the building where the wireless service terminates. Additionally, instead of having multiple antennas on both the customer building and the Points-of-Presence (“PoP” or “Company Locations”), there generally needs to be only one antenna on each location.
Currently Towerstream is offering 20M, 50M, 100M and up to 1000M bandwidth denominations. This unique portfolio of bandwidth services is able to go up and down existing markets from small business to Fortune 500 companies. Such service is as fast as fiber and equally as stable.
Towerstream exited its capital intensive shared wireless business, which was operated through its subsidiary Hetnets Tower Corporation, at the end of 2015, secured a long term revenue and cash flow generating agreement with Time Warner Cable which purchased the Hetnets business and assumed all liabilities associated with it, and realized substantial write-downs from discontinued operations related to this sale which impacted stockholders equity in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the first quarter of 2016. However, on August 9, 2016, the Company reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 which included:
a) |
Sales of $6.9 million, an increase over the $6.7 million reported for the preceding quarter and the first time the Company reported quarter-over-quarter growth since late 2013; |
b) |
A 48% increase in its On-Net customer base compared to the preceding quarter; |
c) |
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $6.9 million, a reduction compared to the $7.9 million reported for the preceding quarter; |
d) |
Positive Adjusted EBITDA* of $414 thousand representing almost a $1.0 million upswing compared to the preceding quarter; and |
e) |
Cash burn of $1.9 million, a significant reduction compared to the $5.5 million reported for the preceding quarter. |
f) |
A total of 267 buildings "On Net" as of June 30, 2016 and sufficient equipment inventory on hand to bring an additional 300 buildings “On-Net” at significantly reduced capital expenditure costs compared to previous installations. |
* Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measurement, represents income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and non-recurring income and expense amounts. This amount was computed by starting with the $3,075 thousand loss reported on a GAAP basis for the quarter ended June 30, 2106 and then adding back $3,044 thousand in depreciation and amortization, $322 thousand in non-recurring expenses, $142 thousand in stock-based compensation, and $4 thousand in other expenses and then subtracting $23 thousand in deferred rent resulting in $414 thousand in Adjusted EBITDA.
Our Networks
The foundation of our networks consists of PoPs which are generally located on very tall buildings in each urban market. We enter into long term lease agreements with the owners of these buildings which provide us with the right to install communications equipment on the rooftop. We deploy this equipment in order to connect customers to the Internet or to pass small cell signals to carriers and other service providers. Each PoP is "linked" to one or more other PoPs to enhance redundancy and ensure that there is no single point of failure in the network. One or more of our PoPs are located in buildings where national Internet service providers such as Cogent or Level 3 are located, and we enter into IP transit or peering arrangements with these organizations in order to connect to the Internet. Each PoP has a coverage area averaging approximately six miles. Our PoPs are utilized by both our Fixed Wireless and Shared Wireless Infrastructure segments.
Our network does not depend on traditional copper wire or fiber connections which are the backbone of many of our competitors' networks. We believe this provides us with an advantage because we may not be significantly affected by events such as natural disasters and power outages.
Markets
We launched our fixed wireless business in April 2001 in the Boston and Providence markets. In June 2003, we launched service in New York City and followed that with our entry into the Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth markets at various times through April 2008. Philadelphia was our last market launch in November 2009. We entered the Seattle, Las Vegas-Reno, and Houston markets through acquisitions of service providers based in those markets. We also expanded our market coverage and presence in Boston, Providence, and Los Angeles through acquisitions.
We determine which geographic markets to enter by assessing criteria in four broad categories. First, we evaluate our ability to deploy our service in a given market after taking into consideration our spectrum position, the availability of towers and zoning constraints. Second, we assess the market by evaluating the number of competitors, existing price points, demographic characteristics and distribution channels. Third, we evaluate the economic potential of the market, focusing on our forecasts of revenue opportunities and capital requirements. Finally, we look at market clustering opportunities and other cost efficiencies that might be realized. Based on this approach, as of June 30, 2016, we offered wireless broadband connectivity in 12 markets, of which ten are in the top 20 metropolitan areas in the United States based on the number of small to medium businesses in each market. These ten markets cover approximately 50% of small and medium businesses (5 to 249 employees) in the United States.
Competitive Strengths
Even though we face substantial existing and prospective competition, we believe that we have a number of competitive advantages that allow us to retain existing customers and attract new customers over time.
Reliability
Our network was designed specifically to support wireless broadband services. The networks of cellular, cable and DSL companies rely on infrastructure that was originally designed for non-broadband purposes. We also connect our customers to our Wireless Ring in the Sky which has no single point of failure. This ring is fed by multiple national Internet providers located at opposite ends of our service cities and connected to our national ring which is fed by multiple leading carriers. We believe that we are the only wireless broadband provider that offers true separate egress for true redundancy. With DSL and cable offerings, the wireline connection can be terminated by one backhoe swipe or switch failure. Our Wireless Ring in the Sky is not likely to be affected by backhoe or other below-ground accidents or severe weather. As a result, our network has historically experienced reliability rates of approximately 99%.
Flexibility
Our wireless infrastructure and service delivery enables us to respond quickly to changes in a customer’s broadband requirements. We offer bandwidth options ranging from 0.5 megabits per second up to 1.5 gigabit per second. We can usually adjust a customer’s bandwidth remotely and without having to visit the customer location to modify or install new equipment. Changes can often be made on a same day basis.
Timeliness
We have demonstrated the capability to install a new customer and begin delivering Internet connectivity within 3 to 5 business days after receiving a customer’s order. Many of the larger telecommunications companies can take 30 to 60 days to complete an installation. The timeliness of service delivery has become more important as businesses conduct more of their business operations through the Internet.
Value
We own our entire network which enables us to price our services lower than most of our competitors. Specifically, we are able to offer competitive prices because we do not have to buy a local loop charge from the telephone company.
Efficient Economic Model
We believe our economic model is characterized by low fixed capital and operating expenditures relative to other wireless and wireline broadband service providers. We own our entire network which eliminates costs involved with using leased lines owned by telephone or cable companies. Our network is modular. Coverage is directly related to various factors including the height of the facility we are on and the frequencies we utilize. The average area covered by a PoP is a six-mile radius.
Prime Real Estate Locations
We have secured long term lease agreements for prime real estate locations in the twelve markets in which we have built our fixed wireless network. These locations are some of the tallest buildings in each city which facilitates our ability to deliver Internet connectivity to customer locations where line of sight is not available to our competitors.
Corporate History and Information
We were organized in the State of Nevada in June 2005. In January 2007, we merged with and into a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary for the sole purpose of changing our state of incorporation to Delaware. In January 2007, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours merged with and into a private company formed in 1999, Towerstream Corporation, with Towerstream Corporation being the surviving company. Upon closing of the merger, we discontinued our former business and succeeded to the business of Towerstream Corporation as our sole line of business. At the same time, we also changed our name to Towerstream Corporation and our subsidiary, Towerstream Corporation, changed its name to Towerstream I, Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island, 02842. Our telephone number is (401) 848-5848. The Company’s website address is http://www.towerstream.com . Information contained on the Company’s website is not incorporated into this prospectus.
Recent Warrant Exchange
On September 14, 2016, in connection with obtaining the required approval of the investors in our June 2016 financing to this offering, we entered into separate exchange agreements with the holders of all of the warrants issued in our June 2016 and July 2016 financings. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, each investor exchanged its respective warrants (an aggregate of 973,214 warrants), without the payment of any exercise price therefore, and relinquished any and all other rights it may have under the warrants, for an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the Company’s newly authorized shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock . We have agreed to register for resale the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, which we are effecting concurrently with this offering.
Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $0.001 and is convertible into one share of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion. The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company’s Common Stock.
Summary of the Offering
Securities offered by us |
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2,347,428 shares of common stock (assuming a public offering price of $2.13 per share, the closing price per share of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 12, 2016.) |
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Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
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7,023,224 shares of common stock (assuming a public offering price of $2.13 per share, the closing price per share of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 12, 2016.) |
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Overallotment Option |
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We have granted the underwriter an option for a period of up to 45 days from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to 352,113 additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price less the underwriting discount, solely to cover over-allotments. |
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Use of proceeds |
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We intend to use the net proceeds received from this offering either for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes, or to prepay up to $5.0 million of our outstanding debt to Melody Business Finance, LLC . As of the date of this prospectus, we have not entered into any binding agreement with Melody Business Finance, LLC relating to prepayment of the outstanding debt and there is no guarantee that we shall be able to enter into such an agreement on terms favorable to us or at all.
See “Use of Proceeds” on page 28 of this prospectus. |
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Risk factors |
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See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities. |
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NASDAQ trading symbol |
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TWER |
Unless we indicate otherwise, all information in this prospectus has been adjusted for a 1 for 20 reverse stock split effective on July 7, 2016 and is based on 4,675,796 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of September 14, 2016, and:
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excludes 180,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $16.87 per share as of September 14, 2016; |
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excludes 990,241 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $11.05 per share as of September 14, 2016; |
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excludes 680,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock; |
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excludes 66,775 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans; and |
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excludes shares issuable upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. |
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table includes (i) summary consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2016 and (ii) summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 and June 30, 2016 (unaudited), derived from our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This table also includes (i) summary consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and (ii) summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012, and 2013, 2014 and June 30, 2015 (unaudited), derived from our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this prospectus. Our financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The results indicated below are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.
Certain operating expenses in these financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current condensed consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications had no impact upon the previously reported net losses.
You should read this information together with the sections entitled “Capitalization”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, “Selected Consolidated Financial Data”, and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Years ended December 31, |
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2015 |
2016 |
2015 |
2016 |
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(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 26,494,737 | $ | 32,279,430 | $ | 31,892,584 | $ | 29,936,181 | $ | 27,905,023 | $ | 7,030,907 | $ | 6,872,342 | $ | 14,203,374 | $ | 13,606,432 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
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Infrastructure and access |
8,931,312 | 13,265,422 | 10,040,584 | 9,946,602 | 10,389,660 | 2,490,508 | 2,631,114 | 5,049,484 | 5,182,841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
9,138,318 | 13,634,294 | 11,842,795 | 9,681,631 | 9,643,583 | 2,393,254 | 3,044,132 | 4,741,127 | 5,571,778 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Network operations |
4,648,435 | 6,904,187 | 5,225,772 | 5,176,857 | 5,407,454 | 1,370,126 | 1,298,590 | 2,704,558 | 2,589,778 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer support |
2,067,054 | 3,070,137 | 2,323,783 | 2,302,032 | 2,404,573 | 653,534 | 484,664 | 1,326,417 | 1,027,855 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
4,613,836 | 6,852,798 | 5,186,875 | 5,138,325 | 5,367,205 | 1,545,366 | 883,961 | 2,876,048 | 2,378,881 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
6,260,310 | 9,298,258 | 7,052,863 | 6,971,966 | 7,282,523 | 1,561,775 | 1,604,542 | 3,485,842 | 3,584,335 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
35,659,265 | 53,025,096 | 41,672,672 | 39,217,413 | 40,494,997 | 10,014,563 | 9,947,003 | 20,183,476 | 20,335,468 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss |
(9,164,528 |
) |
(20,745,666 |
) |
(9,780,088 |
) |
(9,281,232 |
) |
(12,589,974 |
) |
(2,983,656 |
) |
(3,074,661 |
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(5,980,102 | ) | (6,729,036 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
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Interest, net |
35,486 | (63,714 |
) |
(217,741 |
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(1,672,846 |
) |
(6,652,786 |
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(1,670,428 |
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(1,588,291 |
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(3,334,692 | ) | (3,195,411 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Gain on business acquisitions |
2,231,534 | (40,079 |
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1,004,099 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
(9,581 |
) |
(13,860 |
) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other income |
2,257,439 | (117,653 |
) |
786,358 | (1,672,846 |
) |
(6,652,786 |
) |
(1,670,428 |
) |
(1,588,291 |
) |
(3,334,692 | ) | (3,195,411 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(6,907,089 |
) |
(20,863,319 |
) |
(8,993,730 |
) |
(10,954,078 |
) |
(19,242,760 |
) |
(4,654,084 |
) |
(4,662,952 |
) |
(9,314,794 | ) | (9,924,447 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes |
(118,018 |
) |
(126,256 |
) |
(78,531 |
) |
(78,532 |
) |
37,562 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(7,025,107 |
) |
(20,989,575 |
) |
(9,072,261 |
) |
(11,032,610 |
) |
(19,205,198 |
) |
(4,654,084 |
) |
(4,662,952 |
) |
(9,314,794 | ) | (9,924,447 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss |
- | - | (15,703,028 |
) |
(16,559,140 |
) |
(21,277,604 |
) |
(4,196,727 |
) |
(67,576 |
) |
(8,459,083 | ) | (2,977,143 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gain on Sale of assets |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1,177,742 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loss from discontinued operations |
- | - | (15,703,028 |
) |
(16,559,140 |
) |
(21,277,604 |
) |
(4,196,727 |
) |
(67,576 |
) |
(8,459,083 | ) | (1,799,401 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (7,025,107 |
) |
$ | (20,989,575 |
) |
$ | (24,775,289 |
) |
$ | (27,591,750 |
) |
$ | (40,482,802 |
) |
$ | (8,850,811 |
) |
$ | (4,730,528 |
) |
$ | (17,773,877 | ) | $ | (11,723,848 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss per share - Basic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
$ | (2.96 |
) |
$ | (7.71 |
) |
$ | (2.78 |
) |
$ | (3.30 |
) |
$ | (5.65 |
) |
$ | (1.39 |
) |
$ | (1.36 |
) |
$ | (2.79 | ) | $ | (2.93 | ) | |||||||||
Discontinued operations |
- | - | (4.82 |
) |
(4.96 |
) |
(6.26 |
) |
(1.26 |
) |
(0.02 |
) |
(2.54 | ) | (0.53 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total net loss per share - Basic and diluted |
$ | (2.96 |
) |
$ | (7.71 |
) |
$ | (7.60 |
) |
$ | (8.26 |
) |
$ | (11.92 |
) |
$ | (2.65 |
) |
$ | (1.38 |
) |
$ | (5.33 | ) | $ | (3.46 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
2,375,293 | 2,721,709 | 3,259,066 | 3,340,188 | 3,396,583 | 3,336,219 | 3,432,384 | 3,334,539 | 3,387,462 |
As of December 31, |
As of June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2015 |
2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 44,672,587 | $ | 15,152,226 | $ | 28,181,531 | $ | 38,027,509 | $ | 15,116,531 | $ | 26,117,134 | $ | 9,977,495 | ||||||||||||||
Working capital |
$ | 40,231,504 | $ | 7,399,143 | $ | 23,697,158 | $ | 35,067,152 | $ | 13,506,611 | $ | 22,639,193 | $ | 4,530,584 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 83,636,896 | $ | 67,109,714 | $ | 74,917,467 | $ | 82,321,838 | $ | 47,029,839 | $ | 67,185,429 | $ | 36,479,402 | ||||||||||||||
Non-current debt and other liabilities |
$ | 835,859 | $ | 2,688,775 | $ | 2,802,018 | $ | 35,162,108 | $ | 35,527,976 | $ | 36,746,278 | $ | 36,099,368 | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity (Deficit) |
$ | 77,144,910 | $ | 57,803,908 | $ | 66,093,941 | $ | 41,962,027 | $ | 2,545,687 | $ | 24,631,751 | $ | (6,471,727 |
) |
PROFORMA BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)
As of June 30, 2016 |
||||||||||||
Reported |
Pro Forma |
Pro Forma |
||||||||||
Adjustments |
As Adjusted |
|||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 9,977,495 | 1,250,000 | (2) | $ | 11,227,495 | ||||||
Other current assets - Countinuing operations |
1,166,800 | 1,166,800 | ||||||||||
Other current assets - Discountinued operations |
238,050 | 238,050 | ||||||||||
Total current assets |
11,382,345 | 12,632,345 | ||||||||||
Non-current assets: |
||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
18,545,590 | 18,545,590 | ||||||||||
Intangible assets, net |
4,488,256 | 4,488,256 | ||||||||||
Goodwill |
1,674,281 | 1,674,281 | ||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
388,930 | 388,930 | ||||||||||
Total non-current assets |
25,097,057 | 25,097,057 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 36,479,402 | $ | 37,729,402 | ||||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT |
||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
$ | 3,844,581 | 3,844,581 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations |
3,007,180 | 3,007,180 | ||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
6,851,761 | 6,851,761 | ||||||||||
Non-current liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs of $2,868,708 |
34,627,096 | 34,627,096 | ||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
1,472,272 | 1,472,272 | ||||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
36,099,368 | 36,099,368 | ||||||||||
Total liabilities |
42,951,129 | 42,951,129 | ||||||||||
Stockholders Deficit: |
||||||||||||
Preferred stock |
- | 680 | (3) | 680 | ||||||||
Common stock |
4,103 | 2 | (1) | 4,551 | ||||||||
446 | (2) | |||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
161,466,749 | (2 | )(1) | 162,715,621 | ||||||||
1,249,554 | (2) | |||||||||||
(680 | )(3) | |||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(167,942,579 | ) | (167,942,579 | ) | ||||||||
Total stockholders deficit |
(6,471,727 | ) | (5,221,727 | ) | ||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders deficit |
$ | 36,479,402 | $ | 37,729,402 |
Pro Forma Adjustments:
1) |
Issuance of shares on July 7, 2016 in connection with reverse stock split |
2) |
Issuance of 892,857 Preferred Series B shares on July 7, 2016 for net proceeds of $1,250,000 which was subsequently completely converted into 446,420 common shares (Amount of shares adjusted for the reverse stock split on July 7, 2016) |
3) |
Issuance of 680,000 shares of Preferred Series C on September 14, 2016 in connection with the exchange of certain warrants for common shares |
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risks described below and other information contained in this prospectus, including our financial statements and related notes before purchasing shares of our common stock. There are numerous and varied risks, known and unknown, that may prevent us from achieving our goals. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and investors in our common stock could lose all or part of their investment.
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition
We believe we will need to raise additional capital and we may not be able to obtain additional financing to fund our operations on terms acceptable to us or at all .
In addition to the net proceeds from this offering, we believe we will need to raise additional funds in the future. There can be no assurance that sufficient debt or equity financing will be available at all or, if available, that such financing will be at terms and conditions acceptable to us. Should we fail to obtain additional debt financing or raise additional capital, we may not be able to achieve our longer term business objectives and may face other serious adverse consequences. If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities or convertible debt, investors may experience significant dilution of their ownership interest, and the newly-issued securities may have rights senior to those of the holders of our common stock. If we raise additional funds by obtaining loans from third parties, the terms of those financing arrangements may include negative covenants or other restrictions on our business that could impair our operational flexibility and may require us to provide collateral to secure the loan. In addition, in a liquidation, debtholders will be entitled to repayment before any proceeds can be paid to our stockholders.
We have a history of operating losses and expect to continue incurring losses for the foreseeable future.
Our net losses for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and the six months ending June 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $40,482,802, $27,591,750, $24,775,289, $11,723,848, $17,773,877, and $12,904,413, respectively. We cannot anticipate when, if ever, our operations will become profitable. We expect to incur significant net losses as we develop our network, expand our markets, undertake acquisitions, acquire spectrum and pursue our business strategy. We intend to invest significantly in our business before we expect cash flow from operations to be adequate to cover our operating expenses. If we are unable to execute our business strategy and grow our business, either as a result of the risks identified in this section or for any other reason, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.
Cash and cash equivalents represent one of our largest assets and we may be at risk of being uninsured for a large portion of such assets.
As of June 30, 2016, we had approximately $10.0 million in cash and cash equivalents with two large financial banking institutions. At times, our cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. If the institution at which we have placed our funds were to become insolvent or fail, we could be at risk for losing a substantial portion of our cash deposits, or incur significant time delays in obtaining access to such funds. In light of the limited amount of federal insurance for deposits, even if we were to spread our cash assets among several institutions, we would remain at risk for the amount not covered by insurance.
Our growth may be slowed if we do not have sufficient capital.
The continued growth and operation of our business may require additional funding for working capital, debt service, the enhancement and upgrade of our network, the build-out of infrastructure to expand our coverage, possible acquisitions and possible bids to acquire spectrum licenses. We may be unable to secure such funding when needed in adequate amounts or on acceptable terms, if at all. To execute our business strategy, we may issue additional equity securities in public or private offerings, potentially at a price lower than the market price at the time of such issuance. Similarly, we may seek debt financing and may be forced to incur significant interest expense. If we cannot secure sufficient funding, we may be forced to forego strategic opportunities or delay, scale back or eliminate network deployments, operations, acquisitions, spectrum bids and other investments.
We are required to obtain the consent of certain existing investors to future financings through December 19, 2016, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.
Until December 19, 2016, without the prior written consent of certain investors in our June 2016 offering, subject to certain exceptions, the Company shall not issue any common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock (or modify any of the foregoing which may be outstanding) to any person or entity.
In order to obtain these investors’ consent for this offering and any future offerings prior to December 19, 2016, the Company had to provide concessions and may be required for future financings to provide them with concessions on terms that are unfavorable to the Company and there is no guarantee that the Company will be able to obtain these investors’ consent at all. If the Company is unable to obtain additional capital, the Company may need to curtail or cease its operations and implement a plan to extend payables or reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful.
There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.
The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $10.0 million and working capital of approximately $4.5 million. The Company has incurred significant operating losses since inception and continues to generate losses from operations and as of June 30, 2016, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $167.9 million. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Historically, the Company has financed its operation through private and public placement of equity securities, as well as debt financing and capital leases. The Company’s ability to fund its longer term cash requirements is subject to multiple risks, many of which are beyond its control. The Company intends to raise additional capital, either through debt or equity financings or through the potential sale of the Company’s assets in order to achieve its business plan objectives. Management believes that it can be successful in obtaining additional capital; however, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to do so. There is no assurance that any funds raised will be sufficient to enable the Company to attain profitable operations or continue as a going concern. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful, the Company may need to curtail or cease its operations and implement a plan to extend payables or reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful.
Our Chief Financial Officer is not required to work exclusively for us, which could materially and adversely affect us and our business .
Frederick Larcombe, our Chief Financial Officer, is not required to work exclusively for us and does not devote all of his time to our operations. Since the start of his employment he has devoted approximately 50 hours a week of his time to the operation of our business. He also serves as Chief Financial Officer of Rittenhouse Foods, Inc. (a private food distribution company) and as Chief Financial Officer of InterCore, Inc. (OTCPink: ICOR) (a publicly-held developer of software to monitor driver fatigue). It is possible that his pursuit of other activities may slow our operations and impact our ability to timely complete our financial statements.
Risks Related to Our Secured Indebtedness
Our cash flows and capital resources may be insufficient to meet minimum balance requirements or to make required payments on our secured indebtedness, which is secured by substantially all of our assets.
In October 2014, we entered into a loan agreement which provided us with a five-year $35 million term loan. As of June 30, 2016, we had $37.5 million of principal and interest outstanding under the terms of this loan. We have agreed to maintain a minimum balance of cash or cash equivalents equal to or greater than $6,500,000 at all times throughout the term of the loan. As of June 30, 2016, we had approximately $10.0 million in cash and cash equivalents with two large financing banking institutions. The loan bears interest payable in cash at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the one month LIBOR rate on each payment date plus 7% or (ii) 8% per annum, and additional paid in kind (“PIK”), or deferred, interest that accrues at 4% per annum. The Company paid $750,659 and $720,892 of interest, and accrued $375,329 and $360,446 of PIK interest for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company paid $1,493,803 and $1,426,803 of interest and accrued $746,900 and $713,402 of PIK interest for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Our indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:
|
● |
make it difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations; |
|
● |
make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
● |
limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate requirements; |
|
● |
expose us to interest rate fluctuations because the interest rate on our long-term debt is variable; |
|
● |
require us to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for operations and other purposes; |
|
● |
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and |
|
● |
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt and greater financial resources. |
In addition, our ability to meet minimum balance requirements, make scheduled payments or refinance our obligations depends on our successful financial and operating performance, cash flows and capital resources, which in turn depend upon prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others:
|
● |
economic and demand factors affecting our industry; |
|
● |
pricing pressures; |
|
● |
increased operating costs; |
|
● |
competitive conditions; and |
|
● |
other operating difficulties. |
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our minimum balance requirements or debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. In the event that we are required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations, the value realized on such assets or operations will depend on market conditions and the availability of buyers. Accordingly, any such sale may not, among other things, be for a sufficient dollar amount. Our obligations pursuant to our long-term debt agreement are secured by a security interest in all of our assets, exclusive of capital stock of the Company, certain capital leases, certain contracts and certain assets secured by purchase money security interests. The foregoing encumbrances may limit our ability to dispose of material assets or operations. We also may not be able to restructure our indebtedness on favorable economic terms, if at all.
Our long-term secured debt agreement contains various covenants limiting the discretion of our management in operating our business.
Our long-term secured debt agreement contains, subject to certain carve-outs, various restrictive covenants that limit our management's discretion in operating our business. The debt is secured by substantially all of our assets, including all deposit accounts, equipment, network assets, customer contracts, and cash proceeds and profits from the foregoing. In particular, these instruments limit our ability to, among other things:
|
● |
incur additional debt; |
|
● |
grant liens on assets; |
|
● |
issue capital stock with certain features; |
|
● |
sell or acquire assets outside the ordinary course of business; and |
|
● |
make fundamental business changes. |
Although we are currently in compliance with the covenants contained in the debt agreement, if we fail to comply with the restrictions in our long-term debt agreement, a default may allow the lender under the relevant instruments to accelerate the related debt and to exercise their remedies under these agreements, which will typically include the right to declare the principal amount of that debt, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other related amounts, immediately due and payable, to exercise any remedies the lender may have to foreclose on assets that are subject to liens securing that debt and to terminate any commitments they had made to supply further funds. The long-term debt agreement governing our indebtedness also contains various covenants that may limit our ability to pay dividends.
Risks Relating to Fixed Wireless Services
We may be unable to successfully execute any of our current or future business strategies.
In order to pursue business strategies, we will need to continue to build our infrastructure and strengthen our operational capabilities. Our ability to do these successfully could be affected by any one or more of the following factors:
|
● |
the ability of our equipment, our equipment suppliers or our service providers to perform as we expect; |
|
● |
the ability of our services to achieve market acceptance; |
|
● |
our ability to manage third party relationships effectively; |
|
● |
our ability to identify suitable locations and then negotiate acceptable agreements with building owners so that we can establish POPs on their rooftop; |
|
● |
our ability to work effectively with new customers to secure approval from their landlord to install our equipment; |
|
● |
our ability to effectively manage the growth and expansion of our business operations without incurring excessive costs, high employee turnover or damage to customer relationships; |
|
● |
our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, especially individuals experienced in network operations and engineering; |
|
● |
equipment failure or interruption of service which could adversely affect our reputation and our relations with our customers; |
|
● |
our ability to accurately predict and respond to the rapid technological changes in our industry; and |
|
● |
our ability to raise additional capital to fund our growth and to support our operations until we reach profitability. |
Our failure to adequately address any one or more of the above factors could have a significant adverse impact on our ability to execute our business strategy and the long term viability of our business.
We depend on the continued availability of leases and licenses for our communications equipment.
We have constructed proprietary networks in each of the markets we serve by installing antennae on rooftops, cellular towers and other structures pursuant to lease or license agreements to send and receive wireless signals necessary for the operation of our network. We typically seek initial five year terms for our leases with three to five-year renewal options. Such renewal options are generally exercisable at our discretion before the expiration of the current term. If these leases are terminated or if the owners of these structures are unwilling to continue to enter into leases or licenses with us in the future, we would be forced to seek alternative arrangements with other providers. If we are unable to continue to obtain or renew such leases on satisfactory terms, our business would be harmed.
We may not be able to attract and retain customers if we do not maintain and enhance our brand.
We believe that our brand is critical part to our success. Maintaining and enhancing our brand may require us to make substantial investments with no assurance that these investments will be successful. If we fail to promote and maintain the “Towerstream” brand, or if we incur significant expenses in this effort, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition may be harmed. We anticipate that maintaining and enhancing our brand will become increasingly important, difficult and expensive and we may not be able to do so.
Many of our competitors are better established and have significantly greater resources which may make it difficult for us to attract and retain customers.
The market for broadband and related services is highly competitive, and we compete with several other companies within each of our markets. Many of our competitors are well established with larger and better developed networks and support systems, longer relationships with customers and suppliers, greater name recognition and greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we have. Our competitors may subsidize competing services with revenue from other sources and, thus, may offer their products and services at prices lower than ours. Our competitors may also reduce the prices of their services significantly or may offer broadband connectivity packaged with other products or services. We may not be able to reduce our prices or otherwise combine our services with other products or services which may make it more difficult to attract and retain customers. In addition, businesses which are presently focused on providing services to residential customers may expand their target base and begin offering service to business customers.
We expect existing and prospective competitors to adopt technologies or business plans similar to ours, or seek other means to develop competitive services, particularly if our services prove to be attractive in our target markets. This competition may make it difficult to attract new customers and retain existing customers.
We may experience difficulties constructing, upgrading and maintaining our network which could increase customer turnover and reduce our revenues.
Our success depends on developing and providing products and services that provide customers with high quality Internet connectivity. If the number of customers using our network increases, we will require more infrastructure and network resources to maintain the quality of our services. Consequently, we may be required to make substantial investments to improve our facilities and equipment, and to upgrade our technology and network infrastructure. If we do not complete these improvements successfully, or if we experience inefficiencies, operational failures or unforeseen costs during implementation then the quality of our products and services could decline.
We may experience quality deficiencies, cost overruns and delays in implementing network improvements and completing maintenance and upgrade projects. Portions of these projects may not be within our control or the control of our contractors. Our network requires the receipt of permits and approvals from numerous governmental bodies including municipalities and zoning boards. Such bodies often limit the expansion of transmission towers and other construction necessary for our business. Failure to receive approvals in a timely fashion can delay system rollouts and raise the cost of completing projects. In addition, we are typically required to obtain rights from land, building or tower owners to install antennae and other equipment to provide service to our customers. We may not be able to obtain, on terms acceptable to us, or at all, the rights necessary to construct our network and expand our services.
We also face challenges in managing and operating our network. These challenges include operating, maintaining and upgrading network and customer premise equipment to accommodate increased traffic or technological advances, and managing the sales, advertising, customer support, billing and collection functions of our business while providing reliable network service at expected speeds and quality. Our failure in any of these areas could adversely affect customer satisfaction, increase customer turnover or churn, increase our costs and decrease our revenues.
We may be unable to operate in certain markets if we are unable to obtain and maintain rights to use licensed spectrum.
We provide our services in some markets by using spectrum obtained through licenses or long-term leases. Obtaining licensed spectrum can be a long and difficult process that can be costly and require substantial management resources. Securing licensed spectrum may subject us to increased operational costs, greater regulatory scrutiny and arbitrary government decision making and we may be unable to secure such licensed spectrums.
Licensed spectrum, whether owned or leased, poses additional risks, including:
|
● |
inability to satisfy build-out or service deployment requirements upon which spectrum licenses or leases may be conditioned; |
|
● |
increases in spectrum acquisition costs or complexity; |
|
● |
competitive bids, pre-bid qualifications and post-bid requirements for spectrum acquisitions, in which we may not be successful leading to, among other things, increased competition; |
|
● |
adverse changes to regulations governing spectrum rights; |
|
● |
the risk that acquired or leased spectrum will not be commercially usable or free of damaging interference from licensed or unlicensed operators in the licensed or adjacent bands; |
|
● |
contractual disputes with, or the bankruptcy or other reorganization of, the license holders which could adversely affect control over the spectrum; |
|
● |
failure of the FCC or other regulators to renew spectrum licenses as they expire; and |
|
● |
invalidation of authorization to use all or a significant portion of our spectrum. |
We utilize unlicensed spectrum in all of our markets which is subject to intense competition, low barriers of entry and slowdowns due to multiple users.
We presently utilize unlicensed spectrum in all of our markets to provide our service offerings. Unlicensed or “free” spectrum is available to multiple users and may suffer bandwidth limitations, interference and slowdowns if the number of users exceeds traffic capacity. The availability of unlicensed spectrum is not unlimited and others do not need to obtain permits or licenses to utilize the same unlicensed spectrum that we currently utilize or may utilize in the future. The inherent limitations of unlicensed spectrum could potentially threaten our ability to reliably deliver our services. Moreover, the prevalence of unlicensed spectrum creates low barriers of entry in our industry which naturally creates the potential for increased competition.
Interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems could impair our ability to provide services which could damage our reputation.
Our services depend on the continuing operation of our information technology and communications systems. We have experienced service interruptions in the past and may experience service interruptions or system failures in the future. Any unscheduled service interruption adversely affects our ability to operate our business and could result in an immediate loss of revenues and adversely impact our operating results. If we experience frequent or persistent system or network failures, our reputation could be permanently harmed. We may need to make significant capital expenditures to increase the reliability of our systems; however, these capital expenditures may not achieve the results we expect.
Excessive customer churn may adversely affect our financial performance by slowing customer growth, increasing costs and reducing revenues.
The successful implementation of our business plan depends upon controlling customer churn. Customer churn is a measure of customers who cancel their services agreement. Customer churn could increase as a result of:
|
● |
interruptions to the delivery of services to customers over our network; |
|
● |
the availability of competing technology such as cable modems, DSL, third-generation cellular, satellite, wireless Internet service and other emerging technologies, some of which may be less expensive or technologically superior to those offered by us; |
|
● |
changes in promotions and new marketing or sales initiatives; |
|
● |
new competitors entering the markets in which we offer service; |
|
● |
a reduction in the quality of our customer service billing errors; |
|
● |
a change in our fee structure; and |
|
● |
existing competitors whose services may be less expensive. |
An increase in customer churn can lead to slower customer growth, increased costs and a reduction in our revenues.
If our business strategy is unsuccessful, we will not be profitable and our stockholders could lose their investment.
Many fixed wireless companies have failed and there is no guarantee that our strategy will be successful or profitable. If our strategy is unsuccessful, the value of our company may decrease and our stockholders could lose their entire investment.
We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth which would negatively impact our operations.
If our business and markets continue to grow and develop, it will be necessary for us to finance and manage expansion in an orderly fashion. In addition, we may face challenges in managing expanding product and service offerings, and in integrating acquired businesses discussed below. Such events would increase demands on our existing management, workforce and facilities. Failure to satisfy increased demands could interrupt or adversely affect our operations and cause backlogs and administrative inefficiencies.
The success of our business depends on the contributions of key personnel and our ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified personnel.
We are highly dependent on the continued services of our key personnel across all facets of operations. We do not have an employment agreement with any of these individuals. We cannot guarantee that any of these persons will stay with us for any definite period. Loss of the services of any of these individuals could adversely impact our operations. We do not maintain policies of "key man" insurance on our executives.
In addition, we must be able to attract, train, motivate and retain highly skilled and experienced technical employees in order to successfully introduce our services in new markets and grow our business in existing markets. Qualified technical employees often are in great demand and may be unavailable in the time frame required to satisfy our business requirements. We may not be able to attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled technical employees in the future. The loss of technical personnel or our inability to hire or retain sufficient technical personnel at competitive rates of compensation could impair our ability to grow our business and retain our existing customer base.
We may pursue acquisitions that we believe complement our existing operations but which involve risks that could adversely affect our business.
Acquisitions involve risks that could adversely affect our business including the diversion of management’s time and focus from operations and difficulties integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies. In addition, any future acquisition could result in significant costs, the incurrence of additional debt to fund the acquisition, and the assumption of contingent or undisclosed liabilities, all of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In connection with any future acquisition, we generally will seek to minimize the impact of contingent and undisclosed liabilities by obtaining indemnities and warranties from the seller. However, these indemnities and warranties, if obtained, may not fully cover the liabilities due to their limited scope, amount or duration, as well as the financial limitations of the indemnitor or warrantor.
We may continue to consider strategic acquisitions, some of which may be larger than those previously completed and which could be material transactions. Integrating acquisitions is often costly and may require significant attention from management. Delays or other operational or financial problems that interfere with our operations may result. If we fail to implement proper overall business controls for companies or assets we acquire or fail to successfully integrate these acquired companies or assets in our processes, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, it is possible that we may incur significant expenses in the evaluation and pursuit of potential acquisitions that may not be successfully completed.
We could encounter difficulties integrating acquisitions which could result in substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties.
Since 2010, we have completed five acquisitions. We may seek to acquire other fixed wireless businesses, including those operating in our current business markets or those operating in other geographic markets. We cannot accurately predict the timing, size and success of our acquisition efforts and the associated capital commitments that might be required. We expect to encounter competition for acquisitions which may limit the number of potential acquisition opportunities and may lead to higher acquisition prices. We may not be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or successfully integrate acquired businesses, if any, without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties.
In addition, such acquisitions involve a number of other risks, including:
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failure to obtain regulatory approval for such acquisitions; |
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failure of the acquired businesses to achieve expected results; |
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integration difficulties could increase customer churn and negatively affect our reputation; |
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diversion of management’s attention and resources to acquisitions; |
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failure to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses; |
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disappointing quality or functionality of acquired equipment and personnel; and |
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risks associated with unanticipated events, liabilities or contingencies. |
The inability to successfully integrate and manage acquired companies could result in the incurrence of substantial costs to address the problems and issues encountered.
Our inability to finance acquisitions could impair the growth and expansion of our business.
The extent to which we will be able or willing to use shares of our common stock to consummate acquisitions will depend on (i) the market value of our securities which will vary, (ii) liquidity which can fluctuate, and (iii) the willingness of potential sellers to accept shares of our common stock as full or partial payment. Using shares of our common stock for acquisitions may result in significant dilution to existing stockholders. To the extent that we are unable to use common stock to make future acquisitions, our ability to grow through acquisitions may be limited by the extent to which we are able to raise capital through debt or equity financings. We may not be able to obtain the necessary capital to finance any acquisitions. If we are unable to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, we may be required to reduce the scope of expansion or redirect resources committed to internal purposes. Our inability to use shares of our common stock to make future acquisitions may hinder our ability to actively pursue our acquisition program.
We rely on a limited number of third party suppliers that manufacture network equipment, and install and maintain our network sites.
We depend on a limited number of third party suppliers to produce and deliver products required for our networks. If these companies fail to perform or experience delays, shortages or increased demand for their products or services, we may face a shortage of components, increased costs, and may be required to suspend our network deployment and our service introduction. We also depend on a limited number of third parties to install and maintain our network facilities. We do not maintain any long term supply contracts with these manufacturers. If a manufacturer or other provider does not satisfy our requirements, or if we lose a manufacturer or any other significant provider, we may have insufficient network equipment for delivery to customers and for installation or maintenance of our infrastructure. Such developments could force us to suspend the deployment of our network and the installation of new customers thus impairing future growth.
Customers may perceive that our network is not secure if our data security controls are breached which may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and expose us to liability.
Network security and the authentication of a customer’s credentials are designed to protect unauthorized access to data on our network. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage networks change frequently and may not be recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate or implement adequate preventive measures against unauthorized access or sabotage. Consequently, unauthorized parties may overcome our encryption and security systems, and obtain access to data on our network. In addition, because we operate and control our network and our customers’ Internet connectivity, unauthorized access or sabotage of our network could result in damage to our network and to the computers or other devices used by our customers. An actual or perceived breach of network security, regardless of whether the breach is our fault, could harm public perception of the effectiveness of our security controls, adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, expose us to significant liability and adversely affect our business prospects.
The delivery of our services could infringe on the intellectual property rights of others which may result in costly litigation, substantial damages and prohibit us from selling our services.
Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against us. We may have to pay substantial damages, including for past infringement if it is ultimately determined that our services infringe a third party’s proprietary rights. Further, we may be prohibited from selling or providing some of our services before we obtain additional licenses, which, if available at all, may require us to pay substantial royalties or licensing fees. Even if claims are determined to be without merit, defending a lawsuit takes significant time, may be expensive and may divert management’s attention from our other business concerns. Any public announcements related to litigation or interference proceedings initiated or threatened against us could cause our business to be harmed and our stock price to decline.
Risks Related to Discontinued Operations
We may incur additional charges in connection with our decision to exit the shared wireless infrastructure business, and any additional costs would adversely impact our cash flows.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined to exit the shared wireless infrastructure business and curtailed activity in our smaller markets. In connection with this action, we recognized charges in the fourth quarter of 2015 aggregating approximately $5,359,000, consisting of approximately $3,284,000 of estimated cost to settle our lease obligations, $1,618,000 to write-off network assets which could not be redeployed into the fixed wireless network and writing off $456,000 of deferred acquisition costs and security deposits which are not expected to be recovered.
During the first quarter of 2016, we sold the majority of network locations in New York City, our largest market, to a major cable company. We also determined that we would not be able to sell the remaining network locations in New York City. As a result, we recognized charges totaling $1,585,319 in the first quarter of 2016 which included $453,403 representing the estimated cost to settle lease obligations, $528,364 to write off network assets which could not be redeployed into the fixed wireless network, $110,500 related to security deposits which are not expected to be recovered, and $493,052 related to the accelerated expensing of deferred acquisition costs. These costs were partially offset by a $1,244,284 reduction in the accrual for terminated lease obligations that was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. This reduction reflects the outcome of settlements negotiated in the first quarter of 2016 with certain landlords.
We believe that we have recognized principally all of the costs required to exit this business but can provide no assurance that additional costs will not be incurred. Any additional costs would adversely impact our operating results and cash flows, and our stock price could decline.
Risks Relating to the Wireless Industry
An economic or industry slowdown may materially and adversely affect our business.
Slowdowns in the economy or in the wireless or broadband industry may impact demand for our services. Customers may reduce the amount of bandwidth that they purchase from us during economic downturns which will directly affect our revenues and operating results. An economic or industry slowdown may cause other businesses or industries to delay or abandon implementation of new systems and technologies, including wireless broadband services. Further, political uncertainties, including acts of terrorism and other unforeseen events, may impose additional risks upon and adversely affect the wireless or broadband industry generally, and our business, specifically.
We operate in an evolving industry which makes it difficult to forecast our future prospects as our services may become obsolete and we may not be able to develop competitive products or services on a timely basis or at all.
The broadband and wireless services industries are characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing, frequent new service introductions, and evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. We believe that our success depends on our ability to anticipate and adapt to these challenges, and to offer competitive services on a timely basis. We face a number of difficulties and uncertainties such as:
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competition from service providers using more efficient, less expensive technologies including products not yet invented or developed; |
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responding successfully to advances in competing technologies in a timely and cost-effective manner; |
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migration toward standards-based technology which may require substantial capital expenditures; and |
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existing, proposed or undeveloped technologies that may render our wireless broadband services less profitable or obsolete. |
As the services offered by us and our competitors develop, businesses and consumers may not accept our services as a commercially viable alternative to other means of delivering wireless broadband services. As a result, our services may become obsolete and we may be unable to develop competitive products or services on a timely basis, or at all.
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities.
Our business activities, including the acquisition, lease, maintenance and use of spectrum licenses, are extensively regulated by federal, state and local governmental authorities. A number of federal, state and local privacy, security, and consumer laws also apply to our business. These regulations and their application are subject to continuous change as new legislation, regulations or amendments to existing regulations are periodically implemented by governmental or regulatory authorities, including as a result of judicial interpretations of such laws and regulations. Current regulations directly affect the breadth of services we are able to offer and may impact the rates, terms and conditions of our services. Regulation of companies that offer competing services such as cable and DSL providers, and telecommunications carriers also affects our business. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be subject to penalties, both monetary and nonmonetary, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted an Open Internet order in which fixed and mobile broadband services is reclassified as telecommunications services governed by Title II of the Communications Act. This reclassification includes forbearance from applying many sections of the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules to broadband service providers. As part of the Title II reclassification, the FCC in the future could adopt new regulations requiring broadband service providers to register and pay Universal Service Fund (“USF”) fees as well as submit to a significant amount of other common carrier regulations.
The Open Internet order also adopted rules prohibiting broadband service providers from: (1) blocking access to legal content, applications, services or non-harmful devices; (2) impairing or degrading lawful Internet traffic on the basis, content, applications or services; or (3) favoring certain Internet traffic over other traffic in exchange for consideration. Depending on how the Open Internet rules are implemented, the Open Internet order could limit our ability to manage customers’ use of our networks, thereby limiting our ability to prevent or address customers’ excessive bandwidth demands. To maintain the quality of our network and user experience, we may manage the bandwidth used by our customers’ applications, in part by restricting the types of applications that may be used over our network. The FCC Open Internet regulations may constrain our ability to employ bandwidth management practices. Excessive use of bandwidth-intensive applications would likely reduce the quality of our services for all customers. Such decline in the quality of our services could harm our business.
The breach of a license or applicable law, even if accidentally, can result in the revocation, suspension, cancellation or reduction in the term of a license or the imposition of fines. In addition, regulatory authorities may grant new licenses to third parties, resulting in greater competition in territories where we already have rights to licensed spectrum. In order to promote competition, licenses may also require that third parties be granted access to our bandwidth, frequency capacity, facilities or services. We may not be able to obtain or retain any required license, and we may not be able to renew a license on favorable terms, or at all.
Wireless broadband services may become subject to greater state or federal regulation in the future. The scope of the regulations that may apply to companies like us and the impact of such regulations on our competitive position are presently unknown and could be detrimental to our business and prospects.
Risks Relating to Our Organization
Our certificate of incorporation allows for our board of directors to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.
Our board of directors has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our board of directors also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval. As a result, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant to such holders (i) the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation, (ii) the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock and (iii) the right to the redemption of the shares, together with a premium, prior to the redemption of our common stock. In addition, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing common stockholders.
Any of the actions described in the preceding paragraph could significantly adversely affect the investment made by holders of our common stock. Holders of common stock could potentially not receive dividends that they might otherwise have received. In addition, holders of our common stock could receive less proceeds in connection with any future sale of the Company, whether in liquidation or on any other basis.
We are subject to extensive financial reporting and related requirements for which our accounting and other management systems and resources may not be adequately prepared.
We are subject to reporting and other obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Section 404 requires us to conduct an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. These reporting and other obligations place significant demands on our management, administrative, operational and accounting resources. In order to maintain compliance with these requirements, we may need to (i) upgrade our systems, (ii) implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures, (iii) implement an internal audit function, and (iv) hire additional accounting, internal audit and finance staff. If we are unable to accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective manner, our ability to comply with our financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired. Any failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a negative impact on our ability to manage our business and on our stock price.
We may be at risk to accurately report financial results or detect fraud if we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls.
As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report that contains an assessment by management on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in their annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q. While we are consistently working on improvements and conducting rigorous reviews of our internal controls over financial reporting, our independent auditors may interpret Section 404 requirements and apply related rules and regulations differently. If our independent auditors are not satisfied with our internal control over financial reporting or with the level at which it is documented, operated or reviewed, they may decline to accept management’s assessment and not provide an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. Additionally, if we are not able to meet all the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we might be subject to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities such as the SEC.
We cannot assure you that significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting will not be identified in the future. Also, future changes in our accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory environment may create new areas of risk exposure. Failure to modify our existing control environment accordingly may impair our controls over financial reporting and cause our investors to lose confidence in the reliability of our financial reporting which may adversely affect our stock price.
Risks Relating to Our Common Stock
NASDAQ has informed us that it has determined to delist our common stock from The NASDAQ Capital Market and if we are not successful in appealing this determination, a delisting of our stock could make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares
Our common stock was approved for listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market in May 2007 where it continues to be listed. The listing Rules (the “Rules”) of NASDAQ require the company to meet certain requirements. These continued listing standards include specific criteria, including:
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a $1.00 minimum closing price; |
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stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million; |
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500,000 shares of publicly-held common stock with a market value of at least $1 million; |
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300 round-lot stockholders; and |
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compliance with NASDAQ’s corporate governance requirements, as well as additional or more stringent criteria that may be applied in the exercise of NASDAQ’s discretionary authority. |
On November 24, 2015, and as previously disclosed in a current report on Form 8-K filed on November 27, 2015, NASDAQ notified us that, based upon the closing price of our common stock for the 30 prior consecutive business days, we no longer satisfied the minimum $1.00 closing price requirement and provided a 180-day grace period through May 23, 2016 to regain compliance with that requirement. On May 17, 2016, and as previously disclosed in a current report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2016, NASDAQ notified us that we also no longer satisfied the minimum $2.5 million stockholders’ equity requirement.
On July 7, 2016, we effected a 1 for 20 reverse split of our common stock which remedied the $1.00 closing price deficiency. On that same day, we met with NASDAQ representatives and presented a plan to comply with the minimum $2.5 million stockholders' equity requirement. On July 14, 2016, NASDAQ responded favorably to our plan and granted us until November 22, 2016 to comply with the stockholders' equity requirement.
We are diligently working to meet this remaining requirement for continued listing on NASDAQ. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to meet that requirement on or before November 22, 2016.
If we are delisted and our common stock will trade, if at all, only on the over-the-counter market, such as the OTC Bulletin Board or OTCQX market, and then only if one or more registered broker-dealer market makers comply with quotation requirements. In addition, delisting of our common stock could depress our stock price, substantially limit liquidity of our common stock and materially adversely affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Finally, delisting of our common stock would likely result in our common stock becoming a “penny stock” under the Exchange Act. The principal result or effect of being designated a “penny stock” is that securities broker-dealers cannot recommend the shares but must trade it on an unsolicited basis. Penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC, which specifies information about penny stocks and the nature and significance of risks of the penny stock market. A broker-dealer must also provide the customer with bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and sales person in the transaction, and monthly account statements indicating the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. In addition, the penny stock rules require that, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules; the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for shares that become subject to those penny stock rules. Under such circumstances, shareholders may find it more difficult to sell, or to obtain accurate quotations, for our common stock, and our common stock would become substantially less attractive to certain purchasers such as financial institutions, hedge funds and other similar investors.
We could fail in future financing efforts or be delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market if we fail to receive stockholder approval when needed.
We are required under the NASDAQ rules to obtain stockholder approval for any issuance of additional equity securities that would comprise more than 20% of the total shares of our common stock outstanding before the issuance of such securities sold at a discount to the greater of book or market value in an offering that is not deemed to be a “public offering” by NASDAQ. Funding of our operations and potential acquisitions of assets may require issuance of additional equity securities that would comprise more than 20% of the total shares of our common stock outstanding, but we might not be successful in obtaining the required stockholder approval for such an issuance. We have a special meeting of shareholders scheduled for September 28, 2016 for the purpose of seeking approval of future issuances of securities, subject to certain parameters, in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 30% below the market price of our common stock, as required by and in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635(d), and, in the event that such proposal is not approved, approval of the issuance of securities in one or more non-public offerings where the maximum discount at which securities will be offered will be equivalent to a discount of 20% below the market price of our common stock, as required by and in accordance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635(d), and approval of any change of control that could result from the potential issuance of securities in the non-public offerings following approval of such two proposals, as required by and in accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5635(b). If we are unable to obtain financing due to stockholder approval difficulties, such failure may have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations.
Our common stock may be affected by limited trading volume and price fluctuations which could adversely impact the value of our common stock.
While there has been relatively active trading in our common stock over the past twelve months, there can be no assurance that an active trading market in our common stock will be maintained. Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results and changes in the overall economy or the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. These fluctuations may also cause short sellers to periodically enter the market in the belief that we will have poor results in the future. We cannot predict the actions of market participants and, therefore, can offer no assurances that the market for our common stock will be stable or appreciate over time.
We have not paid dividends in the past and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. Any return on an investment in our common stock is expected to be limited to an increase in the value of the common stock.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends on our common stock will depend on our earnings, financial condition, and other business and economic factors as our board of directors may consider relevant. If we do not pay dividends, our common stock may be considered less valuable because a return on a shareholder’s investment will only occur if our stock price appreciates.
We adopted a Rights Plan in 2010 which may discourage third parties from attempting to acquire control of our Company and have an adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
In November 2010, we adopted a rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of twenty preferred share purchase rights for each outstanding share of common stock as of the record date on November 24, 2010. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per shares of the Company at a purchase price of $18 per one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share of the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain adjustments. The rights will generally separate from the common stock and become exercisable if any person or group acquires or announces a tender offer to acquire 15% or more of our outstanding common stock without the consent of our board of directors. Because the rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take us over without the approval of our board of directors, our Rights Plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us (or a significant percentage of our outstanding capital stock) without first negotiating with our board of directors. In addition, we are governed by provisions of Delaware law that may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us.
The provisions in our charter, bylaws, Rights Plan and under Delaware law related to the foregoing could discourage takeover attempts that our stockholders would otherwise favor, or otherwise reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for our common stock in the future.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, including upon the expiration of any statutory holding period under Rule 144 or registration for resale, or issued upon the conversion of preferred stock, if any, or exercise of warrants, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an "overhang" and in anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. As of the date of this prospectus, we currently have 180,000 shares underlying warrants that have been registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 212437) and 805,000 shares of common stock that we are registering for resale pursuant to a resale prospectus we are filing simultaneously with this prospectus. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. Further, a substantial number of shares of common stock are being offered by this prospectus, and we cannot predict if and when the purchasers may sell such shares in the public markets. In addition, we cannot predict the number of these shares that might be sold nor the effect that future sales of our shares of common stock would have on the market price of our shares of common stock. As of September 14 , 2016, we have 4,675,796 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Following the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, 805,000 shares of common stock, including 680,000 shares of common stock underlying our Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, will be immediately available for resale pursuant to the resale prospectus included therein.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include those that express plans, anticipation, intent, contingency, goals, targets or future development and/or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events and they are subject to risks and uncertainties known and unknown that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology, such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “potential”, “possible”, “probable”, “believes”, “seeks”, “may”, “should”, “could” or the negative of such terms or other similar expressions. Accordingly, these statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in them. Any forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed throughout this prospectus.
You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference herein and therein and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus only. Because the risk factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, along with others, are described above under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which factors will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the information presented in this prospectus, and particularly our forward-looking statements, by these cautionary statements.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $ 4,275,000 , or approximately $4,972,000 if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full, assuming the sale of 2,347,428 shares of our common stock at an assumed public offering price of $ 2.13 per share , the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ market on September 12, 2016, after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
A $0.25 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share would increase (decrease) the expected net proceeds of this offering by approximately $546,000, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A 100,000, increase (decrease) in the assumed number of shares of our common stock sold in this offering would increase (decrease) the expected net proceeds of this offering by approximately $198,000, assuming the assumed public offering price per share remains the same.
We intend to use the net proceeds received from this offering either for working capital, acquisitions and general corporate purposes, or to prepay up to $5.0 million of our outstanding debt to Melody Business Finance, LLC. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not entered into any binding agreement with Melody Business Finance, LLC relating to prepayment of the outstanding debt and there is no guarantee that we shall be able to enter into such an agreement on terms favorable to us or at all.
We have not yet determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for any of the foregoing purposes. Accordingly, we will retain broad discretion over the use of these proceeds. Pending any use as described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds in high-quality, short-term, interest-bearing securities.
In October 2014, we entered into a loan agreement with Melody Business Finance,, LLC which provided the Company with a five-year $35 million term loan (the "Financing" or "Note"). The Note was issued at a 3% discount totaling $1,050,000 which is being amortized over the term of the Note. The loan bears interest payable in cash at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the one month Libor rate on each payment date plus 7% or (ii) 8% per annum, and additional paid in kind (“PIK”), or deferred, interest that accrues at 4% per annum.
In October 2019, we must repay the principal amount outstanding plus all accrued interest. As of June 30, 2016, $37,495,804 principal and accrued interest remained outstanding. We have the option of prepaying the loan (i) on or before October 16, 2016, but only in full, and (ii) at any time after October 16, 2016, in the minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 (or to the extent in excess of $5,000,000, in integral multiples of $1,000,000 thereof) or in full if the balance outstanding is less. All optional prepayments are subject to certain premiums between 101% to 107%.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND RELATED MATTERS
Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “TWER”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock for each quarterly period within the three most recent fiscal years. All stock prices included in the following table are adjusted for the 1 for 20 reverse stock split effected on July 7, 2016.
High |
Low |
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2016 |
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Quarter ended March 31, 2016 |
$ | 8.00 | $ | 2.00 | ||||
Quarter ended June 30, 2016 |
11.40 | 2.40 | ||||||
Quarter ended September 30, 2016 (through September 12, 2016) | 4.17 | 2.10 | ||||||
2015 |
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Quarter ended March 31, 2015 |
51.00 | 32.40 | ||||||
Quarter ended June 30, 2015 |
45.80 | 34.40 | ||||||
Quarter ended September 30, 2015 |
43.00 | 20.40 | ||||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2015 |
22.00 | 5.60 | ||||||
2014 |
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Quarter ended March 31, 2014 |
67.20 | 46.00 | ||||||
Quarter ended June 30, 2014 |
49.80 | 29.00 | ||||||
Quarter ended September 30, 2014 |
41.20 | 25.60 | ||||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2014 |
39.00 | 21.20 | ||||||
2013 |
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Quarter ended March 31, 2013 |
77.00 | 44.60 | ||||||
Quarter ended June 30, 2013 |
53.40 | 41.60 | ||||||
Quarter ended September 30, 2013 |
63.60 | 44.20 | ||||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2013 |
59.20 | 43.60 |
As of September 14, 2016 there were 35 stockholders of record of our common stock.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid our stockholders cash dividends, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future as we intend to retain any earnings for use in our business. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors.
DILUTION
If you purchase our securities in this offering, you will experience dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the common stock you purchase to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. The pro forma net tangible book value of our common stock on June 30, 2016 was $(11,384,264 ), or $(2.50) per share . Net tangible book value per share is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets, less total liabilities, divided by the aggregate number of shares of our common stock outstanding .
After giving effect to the assumed sale by us of 2,347,428 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $ 2.13 per share (the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ market on September 12, 2016 and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our adjusted pro forma net tangible book value as of June 30, 2016 would have been approximately $(7,109,264), or $(1.03) per share. This represents an immediate improvement in pro forma net tangible book value of $ 1.47 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $ 3.16 per share to new investors purchasing shares of our common stock in this offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:
Assumed public offering price per common share |
$ | 2.13 | ||
Pro forma net tangible book value per common share as of June 30, 2016 |
(2.50 | ) | ||
Increase in pro forma net tangible book per common share attributable to this offering | 1.47 | |||
Adjusted pro forma net tangible book value per common share after this offering | (1.03 | ) | ||
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per common share to new investors | $ | 3.16 |
A $0.25 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share would increase (decrease) our as adjusted pro forma net tangible book value after this offering by approximately $546,000, or $0.08 per share, and increase (decrease) the dilution to new investors by $0.17 per share, assuming that the number of shares of common stock offered by us, as set forth above, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares of common stock and warrants we are offering from the assumed number of shares set forth above. An increase (decrease) of 100,000 in the assumed number of shares of common stock sold in this offering would increase (decrease) our as adjusted pro forma net tangible book value after this offering by approximately $198,000, or $0.04 per share, and decrease (increase) the dilution per share to new investors by $0.04 per share, assuming that the public offering price of $2.13 per share remains the same. The information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price, the actual number of shares of common stock that we offer in this offering, and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
If the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase 352,113 additional shares of common stock at the assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share, the as adjusted pro forma net tangible book value of our common stock after this offering would be $(0.88) per share, representing an immediate improvement in pro forma net tangible book value of $1.62 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $3.01 per share to the investors in this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
This table does not take into account further dilution to new investors that could occur upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants having a per share exercise price less than the public offering price per share in this offering. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2016:
|
● |
On an actual basis; |
|
● |
On a pro forma basis to give effect to issuance of common and preferred shares in connection with: a) a reverse stock split; b) a $1,250,000 financing; and c) an exchange for warrants between June 30, 2016 and the date of this prospectus; and |
|
● |
On a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the receipt of $4,275,000 as previously discussed through the issuance of 2,347,428 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share (the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ market on September 12, 2016) and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
You should consider this table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds”, “Description of Securities” and our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of June 30, 2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Reported |
Pro Forma |
Pro Forma |
Pro Forma |
Pro Forma |
||||||||||||||||
Adjustment |
Adjustment |
|||||||||||||||||||
For This |
||||||||||||||||||||
Offering |
||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs of $2,868,708 |
$ | 34,627,096 | $ | - | $ | 34,627,096 | $ | - | $ | 34,627,096 | ||||||||||
Stockholders equity (deficit): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 350,000 shares designated as Preferred Series A, 892,857 shares designated as Preferred Series B, and 680,000 shares designated as Preferred Series C; 680,000 shares of Preferred Series C issued or outstanding as of June 30, 2016 for the "Pro Forma As Adjusted" and for the "Pro Forma As Adjusted For This Offering" |
- | 680 | (3) | 680 | - | 680 | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 4,102,577 shares issued and outstanding as reported as of June 30, 2016; 4,550,796 shares issued and outstanding as of "Pro Forma As Adjusted"; 6,898,214 shares issued and outstanding as of "Pro Forma As Adjusted For This Offering" |
4,103 | 2 | (1) | 4,551 | 2,347 | (4) | 6,898 | |||||||||||||
446 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
161,466,749 | (2 | )(1) | 162,715,621 | 4,272,653 | (4) | 166,988,274 | |||||||||||||
1,249,554 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
(680 | )(3) | |||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(167,942,579 | ) | (167,942,579 | ) | (167,942,579 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity (deficit) |
(6,471,727 | ) | (5,221,727 | ) | (946,727 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total capilitization |
$ | 28,155,369 | $ | 29,405,369 | $ | 33,680,369 |
Pro Forma Adjustments:
1) |
Issuance of shares on July 7, 2016 in connection with reverse stock split |
2) |
Issuance of 892,857 shares of Preferred Series B Stock on July 7, 2016 for net proceeds of $1,250,000 which was subsequently completely converted into 446,420 shares of common stock (Amount of shares adjusted for the reverse stock split on July 7, 2016) |
3) |
Issuance of 680,000 shares of Preferred Series C Stock on September 14, 2016 in connection with the exchange of certain warrants for those shares |
4) |
Issuance of 2,347,428 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share (the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ market on September 12, 2016) and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us |
A $0.25 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $2.13 per share would increase (decrease) the expected net proceeds of this offering by approximately $546,000, assuming the number of shares offered by us remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A 100,000, increase (decrease) in the assumed number of shares of our common stock sold in this offering would increase (decrease) the expected net proceeds of this offering by approximately $198,000, assuming the assumed public offering price per share remains the same.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table includes (i) consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, and 2015 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2016 and (ii) summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 and June 30, 2016 (unaudited), derived from our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This table also includes (i) consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and (ii) summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and June 30, 2015 (unaudited), derived from our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this prospectus. Our financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The results indicated below are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.
Certain operating expenses in these financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation in the current condensed consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications had no impact upon the previously reported net losses.
You should read this information together with the sections entitled “Capitalization”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Years Ended December 31, |
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2015 |
2016 |
2015 |
2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 26,494,737 | $ | 32,279,430 | $ | 31,892,584 | $ | 29,936,181 | $ | 27,905,023 | $ | 7,030,907 | $ | 6,872,342 | $ | 14,203,374 | $ | 13,606,432 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
35,659,265 | 53,025,096 | 41,672,671 | 39,217,413 | 40,494,997 | 10,014,563 | 9,947,003 | 20,183,476 | 20,335,468 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Loss |
(9,164,528 |
) |
(20,745,666 |
) |
(9,780,087 |
) |
(9,281,232 |
) |
(12,589,974 |
) |
(2,983,656 |
) |
(3,074,661 |
) |
(5,980,102 | ) | (6,729,036 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest, net |
35,486 | (63,714 |
) |
(217,741 |
) |
(1,672,846 |
) |
(6,652,786 |
) |
(1,670,428 |
) |
(1,588,291 |
) |
(3,334,692 | ) | (3,195,411 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Gain on business acquisitions |
2,231,534 | (40,079 |
) |
1,004,099 | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
(9,581 |
) |
(13,860 |
) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other income |
2,257,439 | (117,653 |
) |
786,358 | (1,672,846 |
) |
(6,652,786 |
) |
(1,670,428 |
) |
(1,588,291 |
) |
(3,334,692 | ) | (3,195,411 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(6,907,089 |
) |
(20,863,319 |
) |
(8,993,730 |
) |
(10,954,078 |
) |
(19,242,760 |
) |
(4,654,084 |
) |
(4,662,952 |
) |
(9,314,794 | ) | (9,924,447 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes |
(118,018 |
) |
(126,256 |
) |
(78,531 |
) |
(78,532 |
) |
37,562 | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(7,025,107 |
) |
(20,989,575 |
) |
(9,072,261 |
) |
(11,032,610 |
) |
(19,205,198 |
) |
(4,654,084 |
) |
(4,662,952 |
) |
(9,314,794 | ) | (9,924,447 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
- | - | (15,703,028 |
) |
(16,559,140 |
) |
(21,277,604 |
) |
(4,196,727 |
) |
(67,576 |
) |
(8,459,083 | ) | (1,799,401 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (7,025,107 |
) |
$ | (20,989,575 |
) |
$ | (24,775,289 |
) |
$ | (27,591,750 |
) |
$ | (40,482,802 |
) |
$ | (8,850,811 |
) |
$ | (4,730,528 |
) |
$ | (17,773,877 | ) | $ | (11,723,848 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss per share - Basic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
$ | (2.96 |
) |
$ | (7.71 |
) |
$ | (2.78 |
) |
$ | (3.30 |
) |
$ | (5.65 |
) |
$ | (1.39 |
) |
$ | (1.36 |
) |
$ | (2.79 | ) | $ | (2.93 | ) | |||||||||
Discontinued operations |
- | - | (4.82 |
) |
(4.96 |
) |
(6.26 |
) |
(1.26 |
) |
(0.02 |
) |
(2.54 | ) | (0.53 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total net loss per share |
$ | (2.96 |
) |
$ | (7.71 |
) |
$ | (7.60 |
) |
$ | (8.26 |
) |
$ | (11.92 |
) |
$ | (2.65 |
) |
$ | (1.38 |
) |
$ | (5.33 | ) | $ | (3.46 | ) | |||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
2,375,293 | 2,721,709 | 3,259,066 | 3,340,188 | 3,396,583 | 3,336,219 | 3,432,384 | 3,334,539 | 3,387,462 |
As of December 31, |
As of June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2015 |
2016 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 44,672,587 | $ | 15,152,226 | $ | 28,181,531 | $ | 38,027,509 | $ | 15,116,531 | $ | 26,117,134 | $ | 9,977,495 | ||||||||||||||
Working capital |
$ | 40,231,504 | $ | 7,399,143 | $ | 23,697,158 | $ | 35,067,152 | $ | 13,506,611 | $ | 22,639,193 | $ | 4,530,584 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 83,636,896 | $ | 67,109,714 | $ | 74,917,467 | $ | 82,321,838 | $ | 47,029,839 | $ | 67,185,429 | $ | 36,479,402 | ||||||||||||||
Non-current debt and other liabilities |
$ | 835,859 | $ | 2,688,775 | $ | 2,802,018 | $ | 35,162,108 | $ | 35,527,976 | $ | 36,746,278 | $ | 36,099,368 | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) |
$ | 77,144,910 | $ | 57,803,908 | $ | 66,093,941 | $ | 41,962,027 | $ | 2,545,687 | $ | 24,631,751 | $ | (6,471,727 |
) |
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please see “Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in the beginning of this Prospectus, and see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may occur in future periods.
Characteristics of Revenues and Expenses
Infrastructure and access expenses relate directly to maintaining our network and providing connectivity to our customers. Infrastructure primarily relates to our Points-of-Presence ("PoPs") where we install a substantial amount of equipment, mostly on the roof, which we utilize to connect numerous customers to the internet. We enter into long term lease agreements to maintain our equipment on these PoPs and these rent payments comprise the majority of our infrastructure and access costs. Access expenses primarily consist of bandwidth connectivity agreements that we enter into with national service providers.
Network operations costs relate to the daily operations of our network and ensuring that our customers have connectivity within the terms of our service level agreement. We have employees based in our largest markets who are dedicated to ensuring that our network operates effectively on a daily basis. Other employees monitor network operations from our network operating center which is located at our corporate headquarters. Payroll comprises approximately 55 to 60% of network operations costs. Information technology systems and support comprises approximately 20 to 25% of network operations costs.
Customer support costs relate to our continuing communications with customers regarding their service level agreement. Payroll comprises approximately 75 to 80% of customer support costs. Other costs include travel expenses to service customer locations, shipping, troubleshooting, and facilities related expenses.
Sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of the salaries, benefits, travel and other costs of our sales and marketing teams, as well as marketing initiatives and business development expenses.
General and administrative expenses include costs attributable to corporate overhead and the overall support of our operations. Salaries and other related payroll costs for executive management and finance personnel are included in this category. Other costs include accounting, legal and other professional services, and other general operating expenses.
Overview – Fixed Wireless
We provide fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers and deliver access over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. Our service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks, disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. We currently provide service to business customers in twelve metropolitan markets.
As of March 31, 2016, we operated in twelve metropolitan markets consisting of New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Seattle, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. Although we provide services in multiple markets, these operations have been aggregated into one reportable segment based on the similar economic characteristics among all markets, including the nature of the services provided and the type of customers purchasing such services. The markets were launched at different times, and as a result, may have different operating metrics based on their size and stage of maturation. We incur significant up-front costs in order to establish a network presence in a new market. These costs include building PoPs and network costs. Other material costs include hiring and training sales and marketing personnel who will be dedicated to securing customers in that market. Once we have established a network presence in a new market, we are capable of servicing a significant number of customers. The rate of customer additions varies from market to market, and we are unable to predict how many customers will be added in a market during any specific period.
Overview - Shared Wireless Infrastructure
In January 2013, we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage our fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. We referred to this as our “shared wireless infrastructure” or “shared wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in our smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York , was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, we explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. On March 9, 2016, we completed a sale and transfer of certain assets pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with a large cable company (the "Buyer"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the Wi-Fi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. We retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment, and the parties entered into an agreement under which we provide backhaul services to the Buyer. The agreement is for a three-year period with two, one year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty days’ notice. During the first quarter of 2016, we determined that we would not be able to sell the remainder of the New York City network, and accordingly, all remaining assets are being redeployed into the fixed wireless network or written off. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operating results for all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reverse Stock Split
On May 2, 2016, our stockholders approved authorization for our board of directors to effectuate a reverse split in the ratio range of 1 for 5 to 1 for 25. Our board of directors subsequently approved a reverse split of 1 for 20 (the “Reverse Split”), and on July 5, 2016, we filed a certificate of amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in order to effectuate the Reverse Split on July 7, 2016.
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014
Continuing Operations – Fixed Wireless
Revenues. Revenues totaled $27,905,023 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $29,936,181 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $2,031,158, or 7%. The decrease principally related to a 7% decrease in the base of customers billed on a monthly recurring basis. In March 2015, we opened a second sales office in Florida and believe that our ability to recruit talent from an additional geographic area will increase the number of account executives and improve sales productivity levels.
Average revenue per user (“ARPU”) totaled $764 as of December 31, 2015 compared to $772 as of December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $8, or 1%. ARPU for new customers totaled $640 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $639 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $1, or less than 1%. ARPU for new customers can fluctuate from period to period.
Customer churn, calculated as a percent of revenue lost on a monthly basis from customers terminating service or reducing their service level, totaled 1.88% during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 1.85% during the year ended December 31, 2014. Our goal is to maintain churn levels below industry averages of approximately 2.00%. Churn levels can fluctuate from period to period depending upon whether customers move to a location not serviced by us, go out of business, or a myriad of other reasons.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues totaled $10,603,845 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $10,299,906 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $303,939 or 3%. The increase primarily related to tower rents which increased by $428,863, or 5%. This increase was partially offset by lower customer network costs which decreased by $131,251 or 18%. Gross margin for continuing operations totaled 62% for the 2015 period compared to 66% for the 2014 period.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $9,643,583 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $9,681,631 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $38,048 or less than 1%. Depreciation expense totaled $9,251,312 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $8,792,662 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $458,650, or 5%. The base of depreciable assets as of December 31, 2015 increased approximately 10% compared to December 31, 2014, however, newly acquired assets will not have a full year of depreciation in the year of acquisition which lessens the impact of a higher base on depreciation expense. The increase in the depreciable base during the year ended December 31, 2015 primarily reflects continued investment in our network which totaled approximately $7.0 million.
Amortization expense totaled $392,272 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $888,969 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $496,697, or 56%. Amortization expense relates to customer related intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of acquisitions, the relative amounts of intangible assets recorded, and the amortization periods. The decrease related entirely to amortization associated with the Color Broadband acquisition which became fully amortized in April 2014.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $4,425,764 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $4,127,294 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $298,470 or 7%. The increase was primarily related to higher payroll costs as average headcount totaled 71 during the 2015 period as compared to 69 during the 2014 period representing an increase of 2, or 3%.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $5,864,267 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $5,341,178 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $523,089, or 10%. Compensation related costs, including sales commissions, totaled $4,034,985 during the 2015 period as compared to $3,619,262 during the 2014 period representing an increase of $415,723, or 11%. Average headcount totaled 57 during the 2015 period compared to 37 during the 2014 period representing an increase of 20, or 53%. The increase in headcount related to hires in our new sales office in South Florida which opened during the first quarter of 2015 resulting in higher compensation costs. Channel commissions totaled $603,529 during the 2015 period as compared to $440,281 during the 2014 period representing an increase of $163,248, or 37%. Sales through the channel comprised 34.1% of our total revenues in 2015 compared to 22.7% in 2014 which resulted in higher channel commissions. Advertising costs totaled $1,052,623 during the 2015 period as compared to $1,122,246 during the 2014 period representing a decrease of $69,623, or 6%.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $9,957,538 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $9,767,404 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $190,134, or 2%. Payroll costs totaled $2,923,290 during the 2015 period as compared to $3,350,728 during the 2014 period representing a decrease of $427,438, or 13%. Information technology support costs decreased to $1,044,683 during the 2015 period compared to $1,363,271 during the 2014 period representing a decrease of $318,588, or 23%, as we internally absorbed certain functions that were previously provided by third parties. We recorded a charge of $534,555 in 2015 in connection with the carrying value of an FCC license that was not renewed due to an increased focus on the largest urban markets. Acquisition costs can vary from period to period based on activity levels and totaled $166,561 in 2015 compared to $22,919 in 2014 representing an increase of $143,642. Facilities costs, including office expense, totaled $1,070,492 in the 2015 period compared to $904,327 in the 2014 period representing an increase of $166,165, or 18%. We opened a new sales office in South Florida in the first quarter of 2015. Insurance expense totaled $545,705 in the 2015 period compared to $468,583 in the 2014 period, representing an increase of $77,122, or 16%, primarily related to higher workers’ compensation premiums.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net totaled $6,652,786 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1,672,846 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $4,979,940, or greater than 100%. The increase related to a full year of interest expense on the $35 million secured term loan which closed in October 2014. Cash and non-cash interest expense in 2015 totaled $2,906,695 and $3,533,471, respectively. Non-cash interest expense included payment-in-kind interest, and the amortization of (i) debt issuance costs, and (ii) discounts associated with (a) original issuance pricing and (b) fair value of warrants issued in connection with the financing.
Loss from Continuing Operations . Loss from continuing operations totaled $19,205,198 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $11,032,610 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $8,172,588, or 74%. Interest expense on our long term debt represented $4,979,940, or 61%, of the increased loss. Revenues decreased by $2,031,158 in 2015 which represented 25% of the increased loss. Higher operating expenses in 2015, which occurred across all functional categories, represented $1,277,584, or 16%, of the increased loss.
Discontinued Operations – Shared Wireless
Revenues . Revenues for the Shared Wireless segment totaled $3,370,181 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $3,099,972 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $270,209 or 9%. The increase was primarily related to higher revenues generated through a large cable company customer contract.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues totaled $17,751,033 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $14,220,122 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $3,530,911 or 25%. The increase related solely to higher rooftop rental expense in the 2015 period.
Depreciation. Depreciation totaled $4,032,219 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $3,957,784 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $74,435 or 2%.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $710,368 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $683,208 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $27,160 or 4%.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $145,954 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $229,013 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $83,059, or 36%. The decrease related to certain sales management personnel who were employed for all of 2014 but only part of 2015.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $2,008,211 during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $568,985 during the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $1,439,226, or greater than 100%. We recognized a loss of $1,618,540 on the disposal of property and equipment in connection with the termination of business activities in certain markets. These costs were partially offset by a decrease in network development payroll costs of $99,210 and the absence of bad debt charges as compared to $80,000 in the 2014 period.
Loss from Discontinued Operations. Loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $21,277,604 compared to $16,559,140 for the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $4,718,464, or 28%. Cost of revenues represented $3,530,911, or 75%, of the increase related to higher rooftop rental expenses. A loss of on the disposal of property and equipment in 2015, in connection with the termination of business activities in certain markets, represented $1,618,540, or 34%, of the increase. Higher revenues in the 2015 period offset these increases by 6%.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013
Continuing Operations – Fixed Wireless
Revenues. Revenues totaled $29,936,181 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $31,892,584 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $1,956,403, or 6%. The decrease principally related to an 8% decrease in the base of customers billed on a monthly recurring basis. New customer additions were adversely impacted by a 14% decrease in the number of account executives which averaged 31 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 36 during the year ended December 31, 2013. In March 2015, we opened a second sales office in Florida and believe that our ability to recruit talent from an additional geographic area will increase the number of account executives and improve sales productivity levels.
Average revenue per user (“ARPU”) for the Fixed Wireless segment totaled $772 as of December 31, 2014 compared to $761 as of December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $11, or 1%. The increase in ARPU primarily related to customers upgrading to higher bandwidth service which generates higher monthly recurring revenue. ARPU for new customers totaled $639 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $663 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $24, or 4%.
Customer churn, calculated as a percent of revenue lost on a monthly basis from customers terminating service or reducing their service level, totaled 1.85% during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 1.86% during the year ended December 31, 2013. Our goal is to maintain churn levels between 1.40% and 1.70% which we believe is below industry averages of approximately 2.00%. Churn levels can fluctuate from period to period depending upon whether customers move to a location not serviced by us, go out of business, or a myriad of other reasons.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues totaled $10,299,906 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $9,874,066 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $425,840 or 4%. The increase related to higher tower rents which increased by $602,034, or 9% partially offset by customer maintenance costs which decreased by $103,490 and lower network lease expenses which decreased by $55,937.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $9,681,631 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $11,842,794 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $2,161,163 or 18%.
Depreciation expense totaled $8,792,662 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $8,748,977 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $43,685, or less than 1%. The base of depreciable assets increased approximately 10% during 2014, however, newly acquired assets will not have a full year of depreciation in the year of acquisition which lessens the impact of a higher base on depreciation expense. The increase in the depreciable base during the year ended December 31, 2014 reflects continued growth in our network (approximately $5,871,000), and additions resulting from other expenditures (approximately $384,000).
Amortization expense totaled $888,969 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $3,093,817 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $2,204,848, or 71%. Amortization expense relates to customer related intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of acquisitions, the relative amounts of intangible assets recorded, and the amortization periods. The decrease was related to two acquisitions which had modest or no amortization in the 2014 period but full amortization in the 2013 period. We recognized zero and $819,093 of amortization expense in the 2014 and 2013 periods, respectively, related to intangible assets associated with One Velocity which became fully amortized in November 2013. In addition, we recognized $496,697 and $1,947,830 of amortization expense in the 2014 and 2013 periods, respectively, related to intangible assets associated with Color Broadband which became fully amortized in April 2014. These decreases were partially offset by higher amortization expense associated with the Delos acquisition which was completed in February 2013, and for which $392,272 was recorded in the 2014 period compared to $326,894 in the 2013 period.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $4,127,294 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $4,113,459 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $13,745 or less than 1%. The decrease was primarily related to lower payroll costs as average headcount decreased 3% to 69 during 2014 as compared to 71 during 2013.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $5,341,178 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $5,477,922 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $136,744, or 2%. Compensation related costs, including sales commissions, totaled $3,815,222 during the 2014 period as compared to $4,170,511 during the 2013 period representing a decrease of $355,289, or 9%. Average headcount totaled 41 during the 2014 period compared to 48 during the 2013 period representing a decrease of 7, or 15%. Channel commissions totaled $440,281 during the 2014 period as compared to $385,049 during the 2013 period representing an increase of $55,232, or 14%. Advertising costs totaled $1,132,845 during the 2014 period as compared to $1,100,353 during the 2013 period representing an increase of $32,492, or 3%. Other costs, including travel, entertainment, dues, and subscriptions totaled $181,843 during the 2014 period as compared to $123,588 during the 2013 period representing an increase of $58,255, or 47%.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $9,767,404 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $10,364,431 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $597,027, or 6%. Payroll costs totaled $3,350,728 during 2014 compared to $3,599,967 during 2013 representing a decrease of $249,239, or 7%. Average headcount totaled 34 during the 2014 period compared to 37 during the 2013 period representing a decrease of 3, or 8%. Stock-based compensation totaled $960,490 during 2014 compared to $1,253,661 during 2013 representing a decrease of $293,171 or 23%. Stock-based compensation can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the timing, quantity and valuation of stock option grants. Facilities expense totaled $408,490 during the 2014 period compared to $654,613 during the 2013 period representing a decrease of $246,123, or 38%. Office expense totaled $495,837 during the 2014 period compared to $582,355 during the 2013 period representing a decrease of $86,518, or 15%. We consolidated our corporate offices from two buildings to one building which has lowered its facilities costs and office expenses. Insurance expense totaled $468,583 during the 2014 period compared to $278,899 during the 2013 period representing an increase of $189,684, or 68%. The increase primarily related to higher workers' compensation premiums. Bad debt expense totaled $322,000 during the 2014 period compared to $85,000 during the 2013 period representing an increase of $237,000, or greater than 100%. Approximately two thirds of the increase related to a temporary link customer and one third related to a shared wireless customer which had paid for fifteen months of service prior to ceasing operations.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net totaled $1,672,846 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $217,741 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $1,455,105, or greater than 100%. The increase related to the $35 million secured term loan which closed in October 2014. Cash and non-cash interest expense in 2014 totaled $591,111 and $877,460, respectively. Non-cash interest expense included payment-in-kind interest, and the amortization of (i) debt issuance costs, and (ii) discounts associated with (a) original issuance pricing and (b) fair value of warrants issued in connection with the financing.
Gain on Business Acquisition. There was no gain on business acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1,004,099 during the year ended December 31, 2013. The gain recognized in the 2013 period related to the acquisition of Delos in February 2013. We were able to acquire the customer relationships and wireless network of Delos at a discounted price as the challenging economic environment during this period made it difficult for smaller companies to raise capital to sustain their growth.
Loss from Continuing Operations . Loss from continuing operations totaled $11,032,610 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $9,072,261 for the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $1,960,349, or 22%. Revenues decreased by $1,956,403 in 2014 which represented 100% of the increased loss. Operating expenses decreased by $2,455, 259 in 2014 but this benefit was offset by interest expense which increased by $1,455,105 in 2014 and the absence of gains on business acquisition which totaled $1,004,099 in 2013.
Discontinued Operations – Shared Wireless
Revenues. Revenues for the Shared Wireless segment totaled $3,099,972 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1,540,700 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $1,559,272 or greater than 100%. The increase was primarily related to a full year of revenues recognized in 2014 under a large cable company customer contract which commenced in July 2013.
Cost of Revenues. Cost of revenues totaled $14,220,122 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $11,980,097 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $2,240,025 or 19%. Rents for street level rooftops for the Shared Wireless segment increased by approximately $2,282,000. The number of street level rooftops for the Shared Wireless segment were approximately 12% higher at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013.
Depreciation. Depreciation totaled $3,957,784 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $3,508,647 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $449,137 or 13%. The base of depreciable assets increased approximately 10% during 2014.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $683,208 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $784,780 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $101,572 or 13%.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $229,013 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $301,578 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $72,565, or 24%.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $568,985 during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $668,626 during the year ended December 31, 2013 representing a decrease of $99,641, or 15%.
Loss from Discontinued Operations. Loss from discontinued operations totaled $16,559,140 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $15,703,028 for the year ended December 31, 2013 representing an increase of $856,112, or 5%. Revenues increased by $1,559, 272 in 2015 but were offset by cost of revenues which increased by $2,240,025 in 2015. The net effect of these two items totaled $680,753 which represented 80% of the increased loss in 2015.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
Continuing Operations – Fixed Wireless
Revenues. Revenues totaled $6,872,342 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $7,030,907 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $158,565, or 2%. The decrease principally related to a 5% decrease in the base of customers billed on a monthly recurring basis.
Customer churn totaled 1.59% during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to 1.76% during the three months ended June 30, 2015. Churn represents the percent of revenue lost on a monthly basis from customers who have cancelled their contract. Effective January 1, 2016, we have modified our methodology to conform to common practice in the telecommunications industry. Revenue adjustments associated with customers who are modifying the (i) amount of their bandwidth or (ii) the pricing terms of their contract will no longer be included in the calculation of customer churn. Customer churn calculated under the previous methodology would have totaled 1.98% and 1.84% for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our goal is to maintain churn levels below industry averages of approximately 2.00%. Churn levels can fluctuate from period to period depending upon whether customers move to a location not serviced by us, go out of business, or a myriad of other reasons.
Infrastructure and Access . Infrastructure and access totaled $2,631,114 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,490,508 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $140,606, or 6%. The increase primarily relates to our tower rental expense.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $3,044,132 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,393,254 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $650,878 or 27%. Depreciation expense totaled $2,626,249 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,295,186 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $331,063, or 14%. The increase primarily related to the transfer of certain assets during the first quarter of 2016 from discontinued operations to continuing operations.
Amortization expense totaled $417,883 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $98,068 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $319,815, or more than 100%. Amortization expense relates to intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and other transactions, and can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of acquisitions and other transactions, the relative amounts of intangible assets recorded, and the amortization periods. The increase related entirely to amortization associated with a transaction with a large cable company which closed in March 2016.
Network Operations . Network operations totaled $1,298,590 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,370,126 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $71,536, or 5%. Payroll costs totaled $785,513 in the 2016 period compared to $745,374 in the 2015 period representing an increase of $40,139, or 5%. Information technology support expenses totaled $231,031 in the 2016 period compared to $267,126 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $36,095 or 14%, as we internally absorbed certain functions that were previously provided by third parties which resulted in a slight increase in headcount. Network support costs totaled $145,743 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $218,591 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $72,848, or 33%. These costs can fluctuate from period to period and the dollar change is not meaningful.
Customer Support.
Customer support totaled $484,664 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $653,534 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $168,870, or 26%. Payroll expense totaled $429,073 during the 2016 period compared to $528,692 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $99,619, or 19%. Average headcount was lower in the 2016 period as we consolidated departments and improved efficiencies. Other customer support costs totaled $55,591 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $124,842 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $69,251 or 55%. This decrease was principally attributable to lower customer troubleshooting costs which can fluctuate from period to period.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $883,961 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,545,366 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $661,405, or 43%. Payroll costs totaled $574,571 during the 2016 period compared to $1,060,490 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $485,919, or 46%. The decrease related to lower headcount in connection with the closing of our sales office in Florida as well as additional sales reductions made at our corporate headquarters in the first quarter of 2016. Advertising expenses totaled $59,562 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $252,971 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $193,409, or 76%. We have significantly reduced its Internet marketing initiatives in connection with its current marketing focus on specific businesses in certain connected buildings rather than marketing broadly to all businesses in a market. Outside commissions totaled $190,165 in the 2016 period compared to $145,995 in the 2015 period representing an increase of $44,170, or 30%. The increase relates almost exclusively to our residual program which pays continuing commissions as long as the referred business is a customer. Other costs totaled $59,663 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $85,910 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $26,247, or 31%. The decrease primarily relates to the reduction in our sales force.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $1,604,542 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,561,775 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $42,767, or 3%. Stock based compensation decreased to $141,805 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $210,923 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $69,118, or 33%. Stock-based compensation can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending on the timing, quantity and valuation of stock option grants. Professional services fees totaled $428,944 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $257,050 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $171,894, or 67%. This increase related primarily to the restructuring of the business during 2016. Corporate travel expenses totaled $14,854 in the 2016 period compared to $87,458 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $72,604, or 83%. The decrease related to the cancellation of the President’s club trip for top performers and lower travel expenses at the executive level. Non-recurring expenses totaled $167,486 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $52,500 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $114,986, or greater than 100%. This increase related primarily to the restructuring of the business during 2016. Non-recurring expenses can vary from period to period depending on the level of activity during a period. Customer related expenses decreased by approximately $69,251 in the 2016 period due to lower bad debt expense and office expenses also decreased by approximately $32,522 compared to the 2015 period due to the closing of our Florida sales office and other staff reductions.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net totaled $1,588,291 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,670,428 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $82,137, or 5%. Interest expense relates to the $35 million secured term loan which closed in October 2014.
Discontinued Operations – Shared Wireless
Revenues . Revenues for the Shared Wireless business totaled zero during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $826,226 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $826,226 or 100%. The decrease related to our decision to exit the business conducted by Hetnets.
Infrastructure and Access. Infrastructure and access totaled zero during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $3,662,021 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $3,662,021, or 100%. The reduction reflects the termination of lease agreements associated with our shared wireless business.
Depreciation. Depreciation totaled zero during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,015,859 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $1,015,859 or 100%. We have terminated business activities associated with our shared wireless business.
Network Operations. Network operations totaled $9,364 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $195,640 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $186,276, or 95%. Certain costs were incurred in the 2016 period related to the termination of the business. The 2015 period primarily related to payroll expenses.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled zero during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $106,134 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $106,134 or 100%. The business was terminated in early March 2016.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled zero during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $43,299 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $43,299, or 100%. The business was terminated in early March 2016.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $58,212 during the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to zero during the three months ended June 30, 2015. The increase reflects professional services fees incurred in the 2016 period for terminating the business.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Continuing Operations – Fixed Wireless
Revenues. Revenues totaled $13,606,432 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $14,203,374 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $596,942, or 4%. The decrease principally related to a 5% decrease in the base of customers billed on a monthly recurring basis.
Infrastructure and Access . Infrastructure and access totaled $5,182,841 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $5,049,484 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $133,357, or 3%. The increase primarily relates to our tower rental expense.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $5,571,778 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $4,741,127 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $830,651 or 18%. Depreciation expense totaled $4,949,222 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $4,544,991 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $404,231, or 9%. The increase primarily related to the transfer of certain assets during the first quarter of 2016 from discontinued operations to continuing operations.
Amortization expense totaled $622,556 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $196,136 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $426,420, or more than 100%. Amortization expense relates to intangible assets recorded in connection with acquisitions and other transactions, and can fluctuate significantly from period to period depending upon the timing of acquisitions and other transactions, the relative amounts of intangible assets recorded, and the amortization periods. The increase related entirely to amortization associated with the TWC transaction which closed in March 2016.
Network Operations . Network operations totaled $2,589,778 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,704,558 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $114,780, or 4%. Payroll costs totaled $1,557,352 in the 2016 period compared to $1,480,384 in the 2015 period representing an increase of $76,968, or 5%. Average headcount was slightly higher in the 2016 period. Information technology support expenses totaled $485,115 in the 2016 period compared to $589,280 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $104,165, or 18%, as we internally absorbed certain functions that were previously provided by third parties. Network support costs totaled $265,150 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $353,202 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $88,052, or 25%. These costs can fluctuate from period to period and the dollar change is not meaningful.
Customer Support. Customer support totaled $1,027,855 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,326,417 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $298,562, or 23%. Payroll expense totaled $845,171 during the 2016 period compared to $1,046,302 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $201,131 or 19%. Average headcount was lower in the 2016 period as we consolidated departments and improved efficiencies. Other customer support costs totaled $182,684 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $280,115 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $97,431 or 35%. This decrease was principally attributable to lower customer troubleshooting costs which can fluctuate from period to period.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $2,378,881 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,876,048 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $497,167, or 17%. Payroll costs totaled $1,541,426 during the 2016 period compared to $1,889,607 during the 2015 period representing a decrease of $348,181, or 18%. The decrease related to lower headcount in connection with the closing of our sales office in Florida as well as additional sales reductions made at our corporate headquarters in the first quarter of 2016. Advertising expenses totaled $242,639 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $532,011 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $289,372 or 54%. We have significantly reduced its Internet marketing initiatives in connection with its current marketing focus on specific businesses in certain connected buildings rather than marketing broadly to all businesses in a market. Outside commissions totaled $396,094 in the 2016 period compared to $273,000 in the 2015 period representing an increase of $123,094, or 45%. The increase relates almost exclusively to our residual program which pays continuing commissions as long as the referred business is a customer. Other costs totaled $198,722 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $181,430 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $17,292, or 10%. The increase primarily relates to a decision to close the sales office in Florida.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $3,584,334 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $3,485,842 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $98,492, or 3%. Payroll costs increased to $1,264,753 in the 2016 period compared to $1,066,080 in the 2015 period representing an increase of $198,673, or 19%. The increase related to severance payments to our former Chief Executive Officer. Professional services fees totaled $839,324 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $656,699 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $182,625, or 28%. This increase related primarily to the restructuring of the business during 2016. Corporate travel expenses totaled $63,707 in the 2016 period compared to $253,689 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $189,982, or 75%. The decrease related to the cancellation of the President’s club trip for top performers and lower travel expenses at the executive level. Customer related expenses decreased by approximately $94,084 in the 2016 period due to lower bad debt expense compared to the 2015 period.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net totaled $3,195,411 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $3,334,692 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $139,281, or 4%. Interest expense relates to the $35 million secured term loan which closed in October 2014.
Loss from Continuing Operations . Loss from continuing operations totaled $9,924,447 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $9,314,794 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $609,653, or 7%. Revenues decreased by $596,942 in the 2016 period which represented 98% of the increased loss.
Discontinued Operations – Shared Wireless
Revenues . Revenues for the Shared Wireless business totaled $553,302 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $1,613,854 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $1,060,552 or 66%. The decrease primarily related to our contract with a major cable company which was terminated in March 2016 resulting in only two months of revenue in the 2016 period compared to six months of revenue in the 2015 period.
Infrastructure and Access. Infrastructure and access totaled $2,523,222 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $7,359,177 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $4,835,955, or 66%. Rent expense for rooftop locations totaled $1,994,858 in the 2016 period compared to $7,182,900 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $5,188,042, or 72%. The reduction reflects the termination of lease agreements associated with our shared wireless business. Loss on fixed assets totaled $528,364 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to zero during the six months ended June 30, 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, we sold certain network infrastructure assets to a major cable company. We determined to shut down the remaining network locations and recognized a loss of $528,364 which represented the net book value of capitalized installation costs as well as equipment which could not be redeployed into the fixed wireless network.
Depreciation. Depreciation totaled $638,681 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $2,047,369 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $1,408,688 or 69%. All business activities associated with the shared wireless business were terminated during the first quarter of 2016.
Network Operations. Network operations totaled $192,947 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $391,034 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $198,087, or 51%. Certain costs were incurred in the 2016 period related to the termination of the business. The 2015 period primarily related to payroll expenses.
Customer Support Services. Customer support services totaled $69,804 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $188,446 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $118,642 or 63%. The business was terminated in early March 2016.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses totaled $246 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $86,911 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $86,665, or 100%. The decrease reflects a lack of sales and marketing efforts prior to terminating the business in March 2016.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $105,545 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to zero during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase reflects professional services fees incurred in the 2016 period for terminating the business.
Loss from Discontinued Operations. Loss from discontinued operations for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $1,799,401 compared to $8,459,083 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $6,659,682, or 79%. Infrastructure and access costs decreased by $4,835,955 and depreciation decreased by $1,408,688 representing 94% of the decrease. Gain on sale of assets increased by $1,177,742 representing 18% of the decrease.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Changes in capital resources during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are described below.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $15.1 million and working capital of approximately $13.5 million. We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and continues to generate losses from operations and as of December 31, 2015, we have an accumulated deficit of $156.2 million. As of June 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $10.0 million and working capital of approximately $4.5 million. We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and continues to generate losses from operations and as of June 30, 2016, we has an accumulated deficit of $167.9 million. These matters raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Historically, we have financed our operation through private and public placement of equity securities, as well as debt financing and capital leases. Our ability to fund our longer term cash requirements is subject to multiple risks, many of which are beyond its control. We intend to raise additional capital, either through debt or equity financings or through the potential sale of our assets in order to achieve its business plan objectives. Management believes that it can be successful in obtaining additional capital; however, no assurance can be provided that we will be able to do so. There is no assurance that any funds raised will be sufficient to enable us to attain profitable operations or continue as a going concern. To the extent that we are unsuccessful, we may need to curtail or cease its operations and implement a plan to extend payables or reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful.
On July 7, 2016 and as more fully described elsewhere in this document, we raised $1,250,000 in a private placement offering of convertible preferred stock and warrants.
Continuing Operations
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2015 to 2014
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities . Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $4,357,230 compared to $54,087 for the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $4,303,143. Revenues generated from continuing operations decreased to $27,905,023 in 2015 from $29,936,181 in 2014, representing a decrease of $2,031,158 which adversely impacted cash flows available to support operating activities.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities . Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $6,495,881 compared to $4,818,162 for the year ended December 31, 2014 representing an increase of $1,677,719. Cash capital expenditures from continuing operations increased to $6,487,040 in the 2015 period from $5,086,298 in the 2014 period representing an increase of $1,400,742, or 28%. Capital expenditures can fluctuate from period to period depending upon the number of customer additions and upgrades, network construction activity related to increasing capacity or coverage, and other related reasons. In addition, we received an incentive payment of $380,000 in the 2014 period from our landlord in connection with entering a new lease agreement for our corporate offices. These funds were used to pay for qualified leasehold improvements to the facility.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities . Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $973,819 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $30,295,862 for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing a decrease of $31,269,681. We received net proceeds of $31,056,260 in the fourth quarter of 2014 in connection with a debt financing.
Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $3,861,319 compared to $1,410,283 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing an increase of $2,451,036. Revenues generated from continuing operations were $596,942 lower in the 2016 period which adversely impacted cash flows available to support operating activities. Cash operating expenses incurred from continuing operations were $485,450 lower in the 2016 period which positively impacted cash flows available to support operating activities.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $1,160,400 compared to $3,835,233 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $2,674,833. Cash capital expenditures totaled $1,160,400 in the 2016 period compared to $3,827,552 in the 2015 period representing a decrease of $2,667,152. We were able to redeploy certain equipment from its discontinued operations to support its continuing operations, thereby lowering capital expenditures in the 2016 period. Capital expenditures can fluctuate from period to period depending upon the number of customer additions and upgrades, network construction activity related to increasing capacity or coverage, and other related reasons.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities . Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $1,754,706 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $477,819 for the six months ended June 30, 2015, representing an increase of $2,232,346. During the 2016 period, we completed an equity offering which resulted in net proceeds of $2,230,000.
Discontinued Operations
Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2015 to 2014
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities . Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $10,896,524 compared to $13,359,041 for the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $2,462,517. Operating activities for the discontinued business were terminated in March 2016 which resulted in lower cash requirements for the 2016 period.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $187,524 compared to $2,218,594 for the year ended December 31, 2014 representing a decrease of $2,031,070. Cash capital expenditures from discontinued operations decreased to $240,248 in 2015 from $2,220,644 in the 2014 period.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities . There were no financing activities during either period.
Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $1,872,023 compared to $6,015,462 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a decrease of $4,143,439. Operating activities for the discontinued business were terminated in March 2016 which resulted in lower cash requirements for the 2016 period.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled zero compared to net cash used of $174,693 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 representing a change of $174,693. Cash capital expenditures totaled $174,693 in the 2015 period compared to zero in the 2016 period which reflected our decision to exit the shared wireless infrastructure business.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities . There were no financing activities during either period.
In January 2013, we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage our fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. We referred to this as our “shared wireless infrastructure” or “shared wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in our smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York , was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, we explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. On March 9, 2016, we completed a sale and transfer of certain assets pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with a large cable company (the "Buyer"). Under the terms of the Agreement , the Buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the Wi-Fi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. We retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment , and the parties entered into an agreement under which we provide backhaul services to the Buyer . The agreement is for a three-year period with two, one year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty days’ notice. During the first quarter of 2016, we determined that we would not be able to sell the remainder of the New York City network, and accordingly, all remaining assets are being redeployed into the fixed wireless network or written off. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operating results for all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other Considerations
Debt Financing . In October 2014, we entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Melody Business Finance, LLC (the “Lender”). The Lender provided us with a five-year $35 million secured term loan (the “Financing”). The Financing was issued at a 3% discount and we incurred $2,893,739 in debt issuance costs. Net proceeds were $31,056,260.
The loan bears interest at a rate equal to: a) the greater of 8% or one month LIBOR as in effect on each payment date plus 7%; plus b) deferred interest that accrues at 4% per annum. Those amounts are currently 8% and 4%, respectively.
The aggregate principal amount outstanding plus all accrued and unpaid interest is due in October 2019. We have the option of making principal payments (i) on or before October 16, 2016 (the “Second Anniversary”) but only for the full amount outstanding and (ii) after the Second Anniversary in minimum amount(s) of $5 million.
In connection with the Loan Agreement and pursuant to a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement, we issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 3.6 million shares of common stock of which two-thirds have an exercise price of $1.26 and one-third have an exercise price of $0.01, subject to standard anti-dilution provisions. The Warrants have a term of seven and a half years. Shares of common stock underlying the Warrants were included in a registration statement that was filed on July 15, 2016.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments as of June 30, 2016:
Payments due by period |
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Total |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
Thereafter |
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Operating leases |
$ | 24,109,095 | $ | 7,450,265 | $ | 8,829,245 | $ | 4,389,155 | $ | 2,721,992 | $ | 623,067 | $ | 95,371 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
37,495,804 | - | - | - | 37,495,804 | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Capital leases |
1,532,174 | 550,567 | 837,811 | 143,796 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 63,137,073 | $ | 8,000,832 | $ | 9,667,056 | $ | 4,532,951 | $ | 40,217,796 | $ | 623,067 | $ | 95,371 |
Operating Leases. We have entered into operating leases related to roof rights, cellular towers, office space, and equipment leases under various non-cancelable agreements expiring through April 2025. Certain of these operating leases include extensions, at our option, for additional terms ranging from one to twenty-five years. Amounts associated with the extension periods have not been included in the table above as it is not presently determinable which options, if any, we will elect to exercise.
Long-Term Debt . We have entered into a loan agreement with Melody Business Finance, LLC. The $35 million term loan becomes due in October 2019. Accrued PIK interest totaled $2,495,804 as of June 30, 2016.
Capital Lease. We have entered into capital leases to acquire property and equipment expiring through June 2018.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities known as ‘‘Special Purposes Entities.”
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Rate Risk
Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Our primary market risk relates to interest rates. At December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016, all cash and cash equivalents were immediately available cash balances. A portion of our cash and cash equivalents were held in institutional money market funds.
Interest Rate Risk
Our interest rate risk exposure is to a decline in interest rates which would result in a decline in interest income. Due to our current market yields, a further decline in interest rates would not have a material impact on earnings.
BUSINESS
Towerstream Corporation (“Towerstream”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company”) is primarily a provider of fixed wireless services to businesses in twelve major urban markets across the U.S.
During its first decade of operations, the Company's business activities were focused on delivering fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. The Company's fixed wireless service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks, disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. The Company provides services to business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. The Company's "Fixed Wireless Services Business" ("Fixed Wireless" or "FW") has historically grown both organically and through the acquisition of five other fixed wireless broadband providers in various markets.
The Company's traditional fixed wireless business delivers high volume broadband to clients through a radio receiver/transmitter on each client’s building which is dedicated solely to the Company’s clients in such building. Beginning in the first half of 2014, the Company shifted its sales and marketing strategy to focus on its fixed wireless On-Net platform which allows one radio receiver/transmitter to service multiple clients per building. Under its On-Net platform, the Company is able to connect, or “light”, the entire building at once and at a cost similar to what was traditionally required for one high bandwidth customer requiring point-to-point equipment. This can be accomplished, in part, because the capabilities of the equipment installed by the Company have improved even as the cost has decreased. As a result, Towerstream is able to leverage the initial installation cost to serve the entire building tenant base. In place of a wireless install for every single customer, Towerstream now only has to install the wireless portion of the install once. Subsequent customers are connected by simply running a wire to the common space in the building where the wireless service terminates. Additionally, instead of having multiple antennas on both the customer building and the Points-of-Presence (“PoP” or “Company Locations”), there generally needs to be only one antenna on each location.
Currently Towerstream is offering 20M, 50M, 100M and up to 1000M bandwidth denominations. This unique portfolio of bandwidth services is able to go up and down existing markets from small business to fortune 500 companies.
In January 2013, we incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage our fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. We referred to this as our “shared wireless infrastructure” or “shared wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in our smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York, was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, we explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. On March 9, 2016, we completed a sale and transfer of certain assets to a large cable company. Under the terms of the agreement, the buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the Wi-Fi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. We retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment, and the parties entered into an agreement under which we provide backhaul services to the buyer. The agreement is for a three-year period with two, one year renewals and is cancellable by the buyer on sixty days’ notice. During the first quarter of 2016, we determined that we would not be able to sell the remainder of the New York City network, and accordingly, all remaining assets are being redeployed into the fixed wireless network or written off.
We realized substantial write-downs from discontinued operations related to the sale of the shared wireless business which impacted stockholders equity in the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016. However, on August 9, 2016, the Company reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 which included:
a) |
Sales of $6.9 million, an increase over the $6.7 million reported for the preceding quarter and the first time the Company reported quarter-over-quarter growth since late 2013; |
b) |
A 48% increase in its On-Net customer base compared to the preceding quarter; |
c) |
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $6.9 million, a reduction compared to the $7.9 million reported for the preceding quarter; |
d) |
Positive Adjusted EBITDA* of $414 thousand representing almost a $1.0 million upswing compared to the preceding quarter; and |
e) |
Cash burn of $1.9 million, a significant reduction compared to the $5.5 million reported for the preceding quarter. |
f) |
A total of 267 buildings "On Net" as of June 30, 2016 and sufficient equipment inventory on hand to bring an additional 300 buildings “On-Net” at significantly reduced capital expenditure costs compared to previous installations. |
* Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measurement, represents income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation and non-recurring income and expense amounts. This amount was computed by starting with the $3,075 thousand loss reported on a GAAP basis for the quarter ended June 30, 2106 and then adding back $3,044 thousand in depreciation and amortization, $322 thousand in non-recurring expenses, $142 thousand in stock-based compensation, and $4 thousand in other expenses and then subtracting $23 thousand in deferred rent resulting in $414 thousand in Adjusted EBITDA.
Our Networks
The foundation of our networks consist of Points of Presence (or "PoPs" or "Company Locations") which are generally located on very tall buildings in each urban market. We enter into long term lease agreements with the owners of these buildings which provide us with the right to install communications equipment on the rooftop. We deploy this equipment in order to connect customers to the Internet or to pass small cell signals to carriers and other service providers. Each PoP is "linked" to one or more other PoPs to enhance redundancy and ensure that there is no single point of failure in the network. One or more of our PoPs are located in buildings where national Internet service providers such as Cogent or Level 3 are located, and we enter into IP transit or peering arrangements with these organizations in order to connect to the Internet. We refer to the core connectivity of all of our PoPs as a “Wireless Ring in the Sky.” Each PoP has a coverage area averaging approximately six miles although the distance can be affected by numerous factors, most significantly, how clear the line of sight is between the PoP and a customer location. Our Points of Presence are utilized by both our Fixed Wireless and Shared Wireless Infrastructure segments.
We install additional equipment at other locations for each of our business segments. We install equipment on the rooftops of the buildings in which our fixed wireless segment customers operate and refer to these as "Customer Locations". This equipment includes receivers and antennas, and a wireless connection is established between the Customer Location to one or more of our PoPs. This equipment enables us to operate our Wi-Fi network which we own and control, as well as equipment to backhaul data traffic off of the rooftop to our core network. We expect that customers that want to utilize our street level rooftops to deploy small cell technologies will bring their own equipment and connect it to our network.
Our network does not depend on traditional copper wire or fiber connections which are the backbone of many of our competitors' networks. We believe this provides us with an advantage because we may not be significantly affected by events such as natural disasters and power outages. Conversely, our competitors are at greater risk as copper and fiber connections are typically installed at or below ground level and more susceptible to network service issues during disasters and outages.
Markets
We launched our fixed wireless business in April 2001 in the Boston and Providence markets. In June 2003, we launched service in New York City and followed that with our entry into the Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth markets at various times through April 2008. Philadelphia was our last market launch in November 2009. We entered the Seattle, Las Vegas-Reno, and Houston markets through acquisitions of service providers based in those markets. We also expanded our market coverage and presence in Boston, Providence, and Los Angeles through acquisitions. Our acquisitions include (i) Sparkplug Chicago, Inc., operating in Chicago, Illinois, (ii) Pipeline Wireless, LLC, operating in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island, (iii) One Velocity, Inc., operating in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada (iv) Color Broadband Communications, Inc. (“Color Broadband”), operating in Los Angeles, California, and (v) Delos Internet, operating in Houston, Texas which we completed in February 2013.
We determine which geographic markets to enter by assessing criteria in four broad categories. First, we evaluate our ability to deploy our service in a given market after taking into consideration our spectrum position, the availability of towers and zoning constraints. Second, we assess the market by evaluating the number of competitors, existing price points, demographic characteristics and distribution channels. Third, we evaluate the economic potential of the market, focusing on our forecasts of revenue opportunities and capital requirements. Finally, we look at market clustering opportunities and other cost efficiencies that might be realized. Based on this approach, as of March 31, 2016, we offered wireless broadband connectivity in 12 markets, of which 10 are in the top 20 metropolitan areas in the United States based on the number of small to medium businesses in each market. These 10 markets cover approximately 50% of small and medium businesses (5 to 249 employees) in the United States.
We believe there are market opportunities beyond the 12 markets in which we are currently offering our services. Our long-term plan is to expand nationally into other top metropolitan markets in the United States. We believe that acquisitions represent a more cost effective manner to expand into new markets rather than to build our own infrastructure. Since 2010, we have completed five acquisitions, of which two were in new markets and three expanded our presence in existing markets. We have paid for these acquisitions through a combination of cash and equity, and believe that future acquisitions will be paid in a similar manner. Our decision to expand into new markets will depend upon many factors including the timing and frequency of acquisitions, national and local economic conditions, and the opportunity to leverage existing customer relationships in new markets.
Sales and Marketing
We employ an inside direct sales force model to sell our services to business customers. As of September 14, 2016, we employed 15 direct sales people. We generally compensate these employees on a salary plus commission basis. Approximately 44% of our sales personnel had been with the Company for more than two years as of December 31, 2015, as compared to 66% and 56% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Approximately 100% of our sales personnel had been with the Company for more than two years as of June, 2016, as compared to 75% as of June 30, 2015. This tenure metric can fluctuate from period to period, especially because the size of the direct sales force is relatively small. The Company believes that a tenure metric between 60% to 75% constitutes an experienced sales force.
In March 2015, we opened a second sales center in Boca Raton, Florida where a number of telecommunications and call center companies are based. As of December 31, 2015 we employed a total of 20 direct sales people in that facility. In connection with consolidation and cost savings measures, we closed this facility in March 2016.
We continued to spend significantly on Internet based marketing initiatives designed to capture customer demand rather than trying to create customer demand. Most companies secure their bandwidth service under contracts ranging in length from one to three years. As a result, customer buying decisions generally occur when their existing contracts are close to expiring. We believe that many buyers of information technology services search the Internet to learn about industry trends and developments, as well as competitive service offerings. Spending on Internet based marketing initiatives totaled $758,750, $953,459, and $1,030,916 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively, and $126,500 and $379,250 during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Sales through indirect channels comprised 34% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared with 23% for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 20% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Sales through indirect channels comprised 29% of our total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared with 32% for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Our channel program provides for recurring monthly residual payments ranging from 8% to 20%.
Competition
The market for broadband services is highly competitive, and includes companies that offer a variety of services using a number of different technology platforms including cable networks, digital subscriber lines (“DSL”), third-generation cellular, satellite, wireless Internet service and other emerging technologies. We compete with these companies on the basis of the portability, ease of use, speed of installation and price. Competitors to our wireless broadband services include:
Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers
We face competition from traditional wireline operators in terms of price, performance, discounted rates for bundles of services, breadth of service, reliability, network security, and ease of access and use. In particular, we face competition from Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. which are referred to as “incumbent local exchange carriers,” or (“ILECS”), as well as “competitive local exchange carriers,” or (“CLECS”), such as TelePacific Communications, MegaPath Networks, and EarthLink, Inc.
Cable Modem and DSL Services
We compete with companies that provide Internet connectivity through cable modems or DSL. Principal competitors include cable companies, such as Comcast Corporation, Time Warner Cable, Charter, Cox Communications and incumbent telephone companies, such as AT&T Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc. Both the cable and telephone companies deploy their services over wired networks initially designed for voice and one-way data transmission that have subsequently been upgraded to provide for additional two-way voice, video and broadband services.
Cellular and CMRS Services
Cellular and other Commercial Mobile Radio Service (“CMRS”) carriers are seeking to expand their capacity to provide data and voice services that are superior to ours. These providers have substantially broader geographic coverage than we have and, for the foreseeable future, than we expect to have. If one or more of these providers can deploy technologies that compete effectively with our services, the mobility and coverage offered by these carriers will provide even greater competition than we currently face. Moreover, more advanced cellular and CMRS technologies, such as fourth generation Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) mobile technologies, currently offer broadband service with packet data transfer speeds of up to 2,000,000 bits per second for fixed applications, and slower speeds for mobile applications. We expect that LTE technology will be improved to increase connectivity speeds to make it more suitable for a range of advanced applications.
Wireless Broadband Service Providers
We also face competition from other wireless broadband service providers that use licensed and unlicensed spectrum. In connection with our merger and acquisition activities, we have determined that most of our current and planned markets already have one or more locally based companies providing wireless broadband Internet services. In addition, many local governments, universities and other related entities are providing or subsidizing Wi-Fi networks over unlicensed spectrum, in some cases at no cost to the user. There exist numerous small urban and rural wireless operations offering local services that could compete with us in our present or planned geographic markets.
Satellite
Satellite providers, such as WildBlue Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC, offer broadband data services that address a niche market, mainly less densely populated areas that are unserved or underserved by competing service providers. Although satellite offers service to a large geographic area, latency caused by the time it takes for the signal to travel to and from the satellite may challenge a satellite provider’s ability to provide some services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”), which reduces the size of the addressable market.
Other
We believe other emerging technologies may also seek to enter the broadband services market. For example, we are aware that several power generation and distribution companies are seeking to develop or have already offered commercial broadband Internet services over existing electric power lines.
Competitive Strengths
Even though we face substantial existing and prospective competition, we believe that we have a number of competitive advantages that allow us to retain existing customers and attract new customers over time.
Reliability
Our network was designed specifically to support wireless broadband services. The networks of cellular, cable and DSL companies rely on infrastructure that was originally designed for non-broadband purposes. We also connect our customers to our Wireless Ring in the Sky which has no single point of failure. This ring is fed by multiple national Internet providers located at opposite ends of our service cities and connected to our national ring which is fed by multiple leading carriers. We believe that we are the only wireless broadband provider that offers true separate egress for true redundancy. With DSL and cable offerings, the wireline connection can be terminated by one backhoe swipe or switch failure. Our Wireless Ring in the Sky is not likely to be affected by backhoe or other below-ground accidents or severe weather. As a result, our network has historically experienced reliability rates of approximately 99%.
Flexibility
Our wireless infrastructure and service delivery enables us to respond quickly to changes in a customer’s broadband requirements. We offer bandwidth options ranging from 0.5 megabits per second up to 1.5 gigabit per second. We can usually adjust a customer’s bandwidth remotely and without having to visit the customer location to modify or install new equipment. Changes can often be made on a same day basis.
Timeliness
We have demonstrated the capability to install a new customer and begin delivering Internet connectivity within 3 to 5 business days after receiving a customer’s order. Many of the larger telecommunications companies can take 30 to 60 days to complete an installation. The timeliness of service delivery has become more important as businesses conduct more of their business operations through the Internet.
Value
We own our entire network which enables us to price our services lower than most of our competitors. Specifically, we are able to offer competitive prices because we do not have to buy a local loop charge from the telephone company.
Efficient Economic Model
We believe our economic model is characterized by low fixed capital and operating expenditures relative to other wireless and wireline broadband service providers. We own our entire network which eliminates costs involved with using leased lines owned by telephone or cable companies. Our network is modular. Coverage is directly related to various factors including the height of the facility we are on and the frequencies we utilize. The average area covered by a PoP is a six-mile radius.
Regulatory Matters
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”), and the regulations and policies of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) impact significant aspects of our wireless Internet service business which is also subject to other regulation by federal, state and local authorities under applicable laws and regulations.
Spectrum Regulation
We provide wireless broadband Internet access services using both licensed and unlicensed fixed point-to-point systems. The FCC has jurisdiction over the management and licensing of the electromagnetic spectrum for all commercial users. The FCC routinely reviews its spectrum policies and may change its position on spectrum use and allocations from time to time. We believe that the FCC is committed to allocating spectrum to support wireless broadband deployment throughout the United States and will continue to modify its regulations to foster such deployment, which will help us implement our existing and future business plans.
Broadband Internet Service Regulation
Our wireless broadband network can be used to provide Internet access service and Virtual Private Networks (“VPNs”). Our broadband Internet services have traditionally not been subject to many of the regulatory requirements imposed on wireless and wireline telecommunications service providers. Our wireless broadband Internet services are, however, subject to a number of federal regulatory requirements, including but not limited to, the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (“CALEA”) requirement that high-speed Internet service providers implement certain network capabilities to assist law enforcement in conducting surveillance of persons suspected of criminal activity.
On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted an Open Internet order in which fixed and mobile broadband services were reclassified as a telecommunications services governed by Title II of the Communications Act. This reclassification includes forbearance from applying many sections of the Communications Act and the FCC’s rules to broadband service providers. The Open Internet order also adopted rules prohibiting broadband service providers from: (1) blocking access to legal content, applications, services or non-harmful devices; (2) impairing or degrading lawful Internet traffic on the basis, content, applications or services; or (3) favoring certain Internet traffic over other traffic in exchange for consideration.
In addition, Internet service providers are subject to a wide range of other federal regulations and statutes including, for example, regulations and policies relating to consumer protection, consumer privacy, and copyright protections. States and local government authorities may also regulate limited aspects of our business by, for example, imposing consumer protection and consumer privacy regulations, zoning requirements, and requiring installation permits.
Zoning and Permitting Issues
States and local governments have the right to regulate the siting and permitting of Towerstream's antennas and equipment used to provide broadband service over Wi-Fi and small cell technologies. State and local regulation over the siting of wireless facilities can be time-consuming, require burdensome documentation, and involve per site fees, which may have a limiting effect on Towerstream's broadband business that depends on placing and operating wireless antennas and related equipment. In October 2014, the FCC adopted an order addressing the delays and burdens that wireless broadband providers may experience due to state and local siting and permitting regulations, and, among other decisions, clarified that if a state or local government fails to act on eligible modification requests within a prescribed time frame, the request will ultimately be “deemed granted” by the Commission. This decision and the other rules adopted in the October order may ultimately facilitate Towerstream's deployment and modification of Wi-Fi and small cell antennas and equipment, which may be beneficial to its broadband business.
FAA Interference Issue
In August 2013, the FCC released a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture ("NAL") alleging that Towerstream caused harmful interference to doppler weather radar systems in New York and Florida, and proposing a $202,000 fine for the alleged rule violations. On July 28, 2016, the FCC and Towerstream entered into a consent decree in which both parties agreed to settle a dispute over interference to the doppler weather radar systems. Towerstream agreed to pay a civil penalty of $40,000 — reduced from $202,000 — to settle the dispute and close the investigation. Towerstream also agreed to a three-year compliance plan and shall be responsible for paying the entire $202,000 should it be found to have caused interference to doppler weather radar systems prior to July 2019.
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we may be subject to penalties, both monetary and non-monetary, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, including regulation by the FCC, which risks are more fully described under the heading “Risk Factors.”
Rights Plan
In November 2010, we adopted a rights plan (the “Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend distribution of twenty preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock as of the record date on November 24, 2010. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the registered holder to purchase one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per shares of the Company at a purchase price of $18.00 per one-hundredth (1/100th) of a share of the Series A Preferred Stock, subject to certain adjustments. The rights will generally separate from the common stock and become exercisable if any person or group acquires or announces a tender offer to acquire 15% or more of our outstanding common stock without the consent of our Board of Directors. Because the rights may substantially dilute the stock ownership of a person or group attempting to take us over without the approval of our Board of Directors, our Rights Plan could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us (or a significant percentage of our outstanding capital stock) without first negotiating with our Board of Directors. In addition, we are governed by provisions of Delaware law that may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us.
The provisions in our charter, bylaws, Rights Plan and under Delaware law related to the foregoing could discourage takeover attempts that our stockholders would otherwise favor, or otherwise reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for our common stock in the future.
Employees
As of September 14, 2016, we had 106 employees, of whom 103 were full-time employees and 2 were part-time employees. We believe our employee relations are good. Two employees are considered members of executive management.
Corporate History
We were organized in the State of Nevada in June 2005. In January 2007, we merged with and into a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary for the sole purpose of changing our state of incorporation to Delaware. In January 2007, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours merged with and into a private company formed in 1999, Towerstream Corporation, with Towerstream Corporation being the surviving company. Upon closing of the merger, we discontinued our former business and succeeded to the business of Towerstream Corporation as our sole line of business. At the same time, we also changed our name to Towerstream Corporation and our subsidiary, Towerstream Corporation, changed its name to Towerstream I, Inc.
Properties
We do not own any real property.
Our executive offices are located at 88 Silva Lane in Middletown, Rhode Island, where we lease approximately 29,000 square feet of space. The majority of our employees work at this location including our finance and administrative, engineering, information technology, customer care and retention, and sales and marketing personnel. Rent payments totaled approximately $371,036 in 2015 and escalate by 3% annually reaching $416,970 for 2019. Our lease expires on December 31, 2019 with an option to renew for an additional five-year term through December 31, 2024.
In December 2014, the Company entered into a new lease agreement in Florida which includes 3,542 square feet for office space for a second sales center. The lease commenced in February 2015 for 38 months with an option to renew for an additional 60 month period. Rent payments totaled approximately $40,731 in 2015 and escalate by 3% annually.
Legal Proceedings
We anticipate that we will from time to time become subject to claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not feasible to predict the outcome of any such proceedings and we cannot assure that their ultimate disposition will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. The Company is not currently a party to any material pending legal proceedings, nor is the Company aware of any civil proceeding or government authority contemplating any legal proceeding as of the date of this filing.
MANAGEMENT
Board of Directors
Name |
Age |
Position |
Philip Urso |
57 |
Interim Chief Executive Officer* and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Howard L. Haronian, M.D. (1)(2)(3) |
54 |
Director |
Paul Koehler (1)(3) |
56 |
Director |
William J. Bush (1)(2) |
50 |
Director |
(1) Member of our Audit Committee.
(2) Member of our Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of our Nominating Committee.
* Effective February 16, 2016 appointed interim officer, at which time independent director status ceased.
The biographies below include information related to service by the persons below to Towerstream Corporation and our subsidiaries, Towerstream I, Inc. and Hetnets Tower Corporation.
Philip Urso co-founded Towerstream I, Inc. in December 1999. In February 2016, the Company appointed Mr. Urso interim chief executive officer. Prior to his appointment to interim chief executive officer, Mr. Urso had served as a director and chairman since inception and as chief executive officer from inception until November 2005. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Mr. Urso has been our chairman and a director. In 1995, Mr. Urso co-founded eFortress and served as its president through 1999. From 1983 until 1997, Mr. Urso owned and operated a group of radio stations. In addition, Mr. Urso co-founded the regional cell-tower company, MCF Communications, Inc. Mr. Urso was appointed to the Board due to his significant experience in the wireless broadband and tower industries, his familiarity with the Company, as well as his extensive business management expertise.
Howard L. Haronian, M.D., has served as a director of Towerstream I, Inc. since inception in December 1999. Since becoming a public entity in January 2007, Dr. Haronian has been a director of the Company. Dr. Haronian is an interventional cardiologist and has been president of Cardiology Specialists, Ltd. of Rhode Island since 1994. Dr. Haronian has served on the clinical faculty of the Yale School of Medicine since 1994. Dr. Haronian graduated from the Yale School of Management Program for Physicians in 1999. Dr. Haronian has directed the Cardiac Catheterization program at The Westerly Hospital since founding the program in 2003. Dr. Haronian was appointed to the Board due to his extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations since its founding and his executive level experience at other organizations.
Paul Koehler has been a director of the Company since January 2007. Mr. Koehler has over 25 years of business experience in ethanol and renewable electricity industries. At Pacific Ethanol, Mr. Koehler has led the grain and co-product division since 2011 and corporate development since joining the company in 2005. Prior to joining Pacific Ethanol, he served as Director of Business Development for PPM Energy, Inc., leading PPM's efforts to develop and acquire several wind power projects. Mr. Koehler was also a co-founder of ReEnergy, one of the companies acquired by Pacific Ethanol. Paul also has worked for Portland General Electric and Enron in electricity trading, marketing, and commodity risk management. Mr. Koehler has a BA from the Honors College at the University of Oregon. Mr. Koehler was appointed to the Board due to his executive level experience at other organizations.
William J. Bush has been a director of the Company since January 2007. Since January 2010, Mr. Bush has served as the chief financial officer of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., which is one of the nation’s leading financiers, designers and installers of commercial and government grid-connected solar electric power systems. From October 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Bush served as the chief financial officer of Solar Semiconductor, Ltd., a private vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of quality photovoltaic modules and systems targeted for use in industrial, commercial and residential applications with operations in India helping it reach $100 million in sales in its first 15 months of operation. Prior to that, Mr. Bush served as chief financial officer and corporate controller for a number of high growth software and online media companies as well as being one of the founding members of Buzzsaw.com, Inc., a spinoff of Autodesk, Inc. Prior to his work at Buzzsaw.com, Mr. Bush served as corporate controller for Autodesk, Inc. (NasdaqGM: ADSK), the fourth largest software applications company in the world. His prior experience includes seven years in public accounting with Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Bush holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from U.C. Berkeley and is a certified public accountant. Mr. Bush was appointed to the Board because he has significant experience in finance.
Advisory Board
In January 2016, the Company appointed Ernest Ortega to its Board of Advisors. Mr. Ortega is the current Senior Vice President of Sales North America at Colt Technology Services, responsible for all North American sales initiatives. He was previously Chief Revenue Officer at Cogent Communications and prior to that served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at XO Communications. The Company pays Mr. Ortega annual compensation of $20,000 and an annual grant of options to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock. In September 2016 the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Ortega pursuant to which he receives monthly compensation of $12,000 and monthly grants of options to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock. The consulting agreement shall terminate on December 31, 2016.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s executive officers.
Name |
Age |
Position |
Philip Urso |
57 |
Interim Chief Executive Officer* and Chairman of the Board of Directors |
Arthur G. Giftakis |
50 |
Chief Operating Officer |
Frederick Larcombe |
60 |
Chief Financial Officer |
The following is a brief summary of the background of each of our executive officers.
Philip Urso . Biographical information regarding Mr. Urso is provided above under Board of Directors.
Arthur G. Giftaki s has served as our Chief Operating Officer since February 2016. Prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Giftakis served as the Company’s senior vice president of engineering and operations since January 2014 and as vice president of engineering and operations since 2003. Prior to his position with the Company, Mr. Giftakis served as the director of sales engineering at Sockeye Networks and Navisite. In addition, Mr. Giftakis was the director of data communications at Bell Atlantic for ten years.
Frederick Larcombe has served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 2016. He has been a principal of Your CFO Solution, a group of seasoned financial professionals since 2008, and has provided senior financial leadership services on an outsourced basis to several companies in various industries during that period. He has served as Chief Financial Officer of Rittenhouse Foods, Inc. (a private food distribution company) from 2015 to the present and as Chief Financial Officer of InterCore, Inc. (OTCPink: ICOR) (a publicly-held developer of software to monitor driver fatigue) from 2010 to the present. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Taft & Partners, LP (a professional services firm) from 2012 to 2016 and as Chief Financial Officer of iBio, Inc. (NYSE: IBIO) (a publicly-held biopharmaceutical company) from 2009 to 2011. Mr. Larcombe began his career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Larcombe received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Seton Hall University, was designated a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey (currently inactive), and is an alumnus of the Executive Development Program at Harvard Business School.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
Our Audit Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing our risk management processes on behalf of our Board. The Audit Committee receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors, legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our Company’s assessment of risks. In addition, the Audit Committee reports regularly to the full Board which also considers our risk profile. The Audit Committee and the full Board focus on the most significant risks facing our Company and our Company’s general risk management strategy, and also ensure that risks undertaken by our Company are consistent with the Board’s tolerance for risk. While the Board oversees our Company’s risk management, management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities is the most effective approach to address the risks facing our Company.
Directorships
Except as otherwise reported above, none of our directors held directorships in other reporting companies or registered investment companies at any time during the past five years.
Family Relationships
Except for Howard L. Haronian, M.D. and Philip Urso, who are cousins, there are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, during the last ten years, none of our directors and executive officers (including those of our subsidiaries) has:
|
● |
Had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time. |
|
● |
Been convicted in a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses. |
|
● |
Been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities. |
|
● |
Been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated. |
|
● |
Been the subject to, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity, or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
There are no material proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate, any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities, or any associate of any such director, officer, affiliate, or security holder is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to the Company.
Independence of the Board and Board Committees
Each of William J. Bush, Howard L. Haronian, M.D., Paul Koehler and are independent directors, as provided in NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
Since January 2007, the standing committees of our Board consist of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee. Each member of our committees is “independent” as such term is defined under and required by the federal securities laws and the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The charters of each of the committees have been approved by our Board and are available on our website at www.towerstream.com .
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is comprised of three directors: William J. Bush, Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Mr. Bush is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Audit Committee’s duties include recommending to our Board the engagement of independent auditors to audit our financial statements and to review our accounting and auditing principles. The Audit Committee reviews the scope, timing and fees for the annual audit and the results of audit examinations performed by independent public accountants, including their recommendations to improve our system of accounting and our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee oversees the independent auditors, including their independence and objectivity. However, the committee members are not acting as professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or substitute for the activities of management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee is empowered to retain independent legal counsel and other advisors as it deems necessary or appropriate to assist the Audit Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities, and to approve the fees and other retention terms of the advisors. Each of our Audit Committee members possesses an understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles. The Board has determined that Mr. Bush is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. The designation of Mr. Bush as an “audit committee financial expert” will not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of our Audit Committee and Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” will not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit Committee or Board.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and William J. Bush. Dr. Haronian is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met 4 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Compensation Committee has certain duties and powers as described in its charter, including but not limited to, periodically reviewing and approving our salary and benefits policies, compensation of executive officers, administering our stock option plans and recommending and approving grants of stock options under such plans.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our Compensation Committee is a current or former officer or employee of our Company. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is comprised of two directors: Howard L. Haronian, M.D., and Paul Koehler. Dr. Haronian is Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee met 2 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Nominating Committee considers and makes recommendations on matters related to the practices, policies and procedures of the Board and takes a leadership role in shaping our corporate governance. As part of its duties, the Nominating Committee assesses the size, structure and composition of the Board and its committees, and coordinates the evaluation of Board performance. The Nominating Committee also acts as a screening and nominating committee for candidates considered for election to the Board.
Changes in Nominating Process
There are no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our Board.
Code of Ethics
Our Board has adopted a code of ethics and business conduct that establishes the standards of ethical conduct applicable to all directors, officers and employees of the Company. The code of ethics and business conduct addresses, among other things, conflicts of interest, compliance with disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting, corporate opportunities and confidentiality requirements. The Audit Committee is responsible for applying and interpreting our code of ethics and business conduct in situations where questions are presented to it. Our code of ethics and business conduct is available for review on our website at www.towerstream.com .
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and representations from our executive officers and directors, we believe that our executive officers and directors complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Compensation of Directors
The following table summarizes the compensation awarded during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 to our directors who are not named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 in the summary compensation table below.
Director Compensation
Name |
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash |
|
|
Option Awards (1)(2) |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
Philip Urso |
|
$ |
75,500 |
|
|
$ |
47,733 |
|
|
$ |
123,233 |
|
Howard L. Haronian, M.D. |
|
$ |
55,000 |
|
|
$ |
47,733 |
|
|
$ |
102,733 |
|
Paul Koehler |
|
$ |
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
47,733 |
|
|
$ |
97,733 |
|
William J. Bush |
|
$ |
55,000 |
|
|
$ |
47,733 |
|
|
$ |
102,733 |
|
|
(1) |
Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 12 to our December 31, 2015 financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement. |
|
(2) |
Option awards relate to the issuance in 2015 of options to purchase 2,500 shares at an exercise price of $41.40 each for Messrs. Urso, Koehler and Bush, and Dr. Haronian. |
In October 2015, Philip Urso, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, expanded his day to day involvement in the Company’s activities to include daily operation of the Company and subsequently was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on February 16, 2016 to advise the Board of Directors on cost cutting measures, strategic planning and other opportunities. The Company provided Mr. Urso with compensation, effective October 2015, of $10,167 per month, a car allowance no greater than $1,000 per month and payment for healthcare insurance. As a result, Mr. Urso no longer is considered an “independent” director and is ineligible for annual awards under the Company’s 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan.
Mr. Urso was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer on February 16, 2016 and on March 4, 2016, the Company modified the terms of Mr. Urso’s compensation as follows:
|
● |
Mr. Urso’s cash compensation was increased to $25,000 per month; |
|
● |
The Company awarded Mr. Urso a one-time grant of 5,000 fully vested, ten-year options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price equal to the price of the Company’s common stock at market close on March 4, 2016; and |
|
● |
The Company will award Mr. Urso 1,250 fully-vested, ten-year stock options on the last day of each month of his service as Interim Chief Executive Officer for an initial period of four months, and 500 shares per month thereafter due on the last day of each month of service as Interim Chief Executive Officer, with all such options having an exercise price equal to the price of the Company’s common stock at market close on the day of the grant. |
Effective April 2016, the Board of Directors amended the cash compensation payable to non-employee directors under the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan. Under the revised plan, each non-employee director receives a monthly $2,083 cash fee. Committee chairmen receive an additional monthly $417 cash fee. The Board did not amend the equity compensation issuable under the plan, and each non-employee director shall continue to receive annual grants on June 1 of ten-year options to purchase 2,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant that vest monthly over a one-year period.
Effective August 3, 2016, each independent director was issued ten year options to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The shares were fully vested on the date of grant.
Pursuant to the 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan in effect on December 31, 2015, which has subsequently been amended as described above, each non-employee director was entitled to receive periodic grants of ten-year options to purchase 2,500 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and that vests monthly over a one-year period. An initial grant was made upon such non-employee director’s election or appointment to our Board and thereafter annually on the first business day in June, subject to such director remaining on the Board. Non-employee directors also receive $50,000 per annum in cash. In connection with the additional responsibilities associated with such positions, the Chairman of the Board was entitled to receive an additional $10,000 per year, and the Chairman of the Audit and Compensation Committees were each entitled to receive an additional $5,000 per year.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The following discussion and analysis of compensation arrangements of our named executive officers for 2015 should be read together with the compensation tables and related disclosures set forth below.
We believe our success depends on the continued contributions of our named executive officers. Personal relationships and experience are very important in our industry. Our named executive officers are primarily responsible for many of our critical business development relationships. The maintenance of these relationships is critical to ensuring our future success as is experience in managing these relationships. Therefore, it is important to our success that we retain the services of these individuals and prevent them from competing with us should their employment with us terminate.
General Philosophy
Our overall compensation philosophy is to provide an executive compensation package that enables us to attract, retain and motivate executive officers to achieve our short-term and long-term business goals. The goals of our compensation program are to align remuneration with business objectives and performance, and to enable us to retain and competitively reward executive officers who contribute to the long-term success of the Company. We attempt to pay our executive officers competitively in order that we will be able to retain the most capable people in the industry. In making executive compensation and other employment compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee considers achievement of certain criteria, some of which relate to our performance and others of which relate to the performance of the individual employee. Awards to executive officers are based on achievement of Company and individual performance criteria.
The Compensation Committee will evaluate our compensation policies on an ongoing basis to determine whether they enable us to attract, retain and motivate key personnel. To meet these objectives, the Compensation Committee may from time to time increase salaries, award additional stock grants or provide other short and long-term incentive compensation to executive officers and other employees.
Compensation Program & Forms of Compensation
We provide our executive officers with a compensation package consisting of base salary, bonus, equity incentives and participation in benefit plans generally available to other employees. In setting total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers individual and company performance, as well as market information regarding compensation paid by other companies in our industry.
Base Salary
Salaries for our executive officers are initially set based on negotiation with individual executive officers at the time of recruitment and with reference to salaries for comparable positions in the industry for individuals of similar education and background to the executive officers being recruited. We also consider the individual’s experience, reputation in the industry and expected contributions to the Company. Base salary is continuously evaluated by competitive pay and individual job performance. In each case, we take into account the results achieved by the executive, their future potential, scope of responsibilities and experience, and competitive salary practices. At times, our executive officers have elected to take less than market salaries. These salaries were subject to increases to base salary that is comparable with his role and responsibilities when compared to companies of comparable size in similar locations.
Bonuses
We design our bonus programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. Our bonus program is designed to motivate employees to achieve overall goals. Our programs are designed to avoid entitlements, to align actual payouts with the actual results achieved and to be easy to understand and administer. The Compensation Committee and the executive officer work together to establish targets and goals for the executive officer. Upon completion of the fiscal year, the Compensation Committee assesses the executive officer’s performance and, with input from management, determines the achievement of the bonus targets and the amount to be awarded within the parameters of the executive officer’s agreement with us. Our bonus programs may include cash and equity bonuses, as determined by the Compensation Committee.
Equity-Based Rewards
We design our equity programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market. We monitor the market and applicable accounting, corporate, securities and tax laws and regulations, and adjust our equity programs as needed. Stock options and other forms of equity compensation are designed to reflect and reward a high level of sustained individual performance over time. We design our equity programs to align employees’ interests with those of our stockholders.
Timing of Equity Awards
The Board has authorized the Compensation Committee to approve stock option grants to our executive officers. Stock options are generally granted at scheduled meetings of the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of a newly granted option is the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Benefits Programs
We design our benefits programs to be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market while conforming with local laws and practices. We monitor the market, local laws and practices and adjust our benefits programs as needed. We design our benefits programs to provide an element of core benefits, and to the extent possible, offer options for additional benefits, and balance costs and cost sharing between us and our employees.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
In the review and establishment of our compensation programs, we consider the anticipated accounting and tax implications to us and our executives.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limit on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to our chief executive officer and each of our next four most highly compensated executive officers, unless certain specific and detailed criteria are satisfied. Performance-based compensation, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, is fully deductible if the programs are approved by stockholders and meet other requirements. We believe that grants of equity awards under our incentive-based equity option plans may qualify as performance-based for purposes of satisfying the conditions of Section 162(m), thereby permitting us to receive a federal income tax deduction, if applicable, in connection with such awards. In general, we have determined that we will not seek to limit executive compensation so that it is deductible under Section 162(m). However, from time to time, we monitor whether it might be in our interests to structure our compensation programs to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m). We seek to maintain flexibility in compensating our executives in a manner designed to promote our corporate goals and therefore our Compensation Committee has not adopted a policy requiring all compensation to be deductible. Our Compensation Committee will continue to assess the impact of Section 162(m) on our compensation practices and determine what further action, if any, is appropriate.
Role of Executives in Executive Compensation Decisions
The Board and our Compensation Committee generally seek input from our executive officers when discussing the performance of, and compensation levels for, executives. The Compensation Committee also works with our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer to evaluate the financial, accounting, tax and retention implications of our various compensation programs. None of our executives participates in deliberations relating to their compensation.
2015 Bonus Payments
In October 2015, Mr. Thompson received a $75,000 bonus upon the execution of the third amendment to his employment agreement.
See “Employment Agreements and Change-in-Control Agreements” below for a discussion of our employment agreement with Mr. Thompson and our employment arrangement with Mr. Hernon.
2016 Bonus Criteria
The Compensation Committee is presently evaluating the structure of the bonus program for 2016. We intend that the bonus program will be both affordable and competitive in relation to the market and be designed to motivate employees to achieve overall corporate goals. The program shall be structured to avoid entitlements, to align actual payouts with the actual results achieved and to be easy to understand and administer.
Compensation Risk Management
We have considered the risk associated with our compensation policies and practices for all employees, and we believe we have designed our compensation policies and practices in a manner that does not create incentives that could lead to excessive risk taking that would have a material adverse effect on us.
The Role of Stockholder Say-on-Pay Votes
The Company provides its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation (a “say-on-pay proposal”). The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the Company’s say-on-pay votes when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the annual and long-term compensation paid to our former Chief Executive Officer and our other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving at the end of 2015, whom we refer to collectively in this proxy statement as the “named executive officers”, and changes effected by the Company since that time. In February 2016 Jeffrey Thompson, our former Chief Executive Officer and director, resigned from all positions with the Company and the Company appointed Philip Urso as his successor to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer and appointed Arthur Giftakis as to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Company. In June 2016 Joseph Hernon, our Chief Financial Officer, resigned from all positions with the Company and the Company appointed Frederick Larcombe as his successor. During 2016, Mr. Urso, Mr. Giftakis and Mr. Larcombe became additional “named executive officers” of the Company. The obligation of the Company for payment of historical levels of cash compensation to executives, which the Company had been contractually obligated to pay pursuant to its employment agreements with executives, has been replaced with policies intending to align the interests of named executive officers with the interests of stockholders with reduced emphasis on cash compensation and bonuses.
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
|
|
Total |
|
||||
Jeffrey M. Thompson |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
475,000 |
|
|
$ |
75,000 |
|
|
$ |
79,373 |
(2) |
|
|
$ |
629,373 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer* |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
373,277 |
|
|
$ |
240,800 |
|
|
$ |
79,992 |
(3) |
|
|
$ |
694,069 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
330,000 |
|
|
$ |
297,500 |
|
|
$ |
73,209 |
(4) |
|
|
$ |
700,709 |
|
Joseph P. Hernon** |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
325,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
54,913 |
(5) |
|
|
$ |
379,913 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
279,569 |
|
|
$ |
108,125 |
|
|
$ |
48,945 |
(6) |
|
|
$ |
436,639 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
170,000 |
|
|
$ |
115,570 |
(7) |
|
|
$ |
535,570 |
|
Arthur Giftakis*** |
|
2015 |
|
$ |
168,173 |
|
|
$ |
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
18,271 |
(8) |
|
|
$ |
226,444 |
|
Chief Operating Officer |
|
2014 |
|
$ |
143,269 |
|
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,332 |
(9) |
|
|
$ |
181,601 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
118,025 |
|
|
$ |
24,875 |
|
|
$ |
85,262 |
(10) |
|
|
$ |
228,162 |
|
* |
Resigned from all positions with the Company in February 2016. All options issued to Jeffrey Thompson referenced below vested February 2016 in connection with the separation agreement between Mr. Thompson and the Company. |
** |
Resigned from all positions with the Company in June 2016. Certain of the options issued to Joseph Hernon referenced above were forfeited in June 2016 in connection with his resignation from the Company. |
*** |
Appointed Chief Operating Officer in February 2016. Prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Giftakis served as the Company’s senior vice president of engineering and operations since January 2014 and as vice president of engineering and operations since 2003. |
|
(1) |
Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 12 to our December 31, 2015 financial statements. |
|
(2) |
On July 30, 2015, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 2,708 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $31.00 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on October 30, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest one half immediately and the remaining half on a quarterly basis over a year period with the first tranche vesting on December 11, 2015.
On November 23, 2015, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 1,667 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $9.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on February 23, 2016. |
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(3) |
On July 22, 2014, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 1,563 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $33.40 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest monthly over a two-year period with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014.
On September 26, 2014, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 3,750 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.80 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest quarterly over a two-year period with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014. |
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(4) |
On February 25, 2013, Mr. Thompson received a ten-year option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $52.40 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options were fully vested and exercisable upon issuance. |
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(5) |
On July 30, 2015, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 1,354 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $31.00 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on October 30, 2015.
On September 11, 2015, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest one half immediately and the remaining half on a quarterly basis over a year period with the first tranche vesting on December 11, 2015.
On November 23, 2015, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 833 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $9.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on February 23, 2016. |
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(6) |
On July 22, 2014, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 790 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $33.40 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest monthly over a two-year period with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014.
On September 26, 2014, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.80 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest quarterly over a two-year period with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014. |
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(7) |
On February 25, 2013, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $52.40 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options were fully vested and exercisable upon issuance.
On June 3, 2013, Mr. Hernon received a ten-year option to purchase 2,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $51.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options vest annually over a five-year period with the first tranche vesting on June 3, 2014. |
(8) |
On September 11, 2015, Mr. Giftakis received a ten-year option to purchase 1,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2015. These options vest one half immediately and the remaining half on a quarterly basis over a year period with the first tranche vesting on December 11, 2015. |
(9) |
On October 15, 2014, Mr. Giftakis received a ten-year option to purchase 1,250 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.80 per share in recognition of services performed during 2014. These options vest on an annual basis over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on October 15, 2015. |
(10) |
On August 29, 2013, Mr. Giftakis received a ten-year option to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $46.20 per share in recognition of services performed during 2013. These options vest on an annual basis over a three year period with the first tranche vesting on August 24, 2014. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table summarizes the stock option awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2015:
Name | Grant Date |
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options |
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Share)(1) |
Grant Date
Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards($)(2) |
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Jeffrey M. Thompson |
7/30/15 |
2,708 | $ | 31.00 | $ | 39,935 | ||||||||
9/11/15 |
2,500 | $ | 26.20 | $ | 30,452 | |||||||||
11/23/15 |
1,667 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 8,986 | |||||||||
Joseph P. Hernon |
7/30/15 |
1,354 | $ | 31.00 | $ | 19,968 | ||||||||
9/11/15 |
2,500 | $ | 26.20 | $ | 30,452 | |||||||||
11/23/15 |
833 | $ | 9.20 | $ | 4,493 | |||||||||
Arthur Giftakis | 9/11/15 | 1,500 | $ | 26.20 | $ | 18,271 |
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(1) |
The exercise price of the stock options awarded was determined in accordance with the stock option plans, which provides that the exercise price for an option granted be the closing sale price for our common stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market on the date of grant. |
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(2) |
Based upon the aggregate grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. Our policy and assumptions made in the valuation of share-based payments are contained in Note 12 to our December 31, 2015 financial statements. |
There were no restricted stock awards granted to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2015. All options issued to Jeffrey Thompson referenced below vested February 2016 in connection with the separation agreement between Mr. Thompson and the Company. Certain of the options issued to Joseph Hernon referenced below were forfeited in June 2016 in connection with his resignation from the Company.
Option Awards | |||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price |
Option Expiration Date |
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Jeffrey M. Thompson |
601 | − | $ | 40.00 |
12/2/17 |
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552 | − | $ | 40.00 |
3/2/18 |
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5,000 | − | $ | 98.80 |
6/23/21 |
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2,200 | 4,400 | (1) | $ | 105.00 |
7/6/21 |
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5,938 | 1,875 | (2) | $ | 105.00 |
7/6/21 |
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2,500 | − | $ | 52.40 |
2/24/23 |
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1,108 | 456 | (3) | $ | 33.40 |
7/21/24 |
||||||||
2,344 | 1,406 | (4) | $ | 26.80 |
9/25/24 |
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677 | 2,031 | (5) | $ | 31.00 |
7/29/25 |
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1,563 | 938 | (6) | $ | 26.20 |
9/10/25 |
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- | 1,667 | (7) | $ | 9.20 |
11/22/25 |
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Joseph P. Hernon |
5,171 | − | $ | 29.00 |
6/1/18 |
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3,000 | − | $ | 98.80 |
6/23/21 |
|||||||||
1,167 | 3,233 | (8) | $ | 105.00 |
7/6/21 |
||||||||
2,875 | 937 | (9) | $ | 105.00 |
7/6/21 |
||||||||
1,250 | − | $ | 52.40 |
2/24/23 |
|||||||||
1,000 | 1,500 | (10) | $ | 51.20 |
6/2/23 |
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560 | 230 | (3) | $ | 33.40 |
7/21/24 |
||||||||
1,563 | 938 | (4) | $ | 26.80 |
9/25/24 |
||||||||
339 | 1,016 | (5) | $ | 31.00 |
7/29/25 |
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1,563 | 938 | (6) | $ | 26.20 |
9/10/25 |
||||||||
- | 833 | (7) | $ | 9.20 |
11/22/25 |
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Arthur Giftakis | 328 | - | $ | 36.20 | 5/31/20 | ||||||||
4,500 | - | $ | 81.80 | 8/2/21 | |||||||||
2,000 | 1,000 | (11) | $ | 46.20 | 8/28/23 | ||||||||
625 | 625 | (12) | $ | 22.80 | 10/14/24 | ||||||||
938 | 563 | (6) | $ | 26.20 | 9/10/25 |
|
(1) |
4,400 of the options were granted in four tranches of 1,100. Each tranche will begin to vest in sequential order only when and if the Company completes four acquisitions prior to the expiration date. Each tranche will vest in quarterly installments over a two-year period once each respective acquisition is closed. |
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(2) |
The options began vesting upon the previous execution of backhaul contracts of which (i) 313 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 156 and become fully vested in April 2016, (ii) 469 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 156 and become fully vested in August 2016 and (iii) 1,094 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 156 and become fully vested in July 2017. |
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(3) |
Such option vests monthly over a two-year period, with the first tranche vesting on August 22, 2014. |
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(4) |
Such option vests quarterly over a two-year period, with the first tranche vesting on December 26, 2014. |
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(5) |
Such option vests quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on October 30, 2015. |
|
(6) |
Such option vests one half immediately and the remaining half on a quarterly basis over a year period with the first tranche vesting on December 11, 2015. |
|
(7) |
These options vest quarterly over a year period with the first tranche vesting on February 23, 2016. |
|
(8) |
3,200 of the options were granted in four tranches of 800. Each tranche will begin to vest in sequential order only when and if the Company completes four acquisitions prior to the expiration date. Each tranche will vest as to one-third on the one year anniversary of the completed acquisition with the remaining two-thirds vesting ratably on a quarterly basis over the following two years once each respective acquisition is closed. The remaining 33 will become vested in February 2016. |
|
(9) |
The options began vesting upon the previous execution of backhaul contracts of which (i) 156 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 78 and became fully vested in April 2016, (ii) 234 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 78 and become fully vested in August 2016 and (iii) 547 of the options will vest in quarterly installments of 78 and become fully vested in July 2017. |
|
(10) |
Such option vests as to one-fifth of the shares subject to the option annually, commencing June 3, 2014. |
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(11) |
Such option vests on an annual basis over a three year period with the first tranche vesting on August 24, 2014. |
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(12) |
Such option vests on an annual basis over a two year period with the first tranche vesting on October 15, 2015. |
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table summarizes, with respect to our named executive officers, all options that were exercised and restricted stock vested during fiscal 2015:
Option Awards |
Restricted Stock |
|||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise(#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares Vested (#) |
Value Realized on Vesting ($) |
||||||||||||
Jeffrey M. Thompson |
8,760 | $ | 357,394 | - | - |
In December 2007, we entered into an employment agreement, as amended through 2015, with Jeffrey M. Thompson, our principal executive officer, which was terminated in February 2016.
We entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Thompson on February 12, 2016 pursuant to which Mr. Thompson resigned from all positions with the Company and its subsidiaries, and as a member of the Board of Directors. Among other terms and conditions, the separation agreement provides for (i) the mutual release of claims, liabilities and causes of action by Mr. Thompson and the Company, (ii) payment of $277,083, an amount approximately equal to the remaining term of Mr. Thompson's employment agreement which was to expire in October 2016, (iii) vesting of option and other stock incentive awards held by Mr. Thompson and (iv) a three-month non-competition period and a twelve month non-solicitation period. The separation agreement became effective eight days following its execution.
In May 2008, Joseph P. Hernon joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer. His employment with the Company terminated in June 2016.
We entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Hernon on June 3, 2016 pursuant to which Mr. Hernon resigned from all positions with the Company and its subsidiaries. Among other terms and conditions, the Separation Agreement provided for (i) the mutual release of claims, liabilities and causes of action by Mr. Hernon and the Company, (ii) payment of three months of base salary, or an aggregate of $81,250, in a lump sum payment due July 1, 2016, (iii) (iv) a three-month non-competition period and a twelve-month non-solicitation period. The separation agreement became effective eight days following its execution.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of September 14, 2016 by:
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● |
each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock (based solely on our review of SEC filings); |
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each of our directors; |
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● |
each of our named executive officers listed in the section entitled “Summary Compensation Table” under Executive Compensation; |
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all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
The percentages of common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has or shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the security, or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of, with respect to the security. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, each beneficial owner named in the table below has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned and each person’s address is c/o Towerstream Corporation, 88 Silva Lane, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842, unless otherwise indicated. As of September 14 , 2016 there were 4,675,796 shares of our common stock outstanding.
|
Prior to Offering |
Immediately Following Offering* |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) |
Percent of Class (1) |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) |
Percent of Class (1) |
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5% Stockholders: |
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Barry Honig |
276,315 |
(2) |
5.6% |
276,315 |
3.9% |
555 S. Federal Highway |
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Boca Raton, FL 33432 |
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Steven D. Lebowitz (3) |
292,817 |
(3) |
5.9% |
292,817 |
4.2% |
439 North Bedford Drive |
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Beverly Hills, CA 90210 |
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Deborah P. Lebowitz (4) |
272,817 |
(4) |
5.5% |
272,817 |
3.9% |
439 North Bedford Drive |
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Beverly Hills, CA 90210 |
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Directors and Named Executive Officers: |
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|
|
|
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|
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Philip Urso |
91,964 |
(5) |
2.0% |
91,964 |
1.3% |
William J. Bush |
24,682 |
(6) |
* |
24,682 |
** |
Howard L. Haronian, M.D. |
77,504 |
(7) |
1.6% |
77,504 |
1.1% |
Paul Koehler |
23,326 |
(8) |
** |
23,326 |
** |
Arthur G. Giftakis |
18,128 |
(9) |
** |
18,128 |
** |
Frederick Larcombe |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons) |
235,604 |
(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) |
4.9% |
235,604 |
3.4% |
Jeffrey Thompson (10) |
18,340 |
(11) |
** |
18,340 |
** |
Joseph Hernon (12) |
19,002 |
(13) |
** |
19,002 |
** |
* Assumes a public offering of $5,000,000 and a public offering price of $2.13, the closing price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 12, 2016 and that the holders do not invest in the public offering.
** Less than 1% .
(1) |
Shares of common stock beneficially owned and the respective percentages of beneficial ownership of common stock assumes the exercise of all options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock beneficially owned by such person or entity currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of September 14 , 2016. Shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options and warrants exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding and held by the holder of such options or warrants for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by such person, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of outstanding common stock beneficially owned by any other person. |
(2) |
Based on information provided by the holder, this includes (i) 107,315 shares of common stock underlying 107,315 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Mr. Honig, (ii) 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig (“Roth 401K”) and (iii) 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Renee Honig (“Renee Roth 401K”). Renee Honig is Mr. Honig’s spouse. Renee Honig is Mr. Honig’s spouse. Mr. Honig is the trustee of Roth 401K and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the securities held by Roth 401K. Ms. Honig is the trustee of Renee Roth 401K and in such capacity holds voting and dispositive power over the securities held by Renee Roth 401K. |
(3) |
Based on a Schedule 13G filed by the reporting person on February 16, 2016. Includes shares of common stock beneficially owned by The Lebowitz Family LL, Deborah P. Lebowitz, the Steven & Deborah Lebowitz Foundation and the Lebowitz Family Trust-1986, dated October 7, 1986, as amended. |
(4) |
Based on a Schedule 13G filed by the reporting person on February 16, 2016. Includes shares of common stock beneficially owned by The Lebowitz Family LL, Deborah P. Lebowitz, the Steven & Deborah Lebowitz Foundation and the Lebowitz Family Trust-1986, dated October 7, 1986, as amended. |
(5) |
Includes 23,031 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. Excludes 5,195 shares of common stock held in a trust for the benefit of Mr. Urso’s minor children, of which Mr. Urso is not a trustee. Mr. Urso disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held in that trust. |
(6) |
Includes 22,667 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. |
(7) |
Includes 500 shares of common stock held by Dr. Haronian’s wife, for which Dr. Haronian has an indirect interest in, and 23,294 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. |
(8) |
Includes 22,542 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. |
(9) |
Consists of 18,0783 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. |
(10) |
Resigned from all positions with the Company in February 2016. |
(11) |
To the best of the Company’s knowledge Mr. Thompson owns 18,340 shares of common stock. |
(12) |
Resigned from all positions with the Company in June 2016. |
(13) |
To the best of the Company’s knowledge Mr. Hernon owns 19,002 shares of common stock . |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related parties can include any of our directors or executive officers, certain of our stockholders and their immediate family members. Each year, we prepare and require our directors and executive officers to complete Director and Officer Questionnaires identifying any transactions with us in which the officer or director or their family members have an interest. This helps us identify potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest interferes, or appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company as a whole. Our code of ethics and business conduct requires all directors, officers and employees who may have a potential or apparent conflict of interest to immediately notify our Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is responsible for considering and reporting to the Board any questions of possible conflicts of interest of Board members. Our code of ethics and business conduct further requires pre-clearance before any employee, officer or director engages in any personal or business activity that may raise concerns about conflict, potential conflict or apparent conflict of interest.
At no time during the last fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 did any executive officer, director or any member of these individuals’ immediate families, any corporation or organization with whom any of these individuals is an affiliate or any trust or estate in which any of these individuals serves as a trustee or in a similar capacity or has a substantial beneficial interest been indebted to the Company or was involved in any transaction in which the amount exceeded $120,000 and such person had a direct or indirect material interest.
In evaluating related party transactions and potential conflicts of interest, our Chief Financial Officer and/or Chairman of the Audit Committee apply the same standards of good faith and fiduciary duty they apply to their general responsibilities. They will approve a related party transaction only when, in their good faith judgment, the transaction is in the best interest of the Company.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Authorized Capital Stock
We have the authority to issue 205,000,000 shares of capital stock, consisting of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, which can be issued from time to time by our board of directors on such terms and conditions as they may determine.
As of September 14, 2016, there were 4,675,796 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and we had approximately 35 holders of record of our common shares. We have designated 350,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, of which 0 shares are outstanding, we have designated 892,857 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 0 shares are outstanding, and we have designated 680,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 680,000 shares are issued and outstanding.
Common Stock
We are authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock. Subject to the rights of the preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as are declared by our Board out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. We presently intend to retain any earnings to fund the development of our business. Accordingly, we do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination as to the declaration and payment of dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board.
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Company, each outstanding share of our common stock will be entitled to share equally in any of our assets remaining after payment of or provision for our debts and other liabilities.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters to be voted upon by stockholders. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors which means that the holders of shares entitled to exercise more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting rights in the election of directors are able to elect all of the directors.
Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for or to purchase any additional shares of common stock or other obligations convertible into shares of common stock which we may issue after the date of this registration statement.
All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Holders of our common stock are not liable for further calls or assessments.
The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate in the future.
Shares of our common stock are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol TWER. As of September 12, 2016, the closing price of our common shares on The NASDAQ Capital Market was $2.13.
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock which may be issued from time to time in one or more classes and in one or more series within a class upon authorization by our Board. Our Board, without further approval of the shareholders, is authorized to fix the preferences, limitations and relative rights of the shares of each class or series within a class. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power, conversion or other rights of holders of common stock. Preferred stock could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of the Company or make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock.
If we offer preferred stock, we will file the terms of the preferred stock with the SEC, and the prospectus supplement and/or other offering material relating to that offering will include a description of the specific terms of the offering including any of the following applicable terms:
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the series, the number of shares offered and the liquidation value of the preferred stock; |
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the price at which the preferred stock will be issued; |
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the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable and other terms relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred stock; |
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the liquidation preference of the preferred stock; |
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the voting rights of the preferred stock; |
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whether the preferred stock is redeemable or subject to a sinking fund, and the terms of any such redemption or sinking fund; |
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● |
whether the preferred stock is convertible or exchangeable for any other securities, and the terms of any such conversion; and |
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● |
any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the preferred stock. |
It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of our common stock until our board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of the preferred stock. However, these effects might include:
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decreasing the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of common stock; |
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● |
restricting dividends on common stock; |
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● |
diluting the voting power of common stock; |
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● |
impairing the liquidation rights of common stock; and |
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● |
delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. |
Series A Preferred Stock
Our Board has designated 350,000 shares of our preferred stock as Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”).
On November 8, 2010, we adopted a stockholder rights plan in which rights to purchase shares of Series A Preferred Stock were distributed as a dividend at the rate of twenty rights for each share of common stock. Each right, if exercisable will entitle the holder to purchase one-hundreth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $18. The Series A Preferred Stock is structured so that the value of one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock will approximate the value of one share of the Company's common stock.
The purpose of the plan is to protect the long-term value of the Company for its shareholders and to protect shareholders from various abusive takeover tactics, including attempts to acquire control of the Company at an inadequate price. The plan is designed to give the Company's Board of Directors sufficient time to study and respond to an unsolicited takeover attempt. However, the plan could also could deter or prevent transactions that stockholders deem to be in their interests, and could reduce the price that investors or an acquirer might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. In general, the rights will become exercisable if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer for 15% or more of the Company’s common stock.
Depending on the circumstances, the effect of the exercise of rights will vary. When the rights initially become exercisable, as described above, each holder of a right will be allowed to purchase one-hundreth of a share of a newly created series of the Company’s preferred shares at an exercise price of $18. However, if a person acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock in a transaction that was not approved by the Board of Directors, each right would instead entitle the holder (other than such an acquiring person) to purchase common stock at 50% of the market price of the Company’s common stock at that time.
The rights will expire on November 8, 2020. The Company may redeem the rights for $0.001 each at any time until the tenth business day following public announcement that a person or group has acquired 15% or more of its outstanding common stock.
Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to a preferential dividend of five times the dividend declared per share of common stock. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to an aggregate payment of five times the payment made per share of common stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock will have five votes and will vote together with the common stock. In the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which shares of common stock are exchanged, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive five times the amount received per share of common stock. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, each share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to the greater of $0.001 per whole share or an amount equal to five times the amount distributed on each share of common stock. These rights are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or a certificate of designation relating to a subsequent series of preferred stock, the Series A Preferred Stock shall rank junior to all other series of the Company’s preferred stock.
Series B Preferred Stock
Our board of directors has designated 892,857 shares of our preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $0.001 and is convertible into one half of a share of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company’s Common Stock.
The Company issued 892,857 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock on July 7, 2016 in connection with a financing as of that date. No shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock remain outstanding.
Series C Preferred Stock
Our board of directors has designated 680,000 shares of our preferred stock as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $0.001 and is convertible into one share of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion. The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company’s Common Stock.
The Company issued 680,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on September 14, 2016 in connection with the exchange of 973,214 warrants, as described below. The Company has agreed to register for resale the 680,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock.
Warrants
On October 16, 2014 we issued Melody Business Finance, LLC and related parties warrants to purchase an aggregate of 180,000 shares of common stock. The warrants have a term of seven and a half years. Two thirds of the warrants may be exercised into shares of common stock at an exercise price of $25.20 per share and one third of the warrants may be exercised into common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share. The warrants may be exercised for cash or by means of a “cashless exercise”. The warrant holders were granted demand and piggyback registration rights. The warrants also provide for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions.
On June 17, 2016, we issued certain accredited investors warrants to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 shares of common stock. As amended and restated, each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance, have an exercise price of $3.80 per share and will be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance, or six months from the date of issuance if required by the listing rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market or the shareholder approval rules of Nasdaq. The warrants included a mandatory exercise right of the Company to force exercise of the warrants if the Company’s common stock trades at or above $7.60 for any ten consecutive trading days out of a thirty consecutive trading day period (subject to certain equity conditions, a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation and applicable NASDAQ shareholder approval rules, if any). The warrants were exercisable for cash if there was an effective registration statement registering the warrant shares for resale. Otherwise the warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis. The warrant shares were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement. The warrants also provided for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. We were prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of such warrant.
On July 7, 2016, we issued to an accredited investor warrants to purchase an aggregate of 223,214 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to $3.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment as provided therein. Each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance and be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance. The warrants were exercisable for cash if there was an effective registration statement registering the warrant shares for resale. Otherwise the warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis. The warrant shares were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statementThe warrants also provided for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price of the warrants based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. We were prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of such warrant.
On September 14, 2016, in connection with obtaining the required approval of the investors in the June 2016 financing to this offering, the Company entered into separate exchange agreements with the holders of all of the warrants issued in June 2016 and July 2016. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, each investor exchanged its respective warrants (an aggregate of 973,214 warrants), without the payment of any exercise price therefore, and relinquished any and all other rights it may have under the warrants, for an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the Company’s newly authorized shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock.
Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Delaware Law that May Have an Anti-Takeover Effect
Certain provisions set forth in our certificate of incorporation and Delaware law, which are summarized below, may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in the stockholder’s best interests, including attempts that might result in a premium being paid over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.
Delaware Takeover Statute
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) prohibits a Delaware corporation that is a public company from engaging in any “business combination” (as defined below) with any “interested stockholder” (defined generally as an entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with such entity or person) for a period of three years following the date that such stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:
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before such date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
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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 outstanding those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
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on or subsequent to such date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Section 203 of the DCGL defines “business combination” to include:
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any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder; |
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any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation involving the interested stockholder; |
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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; |
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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 |
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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. |
Listing
Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “TWER.” On September 12, 2016, the closing price for our common stock was $2.13 per share. As of September 12, 2016, we had 35 stockholders of record.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equity Stock Transfer. Its address is 237 West 37th Street, Suite 601, New York, NY 10018 and its telephone number is (212) 575-5757.
UNDERWRITING
We have entered into an underwriting agreement with Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd., acting as representative of the underwriters, with respect to the shares of common stock subject to this offering. Subject to certain conditions, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase, the number of shares of common stock provided below opposite its name.
Underwriter |
Number of Shares |
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. |
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Total |
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The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock subject to its acceptance of the shares of common stock from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus is subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares of common stock covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.
Over-Allotment Option
We have granted the underwriters an option, exercisable for 45 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. If the underwriters exercise this option, the underwriters will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the additional shares for which the option has been exercised.
Discount, Commissions and Expenses
The underwriter have advised us that they propose to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $ per share. The underwriters may allow, and certain dealers may reallow, a discount from the concession not in excess of $ per share to certain brokers and dealers. After this offering, the initial public offering price, concession and reallowance to dealers may be changed by the underwriters. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The shares of common stock are offered by the underwriters as stated herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
The following table shows the underwriting discount payable to the underwriters by us in connection with this offering. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares.
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Per share |
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Total Without Exercise of Over-Allotment Option |
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Total With Exercise of Over-Allotment Option |
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Public offering price |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Underwriting discount |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to us | $ | $ | $ |
__________________________
We have agreed to reimburse Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd., for certain out-of-pocket expenses (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the underwriter) not to exceed $150,000 without our prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. We estimate that expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, including reimbursement of Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd.’s expenses but excluding the underwriting discount referred to above, will be approximately $ .
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and liabilities arising from breaches of representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, or to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
Lock-up Agreements
We, our officers and our directors have agreed, subject to limited exceptions, for a period of 90 days after the date of the underwriting agreement, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock either owned as of the date of the underwriting agreement or thereafter acquired without the prior written consent of Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. may, in its sole discretion and at any time or from time to time before the termination of the lock-up period, without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales, and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the common stock, in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:
• Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
• A short position involves a sale by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase in the offering, which creates the syndicate short position. This short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares involved in the sales made by the underwriters in excess of the number of shares they are obligated to purchase is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase by exercising their option to purchase additional shares. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in their option to purchase additional shares. The underwriters may close out any short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares and/or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through their option to purchase additional shares. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
• Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.
• Penalty bids permit the representative to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq Capital Market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representative will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Listing and Transfer Agent
Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market and trades under the symbol “TWER”. The transfer agent of our common stock is Equity Stock Transfer, LLC .
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by one or more underwriters or selling group members, if any, participating in the offering. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares of common stock and/or warrants to underwriters and selling group members for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the representative to underwriters and selling group members that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the underwriters' websites and any information contained in any other website maintained by the underwriters is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
Other Relationships
From time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided, and may provide in the future, various advisory, investment and commercial banking and other services to us in the ordinary course of business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. However, except as disclosed in this prospectus, we have no present arrangements with any of the underwriters for any further services.
Offer Restrictions Outside the United States
Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, or the Relevant Member States, with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, or the Relevant Implementation Date, our securities will not be offered to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities that has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, an offer of securities may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:
• to any legal entity that is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive;
• to fewer than 100 or, if the Relevant Member State has implemented the relevant provision of the 2010 PD Amending Directive, 150, natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), as permitted under the Prospectus Directive, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the manager for any such offer; or
• in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the issuer of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of common shares to the public" in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the common shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the common shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State. The expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.
We have not authorized, and do not authorize the making of, any offer of shares through any financial intermediary on our behalf, other than offers made by the underwriters with a view to the final placement of the shares as contemplated by this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the securities, other than the underwriters, is authorized to make any further offer of the shares on our or the underwriters' behalf.
United Kingdom
Our securities may not be offered or sold and will not be offered or sold to any persons in the United Kingdom other than persons whose ordinary activities involve acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or as agent) for the purposes of their businesses and in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, or FSMA, with respect to anything done in relation to our securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
In addition, each underwriter:
• has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of FSMA) to persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 or in circumstances in which section 21 of FSMA does not apply to us; and
• has complied with, and will comply with all applicable provisions of FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the securities in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
Australia
No prospectus or other disclosure document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) of Australia, or the Corporations Act) in relation to the securities has been or will be lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission , or the ASIC. This document has not been lodged with ASIC and is only directed to certain categories of exempt persons. Accordingly, if you receive this document in Australia:
(1) you confirm and warrant that you are either:
(a) a "sophisticated investor" under section 708(8)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act;
(b) a "sophisticated investor" under section 708(8)(c) or (d) of the Corporations Act and that you have provided an accountant's certificate to us which complies with the requirements of section 708(8)(c)(i) or (ii) of the Corporations Act and related regulations before the offer has been made;
(c) a person associated with us under section 708(12) of the Corporations Act; or
(d) a "professional investor" within the meaning of section 708(11)(a) or (b) of the Corporations Act, and to the extent that you are unable to confirm or warrant that you are an exempt sophisticated investor, associated person or professional investor under the Corporations Act, any offer made to you under this document is void and incapable of acceptance; and
(2) you warrant and agree that you will not offer any of the securities for resale in Australia within 12 months of those securities being issued unless any such resale offer is exempt from the requirement to issue a disclosure document under section 708 of the Corporations Act.
Hong Kong
The securities may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (1) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), (2) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (3) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong) and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to securities which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.
Japan
The securities offered in this prospectus have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan. The securities have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan (including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), except (i) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any other applicable requirements of Japanese law.
Singapore
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the securities may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the securities be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA, (2) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA, or (3) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to compliance with conditions set forth in the SFA.
Where the securities are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:
• a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or
• a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an individual who is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:
• to an institutional investor (for corporations, under Section 274 of the SFA) or to a relevant person defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or to any person pursuant to an offer that is made on terms that such shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or such rights and interest in that trust are acquired at a consideration of not less than $200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction, whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets, and further for corporations, in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA;
• where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer; or
• where the transfer is by operation of law.
Switzerland
The securities may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or the SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the securities or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.
Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, us, or the securities have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of the shares.
Canada
Resale Restrictions
The distribution of our securities in Canada is being made only in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of common stock are made. Any resale of the common stock in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the common stock.
Representations of Purchasers
By purchasing securities in Canada and accepting delivery of a purchase confirmation, a purchaser is representing to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
• the purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase the securities without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under those securities laws as it is an "accredited investor" as defined under National Instrument 45-106—Prospectus and Registration Exemptions;
• the purchaser is a "Canadian permitted client" as defined in National Instrument 31-103—Registration
Requirements and Exemptions, or as otherwise interpreted and applied by the Canadian Securities Administrators;
• where required by law, the purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent;
• the purchaser has reviewed the text above under "—Resale Restrictions"; and
• the purchaser acknowledges and consents to the provision of specified information concerning the purchase of the securities to the regulatory authority that by law is entitled to collect the information, including certain personal information. For purchasers in Ontario, questions about such indirect collection of personal information should be directed to Administrative Support Clerk, Ontario Securities Commission, Suite 1903, Box 55, 20 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3S8 or on (416) 593-3684.
Rights of Action—Ontario Purchasers
Under Ontario securities legislation, certain purchasers who purchase any securities offered by this prospectus during the period of distribution will have a statutory right of action for damages, or while still the owner of the securities, for rescission against us in the event that this prospectus contain a misrepresentation without regard to whether the purchaser relied on the misrepresentation. The right of action for damages is exercisable not later than the earlier of 180 days from the date the purchaser first had knowledge of the facts giving rise to the cause of action and three years from the date on which payment is made for the securities. The right of action for rescission is exercisable not later than 180 days from the date on which payment is made for the securities. If a purchaser elects to exercise the right of action for rescission, the purchaser will have no right of action for damages against us. In no case will the amount recoverable in any action exceed the price at which the securities were offered to the purchaser and if the purchaser is shown to have purchased the securities with knowledge of the misrepresentation, we will have no liability. In the case of an action for damages, we will not be liable for all or any portion of the damages that are proven to not represent the depreciation in value of the common stock as a result of the misrepresentation relied upon. These rights are in addition to, and without derogation from, any other rights or remedies available at law to an Ontario purchaser. The foregoing is a summary of the rights available to an Ontario purchaser. Ontario purchasers should refer to the complete text of the relevant statutory provisions.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities being offered by this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP., New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Towerstream Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 have been so included in reliance on the report of Marcum LLP, an 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 are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and special reports, and other information with the SEC. Copies of the reports and other information may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of such documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-1 that we filed with the SEC. Certain information in the registration statement has been omitted from this prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the registration statement that are excluded from this prospectus. For further information you may:
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● |
read a copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules, without charge at the SEC’s Public Reference Room; or |
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obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC. |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
All appropriate amounts in these financials have been adjusted for
a 1 for 20 reverse stock split which was effected on July 7, 2016.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
F-2 |
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting | F-2 | |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets |
F-3 |
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Consolidated Statements of Operations |
F-4 |
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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity |
F-5 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
F-6 |
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-7 |
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 (unaudited) and December 31, 2015 |
F-25 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) |
F-26 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (unaudited) |
F-27 |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited) |
F-28 |
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-29 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013 and our report dated, March 18, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
New York, NY
March 18, 2016, except for Note 19, as to which the date is August 8, 2016.
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries' (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material aspects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 of the Company and our report dated March 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
New York, NY
March 18, 2016
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, |
||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 15,116,531 | $ | 38,027,509 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
308,551 | 587,078 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
474,029 | 314,129 | ||||||
Current assets of discontinued operations |
1,248,569 | 1,336,139 | ||||||
Current assets held for sale |
5,315,107 | 7,875,241 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
22,462,787 | 48,140,096 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
21,235,384 | 23,146,977 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
1,273,030 | 2,199,858 | ||||||
Goodwill |
1,674,281 | 1,674,281 | ||||||
Other assets |
2,075,778 | 2,989,208 | ||||||
Long-term assets of discontinued operations |
- | 4,171,418 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 48,721,260 | $ | 82,321,838 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity |
||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 877,134 | $ | 757,208 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
1,629,218 | 1,955,878 | ||||||
Deferred revenues |
1,486,754 | 1,384,846 | ||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations |
992,690 | 845,668 | ||||||
Current liabilities of discontinued operations |
3,907,368 | 196,861 | ||||||
Other |
63,012 | 57,242 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
8,956,176 | 5,197,703 | ||||||
Long-Term Liabilities |
||||||||
Long-term debt, net of debt discount of $2,053,520 and $3,194,147, respectively |
34,695,383 | 32,101,409 | ||||||
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities |
932,826 | 1,285,858 | ||||||
Other |
1,591,188 | 1,774,841 | ||||||
Total Long-Term Liabilities |
37,219,397 | 35,162,108 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
46,175,573 | 40,359,811 | ||||||
Commitments (Note 16) |
||||||||
Stockholders' Equity |
||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued |
- | - | ||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001; 200,000,000 and 95,000,000 shares authorized, respectively; 3,340,507 and 3,332,839 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
3,341 | 3,333 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
158,761,077 | 157,694,623 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(156,218,731 | ) | (115,735,929 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders' Equity |
2,545,687 | 41,962,027 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity |
$ | 48,721,260 | $ | 82,321,838 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 27,905,023 | $ | 29,936,181 | $ | 31,892,584 | ||||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||||||
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation) |
10,603,845 | 10,299,906 | 9,874,066 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
9,643,583 | 9,681,631 | 11,842,794 | |||||||||
Customer support services |
4,425,764 | 4,127,294 | 4,113,459 | |||||||||
Sales and marketing |
5,864,267 | 5,341,178 | 5,477,922 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
9,957,538 | 9,767,404 | 10,364,431 | |||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
40,494,997 | 39,217,413 | 41,672,672 | |||||||||
Operating Loss |
(12,589,974 | ) | (9,281,232 | ) | (9,780,088 | ) | ||||||
Other Income/(Expense) |
||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(6,652,786 | ) | (1,672,846 | ) | (217,741 | ) | ||||||
Gain on business acquisition |
- | - | 1,004,099 | |||||||||
Total Other Income/(Expense) |
(6,652,786 | ) | (1,672,846 | ) | 786,358 | |||||||
Loss before income taxes |
(19,242,760 | ) | (10,954,078 | ) | (8,993,730 | ) | ||||||
(Provision) benefit for income taxes |
37,562 | (78,532 | ) | (78,531 | ) | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(19,205,198 | ) | (11,032,610 | ) | (9,072,261 | ) | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(21,277,604 | ) | (16,559,140 | ) | (15,703,028 | ) | ||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (40,482,802 | ) | $ | (27,591,750 | ) | $ | (24,775,289 | ) | |||
Loss per share – basic and diluted |
||||||||||||
Continuing |
$ | (5.76 | ) | $ | (3.30 | ) | $ | (2.78 | ) | |||
Discontinued |
(6.38 | ) | (4.96 | ) | (4.82 | ) | ||||||
Net loss per share – basic and diluted |
$ | (12.15 | ) | $ | (8.26 | ) | $ | (7.60 | ) | |||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted |
3,396,583 | 3,340,188 | 3,259,066 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Common Stock |
Additional |
|||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Paid-In- |
Accumulated |
|||||||||||||||||
Capital |
Deficit |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 |
2,733,536 | $ | 2,734 | $ | 121,170,064 | $ | (63,368,890 | ) | $ | 57,803,908 | ||||||||||
Cashless exercise of options |
1,889 | 2 | (2 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of options |
14,234 | 14 | 292,375 | - | 292,389 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
1,563 | 2 | 80,716 | - | 80,718 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards |
750 | 1 | (1 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock |
550,000 | 550 | 30,498,786 | - | 30,499,336 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for business acquisition |
19,256 | 19 | 951,237 | - | 951,256 | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation for options |
- | - | 1,182,523 | - | 1,182,523 | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation for restricted stock |
- | - | 59,100 | - | 59,100 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (24,775,289 | ) | (24,775,289 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 |
3,321,228 | 3,321 | 154,234,799 | (88,144,179 | ) | 66,093,941 | ||||||||||||||
Cashless exercise of options |
9,614 | 10 | (10 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
1,248 | 1 | 46,927 | - | 46,928 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards |
750 | 1 | (1 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation for options |
- | - | 953,470 | - | 953,470 | |||||||||||||||
Fair value of options repurchased |
- | - | (3,793 | ) | - | (3,793 | ||||||||||||||
Debt discount associated with warrants issued in connection with issuance of debt |
- | - | 2,463,231 | - | 2,463,231 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (27,591,750 | ) | (27,591,750 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2014 |
3,332,839 | 3,333 | 157,694,623 | (115,735,929 | ) | 41,962,027 | ||||||||||||||
Cashless exercise of options |
4,830 | 5 | (5 | ) | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
2,838 | 3 | 49,754 | - | 49,757 | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation for options |
- | - | 1,016,705 | - | 1,016,705 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (40,482,802 | ) | (40,482,802 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2015 |
3,340,507 | $ | 3,341 | $ | 158,761,077 | $ | (156,218,731 | ) | $ | 2,545,687 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
201 5 |
201 4 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (40,482,802 | ) | $ | (27,591,750 | ) | $ | (24,775,289 | ) | |||
Loss from discontinued operations |
21,277,604 | 16,559,140 | 15,703,028 | |||||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (19,205,198 | ) | (11,032,610 | ) | (9,072,261 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Provision (benefit) for income taxes |
(37,562 | ) | 78,532 | 78,531 | ||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
132,000 | 322,000 | 85,000 | |||||||||
Depreciation for property, plant and equipment |
9,251,311 | 8,792,662 | 8,748,977 | |||||||||
Amortization for customer based intangibles |
392,272 | 888,969 | 3,093,817 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
939,498 | 262,820 | - | |||||||||
Amortization of debt discount |
1,140,627 | 319,084 | - | |||||||||
Accrued interest |
1,453,347 | 295,556 | - | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
1,024,246 | 960,490 | 1,253,661 | |||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets |
534,555 | - | - | |||||||||
Gain on business acquisition |
- | - | (1,004,099 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on sale and disposition of property and equipment |
- | - | 120,644 | |||||||||
Deferred rent |
(139,430 | ) | 376,860 | 575,541 | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
146,527 | (514,043 | ) | 208,506 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(159,901 | ) | 80,377 | (513,247 | ) | |||||||
Other assets |
(70,841 | ) | 4,144 | 1,935,801 | ||||||||
Account payable |
119,925 | (278,408 | ) | (157,359 | ) | |||||||
Accrued expenses |
19,486 | (598,586 | ) | (1,913,078 | ) | |||||||
Deferred revenues |
101,908 | (11,934 | ) | (120,659 | ) | |||||||
Total Adjustments |
14,847,968 | 10,978,523 | 12,392,036 | |||||||||
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Continuing Operating Activities | (4,357,230 | ) | (54,087 | ) | 3,319,775 | |||||||
Net Cash Used In Discontinued Operating Activities |
(10,896,524 | ) | (13,359,041 | ) | (12,804,213 | ) | ||||||
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities |
(15,253,754 | ) | (13,413,128 | ) | (9,484,438 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
||||||||||||
Acquisitions of property and equipment |
(6,487,040 | ) | (5,086,298 | ) | (5,878,483 | ) | ||||||
Lease incentive payment from landlord |
10,626 | 380,000 | - | |||||||||
Acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired |
- | - | (222,942 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment |
- | - | 18,365 | |||||||||
(Payments) refund of security deposits |
(7,950 | ) | (44,618 | ) | 359,358 | |||||||
Deferred acquisition payments |
(11,517 | ) | (67,246 | ) | (162,987 | ) | ||||||
Net Cash Used in Continuing Investing Activities | (6,495,881 | ) | (4,818,162 | ) | (5,886,689 | ) | ||||||
Net Cash Used In Discontinued Investing Activities |
(187,524 | ) | (2,218,594 | ) | (1,675,775 | ) | ||||||
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities |
(6,683,405 | ) | (7,036,756 | ) | (7,562,464 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities |
||||||||||||
Payments on capital leases |
(1,016,035 | ) | (796,513 | ) | (784,198 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds upon exercise of options |
- | - | 292,389 | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
42,216 | 39,908 | 68,680 | |||||||||
Net proceeds from debt financing |
- | 31,056,260 | - | |||||||||
Fair value of options repurchased |
- | (3,793 | ) | - | ||||||||
Net proceeds from sale of common stock |
- | - | 30,499,336 | |||||||||
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Continuing Financing Activities | (973,819 | ) | 30,295,862 | 30,076,207 | ||||||||
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Discontinued Financing Activites | - | - | - | |||||||||
Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Financing Activities |
(973,819 | ) | 30,295,862 | 30,076,207 | ||||||||
Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents | ||||||||||||
Continuing Operations | (11,826,930 | ) | 25,423,613 | 27,509,293 | ||||||||
Discontinued Operations | (11,084,048 | ) | (15,577,635 | ) | (14,479,988 | ) | ||||||
Net (Decrease) Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents |
(22,910,978 | ) | 9,845,978 | 13,029,305 | ||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of year |
38,027,509 | 28,181,531 | 15,152,226 | |||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Ending of year |
$ | 15,116,531 | $ | 38,027,509 | $ | 28,181,531 | ||||||
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information |
||||||||||||
Cash paid during the periods for: |
||||||||||||
Interest |
$ | 3,163,976 | $ | 833,364 | $ | 220,634 | ||||||
Taxes |
$ | 24,028 | $ | 24,609 | $ | 21,619 | ||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Fair value of common stock issued for an acquisition |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 951,256 | ||||||
Acquisition of property and equipment: |
||||||||||||
Under capital leases |
$ | 810,026 | $ | 339,652 | $ | 80,894 | ||||||
Included in accrued expenses |
$ | 178,134 | $ | 524,280 | $ | 867,311 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business
Towerstream Corporation (referred to as “Towerstream” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware in December 1999. During its first decade of operations, the Company’s business activities were focused on delivering fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers over a wireless network transmitting over both licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum. The Company’s fixed wireless service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks, disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. The Company provides services to business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. The Company’s “Fixed Wireless business” has historically grown both organically and through the acquisition of five other fixed wireless broadband providers in various markets.
In January 2013, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage its fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. The Company referred to this as its “Shared Wireless Infrastructure” or “Shared Wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in its smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York City (or “NYC”), was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, the Company explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. As further described in Note 18, on March 9, 2016, the Company completed a sale and transfer of certain assets to the major cable company (the “Buyer”). The Asset Purchase Agreement provided that the Buyer would assume certain rooftop leases in NYC and acquire ownership of the Wi-Fi access points and related equipment associated with operating the network. The Company retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment and the parties entered into a backhaul services agreement under which the Company will provide bandwidth to the Buyer at the locations governed by the leases. The agreement is for a three year period with two, one year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty days’ notice. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been presented as discontinued operating results in these consolidated financial statements. Assets associated with the New York City network have been presented as Assets Held for Sale.
Note 2. Liquidity and Management Plans
At December 31, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $15.1 million and working capital of approximately $13.5 million. Based on (i) current projections for revenues for its continuing operations, (ii) operating costs to support its continuing operations including the effect of cost reduction measures that are being implemented, and (iii) capital expenditures to support the network infrastructure, the Company believes that its current cash balances are sufficient to maintain operations and fulfill working capital requirements for the next twelve months from the date of filing this annual report. The Company has historically financed operations through private and public placement of equity securities, as well as debt financings and capital leases. The Company's ability to fund its longer term cash requirements is subject to multiple risks, many of which are beyond its control. Should additional funding be required, the Company may need to raise additional capital through the sale of equity or debt securities. There can be no assurances that the Company would be successful in raising additional capital.
Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key estimates include fair value of certain financial instruments, carrying value of intangible assets, reserves for accounts receivable and accruals for liabilities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. At times, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalent balances of approximately $14,596,000 in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Accounts Receivable . Accounts receivable are stated at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts which reflects the Company’s estimate of balances that will not be collected. The allowance is based on the history of past write-offs, the aging of balances, collections experience and current credit conditions. Additions include provisions for doubtful accounts and deductions include customer write-offs. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
201 5 |
201 4 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Beginning |
$ | 59,273 | $ | 81,009 | $ | 190,109 | ||||||
Additions |
132,000 | 322,000 | 85,000 | |||||||||
Deductions |
(98,410 | ) | (343,736 | ) | (194,100 | ) | ||||||
Ending |
$ | 92,863 | $ | 59,273 | $ | 81,009 |
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and include equipment, installation costs and materials. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the useful lives or the term of the respective lease. Network, base station, shared wireless infrastructure and customer premise equipment are depreciated over estimated useful lives of 5 years; furniture, fixtures and other from 3 to 5 years and information technology from 3 to 5 years.
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs which do not extend the useful life of the assets are charged to expense as incurred. Gains or losses on disposals of property and equipment are reflected in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
FCC Licenses. Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) licenses are initially recorded at cost and are considered to be intangible assets with an indefinite life because the Company is able to maintain the license indefinitely as long as it complies with certain FCC requirements. The Company intends to and has demonstrated an ability to maintain compliance with such requirements. The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets states that an asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized. However, as further described in the next paragraph, these assets are reviewed annually for impairment.
Long-Lived Assets . Long-lived assets with definitive lives consist primarily of property and equipment, and certain intangible assets. Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment, or whenever events or circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. Conditions that would result in an impairment charge include a significant decline in the fair value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. When such events or circumstances arise, an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the asset’s carrying value to determine if impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured based on the excess of its carrying value over its fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying value or net realizable value.
The FASB’s guidance on asset retirement obligations addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated costs. This guidance requires the recognition of an asset retirement obligation and an associated asset retirement cost when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. The Company’s network equipment is installed on both buildings in which the Company has a lease agreement (“Company Locations”) and at customer locations. In both instances, the installation and removal of the Company’s equipment is not complicated and does not require structural changes to the building where the equipment is installed. Costs associated with the removal of the Company’s equipment at company or customer locations are not material, and accordingly, the Company has determined that it does not presently have asset retirement obligations under the FASB’s accounting guidance.
Business Acquisitions . Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the acquired assets and liabilities assumed for the appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions at the acquisition date. The excess of the total consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired, the difference is recognized as a gain on business acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed and included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The highest level of judgment and estimation involved in accounting for business acquisitions relates to determining the fair value of the customer relationships and network assets acquired. In each of the five acquisitions completed over the past four years, the highest asset value has been allocated to the customer relationships acquired. Determining the fair value of customer relationships involves judgments and estimates regarding how long the customers will continue to contract services with the Company. During the course of completing five acquisitions, the Company has developed a database of historical experience from prior acquisitions to assist in preparing future estimates of cash flows. Similarly, the Company has used its historical experience in building networks to prepare estimates regarding the fair value of the network assets that it acquires.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is reviewed annually for impairment, or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company initially performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill which considers macro-economic conditions, industry and market trends, and the current and projected financial performance of the reporting unit. No further analysis is required if it is determined that there is a less than 50 percent likelihood that the carrying value is greater than the fair value. The Company completed a qualitative and quantitative assessment and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company has categorized its financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance with the FASB’s guidance. Fair value is defined as an exit price, the amount that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial assets and liabilities with readily available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities that are rarely traded or not quoted have less price observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability.
Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period enacted. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the period in which related temporary differences become deductible. The benefit of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s income tax returns are recognized in the consolidated financial statements if such positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination.
Revenue Recognition. The Company normally enters into contractual agreements with its customers for periods ranging between one to three years. The Company recognizes the total revenue provided under a contract ratably over the contract period, including any periods under which the Company has agreed to provide services at no cost. The Company applies the revenue recognition principles set forth under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, (“SAB 104”) which provides for revenue to be recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery or installation has been completed, (iii) the customer accepts and verifies receipt, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.
Deferred Revenues. Customers are billed monthly in advance. Deferred revenues are recognized for that portion of monthly charges not yet earned as of the end of the reporting period. Deferred revenues are also recognized for certain customers who pay for their services in advance.
Advertising Costs. The Company charges advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $1,058,000, $1,133,000 and $1,100,000, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for stock-based awards issued to employees in accordance with FASB guidance. Such awards primarily consist of options to purchase shares of common stock. The fair value of stock-based awards is determined on the grant date using a valuation model. The fair value is recognized as compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight line basis over the service period which is normally the vesting period.
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share. Basic and diluted net loss per share has been calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. All potentially dilutive common shares have been excluded since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
The following common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share because they were anti-dilutive. The exercise of these common stock equivalents would dilute earnings per shares if the Company becomes profitable in the future.
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Stock options |
217,002 | 199,885 | 202,751 | |||||||||
Warrants |
142,500 | 142,500 | 22,500 | |||||||||
Total |
359,502 | 342,385 | 225,251 |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Reclassifications. Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current year’s consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications have no effect on the previously reported net loss.
Segments . The Company determined that the Shared Wireless Infrastructure and Fixed Wireless businesses represented separate business segments. In addition, the Company established a Corporate Group so that centralized operating and administrative activities which supported both businesses could be reported separately. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit the Shared Wireless Infrastructure business. As a result, its operating results for all periods presented are being reported as discontinued operations in these financial statements. The operating results of the Fixed Wireless business are being reported as continuing operations. Costs associated with the Corporate Group are included in continuing operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. The new standard was effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit the shared wireless infrastructure business. The Company concluded that this represented a strategic shift in operations, and accordingly, has presented the operating results and cash flows for this business as a discontinued operation in these consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize revenue representing the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is intended to establish principles for reporting useful information to users of financial statements about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from the entity’s contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Early application is only permitted as of January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period,” which requires a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 states that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. ASU 2014-12 clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect adoption of ASU 2014-12 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014–15 (“ASU 2014-15”), “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern.” ASU 2014-15 provides GAAP guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and about related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2014–15 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-03”), “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of being presented as an asset. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Once adopted, entities are required to apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The retrospective application represents a change in accounting principle. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2015-03 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07 (“2015-07”), “Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendments also remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. ASU 2015-07 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2015–07 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”), “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. The update requires that the acquirer in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined (not retrospectively as with prior guidance). Additionally, the acquirer must record in the same period’s financial statements the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the time of acquisition. The acquiring entity is required to disclose, on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes to the financial statements, the portion of the amount recorded in current period earnings, by financial statement line item, that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”), “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments”. The update requires that the acquirer in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined (not retrospectively as with prior guidance). Additionally, the acquirer must record in the same period’s financial statements the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization or other income effects as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the time of acquisition. The acquiring entity is required to disclose, on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes to the financial statements, the portion of the amount recorded in current period earnings, by financial statement line item, that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB has issued an update to ASU No. 2015-17 (“ASU 2015-17”) “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” The update requires a company to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The update of ASU 2015-17 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of the update of ASU 2015–17 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”), “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10)”. ASU 2016-01 updates certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016–01 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02), “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-to-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 4. Business Acquisitions
Delos Internet
In February 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of Delos Internet (“Delos”). The Company obtained full control of Delos and determined that the acquisition was a business combination to be accounted for under the acquisition method. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the amounts of identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The number of shares issued was determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the February 28, 2013 closing date which was $49.40.
Original |
Adjustments |
Final |
||||||||||
Fair value of consideration transferred: |
||||||||||||
Cash |
$ | 225,000 | $ | - | $ | 225,000 | ||||||
Common stock |
1,071,172 | (119,916 | ) | 951,256 | ||||||||
Other liabilities assumed |
- | 36,733 | 36,733 | |||||||||
Capital lease obligations assumed |
128,929 | - | 128,929 | |||||||||
Total consideration transferred |
1,425,101 | (83,183 | ) | 1,341,918 | ||||||||
Fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: |
||||||||||||
Cash |
2,058 | - | 2,058 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable |
80,524 | 1,286 | 79,238 | |||||||||
Property and equipment |
826,524 | 18,824 | 807,700 | |||||||||
Security deposits |
1,993 | - | 1,993 | |||||||||
Accounts payable |
(26,970 | ) | 2,566 | (29,536 | ) | |||||||
Deferred revenue |
(62,110 | ) | (2,135 | ) | (59,975 | ) | ||||||
Other liabilities |
(89,930 | ) | - | (89,930 | ) | |||||||
Total identifiable net tangible assets |
732,089 | 20,541 | 711,548 | |||||||||
Customer relationships |
1,634,469 | - | 1,634,469 | |||||||||
Total identifiable net assets |
2,366,558 | 20,541 | 2,346,017 | |||||||||
Gain on business acquisition |
$ | 941,457 | $ | 62,642 | $ | 1,004,099 |
The Company recognized a gain on business acquisition of $1,004,099 which is included in other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. The challenging economic environment during 2012 made it difficult for smaller companies like Delos to raise sufficient capital to sustain their growth. As a result, the Company was able to acquire the customer relationships and wireless network of Delos at a discounted price.
In May 2013, the Company finalized the purchase price of Delos which resulted in a reduction of approximately $21,000 of identifiable net assets and an increase in the gain on business acquisition of approximately $63,000. The purchase price adjustment resulted in a decrease in the number of shares of common stock issued to Delos of 2,427 from 21,684 to 19,256 shares.
The results of operations of Delos have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the completion of the acquisition in February 2013. Revenues generated from customers acquired from Delos totaled approximately $517,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company incurred approximately $99,000 of third-party costs in connection with the Delos acquisition. These expenses are included in the general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Pro Forma Information
The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma results from continuing operations had the Delos acquisition taken place at the beginning of the 2013 period:
Year Ended December 31, |
|||||
2013 |
|||||
Revenues |
$ | 32,005,154 | |||
Amortization expense |
3,159,196 | ||||
Total operating expenses |
41,844,651 | ||||
Net loss |
(9,131,670 | ) | |||
Basic net loss per share |
$ | (2.80 | ) |
The pro forma information presented above does not purport to present what actual results would have been had the Delos acquisition actually occurred at the beginning of 2013 nor does the information project results for any future period.
Note 5. Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
In January 2013, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage its fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. The Company referred to this as its “Shared Wireless Infrastructure” or “Shared Wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in its smaller markets, and recognized charges of $3,284,466 representing the estimated cost to settle lease obligations, $1,618,540 to write-off network assets which could not be redeployed into the fixed wireless network, $45,114 related to security deposits which are not expected to be recovered, and $410,991 related to the accelerated expensing of deferred acquisition costs. The remaining network, located in New York City (or “NYC”), was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, the Company explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. As further described in Note 18, on March 9, 2016, the Company completed a sale and transfer of certain assets to the major cable company (the “Buyer”). The Asset Purchase Agreement provided that the Buyer would assume certain rooftop leases in NYC and acquire ownership of the Wi-Fi access points and related equipment associated with operating the network. The Company retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment and the parties entered into a backhaul services agreement under which the Company will provide internet bandwidth to the Buyer at the locations governed by the leases. The agreement is for a three year period with two, one year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty days’ notice. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been presented as discontinued operating results in these consolidated financial statements. Assets associated with the New York City network have been presented as Assets Held for Sale.
Discontinued Operations
A more detailed presentation of loss from discontinued operations is set forth below. There has been no allocation of consolidated interest expense to discontinued operations. General and administrative expenses for 2015 includes $1,618,540 to write-off network assets which could not be deployed.
Year Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 3,370,181 | $ | 3,099,972 | $ | 1,540,700 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
17,751,033 | 14,220,122 | 11,980,097 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
4,032,219 | 3,957,784 | 3,508,647 | |||||||||
Customer support services |
710,368 | 683,208 | 784,780 | |||||||||
Sales and marketing |
145,954 | 229,013 | 301,578 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
2,008,211 | 568,985 | 668,626 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
24,647,785 | 19,659,112 | 17,243,728 | |||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
$ | (21,277,604 | ) | $ | (16,559,140 | ) | $ | (15,703,028 | ) |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
The components of the balance sheet accounts presented as discontinued operations were as follows:
As of December 31, |
||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Assets: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
$ | 715,993 | $ | 723,569 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
278,891 | 612,570 | ||||||
Deferred acquisitions costs |
253,685 | - | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
$ | 1,248,569 | $ | 1,336,139 | ||||
Long-Term Assets: |
||||||||
Property and equipment | - | 3,233,486 | ||||||
Deferred acquisitions costs |
- | 879,518 | ||||||
Security deposits |
- | 58,414 | ||||||
Total Long Term Assets | $ | - | $ | 4,171,418 | ||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 556,800 | $ | 114,042 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
66,101 | 82,819 | ||||||
Accrued expenses - network | 3,284,467 | - | ||||||
Total C urrent Liabilities |
$ | 3,907,368 | $ | 196,861 |
Assets Held for Sale
The components of the balance sheet accounts presented as Assets Held for Sale were as follows:
As of December 31, | ||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Security deposits |
$ | 356,108 | $ | 350,418 | ||||
Wi-Fi and back-end equipment, net |
4,958,999 | 7,524,823 | ||||||
Current assets held for sale |
$ | 5,315,107 | $ | 7,875,241 |
Property and equipment is comprised of:
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2015 |
|
|
2014 |
|
||
Network and base station equipment |
|
$ |
38,351,119 |
|
|
$ |
35,836,469 |
|
Customer premise equipment |
|
|
30,910,874 |
|
|
|
26,511,691 |
|
Information technology |
|
|
4,810,865 |
|
|
|
4,628,555 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and other |
|
|
1,713,722 |
|
|
|
1,669,340 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
1,623,559 |
|
|
|
1,599,393 |
|
|
|
|
77,410,139 |
|
|
|
70,245,448 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation |
|
|
56,174,755 |
|
|
|
47,098,471 |
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
21,235,384 |
|
|
$ |
23,146,977 |
|
Property acquired through capital leases included within the Company’s property and equipment consists of the following:
As of December 31, |
||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Network and base station equipment |
$ | 2,620,898 | $ | 2,234,180 | ||||
Customer premise equipment |
669,792 | 246,484 | ||||||
Information technology |
1,860,028 | 1,860,028 | ||||||
5,150,718 | 4,340,692 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
3,114,968 | 2,135,534 | ||||||
Property acquired through capital leases, net |
$ | 2,035,750 | $ | 2,205,158 |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Intangible assets consist of the following:
As of December 31, |
||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Goodwill |
$ | 1,674,281 | $ | 1,674,281 | ||||
Customer relationships |
$ | 11,856,126 | $ | 11,856,127 | ||||
Less: accumulated amortization of customer relationships |
11,333,096 | 10,940,824 | ||||||
Customer relationships, net |
523,030 | 915,303 | ||||||
FCC licenses |
1,284,555 | 1,284,555 | ||||||
Impairment charge |
(534,555 | ) | - | |||||
FCC licenses, net |
750,000 | 1,284,555 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
$ | 1,273,030 | $ | 2,199,858 |
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $392,272, $888,969 and $3,093,817, respectively. The customer contracts acquired in May 2011 for the One Velocity, Inc. acquisition were amortized over a 30 month period ending November 2013. The customer contracts acquired in the Color Broadband Communications acquisition were amortized over a 28 month period ending April 2014. The customer contracts acquired in the Delos acquisition are being amortized over a 50 month period ending April 2017. As of December 31, 2015, the remaining amortization period for the Delos acquisition was 16 months. Balances related to the Company’s other acquisitions have been fully amortized. Future amortization expense is as follows:
FCC licenses have an indefinite life but are subject to periodic renewal. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $534,555 in 2015 related to a spectrum license. The Company determined that changes being considered by the FCC would make commercial use of the spectrum uncertain and costly, and that the coverage area of the spectrum was not consistent with its focus on dense urban markets. The expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations. Based on prices paid at recent spectrum auctions, the Company believes that the remaining spectrum has a fair value higher than the cost basis at which it is reported in these financial statements.
Accrued expenses consist of the following: |
As of December 31, |
|||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Payroll and related |
$ | 551,448 | $ | 661,496 | ||||
Professional services |
427,932 | 256,534 | ||||||
Other |
339,680 | 280,413 | ||||||
Property and equipment |
176,614 | 506,883 | ||||||
Network |
133,544 | 187,440 | ||||||
Marketing |
- | 63,112 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 1,629,218 | $ | 1,955,878 |
Network represents costs incurred to provide services to the Company’s customers including tower rentals, bandwidth, troubleshooting and gear removal.
Other liabilities consist of the following: |
As of December 31, |
|||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Current |
||||||||
Deferred rent |
$ | 63,012 | $ | 46,058 | ||||
Deferred acquisition payments |
- | 11,184 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 63,012 | $ | 57,242 | ||||
Long-Term |
||||||||
Deferred rent |
$ | 1,227,414 | $ | 1,373,163 | ||||
Deferred acquisition payments |
- | 341 | ||||||
Deferred taxes |
363,774 | 401,337 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 1,591,188 | $ | 1,774,841 |
Deferred acquisition payments related to Delos totaled $11,525 at December 31, 2014 and bore interest at a rate of 7%.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
In October 2014, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Melody Business Finance, LLC (the "Lender") which provided the Company with a five-year $35 million term loan (the "Financing" or "Note"). The Note was issued at a 3% discount totaling $1,050,000 which is being amortized over the term of the Note. The Company recognized interest expense of $340,899 and $95,365 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $613,736 and $954,635 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively.
The loan bears interest payable in cash at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the one month Libor rate on each payment date plus 7% or (ii) 8% per annum, and additional paid in kind (“PIK”), or deferred, interest that accrues at 4% per annum. The Company paid $2,906,695 of interest and accrued $1,453,347 of PIK interest for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company paid $591,111 of interest and accrued $295,556 of PIK interest for the year ended December 31, 2014. PIK interest is included in Interest expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In October 2019, the Company must repay the principal amount outstanding plus all accrued interest. The Company has the option of prepaying the loan (i) on or before October 16, 2016 (the “Second Anniversary”), but only in full, and (ii) at any time after the Second Anniversary, in the minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 or in full if the balance outstanding is less. All optional prepayments are subject to certain premiums. Mandatory prepayments are required upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to the (i) sale, lease, conveyance or transfer of certain assets, (ii) issuance or incurrence of indebtedness other than certain permitted debt, (iii) issuance of capital stock redeemable for cash or convertible into debt securities and (iv) any change of control. As further set forth in a security agreement (the “Security Agreement”), repayment of the loan is secured by a first priority lien and security interest in all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding capital stock of the Company, and certain capital leases, contracts and assets secured by purchase money security interests.
The Loan Agreement also contains representations and warranties by the Company and the Lender, certain indemnification provisions in favor of the Lender and customary covenants (including limitations on other debt, liens, acquisitions, investments and dividends), and events of default (including payment defaults, breaches of covenants, a material impairment in the Lender’s security interest or in the collateral, and events relating to bankruptcy or insolvency). Upon the occurrence of an event of default, an additional 5% interest rate will be applied to the outstanding loan balances, and the Lender may terminate its lending commitment, declare all outstanding obligations immediately due and payable, and take such other actions as set forth in the Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants.
In connection with the Loan Agreement and pursuant to a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 180,000 shares of common stock of which two-thirds have an exercise price of $25.20 and one-third have an exercise price of $0.20, subject to customary adjustments under certain circumstances. The Warrants have a term of seven and a half years. The fair value of the warrants granted to the Lender of $2,463,231 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount is being amortized over the term of the Note using the effective interest rate. The Company recognized interest expense of $799,727 and $223,719 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $1,439,785 and $2,239,512 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The warrant holders have piggyback registration rights requiring the inclusion of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants (the “Warrant Shares”) in any registration statement filed by the Company. In addition, the Company has agreed to file a registration statement to register for resale all of the Warrant Shares and cause the registration statement to become effective by December 31, 2016 (the “Required Registration Statement”). If the Required Registration Statement is not declared effective by the required date, then the Company shall pay the holders liquidated damages in the aggregate amount of $5,000 per month, up to $50,000 in total, until both the Required Registration Statement has become effective and the Warrant Shares are listed.
The Company incurred costs, primarily professional services, of approximately $2,900,000 related to the Loan Agreement. These costs were recorded as other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the term of the Loan Agreement using the effective interest rate. Amortization expense totaled $939,498 and $262,820 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $1,691,421 and $2,630,919 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Note 11. Capital Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. The holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution. The holders of the Company’s common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of the Company’s common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, which may be designated solely by action of the board of directors and issued in the future. At the Company’s annual meeting in August 2015, the shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 95,000,000 to 200,000,000.
In November 2010, the Company adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”). Under the Rights Plan, the Company issued one preferred share purchase right for each share of the Company's common stock held by shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 24, 2010. In general, the rights will become exercisable if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company’s common stock or announces a tender offer or exchange offer for 15% or more of the Company’s common stock. Each holder of a right will be allowed to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a newly created series of the Company’s preferred shares at an exercise price of $18.00. The rights will expire on November 8, 2020. The Company may redeem the rights for $0.001 each at any time until the tenth business day following public announcement that a person or group has acquired 15% or more of its outstanding common stock.
Stock options were exercised by current or former employees as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Cash basis: |
||||||||||||
Total options exercised |
- | - | 14,234 | |||||||||
Total proceeds received |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 292,389 | ||||||
Cashless basis: |
||||||||||||
Total options exercised |
21,327 | 17,045 | 6,774 | |||||||||
Net issuance of common stock |
4,830 | 9,614 | 1,889 |
Under a cashless exercise, the holder uses a portion of the shares that would otherwise be issuable upon exercise, rather than cash, as consideration for the exercise. The amount of net shares issuable in connection with a cashless exercise will vary based on the exercise price of the option or warrant compared to the current market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise.
In February and March 2013, the Company completed an underwritten offering at $60.00 per share which resulted in gross proceeds of $33,000,000 and the issuance of 550,000 shares. The Company incurred costs of approximately $2,501,000 related to the offering.
In February 2013, the Company issued 21,684 shares of common stock to Delos as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition. The fair value of the common stock issued was $1,071,172. In May 2013, the Company reduced the number of shares of common stock issued to Delos by 2,427 as a result of an adjustment to the purchase price. The reduction of common stock had a fair value of $119,916.
Stock Options Plans
The 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2007 Plan”) became effective in January 2007 and provides for the issuance of options, restricted stock and other stock-based instruments to officers and employees, consultants and directors of the Company. The total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2007 Plan is 120,196. A total of 106,842 stock options or common stock have been issued under the 2007 Plan as of December 31, 2015.
The 2007 Incentive Stock Plan became effective in May 2007 and provides for the issuance of up to 125,000 shares of common stock in the form of options or restricted stock (the “2007 Incentive Stock Plan”). Shareholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock issuable under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan from 125,000 to 250,000 in November 2012. A total of 147,471 stock options, common stock or restricted stock have been issued under the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan as of December 31, 2015.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Options granted under both the 2007 Plan and the 2007 Incentive Plan have terms up to ten years and are exercisable at a price per share not less than the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The total number of shares of common stock that remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2015 under the 2007 Plan and the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan combined is 115,883 shares.
The 2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (the “2008 Directors Plan”) became effective in August 2008 and provides for the issuance of up to 50,000 shares of common stock in the form of options or restricted stock. In November 2013, shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2008 Directors Plan to 100,000. A total of 68,625 stock options or common stock have been issued under the 2008 Directors Plan as of December 31, 2015. Options granted under the 2008 Directors Plan have terms of up to ten years and are exercisable at a price per share equal to the fair value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The total number of shares of common stock that remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2015 under the 2008 Directors Plan is 31,375 shares.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to value options granted to employees, directors and consultants. Compensation expense, including the effect of forfeitures, is recognized over the period of service, generally the vesting period. The Company bases its forfeiture rate on past experience with a higher forfeiture rate applied in the initial years of the vesting period and lower rates applied in the later years of the vesting period. Stock-based compensation for the amortization of stock options granted under the Company’s stock option plans totaled $1,016,705, $953,470, and $1,182,523 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The unamortized amount of stock options expense was $585,688 as of December 31, 2015 which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.8 year.
The fair values of stock option grants were calculated on the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
1.5% | - | 1.7% | 1.1% | - | 1.8% | 0.8% | - | 1.9% | |||
Expected volatility |
58% | - | 77% | 47% | - | 60% | 65% | - | 68% | |||
Expected life (in years) |
4.1 | - | 4.2 | 4.1 | - | 5.3 | 5.0 | - | 6.5 | |||
Expected dividend yield |
0% | 0% | 0% |
The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve. The Company’s expected volatility was based upon the historical volatility for its common stock. The expected life of the Company’s options was determined using the simplified method as a result of limited historical data regarding the Company’s activity. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company began utilizing its historical data regarding the Company’s activity as it relates to the expected life of stock options. The dividend yield is based upon the fact that the Company has not historically paid dividends, and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company reviews its forfeiture rate annually to update its assumption for recent experience. Forfeiture rates used in 2015 ranged from 3% to 10%.
During the first quarter of 2011, the Company issued 4,500 shares of restricted stock to two executives. The fair value of $354,600 was based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The restricted stock vested over a three year period, of which 3,000 shares were vested and 1,500 shares of restricted stock were forfeited due to the resignation of an executive in November 2012. Stock-based compensation for restricted stock totaled $59,100 for the year ended December 31, 2013 and was also the period in which the restricted stock was fully vested.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Option transactions under the stock option plans during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Number of Options |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2013 |
195,802 | 57.00 | ||||||
Granted during 2013 |
47,500 | 48.00 | ||||||
Exercised |
(21,008 | ) | 24.60 | |||||
Forfeited /expired |
(19,544 | ) | 101.40 | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 |
202,750 | 54.00 | ||||||
Granted during 2014 |
36,854 | 28.40 | ||||||
Exercised |
(17,045 | ) | 14.80 | |||||
Forfeited /expired |
(22,674 | ) | 35.60 | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 |
199,885 | 54.60 | ||||||
Granted during 2015 |
43,938 | 29.20 | ||||||
Exercised |
(21,327 | ) | 31.60 | |||||
Forfeited /expired |
(5,494 | ) | 38.80 | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 |
217,002 | 52.20 | ||||||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2015 |
168,637 | 53.60 |
Grants under the stock option plans were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Annual grants to outside directors |
10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | |||||||||
Executive grants |
11,563 | 8,604 | 6,250 | |||||||||
Employee grants |
22,375 | 15,750 | 31,250 | |||||||||
Non-employee grants |
- | 2,500 | - | |||||||||
Total |
43,938 | 36,854 | 47,500 |
All options granted during the reporting period had a ten year term and were issued at an exercise price equal to the fair value on the date of grant. Director grants vest over a one year period from the date of issuance. Executive grants vesting periods range from vesting immediately upon issuance to vesting monthly or quarterly over a one or two year period from the date of issuance. Employee grants range from vesting immediately upon issuance to vesting over a one to three year period from the date of issuance. Non-employee grants vesting periods range from vesting immediately upon issuance to vesting over one year from the date of issuance.
Forfeited or expired options under the stock option plans were as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Employee terminations |
4,119 | 9,260 | 19,544 | |||||||||
Expired |
1,375 | 12,702 | - | |||||||||
Repurchased |
- | 713 | - | |||||||||
Total |
5,494 | 22,675 | 19,544 |
The weighted-average fair values of the options granted during 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $13.60, $13.40, and $28.80, respectively. Outstanding options of 217,002 as of December 31, 2015 had exercise prices that ranged from $9.20 to $105 and had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.8 years. Exercisable options of 168,637 as of December 31, 2015 had exercise prices that ranged from $13.60 to $105 and had a weighted-average remaining contractual life of 6.3 years.
As of December 31, 2015, there was no aggregate intrinsic value associated with the outstanding and exercisable options. The closing price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2015, was $7.60 per share. The Company calculates the intrinsic value of stock options and warrants as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the end of the reporting period and the exercise price of the stock options and warrants.
Stock Warrants
Warrant transactions during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
Number of Warrants |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 |
22,500 | $ | 100.00 | |||||
Granted during 2014 |
180,000 | $ | 16.80 | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2015 |
202,500 | $ | 26.20 |
In October 2014, the Company issued 180,000 warrants to purchase shares of common stock under the Company’s Financing of which 60,000 warrants had an exercise price of $0.20 per share and 120,000 warrants had an exercise price of $25.20 per share.
As of December 31, 2015, all warrants were exercisable and had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.7 years.
The aggregate intrinsic value associated with the warrants outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2015 was $444,000. The closing price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2015 was $7.60 per share.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
The Company has established a 401(k) retirement plan (“401(k) plan”) which covers all eligible employees who have attained the age of twenty-one and have completed 30 days of employment with the Company. The Company can elect to match up to a certain amount of employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan. No employer contributions were made during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Under the Company’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP Plan”), participants can purchase shares of the Company’s stock at a 15% discount. A maximum of 10,000 shares of common stock can be issued under the ESPP Plan of which 8,417 shares have been issued to date and 1,583 shares are available for future issuance. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, a total of 2,838, 1,248, and 1,563 shares were issued under the ESPP Plan with a fair value of $49,757, $46,928 and $80,718 respectively. The Company recognized $7,541, $7,020, and $12,038 of stock-based compensation related to the 15% discount for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||
State |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Total current |
- | - | - | |||||||||
Deferred |
||||||||||||
Federal |
(6,521,134 | ) | (3,694,966 | ) | (2,994,771 | ) | ||||||
State |
(1,150,789 | ) | (652,053 | ) | (528,489 | ) | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
7,634,360 | 4,425,551 | 3,601,792 | |||||||||
Total deferred |
(37,562 | ) | 78,532 | 78,531 | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
$ | (37,562 | ) | $ | 78,532 | $ | 78,531 |
The provision for income taxes using the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate as compared to the Company’s effective tax rate is summarized as follows:
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
U.S. Federal statutory rate |
(34.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | ||||||
State taxes |
(6.0 | )% | (6.0 | )% | (6.0 | )% | ||||||
Permanent differences |
0.1 | % | 0.1 | % | 0.3 | % | ||||||
Valuation allowance |
39.8 | % | 40.2 | % | 40.0 | % | ||||||
Effective tax rate |
(0.1 | )% | 0.3 | % | 0.3 | % |
The Company files income tax returns for Towerstream Corporation and its subsidiaries in the U.S. federal and various state principle jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2015, the tax returns for Towerstream Corporation for the years 2012 through 2015 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various state authorities.
The Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) consisted of the effects of temporary differences attributable to the following:
Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
|||||||
Deferred tax assets |
||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards |
$ | 56,202,470 | $ | 43,362,260 | ||||
Stock-based compensation |
2,426,886 | 2,094,946 | ||||||
Intangible assets |
2,481,960 | 2,583,348 | ||||||
Debt discount |
695,259 | 252,788 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
37,145 | 23,710 | ||||||
Other |
1,388,166 | 32,716 | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
63,231,886 | 48,349,768 | ||||||
Valuation allowance |
(61,340,847 | ) | (45,195,445 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
1,891,039 | 3,154,323 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
||||||||
Depreciation |
(1,891,039 | ) | (3,154,323 | ) | ||||
Intangible assets |
(363,774 | ) | (401,337 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
(2,254,813 | ) | (3,555,660 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ | (363,774 | ) | $ | (401,337 | ) |
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
ASC Topic 740 clarifies the accounting and reporting for uncertainties in income tax law. ASC Topic 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The guidance also provides direction on derecogntion, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements. The Company’s policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses. No interest and penalties were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefit position to change during the next twelve months.
NOL Limitations
The Company’s utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation due to ownership changes that have occurred previously or that could occur in the future as provided in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as similar state provisions. Section 382 limits the utilization of NOLs when there is a greater than 50% change of ownership as determined under the regulations. Since its formation, the Company has raised capital through the issuance of capital stock and various convertible instruments which, combined with the purchasing shareholders’ subsequent disposition of these shares, has resulted in an ownership change as defined by Section 382, and also could result in an ownership change in the future upon subsequent disposition.
As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company had approximately $140,506,000, $108,398,000, and $84,417,000, respectively, of federal and state NOL carryovers. Federal NOLs will begin expiring in 2027. State NOLs began expiring in 2012.
Valuation Allowance
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company has considered whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. In making this determination, under the applicable financial reporting standards, the Company has considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. Since both goodwill and the FCC licenses are considered to be assets with indefinite lives for financial reporting purposes, the related deferred tax liabilities cannot be used as a source of future taxable income for purposes of determining the need for a valuation allowance. Based upon this evaluation, a full valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The change in valuation allowance was $16,145,402 and $11,049,207, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 of which $8,511,042 and $6,623,656, respectively, pertains to discontinued operations.
Valuation Hierarchy
The FASB’s accounting standard for fair value measurements establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Cash and cash equivalents are measured at fair value using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt is carried at cost as the related interest rate is at terms that approximate rates currently available to the Company. There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Total Carrying Value |
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) |
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) |
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
|||||||||||||
December 31, 2015 |
$ | 15,116,531 | $ | 15,116,531 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
December 31, 2014 |
$ | 38,027,509 | $ | 38,027,509 | $ | - | $ | - |
Operating Lease Obligations.
The Company has entered into operating leases related to roof rights, cellular towers, office space, and equipment leases under various non-cancelable agreements expiring through April 2025. Certain of these operating leases include extensions, at the Company's option, for additional terms ranging from 1 to 25 years. Amounts associated with the extension periods have not been included in the table below as it is not presently determinable which options, if any, the Company will elect to exercise. As of December 31, 2015, total future operating lease obligations were as follows:
Years Ending December 31, |
||||
2016 |
$ | 19,885,917 | ||
2017 |
15,252,943 | |||
2018 |
8,286,819 | |||
2019 |
3,199,264 | |||
2020 |
741,907 | |||
Thereafter |
368,486 | |||
$ | 47,735,336 |
Rent expenses were as follows:
Year Ended December 31 , |
||||||||||||
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
||||||||||
Points of Presence |
$ | 8,180,389 | $ | 7,746,573 | $ | 7,128,778 | ||||||
Street level rooftops |
16,707,445 | 13,183,209 | 11,067,316 | |||||||||
Corporate offices |
382,234 | 336,437 | 518,245 | |||||||||
Other |
414,618 | 362,281 | 437,718 | |||||||||
$ | 25,684,686 | $ | 21,628,500 | $ | 19,152,057 |
Rent expenses related to Points of Presence, street level rooftops and other were included in cost of revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Rent expense related to the Company’s corporate offices was included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company accrued $3,284,466 representing the estimated cost to settle lease obligations for street level rooftops in certain markets.
In September 2013, the Company entered into a new lease agreement for its corporate offices and new warehouse space. The lease commenced on January 1, 2014 and expires on December 31, 2019 with an option to renew for an additional five year term through December 31, 2024. The Company spent approximately $600,000 in leasehold improvements in connection with consolidating its corporate based employees from two buildings into one building. The Landlord agreed to contribute $380,000 in funding towards qualified leasehold improvements and made such payment to the Company in February 2014. Total annual rent payments begin at $359,750 for 2014 and escalate by 3% annually reaching $416,970 for 2019.
In December 2014, the Company entered into a new lease agreement in Florida, primarily for a second sales center. The lease commenced in February 2015 for 38 months with an option to renew for an additional 60 month period. Total annual rent payments begin at $53,130 and escalate by 3% annually.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Capital Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into capital leases to acquire property and equipment expiring through June 2018. As of December 31, 2015, total future capital lease obligations were as follows:
Years Ending December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2016 |
|
|
1,110,428 |
|
2017 |
|
|
837,811 |
|
2018 |
|
|
143,796 |
|
|
|
$ |
2,092,035 |
|
Less: Interest expense |
|
|
166,519 |
|
Total capital lease obligations |
|
$ |
1,925,516 |
|
Current |
|
$ |
992,690 |
|
Long-Term |
|
$ |
932,826 |
|
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
Quarterly financial information for each quarter for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is set forth below. Additional information regarding the net loss from discontinued operations for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 is included in Note 5.
Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2015 |
June 30, 2015 |
September 30, 2015 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 7,172,467 | $ | 7,030,908 | $ | 6,947,467 | $ | 6,754,181 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses |
10,168,913 | 10,014,564 | 9,837,277 | 10,474,243 | ||||||||||||
Operating Loss | (2,996,446 | ) | (2,983,656 | ) | (2,889,810 | ) | (3,720,062 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
(1,664,264 | ) | (1,670,428 | ) | (1,665,682 | ) | (1,652,412 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss from continuing operations |
(4,660,710 | ) | (4,654,084 | ) | (4,555,493 | ) | (5,372,473 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss from discontinued operations |
(4,262,356 | ) | (4,196,727 | ) | (3,953,933 | ) | (8,864,588 | ) | ||||||||
Loss per share |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing Operations |
$ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (1.37 | ) | $ | (1.34 | ) | $ | (1.58 | ) | ||||
Discontinued Operations |
$ | (1.26 | ) | $ | (1.24 | ) | $ | (1.16 | ) | $ | (2.61 | ) | ||||
Weighted averagecommon shares outstanding |
3,392,839 | 3,396,219 | 3,398,313 | 3,398,876 |
Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2014 |
June 30, 2014 |
September 30, 2014 |
December 31, 2014 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 7,639,557 | $ | 7,526,478 | $ | 7,507,640 | $ | 7,262,506 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses |
10,097,304 | 9,709,394 | 9,539,442 | 9,871,273 | ||||||||||||
Operating Loss | (2,457,747 | ) | (2,182,916 | ) | (2,031,802 | ) | (2,608,767 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
(63,052 | ) | (59,488 | ) | (43,970 | ) | (1,506,336 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss from continuing operations |
(2,520,799 | ) | (2,242,404 | ) | (2,075,772 | ) | (4,115,103 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss from discontinued operations |
(3,989,008 | ) | (4,152,202 | ) | (4,178,301 | ) | (4,239,629 | ) | ||||||||
Loss per share |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing Operations |
$ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | (0.62 | ) | $ | (1.22 | ) | ||||
Discontinued Operations |
$ | (1.20 | ) | $ | (1.25 | ) | $ | (1.25 | ) | $ | (1.25 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
3,321,953 | 3,323,934 | 3,332,190 | 3,382,103 |
Three Months Ended |
||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2013 |
June 30, 2013 |
September 30, 2013 |
December 31, 2013 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 8,140,747 | $ | 8,015,667 | $ | 7,864,728 | $ | 7,871,442 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses |
10,834,621 | 10,348,511 | 10,228,784 | 10,260,756 | ||||||||||||
Operating Loss | (2,693,874 | ) | (2,332,844 | ) | (2,364,056 | ) | (2,389,314 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
905,843 | 3972 | (59,613 | ) | (63,844 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Loss from continuing operations |
(1,788,031 | ) | (2,328,872 | ) | (2,423,668 | ) | (2,453,160 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss from discontinued operations |
(3,838,275 | ) | (3,902,278 | ) | (3,719,725 | ) | (4,242,750 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss per common share – basic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing Operations |
$ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | (0.73 | ) | $ | (0.74 | ) | ||||
Discontinued Operations |
$ | (1.25 | ) | $ | (1.18 | ) | $ | (1.12 | ) | $ | (1.28 | ) | ||||
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted |
3,073,235 | 3,318,539 | 3,320,125 | 3,320,969 |
Note 18 . Subsequent Events
On March 9, 2016, the Company completed a sale and transfer of certain assets pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with a large cable company (the "Buyer"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the WiFi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. The Company retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment, and the parties entered into a three year agreement under which the Company will provide backhaul services to the Buyer. The previous access agreement between the parties was terminated. The net effect of the Buyer (i) assuming certain rooftop leases, (ii) entering into a backhaul services agreement, and (iii) terminating the access agreement is projected to result in a net reduction in cash requirements of approximately $6 million annually.
Note 19. Reverse Stock Split
On July 7, 2016, the Company effected a 1 for 20 reverse stock split of its shares of common stock. Consequently, all appropriate equity related balances, number of shares, per share figures, and other related amounts appearing in these financial statements have been retrospectively adjusted for that action.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
June 30 , 201 6 (Unaudited) |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 9,977,495 | $ | 15,116,531 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
410,560 | 308,551 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
756,240 | 474,029 | ||||||
Current assets of discontinued operations |
238,050 | 1,248,569 | ||||||
Current assets held for sale |
- | 5,315,107 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
11,382,345 | 22,462,787 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
18,545,590 | 21,235,384 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
4,488,256 | 1,273,030 | ||||||
Goodwill |
1,674,281 | 1,674,281 | ||||||
Other assets |
388,930 | 384,357 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 36,479,402 | $ | 47,029,839 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ (Deficit) Equity |
||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 334,523 | $ | 877,134 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
1,321,816 | 1,629,218 | ||||||
Deferred revenues |
1,144,970 | 1,486,754 | ||||||
Current maturities of capital lease obligations |
980,389 | 992,690 | ||||||
Current liabilities of discontinued operations |
3,007,180 | 3,907,368 | ||||||
Deferred rent |
62,883 | 63,012 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
6,851,761 | 8,956,176 | ||||||
Long-Term Liabilities |
||||||||
Long-term debt, net of debt discount and deferred financing costs of $2,868,708 and $3,744,941, respectively |
34,627,096 | 33,003,962 | ||||||
Capital lease obligations, net of current maturities |
453,194 | 932,826 | ||||||
Other |
1,019,078 | 1,591,188 | ||||||
Total Long-Term Liabilities |
36,099,368 | 35,527,976 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
42,951,129 | 44,484,152 | ||||||
Commitments (Note 15) |
||||||||
Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity |
||||||||
Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued |
- | - | ||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 4,102,577 and 3,340,508 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
4,103 | 3,341 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
161,466,749 | 158,761,077 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(167,942,579 | ) | (156,218,731 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity |
(6,471,727 | ) | 2,545,687 | |||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity |
$ | 36,479,402 | $ | 47,029,839 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2016 | 201 5 |
2016 |
201 5 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 6,872,342 | $ | 7,030,907 | $ | 13,606,432 | $ | 14,203,374 | ||||||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Infrastructure and access |
2,631,114 | 2,490,508 | 5,182,841 | 5,049,484 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
3,044,132 | 2,393,254 | 5,571,778 | 4,741,127 | ||||||||||||
Network operations |
1,298,590 | 1,370,126 | 2,589,778 | 2,704,558 | ||||||||||||
Customer support |
484,664 | 653,534 | 1,027,855 | 1,326,417 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
883,961 | 1,545,366 | 2,378,881 | 2,876,048 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
1,604,542 | 1,561,775 | 3,584,335 | 3,485,842 | ||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses |
9,947,003 | 10,014,563 | 20,335,468 | 20,183,476 | ||||||||||||
Operating Loss |
(3,074,661 | ) | (2,983,656 | ) | (6,729,036 | ) | (5,980,102 | ) | ||||||||
Other Income/(Expense) |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
(1,588,291 | ) | (1,670,428 | ) | (3,195,411 | ) | (3,334,692 | ) | ||||||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(4,662,952 | ) | (4,654,084 | ) | (9,924,447 | ) | (9,314,794 | ) | ||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
||||||||||||||||
Operating loss |
(67,576 | ) | (4,196,727 | ) | (2,977,143 | ) | (8,459,083 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of assets |
- | - | 1,177,742 | - | ||||||||||||
Total loss from discontinued operations |
(67,576 | ) | (4,196,727 | ) | (1,799,401 | ) | (8,459,083 | ) | ||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (4,730,528 | ) | $ | (8,850,811 | ) | $ | (11,723,848 | ) | $ | (17,773,877 | ) | ||||
(Loss) gain per share – basic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing |
$ | (1.36 | ) | $ | (1.39 | ) | $ | (2.93 | ) | $ | (2.79 | ) | ||||
Discontinued |
||||||||||||||||
Operating loss |
(0.02 | ) | (1.26 | ) | (0.88 | ) | (2.54 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of assets |
- | - | 0.35 | - | ||||||||||||
Total discontinued |
(0.02 | ) | (1.26 | ) | (0.53 | ) | (2.54 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss per common share – Basic and diluted |
$ | (1.38 | ) | $ | (2.65 | ) | $ | (3.46 | ) | $ | (5.33 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic and diluted |
3,432,384 | 3,336,219 | 3,387,462 | 3,334,539 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)
Common Stock |
||||||||||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Additional Paid-In- Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Total |
||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2016 |
3,340,508 | $ | 3,341 | $ | 158,761,077 | $ | (156,218,731 | ) | $ | 2,545,687 | ||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net of offering costs of $50,000 |
750,000 | 750 | 2,229,250 | 2,230,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock for consulting services |
5,000 | 5 | 19,995 | - | 20,000 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
7,069 | 7 | 19,568 | - | 19,575 | |||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation for options |
- | - | 436,859 | - | 436,859 | |||||||||||||||
Net loss |
- | - | - | (11,723,848 | ) | (11,723,848 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2016 |
4,102,577 | $ | 4,103 | $ | 161,466,749 | $ | (167,942,579 | ) | $ | (6,471,727 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
2016 | 2015 | |||||||
Cash flows used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (11,723,848 | ) | $ | (17,773,877 | ) | ||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(1,799,401 | ) | (8,459,083 | ) | ||||
Loss from continuing operations |
(9,924,447 | ) | (9,314,794 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in continuing operating activities: |
||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts |
- | 100,000 | ||||||
Depreciation for property and equipment |
4,949,222 | 4,544,991 | ||||||
Amortization of intangibles |
622,556 | 196,136 | ||||||
Amortization of debt issuance costs |
395,755 | 493,950 | ||||||
Amortization of debt discount |
480,479 | 599,695 | ||||||
Capitalized interest |
746,900 | 713,402 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation - Options |
436,859 | 422,079 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation - Stock issued for services |
20,000 | - | ||||||
Stock-based compensation - Employee stock purchase plan | 2,936 | 3,115 | ||||||
Deferred rent |
(129 | ) | 127,860 | |||||
Loss on write off of property and equipment | 528,364 | - | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(102,009 | ) | 198,977 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(282,211 | ) | (380,462 | ) | ||||
Other assets |
(4,573 | ) | 249,024 | |||||
Accounts payable |
(542,611 | ) | 112,796 | |||||
Accrued expenses |
(274,516 | ) | 517,952 | |||||
Deferred revenues |
(341,784 | ) | (116,404 | ) | ||||
Other liabilities |
(572,110 | ) | 124,515 | |||||
Net cash used in continuing operating activities |
(3,861,319 | ) | (1,407,168 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities |
(1,872,023 | ) | (6,015,462 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(5,733,342 | ) | (7,422,630 | ) | ||||
Cash flows used in investing activities: |
||||||||
Acquisitions of property and equipment |
(1,160,400 | ) | (3,827,552 | ) | ||||
Payments of security deposits |
- | (2,189 | ) | |||||
Deferred acquisition payments |
- | (5,492 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in continuing investing activities |
(1,160,400 | ) | (3,835,233 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities |
- . | (174,693 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(1,160,400 | ) | (4,009,926 | ) | ||||
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities: |
||||||||
Payments on capital lease obligations |
(491,933 | ) | (496,226 | ) | ||||
Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock and warrants |
2,230,000 | - | ||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
16,639 | 18,407 | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities |
1,754,706 | (477,819 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in discontinued financing activities |
- | - . | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
1,754,706 | (477,819 | ) | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(5,139,036 | ) | (11,910,375 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of period |
15,116,531 | 38,027,509 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents - End of period |
$ | 9,977,495 | $ | 26,117,134 | ||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||
Cash paid for: |
||||||||
Interest |
$ | 1,560,999 | $ | 1,559,200 | ||||
Income taxes |
$ | 12,780 | $ | 21,900 | ||||
Acquisition of property and equipment: |
||||||||
Under capital leases | $ | - | $ | 810,026 | ||||
Included in accrued expenses |
$ | 145,248 | $ | 317,393 | ||||
Exchange of intangible assets - discontinued operations (Note 4) | $ | 3,837,783 | $ | - |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business
Towerstream Corporation (referred to as “Towerstream” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware in December 1999. During its first decade of operations, the Company's business activities were focused on delivering fixed wireless broadband services to commercial customers over a wireless network transmitting over both regulated and unregulated radio spectrum. The Company's fixed wireless service supports bandwidth on demand, wireless redundancy, virtual private networks, disaster recovery, bundled data and video services. The Company provides services to business customers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas-Reno and Providence-Newport. The Company's “Fixed Wireless business” has historically grown both organically and through the acquisition of five other fixed wireless broadband providers in various markets.
In January 2013, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, Hetnets Tower Corporation (“Hetnets”), to operate a new business designed to leverage its fixed wireless network in urban markets to provide other wireless technology solutions and services. Hetnets built a carrier-class network which offered a shared wireless infrastructure platform, primarily for (i) co-location of customer owned antenna and related equipment and (ii) Wi-Fi access and offloading. The Company referred to this as its “Shared Wireless Infrastructure” or “Shared Wireless” business. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit this business and curtailed activities in its smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York City (or “NYC”), was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, the Company explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. On March 9, 2016, the Company completed a sale and transfer of certain assets pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with a large cable company (the "Buyer"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the Wi-Fi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. The Company retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment, and the parties entered into an agreement under which the Company provides backhaul services to the Buyer. The agreement is for a three-year period with two one-year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty-days notice. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company determined that it would not be able to sell the remainder of the New York City network, and accordingly, all remaining assets were redeployed into the fixed wireless network or written off. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operating results for all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Liquidity and Management Plans
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $10.0 million and working capital of approximately $4.5 million. The Company incurred significant operating losses since inception and continues to generate losses from operations and as of June 30, 2016, the Company has an accumulated deficit of $167.9 million. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset amounts or the classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
Historically, the Company has financed its operation through private and public placement of equity securities, as well as debt financing and capital leases. The Company’s ability to fund its longer term cash requirements is subject to multiple risks, many of which are beyond its control. The Company intends to raise additional capital, either through debt or equity financings or through the potential sale of the Company’s assets in order to achieve its business plan objectives. Management believes that it can be successful in obtaining additional capital; however, no assurance can be provided that the Company will be able to do so. There is no assurance that any funds raised will be sufficient to enable the Company to attain profitable operations or continue as a going concern. To the extent that the Company is unsuccessful, the Company may need to curtail or cease its operations and implement a plan to extend payables or reduce overhead until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful.
Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not contain all information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all the adjustments necessary (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) to present the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2016 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or for any future period.
These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, included elsewhere in this Registration Statement. The Company’s accounting policies are described in the Notes included elsewhere in this Registration Statement for the year ended December 31, 2015, and updated, as necessary, in these Interim Financial Statements.
Retroactive Adjustment For Reverse Stock Split - On July 7, 2016, the Company effected a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of its Common Stock. Consequently, all earnings per share and other share related amounts and disclosures have been retroactively adjusted for that action.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key estimates include fair value of certain financial instruments, carrying value of intangible assets, reserves for accounts receivable and accruals for liabilities.
Concentration of Credit Risk . Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. At times, our cash and cash equivalents may be uninsured or in deposit accounts that exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. As of June 30, 2016, the Company had cash and cash equivalent balances of approximately $9,700,000 in excess of the federally insured limit of $250,000.
Accounts Receivable . Accounts receivable are stated at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts which reflects the Company’s estimate of balances that will not be collected. The allowance is based on the history of past write-offs, the aging of balances, collections experience and current credit conditions. Additions include provisions for doubtful accounts and deductions include customer write-offs. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
201 6 |
201 5 |
201 6 |
201 5 |
|||||||||||||
Beginning of period |
$ | 81,949 | $ | 71,343 | $ | 92,863 | $ | 59,273 | ||||||||
Additions |
- | 70,000 | - | 100,000 | ||||||||||||
Deductions |
(21,771 | ) | (23,595 | ) | (32,685 | ) | (41,525 | ) | ||||||||
End of period |
$ | 60,178 | $ | 117,748 | $ | 60,178 | $ | 117,748 |
Revenue Recognition. The Company normally enters into contractual agreements with its customers for periods ranging between one to three years. The Company recognizes the total revenue provided under a contract ratably over the contract period, including any periods under which the Company has agreed to provide services at no cost. The Company applies the revenue recognition principles set forth under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, (“SAB 104”) which provides for revenue to be recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery or installation has been completed, (iii) the customer accepts and verifies receipt, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.
Deferred Revenues. Customers are billed monthly in advance. Deferred revenues are recognized for that portion of monthly charges not yet earned as of the end of the reporting period. Deferred revenues are also recognized for certain customers who pay for their services in advance.
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options and Warrants . The Company calculates the intrinsic value of stock options and warrants as the difference between the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the end of the reporting period and the exercise price of the stock options and warrants.
Reclassifications. Certain accounts in the prior year’s condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current year’s condensed consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications have no effect on the previously reported net loss.
Segments . The Company determined that the Shared Wireless Infrastructure and Fixed Wireless businesses represented separate business segments. In addition, the Company established a Corporate Group so that centralized operating and administrative activities which supported both businesses could be reported separately. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit the Shared Wireless Infrastructure business. As a result, its operating results for all periods presented are being reported as discontinued operations in these financial statements. The operating results of the Fixed Wireless business are being reported as continuing operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(“ASU 2014-09”), which requires an entity to recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective in the annual period ending December 31, 2017, including interim periods within that annual period. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards B issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The new standard involves several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new standard will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10 (“ASU 2016-10”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” ASU 2016-10 will affect all entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services (that are an output of the entity’s ordinary activities) in exchange for consideration. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09 which is not yet effective, the amendments in this update clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-10 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 (“ASU 2016-12”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” ASU 2016-12 will affect all entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services (that are an output of the entity’s ordinary activities) in exchange for consideration. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09 which is not yet effective, the amendments in this update affect narrow aspects of Topic 606 including among others: assessing collectability criterion, noncash consideration, and presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-12 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Subsequent Events . Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of this filing.
Note 4 . Discontinued Operations
During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company determined to exit the business conducted by Hetnets and curtailed activities in its smaller markets. The remaining network, located in New York City (or “NYC”), was the largest and had a lease access contract with a major cable company. As a result, the Company explored opportunities during the fourth quarter of 2015 and continuing into the first quarter of 2016 to sell the New York City network. On March 9, 2016, the Company completed a sale and transfer of certain assets pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") with a large cable company (the "Buyer"). Under the terms of the Agreement, the Buyer assumed certain rooftop leases and acquired ownership of and the right to operate the Wi-Fi access point and related equipment associated with such leases. The Company retained ownership of all backhaul and related equipment, and the parties entered into an agreement under which the Company provides backhaul services to the Buyer. The agreement is for a three-year period with two one-year renewals and is cancellable by the Buyer on sixty days notice. In connection with the Agreement, the Company transferred to the Buyer a net book value of network assets aggregating $2,660,041 in exchange for the backhaul agreement valued at $3,837,783. The backhaul agreement has been recorded as an intangible asset in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. As a result, during the first quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a gain of $1,177,742 in its discontinued operations.
The Company has determined that it will not be able to sell the remaining network locations in New York City. As a result, the Company recognized charges totaling $1,585,319 in the first quarter of 2016 which included $453,403 representing the estimated cost to settle lease obligations, $528,364 to write off network assets which could not be redeployed into the fixed wireless network, $110,500 related to security deposits which are not expected to be recovered, and $493,052 related to the accelerated expensing of deferred acquisition costs. These costs were partially offset by a $1,244,284 reduction in the accrual for terminated lease obligations that was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. This reduction reflects the outcome of settlements negotiated in the first quarter of 2016 with certain landlords. The operating results and cash flows for Hetnets have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operations in these condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
Discontinued Operations
A more detailed presentation of loss from discontinued operations is set forth below. There has been no allocation of consolidated interest expense to discontinued operations.
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
201 6 |
201 5 |
201 6 |
201 5 |
|||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | - | $ | 826,226 | $ | 553,302 | $ | 1,613,854 | ||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Infrastructure and access |
- | 3,662,021 | 2,523,222 | 7,359,177 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | 1,015,859 | 638,681 | 2,047,369 | ||||||||||||
Network operations |
9,364 | 195,640 | 192,947 | 391,034 | ||||||||||||
Customer support services |
- | 106,134 | 69,804 | 188,446 | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
- | 43,299 | 246 | 86,911 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
58,212 | - | 105,545 | - | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
67,576 | 5,022,953 | 3,530,445 | 10,072,937 | ||||||||||||
Net operating loss |
(67,576 | ) | (4,196,727 | ) | (2,977,143 | ) | (8,459,083 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of assets |
- | - | 1,177,742 | - | ||||||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (67,576 | ) | $ | (4,196,727 | ) | $ | (1,799,401 | ) | $ | (8,459,083 | ) |
The components of the balance sheet accounts presented as discontinued operations were as follows:
June 30, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Assets: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
$ | 6,072 | $ | 715,993 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
231,978 | 278,891 | ||||||
Deferred acquisitions costs |
- | 253,685 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
$ | 238,050 | $ | 1,248,569 | ||||
Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 628,522 | $ | 556,800 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
- | 66,101 | ||||||
Accrued expenses - leases |
2,378,658 | 3,284,467 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
$ | 3,007,180 | $ | 3,907,368 |
Note 5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is comprised of:
June 30, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Network and base station equipment |
$ | 41,259,646 | $ | 38,351,119 | ||||
Customer premise equipment |
33,291,213 | 30,910,874 | ||||||
Information technology |
4,851,736 | 4,810,865 | ||||||
Furniture, fixtures and other |
1,713,430 | 1,713,722 | ||||||
Leasehold improvements |
1,629,100 | 1,623,559 | ||||||
82,745,125 | 77,410,139 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
64,199,535 | 56,174,755 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
$ | 18,545,590 | $ | 21,235,384 |
Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $2,626,249 and $2,295,186, respectively. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $4,949,222 and $4,544,991, respectively.
Property acquired through capital leases included within the Company’s property and equipment consists of the following:
June 30 , 201 6 |
December 31, 201 5 |
|||||||
Network and base station equipment |
$ | 2,620,898 | $ | 2,620,898 | ||||
Customer premise equipment |
669,792 | 669,792 | ||||||
Information technology |
1,860,028 | 1,860,028 | ||||||
5,150,718 | 5,150,718 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
3,622,432 | 3,114,968 | ||||||
Property acquired through capital leases, net |
$ | 1,528,286 | $ | 2,035,750 |
Note 6. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
June 30, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Customer relationships |
$ | 11,856,126 | $ | 11,856,126 | ||||
Backhaul agreement |
3,837,782 | - | ||||||
FCC licenses |
750,000 | 750,000 | ||||||
16,443,908 | 12,606,126 | |||||||
Less: accumulated amortization |
11,955,652 | 11,333,096 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
$ | 4,488,256 | $ | 1,273,030 |
Amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $417,883 and $98,068, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 was $622,556 and $196,136, respectively. The fair value of the backhaul agreement acquired in the transaction with a large cable company, as described in Note 4, is being amortized over the 36 month term of the agreement in quarterly amounts of $319,815 ending in March 2019. The customer contracts acquired in the Delos Internet acquisition are being amortized over a 50 month period in quarterly amounts of $98,068 ending April 2017. The Company’s licenses with the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) are not subject to amortization as they have an indefinite useful life.
Note 7. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
June 30, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Payroll and related |
$ | 423,804 | $ | 551,448 | ||||
Professional services |
243,844 | 427,932 | ||||||
Other |
414,139 | 339,680 | ||||||
Property and equipment |
145,248 | 176,614 | ||||||
Network |
94,781 | 133,544 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 1,321,816 | $ | 1,629,218 |
Network represents costs incurred to provide services to the Company’s customers including tower rentals, bandwidth, troubleshooting and gear removal.
Note 8. Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
June 30, 2016 |
December 31, 2015 |
|||||||
Deferred rent |
$ | 655,304 | $ | 1,227,414 | ||||
Deferred taxes |
363,774 | 363,774 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 1,019,078 | $ | 1,591,188 |
Note 9. Long-Term Debt
In October 2014, the Company entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Melody Business Finance, LLC (the "Lender") which provided the Company with a $35 million term loan (the "Financing" or "Note") which matures in October 2019. The Note was issued at a 3% discount totaling $1,050,000 which is being amortized over the term of the Note. The Company recognized interest expense of $69,537 and $87,466 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recognized interest expense of $143,601 and $179,231 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $470,135 at June 30, 2016 and $613,736 at December 31, 2015.
The Note bears interest payable in cash at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the one month Libor rate on each payment date plus 7% or (ii) 8% per annum, and additional paid in kind (“PIK”), or deferred, interest that accrues at 4% per annum. The Company paid $750,659 and $720,892 of interest and accrued $375,329 and $360,446 of PIK interest for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company paid $1,493,803 and $1,426,803 of interest and accrued $746,900 and $713,402 of PIK interest for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Loan Agreement contains several financial and non-financial covenants, the most significant of which is the maintenance of a minimum balance of $6.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. As of June 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants.
In connection with the Loan Agreement and pursuant to a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement, the Company issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 180,000 shares of common stock of which two-thirds have an exercise price of $25.20 and one-third have an exercise price of $0.20, subject to customary adjustments under certain circumstances. The Warrants have a term of seven and a half years. The fair value of the warrants granted to the Lender of $2,463,231 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded as a debt discount. The debt discount is being amortized over the term of the Note using the effective interest rate. The Company recognized interest expense of $163,130 and $205,190 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company recognized interest expense of $336,878 and $420,464 in connection with the amortization of this discount for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $1,102,907 at June 30, 2016 and $1,439,785 at December 31, 2015.
The Company incurred costs, primarily professional services, of approximately $2,900,000 related to the Loan Agreement. These costs were recorded as a reduction to the note payable in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized over the term of the Loan Agreement using the effective interest rate. Amortization expense totaled $191,641 and $241,051 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization expense totaled $395,755 and $493,950 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The unamortized balance totaled $1,295,666 at June 30, 2016 and $ 1,691,421 at December 31, 2015.
Note 10 . Capital Stock
On June 17, 2016, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with certain accredited investors pursuant to which the Company raised $2,280,000 in a registered direct offering for a total of 750,000 shares (a “Share”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each Share was sold as a unit (each, a “Unit”, and collectively, the “Units”) at a purchase price of $3.04 per Unit, with each Unit consisting of one Share and an unregistered warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (collectively, the “Warrants”). The Common Stock and the Warrants are immediately separable and were issued separately. Expenses associated with this direct offering totaled $50,000 resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $2,230,000.
Such net proceeds were allocated to the shares and the warrants issued in the amounts of $1,672,500 and $557,500, respectively, in proportion to their relative fair value on the date of issuance.
Note 11 . Stock Options and Warrants
Stock Options
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value options issued to employees, directors and consultants. Compensation expense, including the estimated effect of forfeitures, is recognized over the period of service, generally the vesting period. Stock compensation expense and the weighted average assumptions used to calculate the fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated were as follows:
The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve. The expected volatility was based upon the historical volatility for the Company’s common stock. The Company utilized historical data to determine the expected life of stock options. The dividend yield reflected the fact that the Company has not historically paid dividends, and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The unamortized amount of stock options expense totaled $280,428 as of June 30, 2016 which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
Option transactions under the stock option plans during the six months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows:
Number |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2016 |
217,002 | $ | 52.20 | |||||
Granted during 2016 |
112,750 | 4.00 | ||||||
Exercised |
- | - | ||||||
Cancelled /expired |
34,860 | 67.18 | ||||||
Outstanding as of June 30, 2016 |
294,892 | $ | 31.79 | |||||
Exercisable as of June 30, 2016 |
189,456 | $ | 45.36 |
Grants under the stock option plans during the six months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows:
Number |
||||
Consultant grants |
11,000 | |||
Executive grants |
40,000 | |||
Employee grants |
51,750 | |||
Annual grants to outside directors |
10,000 | |||
Total |
112,750 |
Options granted during the reporting period had terms ranging from five to ten years. All options were issued at an exercise price equal to the fair value on the date of grant. Consultant grants vesting periods range from vesting immediately upon issuance to vesting monthly over a one-year period from the date of issuance. Executive grants vesting periods range from vesting immediately upon issuance to vesting quarterly over a two-year period from the date of issuance. Employee grants vest annually over a three-year period from the date of issuance. Director grants vest over a one-year period from the date of issuance. The aggregate fair value of the options granted was $271,444 for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
Cancellations for the six months ended June 30, 2016 related to employee terminations.
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the outstanding options as of June 30, 2016 was 5.1 years.
The intrinsic value associated with the options outstanding and exercisable was $3,900 and $1,900, respectively, as of June 30, 2016. The closing price of the Company’s common stock at June 30, 2016 was $3.40 per share.
Stock Warrants
Stock warrants during the six months ended June 30, 2016 were as follows:
Number |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding as of January 1, 2016 |
202,500 | $ | 26.20 | |||||
Granted during 2016 |
750,000 | 5.00 | ||||||
Outstanding as of June 30, 2016 |
952,500 | $ | 9.49 | |||||
Exercisable as of June 30, 2016 |
202,500 | $ | 26.20 |
In connection with the June 17, 2016 offering, the Company issued 750,000 warrants. Each Warrant expires five years from the date of issuance, has an exercise price of $5.00 per share, and is exercisable six months from the date of issuance. The Company utilized the Black-Scholes model to value these warrants and attributed a value to them of $791,290 which was accounted for as an addition to additional paid-in capital. Assumptions included an interest rate of 1.17%, a term of 5 years, expected volatility of 81%, and a dividend yield of zero. The risk-free interest rate was based on rates established by the Federal Reserve. The expected volatility was based upon the historical volatility for the Company’s common stock. The Company utilized safe harbor guidelines allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to estimate the expected life of the warrants. The dividend yield reflected the fact that the Company has not historically paid dividends, and does not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
The weighted average remaining contractual life of the warrants was five years.
The aggregate intrinsic value associated with the warrants outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2016 was $192,000.
Cashless Exercises
The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of an option or a warrant will be lower if a holder exercises on a cashless basis. Under a cashless exercise, the holder uses a portion of the shares that would otherwise be issuable upon exercise, rather than cash, as consideration for the exercise. The amount of net shares issuable in connection with a cashless exercise will vary based on the exercise price of the option or warrant compared to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise.
Note 12. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the Company’s 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP Plan”), participants can purchase shares of the Company’s stock at a 15% discount. In April 2016, shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares of common stock issuable under the ESPP Plan from 200,000 to 500,000 shares of common stock. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, a total of 2,610 and 7,069 shares were issued under the ESPP Plan with a fair value of $8,874 and $19,575, respectively. The Company recognized $1,152 and $2,936 of stock-based compensation related to the 15% discount for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The Company recognized $1,167 and $3,115 of stock-based compensation related to the 15% discount for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.
Note 13. Fair Value Measurement
Valuation Hierarchy
The accounting standard of the FASB for fair value measurements establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to their short maturities. There were no changes in the valuation techniques during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016.
Note 14. Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic and diluted net loss per share has been calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, the following common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per common share because they were anti-dilutive. The exercise or issuance of these common stock equivalents outstanding at June 30, 2016 and 2015 would dilute earnings per share if the Company becomes profitable in the future.
As of June 30, |
||||||||
2016 |
2015 |
|||||||
Stock options |
294,892 | 185,602 | ||||||
Warrants |
952,500 | 142,500 | ||||||
Total |
1,247,392 | 328,102 |
Note 15. Commitments
Operating Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into operating leases related to roof rights, cellular towers, office space, and equipment leases under various non-cancelable agreements expiring through April 2025. Certain of these operating leases include extensions, at the Company's option, for additional terms ranging from one to twenty-five years. Amounts associated with the extension periods have not been included in the table below as it is not presently determinable which options, if any, the Company will elect to exercise. As of June 30, 2016, total future operating lease obligations were as follows:
Remainder of 2016 |
$ | 7,450,265 | ||
2017 |
8,829,245 | |||
2018 |
4,389,155 | |||
2019 |
2,721,992 | |||
2020 |
623,067 | |||
Thereafter |
95,371 | |||
$ | 24,109,095 |
Rent expenses were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
201 6 |
201 5 |
201 6 |
201 5 |
|||||||||||||
Points of Presence |
$ | 2,166,062 | $ | 2,009,366 | $ | 4,241,720 | $ | 4,095,064 | ||||||||
Corporate offices |
88,651 | 96,669 | 237,798 | 188,861 | ||||||||||||
Other |
113,066 | 100,605 | 234,555 | 188,940 | ||||||||||||
$ | 2,367,779 | $ | 2,206,640 | $ | 4,714,073 | $ | 4,472,865 |
Rent expenses related to Points of Presence and other were included in infrastructure and access in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Rent expense related to our corporate offices was included in general and administrative expenses in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.
In September 2013, the Company entered into a new lease agreement for its corporate offices and new warehouse space. The lease commenced on January 1, 2014 and expires on December 31, 2019 with an option to renew for an additional five-year term through December 31, 2024. The Company spent approximately $600,000 in leasehold improvements in connection with consolidating its corporate based employees from two buildings into one building. The Landlord agreed to contribute $380,000 in funding towards qualified leasehold improvements and made such payment in February 2014. Total annual rent payments began at $359,750 for 2014 and escalate by 3% annually reaching $416,970 for 2019.
In December 2014, the Company entered into a new lease agreement in Florida, primarily for a second sales center. The lease commenced in February 2015 for 38 months with an option to renew for an additional five-year period. Total annual rent payments started at $53,130 and escalated by 3% annually. In April 2016, the Company terminated the Florida lease. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company forfeited its security deposit of $26,648 and agreed to make a termination payment of $25,000.
Capital Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into capital leases to acquire property and equipment expiring through June 2018. As of June 30, 2016, total future capital lease obligations were as follows:
Remainder of 2016 |
$ | 550,567 | ||
2017 |
837,811 | |||
2018 |
143,796 | |||
$ | 1,532,174 | |||
Less: interest expense |
98,591 | |||
Total capital lease obligations |
$ | 1,433,583 | ||
Current |
$ | 980,389 | ||
Long-term |
$ | 453,194 |
Note 16. Subsequent Events
On July 5, 2016, the Company filed a certificate of amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in order to effectuate a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.001 per share, on a one for twenty basis (the “Reverse Stock Split”). As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, every twenty shares of the Company’s pre-reverse split common stock will be combined and reclassified into one share of the Company’s common stock. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued. Stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to a fractional share shall receive the next higher number of whole shares. The par value and other terms of Company’s common stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. The Reverse Stock Split was effective July 7, 2016.
On July 6, 2016, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an accredited investor pursuant to which the Company raised $1,250,000 in a private placement offering 892,857 units of the Company’s securities (the “Units”) at a price of $1.40 per Unit. As adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, each Unit consists of (i) one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), with each share of Preferred Stock convertible into one half of a share of common stock, and (ii) one fourth of a warrant (a “Warrant”), with each Warrant exercisable into common stock at an exercise price equal to $3.00 per share of common stock. The transaction closed on July 7, 2016. On July 21 and 26, 2016, the holder converted all of the shares of the preferred stock into 446,429 shares of common stock.
On July 7, 2016, the Company entered into a First Amendment (the “Amendment”) to those certain Securities Purchase Agreements, dated June 17, 2016 (the “June Purchase Agreements”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to amend the June Purchase Agreements entered into by and between certain investors and the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment and as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, the June Warrants were amended and restated to change the exercise price of the warrants to $3.80 from $5.00 and to include a mandatory exercise right of the Company to force exercise of the June Warrants if the Company’s common stock trades at or above $7.60 for any ten consecutive trading days out of a thirty consecutive trading day period (subject to certain equity conditions, a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation and applicable NASDAQ shareholder approval rules, if any). All other terms of the June Warrants, including cash exercise if registered for resale within 90 days of closing, remain unchanged.
On August 3 and 19, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2016 Non-Executive equity Incentive Plan, respectively (the “Plans”). The Plans are intended to aid the Company in attracting and retaining qualified employees, and rewarding those individuals who have contributed to the success of the Company. Collectively, these Plans provide for the issuance of options for the purchase of up to 931,500 shares of the Company's common stock. In that connection, on August 3, 2016, the Board approved the issuance of options to the Company's directors and management for the purchase of up to 681,500 shares of the Company's common stock at $2.25 per share for a period of ten years vesting quarterly over a one year period. Additionally, on August 19, 2016, the Board reserved 250,000 shares of the Company stock for issuance under the Plan awards to non-executive employees and consultants and delegated the authority to issue option awards up to that amount to the Chief Executive Officer. All awards described herein are contingent upon shareholder approval prior to the one-year anniversary of the issuance of such awards.
On September 14, 2016, in connection with obtaining the required approval of the investors in the June 2016 financing to this offering, the Company entered into separate exchange agreements with the holders of all of the warrants issued in June 2016 and July 2016. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, each investor exchanged its respective warrants (an aggregate of 973,214 warrants), without the payment of any exercise price therefore, and relinquished any and all other rights it may have under the warrants, for an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the Company’s newly authorized shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock.
Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
Sole Book Running Manager
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd.
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION |
DATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 |
805,000 Shares
Common Stock
Th is prospectus relates to the offer for sale of 805,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, by the existing holders of the securities named in this prospectus, referred to as selling stockholders throughout this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common shares by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus.
The distribution of securities offered hereby may be effected in one or more transactions that may take place on The NASDAQ Capital Market, including ordinary brokers’ transactions, privately negotiated transactions or through sales to one or more dealers for resale of such securities as principals, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Usual and customary or specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may be paid by the selling stockholders. Our common stock is presently quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TWER”. On September 12, 2016, the last reported sale price for our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market was $2.13 per share.
The selling stockholders and intermediaries through whom such securities are sold may be deemed “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the securities offered hereby, and any profits realized or commissions received may be deemed underwriting compensation. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
On , 2016, a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to our public offering underwritten by Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd., as the underwriter, of $5 million of our common stock was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We received approximately $5.0 million in net proceeds from the offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option) after payment of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering (the “Laidlaw Offering”).
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2016.
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus
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SHARES REGISTERED FOR RESALE
Overview
June 2016 Financing
On June 17, 2016, we entered into securities purchase agreements with certain accredited investors pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell in a registered direct offering a total of 750,000 shares of common stock. Each share was sold as a unit at a purchase price of $3.04 per unit, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and an unregistered warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The securities purchase agreement provided that the Company must obtain the lead investor’s consent to all future financings through December 20, 2016 (the “Lead Investor’s Consent”) .
Each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance and was exercisable immediately after the date of issuance, or six months from the date of issuance if required by the listing rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) or the shareholder approval rules of NASDAQ. The warrants were exercisable for cash and were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement. The warrants also provide for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price of the warrants based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company was prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of such Warrant.
On July 7, 2016, the Company amended and restated the warrants to change the exercise price of the warrants to $3.80 from $5.00 and to include a mandatory exercise right of the Company to force exercise of the warrants if the Company’s common stock trades at or above $7.60 for any ten consecutive trading days out of a thirty consecutive trading day period (subject to certain equity conditions, a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation and applicable NASDAQ shareholder approval rules, if any). All other terms of the warrants remain unchanged.
July 2016 Financing
On July 6, 2016, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell in a private placement 892,857 units of the Company’s securities at an aggregate purchase price of $1,250,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into one half of a share of common stock, and (ii) one fourth of a warrant, with each warrant exercisable into common stock at an exercise price equal to $3.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment as provided therein. 446,428 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 223,214 shares of common stock were issued in this transaction. The transaction closed on July 7, 2016.
Each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance and was exercisable immediately after the date of issuance. The warrants were exercisable for cash and were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement. The warrants also provided for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price of the warrants based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company was prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of such warrant. The Company was also prohibited from issuing shares underlying the warrants if such issuance would violate the shareholder approval rules of NASDAQ.
Consultant Shares
In August 2016, the Company issued a selling stockholder 125,000 shares of common stock as compensation for services. Such shares are being registered for resale in this prospectus.
September 2016 Warrant Exchange
On September 14, 2016, in connection with obtaining the Lead Investor’s Consent to the Laidlaw Offering, the Company exchanged the 750,000 warrants issued in June 2016 and the 223,214 warrants issued in July 2016 for an aggregate of 680,000 newly authorized shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to an exchange agreement. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $0.001 and is convertible into one share of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion. The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company’s Common Stock.
The Company agreed to register the shares of common stock underlying the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock for resale and to keep the related registration statement continuously effective until the earlier of the date that is one year from the date such registration statement is declared effective or all of the shares issuable upon the conversion of our term loans have been sold thereunder or pursuant to Rule 144 or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without the requirement for us to be in compliance with the current public information requirement under Rule 144. In the event we are unable to register all such shares in the registration statement contemplated by the registration rights agreement, we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to file amendments to the initial registration statement to cover any such unregistered shares. We agreed to pay all fees and expenses related to the filing of such registration statements.
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common stock by the selling stockholders named in this prospectus. All proceeds from the sale of the conversion shares will be paid directly to the selling stockholders.
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
The following table sets forth information with respect to our common stock known to us to be beneficially owned by the selling stockholders as of September 14, 2016. To our knowledge, the selling stockholders have sole voting and investment power over the common stock listed in the table below. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the selling stockholders, to our knowledge, have not had a material relationship with us during the three years immediately preceding the consummation of the private placement.
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Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock Prior to the Offering |
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Common Stock Saleable Pursuant |
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Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock After the Offering (1) |
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Name of Selling Stockholder |
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Number of Shares |
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Percent of Class (2 ) |
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to This Prospectus |
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Number of Shares |
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Percent of Class (2) |
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GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig (3) |
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84,500 |
(4) |
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1.8 |
% |
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84,500 |
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0 |
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- |
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GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Renee Honig (5) |
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84,500 |
(6) |
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1.8 |
% |
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84,500 |
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0 |
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- |
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Barry Honig |
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276,315 |
(7) |
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5.6 |
% |
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107,315 |
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169,000 |
(4) |
(6) |
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2.6 |
% |
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John Stetson |
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211,025 |
(8) |
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4.3 |
% |
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38,025 |
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173,000 |
(9) |
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3.6 |
% |
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Melechdavid, Inc. (10) |
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33,800 |
(11) |
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* |
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33,800 |
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0 |
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- |
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Jonathan Honig |
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136,623 |
(12) |
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2.8 |
% |
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136,623 |
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0 |
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- |
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ATG Capital, LLC (13) |
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22,237 |
(14) |
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* |
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22,237 |
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0 |
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- |
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HS Contrarian Investments, LLC (15) |
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173,000 |
(9) |
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3.2 |
% |
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173,000 |
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0 |
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- |
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Paradox Capital Partners, LLC (16) |
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127,614 |
(17) |
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2.7 |
% |
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125,000 |
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2,614 |
(18) |
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* |
* Less than 1%
(1) |
Assumes that all of the shares held by the selling stockholders covered by this prospectus are sold and that the selling stockholders acquire no additional shares of common stock before the completion of this offering. However, as the selling stockholders can offer all, some, or none of their common stock, no definitive estimate can be given as to the number of shares that the selling stockholders will ultimately offer or sell under this prospectus. |
(2) |
Calculated based on 4,675,796 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 14, 2016. |
(3) |
Barry Honig is the Trustee of GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Barry Honig (“Roth 401K”). In such capacity he is deemed to hold voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity. |
(4) |
Includes 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Roth 401K . |
(5) |
Renee Honig is the Trustee of GRQ Consultants, Inc. Roth 401K FBO Renee Honig (“Renee Roth 401K”). In such capacity she is deemed to hold voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity. Ms. Honig is Mr. Honig’s spouse. |
(6) |
Includes 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Renee Roth 401K. |
(7) |
Includes (i) 107,315 shares of common stock underlying 107,315 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Mr. Honig, (ii) 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Roth 401K and (iii) 84,500 shares of common stock underlying 84,500 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Renee Roth 401K. |
(8) |
Includes (i) 38,025 shares of common stock underlying 38,025 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Mr. Stetson and (ii) 173,000 shares of common stock underlying 173,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by HS Contrarian Investments, LLC. John Stetson is the Managing Member of HS Contrarian Investments, LLC and in such capacity, is deemed to hold voting and dispositive power of the securities held by HS Contrarian Investments, LLC. |
(9) |
Includes 173,000 shares of common stock underlying 173,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by HS Contrarian Investments, LLC. |
(10) |
Mark Groussman is the President of Melechdavid, Inc. In such capacity, he has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
(11) |
Includes 33,800 shares of common stock underlying 33,800 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Melechdavid, Inc. |
(12) |
Includes 136,623 shares of common stock underlying 136,623 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by Jonathan Honig. |
(13) |
John O’Rourke is the Managing Member of ATG Capital, LLC. In such capacity he has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
(14) |
Includes 22,237 shares of common stock underlying 22,237 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock held by ATG Capital, LLC. |
(15) |
John Stetson is the Managing Member of HS Contrarian Investments, LLC. In such capacity he has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
(16) |
Harvey Kesner is the Manager of Paradox Capital Partners, LLC. In such capacity he has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
(17) |
Includes (i) 189 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Kesner's children, of which he is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity, (ii) 126,725 shares held by Paradox Capital Partners, LLC, (iii) 1,725 shares held by the Harvey and Renee Kesner JTWROS, of which Mr. Kesner is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity and (iv) 700 shares held by Harvey Kesner IRA, of which Mr. Kesner is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
(18) |
Includes (i) 189 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Mr. Kesner's children, of which he is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity, (ii) 1,225 shares held by Paradox Capital Partners, LLC, (iii) 1,725 shares held by the Harvey and Renee Kesner JTWROS, of which Mr. Kesner is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity and (iv) 700 shares held by Harvey Kesner IRA, of which Mr. Kesner is the trustee and in such capacity has voting and dispositive control over the securities held by such entity. |
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
Each selling stockholder of the common stock and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Markets or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
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privately negotiated transactions; |
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settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part; |
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broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
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a combination of any such methods of sale; or |
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Each selling stockholder has informed us that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock.
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Because selling stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling stockholders.
We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the shares may be resold by the selling stockholders without registration and without the requirement to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) and otherwise without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144 or (ii) all of the shares have been sold pursuant to this prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect. The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP, New York, New York. Members of the firm beneficially own 127,614 shares of common stock of the Company.
[Alternate Page for Selling Stockholder Prospectus]
Through and including , 2016, (the 25 th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
805,000 Shares
Common Stock
P R O S P E C T U S
, 2016
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
The following table sets forth all expenses to be paid by the Registrant, other than estimated underwriters' fees and commissions, in connection with our public offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee:
SEC registration fee | $ | 2,014 | ||
FINRA filing fee | $ | 3,500 | ||
Legal fees and expenses |
$ | 125,000 | ||
Accounting fees and expenses |
$ | 40,000 | ||
Transfer agent and registrar fees |
$ | 10,000 | ||
Printing and engraving expenses |
$ | 10,000 | ||
Miscellaneous fees and expenses |
$ | 184,500 | ||
Total |
$ | 375,000 |
* To be filed by amendment.
Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 145 of the DGCL provides, in general, that a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, as we are, may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person 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 such person’s conduct was unlawful. In the case of a derivative action, a Delaware corporation may indemnify any such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that no indemnification will be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person will have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in which such action was brought determines such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent and in the manner permitted by the provisions of the DGCL, as amended from time to time, subject to any permissible expansion or limitation of such indemnification, as may be set forth in any stockholders’ or directors’ resolution or by contract. Any repeal or modification of these provisions approved by our stockholders will be prospective only and will not adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any of our directors or officers existing as of the time of such repeal or modification.
We are also permitted to apply for insurance on behalf of any director, officer, employee or other agent for liability arising out of his actions, whether or not the DGCL would permit indemnification.
Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
October 2014 Loan Agreement
On October 16, 2014, we and our subsidiaries, Towerstream I, Inc. and Hetnets Tower Corporation entered into a loan agreement with Melody Business Finance, LLC pursuant to which Melody Business Finance, LLC provided us with a five-year $35 million secured term loan. The loan bears interest at a rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the most recently effective one month Libor as in effect on each payment date plus 7% or (ii) 8% per annum, and additional paid in kind (“PIK”), or deferred, interest that shall accrue at 4% per annum.
In connection with the loan agreement and pursuant to a warrant and registration rights agreement, as amended on March 9, 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase 180,000 shares of common stock of which two-thirds have an exercise price of $25.20 and one-third have an exercise price of $0.20 subject to customary adjustments under certain circumstances. The warrants have a term of seven and a half years. Warrant holders have piggyback and demand registration rights and may exercise the warrants on a cash or cashless basis at any time.
The Company issued the warrants in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
June 2016 Private Placement
On June 17, 2016, we issued certain accredited investors warrants to purchase an aggregate of 750,000 shares of common stock. As amended and restated, each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance, have an exercise price of $3.80 per share and will be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance, or six months from the date of issuance if required by the listing rules of The Nasdaq Capital Market or the shareholder approval rules of Nasdaq. The warrants included a mandatory exercise right of the Company to force exercise of the warrants if the Company’s common stock trades at or above $7.60 for any ten consecutive trading days out of a thirty consecutive trading day period (subject to certain equity conditions, a 9.99% beneficial ownership limitation and applicable NASDAQ shareholder approval rules, if any). The warrants were exercisable for cash if there was an effective registration statement registering the warrant shares for resale. Otherwise the warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis. The warrant shares were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement. The warrants also provided for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. We were prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of such warrant.
The warrants and underlying warrant shares were offered and sold only to “accredited investors” (as defined in Rule 501(a) of the Securities Act) pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D of the Securities Act.
July 2016 Private Placement
On July 6, 2016, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with an accredited investor pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell in a private placement 892,857 units of the Company’s securities at an aggregate purchase price of $1,250,000. Each unit consisted of (i) one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, with each share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into one half of a share of common stock, and (ii) one fourth of a warrant, with each warrant exercisable into common stock at an exercise price equal to $3.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment as provided therein. The transaction closed on July 7, 2016.
The Company filed a Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 7, 2016. Each preferred share has a liquidation value of $0.001. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion.
The warrants were exercisable into 223,214 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to $3.00 per share of common stock, subject to adjustment as provided therein. Each warrant was to expire five years from the date of issuance and be exercisable immediately after the date of issuance. The warrants were exercisable for cash if there was an effective registration statement registering the warrant shares for resale. Otherwise the warrants were exercisable on a cashless basis. The warrant shares were registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement. The warrants also provided for certain rights upon fundamental transactions and adjustments to the exercise price of the warrants based on stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. We were prohibited from effecting the exercise of a holder’s warrant to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of such warrant.
These securities were offered and sold only to “accredited investors” (as defined in Rule 501(a) of the Securities Act) pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D of the Securities Act.
September 2016 Warrant Exchange Agreement
On September 14, 2016, in connection with obtaining the consent of the June 2016 warrant holders to this offering, the Company entered into separate exchange agreements with the holders of all of the warrants issued in June 2016 and July 2016. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, each investor exchanged its respective warrants (an aggregate of 973,214 warrants), without the payment of any exercise price therefore, and relinquished any and all other rights it may have under the warrants, for an aggregate of 680,000 shares of the Company’s newly authorized shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock has a liquidation value of $0.001 and is convertible into one share of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar corporate actions. The Company is prohibited from effecting the conversion of a holder’s Series C Convertible Preferred Stock to the extent that, as a result of such exercise, such holder would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon such conversion. The Series C Convertible Preferred Stock shall rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company’s common stock. The Company has agreed to register for resale the 680,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock.
The securities issued pursuant to the exchange agreements were issued as exempt securities pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
Description |
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1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement* | |
2.1 |
Agreement of Merger and Plan of Reorganization, dated January 12, 2007, by and among University Girls Calendar, Ltd., Towerstream Acquisition, Inc. and Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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3.1 |
Certificate of Incorporation of University Girls Calendar, Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of University Girls Calendar, Ltd. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2007) |
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3.2 |
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of University Girls Calendar, Ltd., changing the Company’s name to Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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3.3 |
Amendment No. 1 to the Certificate of Incorporation of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2012) |
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3.4 |
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 25, 2015) |
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3.5 |
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 6, 2016) |
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3.6 |
By-laws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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3.7 |
Amendment No. 1 to By-laws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 30, 2007) |
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3.8 |
Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 12, 2010) |
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3.9 |
Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series B Convertible Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 8, 2016) |
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3.10 | Certificate of Designation of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock * | |
4.1 |
Rights Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 12, 2010) |
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5.1 |
Opinion of Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP* |
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10.1 |
Towerstream Corporation 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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10.2 |
Form of 2007 Equity Compensation Plan Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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10.3 |
Form of 2007 Equity Compensation Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
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10.4 |
Form of Directors and Officers Indemnification Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2007) |
10.5 |
Towerstream Corporation 2007 Incentive Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 6, 2012) |
10.6 |
Employment Agreement, dated December 21, 2007, between Towerstream Corporation and Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2007) |
10.7 |
Office Lease Agreement dated March 21, 2007 between Tech 2, 3, & 4 LLC (Landlord) and Towerstream Corporation (Tenant) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2009) |
10.8 |
First Amendment to Office Lease dated August 8, 2007, amending Office Lease Agreement dated March, 21 2007 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2009) |
10.9 |
2008 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2010). |
10.10 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 2011) |
10.11 |
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2012) |
10.12 |
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 14, 2010) |
10.13 |
Second Amendment to Office Lease Agreement dated September 12, 2013, amending Office Lease Agreement dated March, 21 2007 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2014) |
10.14 |
Loan Agreement dated October 16, 2014 by and among Towerstream Corporation, Towerstream I, Inc. and Hetnets Tower Corporation, as Borrowers, the financial institutions named therein as Lenders and Melody Business Finance, LLC, as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.15 |
Security Agreement dated October 16, 2014 by and among Towerstream Corporation, Towerstream I, Inc., Hetnets Tower Corporation, Alpha Communications Corp., Omega Communications Corp., and Towerstream Houston, Inc., as Grantors, in favor of Melody Business Finance LLC, as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K of Towerstream Corporation filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.16 |
Warrant Registration Rights Agreement by and between Towerstream Corporation and the Warrant Holders Set Forth on Schedule A Attached thereto dated October 16, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.17 |
Form of A Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.18 |
Form of B Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.19 |
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.20 |
Office Lease Agreement dated December 12, 2014 between 6800 Broken Sound LLC (Landlord) and Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015) |
10.21 |
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement of Jeffrey M. Thompson (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2015) |
10.22 |
Separation Agreement by and between Jeffrey M. Thompson and Towerstream Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2016) |
10.23 |
Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 9, 2016, by and among Towerstream Corporation, Towerstream I, Inc. and Time Warner Cable Enterprises, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2016) |
10.24 |
Backhaul Agreement dated March 9, 2016, dated March 9, 2016, by and among Towerstream Corporation, Towerstream I, Inc. and Time Warner Cable Enterprises, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2016) |
101.INS |
XBRL Instance Document * |
101.SCH |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document * |
101.CAL |
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document * |
101.LAB |
XBRL Taxonomy Labels Linkbase Document * |
101.PRE |
XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document * |
101.DEF |
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document * |
* Filed herewith.
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:
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(i) |
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; |
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(ii) |
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 Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and |
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(iii) |
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 the 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 that remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the undersigned registrant under the Securities Act 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:
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(i) |
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§ 230.424 of this chapter); |
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(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; |
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(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 |
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(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 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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 Act 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, 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 (§ 230.430A of this chapter), 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 or 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.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Middletown, Rhode Island, on the 15th day of September, 2016.
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TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ Philip Urso |
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Philip Urso |
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Interim Chief Executive Officer |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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By: |
/s/ Frederick Larcombe |
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Frederick Larcombe |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
/s/ Philip Urso |
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Philip Urso |
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Director, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer |
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September 15, 2016 |
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Frederick Larcombe |
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Frederick Larcombe |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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September 15, 2016 |
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(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ * |
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Howard L. Haronian, M.D. |
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Director |
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September 15, 2016 |
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/s/ * |
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William J. Bush |
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Director |
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September 15, 2016 |
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/s/ * |
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Paul Koehler |
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Director |
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September 15, 2016 |
* By executing his name hereto, Philip Urso is signing this document on behalf of the persons indicated above pursuant to the powers of attorney duly executed by such persons and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
By: |
/s/ Philip Urso |
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Philip Urso |
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September 15, 2016 |
II-10
Exhibit 1.1
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
[_________] Shares of Common Stock
September __, 2016
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd.
546 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10036
As Representative of the
Several Underwriters Named on Schedule I hereto
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated herein, to issue and sell to the underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “ Underwriters ,” or each, an “ Underwriter ”), for whom Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. is acting as representative (the “ Representative ”), an aggregate of __________ authorized but unissued shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, (the “ Common Stock ”) of the Company (the “ Firm Shares ”). The Company also proposes to sell to the Underwriters, upon the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4 hereof, up to an additional ___________ shares of Common Stock (the “ Option Shares ”). The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Shares ” or the “ Securities ”.
The Company and the several Underwriters hereby confirm their agreement as follows:
1. Registration Statement and Prospectus .
The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement covering the Securities on Form S-1 (File No. 333-212995) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and the rules and regulations (the “ Rules and Regulations ”) of the Commission thereunder, including a preliminary prospectus relating to the Securities and such amendments to such registration statement (including post effective amendments) as may have been required to the date of this Agreement. Such registration statement, as amended (including any post effective amendments), has been declared effective by the Commission. Such registration statement, including amendments thereto (including post effective amendments thereto) and all documents and information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement through incorporation by reference or otherwise at the time of effectiveness thereof (the “ Effective Time ”), the exhibits and any schedules thereto at the Effective Time or thereafter during the period of effectiveness and the documents and information otherwise deemed to be a part thereof or included therein by the Securities Act or otherwise pursuant to the Rules and Regulations at the Effective Time or thereafter during the period of effectiveness, is herein called the “ Registration Statement .” If the Company has filed or files an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “ Rule 462 Registration Statement ”), then any reference herein to the term Registration Statement shall include such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Any preliminary prospectus included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) under the Securities Act is hereinafter called a “ Preliminary Prospectus .” The Preliminary Prospectus relating to the Securities that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the pricing of the offering contemplated hereby is hereinafter called the “ Pricing Prospectus .”
The Company is filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act a final prospectus covering the Securities, which includes the information permitted to be omitted therefrom at the Effective Time by Rule 430A under the Securities Act. Such final prospectus, as so filed, is hereinafter called the “ Final Prospectus .” The Final Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus in the form in which they were included in the Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act is hereinafter called a “ Prospectus .” Reference made herein to any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or to the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any documents incorporated by reference therein and any reference to any amendment or supplement to any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include any document filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and the rules and regulations of the Commissions thereunder, incorporated by reference in such Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be.
2. Representations and Warranties of the Company Regarding the Offering.
(a) The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date (as defined in Section 4(c) below) and as of each Option Closing Date (as defined in Section 4(b) below), as follows:
(i) No Material Misstatements or Omissions . At each time of effectiveness, at the date hereof, at the Closing Date, and at each Option Closing Date, if any, the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto complied or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not, does not, and will not, as the case may be, 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 Time of Sale Disclosure Package (as defined below) as of the date hereof and at the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, any roadshow or investor presentations delivered to and approved by the Underwriter for use in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities (the “ Marketing Materials ”), if any, and the Final Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as of its date, at the time of filing pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, at the Closing Date, and at each Option Closing Date, if any, did not, does not and 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, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties set forth in the two immediately preceding sentences shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or any Prospectus in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by the Underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof, which written information is described in Section 7(f). The Registration Statement contains all exhibits and schedules required to be filed by the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations. No order preventing or suspending the effectiveness or use of the Registration Statement or any Prospectus is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission.
(ii) Marketing Materials . The Company has not distributed any prospectus or other offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the roadshow or investor presentations delivered to and approved by the Representative for use in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities (the “ Marketing Materials ”) .
(iii) Accurate Disclosure . (A) The Company has provided a copy to the Underwriters of each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus (as defined below) used in the sale of Securities . The Company has filed all Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses required to be so filed with the Commission, and no order preventing or suspending the effectiveness or use of any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus is in effect and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or are pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission . When taken together with the rest of the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, no Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times though the completion of the public offer and sale of the Securities , has, does or will include (1) any untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (2) information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus. The representations and warranties set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to the Company by any Underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof, which written information is described in Section 7(f). As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:
(1) “ Time of Sale Disclosure Package ” means the Prospectus most recently filed with the Commission before the time of this Agreement, including any preliminary prospectus supplement deemed to be a part thereof, each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and the description of the transaction provided by the Underwriters included on Schedule II .
(2) “ Issuer Free Writing Prospectus ” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, relating to the Securities that (A) is required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, or (B) is exempt from filing pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) or (d)(8) under the Securities Act, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g) under the Securities Act.
(B) At the time of filing of the Registration Statement and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act or an “excluded issuer” as defined in Rule 164 under the Securities Act.
(C) Each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus listed on Schedule III satisfied, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period, all other conditions as may be applicable to its use as set forth in Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act, including any legend, record-keeping or other requirements.
(iv) Financial Statements . The financial statements of the Company, together with the related notes and schedules, included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and fairly present the financial condition of the Company as of the dates indicated and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the periods therein specified in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”) consistently applied throughout the periods involved. No other financial statements, pro forma financial information or schedules are required under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or the Rules and Regulations to be included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus.
(v) Pro Forma Financial Information . The pro forma financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus include assumptions that provide a reasonable basis for presenting the significant effects directly attributable to the transactions and events described therein, the related pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions, and the pro forma adjustments reflect the proper application of those adjustments to the historical financial statements amounts in the pro forma financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. The pro forma financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus comply as to form in all material respects with the application requirements of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.
(vi) Independent Accountants. To the Company’s knowledge, Marcum LLP, which has expressed its opinion with respect to the financial statements and schedules included as a part of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, is an independent public accounting firm with respect to the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations.
(vii) Accounting Controls. The Company and its subsidiaries maintain systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including, but not limited to, internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by references in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus fairly present the information called for in all material respects and are prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto. Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(viii) Forward-Looking Statements . The Company had a reasonable basis for, and made in good faith, each “forward-looking statement” (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Final Prospectus or the Marketing Materials.
(ix) Statistical and Marketing-Related Data . All statistical or market-related data included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, or included in the Marketing Materials, are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably believes to be reliable and accurate, and the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources, to the extent required.
(x) Trading Market . The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market (the “ Nasdaq ”). Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, there is no action pending by the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, the Nasdaq to delist the Common Stock from the Nasdaq , nor has the Company received any notification that the Nasdaq is contemplating terminating such listing. When issued, the Shares will be listed on the Nasdaq .
(xi) Absence of Manipulation . The Company has not taken, directly or indirectly, any action that is designed to or that has constituted or that would reasonably be expected to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities .
(xii) Investment Company Act . The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Securities and the application of the net proceeds thereof, will not be an “investment company,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(b) Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.
3. Representations and Warranties Regarding the Company.
(a) The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters, as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date and as of each Option Closing Date, as follows:
(i) Good Standing . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation or other entity in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has the power and authority (corporate or otherwise) to own its properties and conduct its business as currently being carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation or other entity in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases real property or in which the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have or be reasonably likely to result in a material adverse effect upon the business, prospects, properties, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or in its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement (“ Material Adverse Effect ”).
(ii) Authorization . The Company has the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to authorize, issue and sell the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company, and when executed and delivered by the Company, and will constitute the valid, legal and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws and except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and subject to general principles of equity.
(iii) Contracts . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not (A) result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any law, order, rule or regulation to which the Company or any subsidiary is subject, or by which any property or asset of the Company or any subsidiary is bound or affected, (B) conflict with, result in any violation or breach of, or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation (with or without notice, lapse of time or both) (a “ Default Acceleration Event ”) of, any agreement, lease, credit facility, debt, note, bond, mortgage, indenture or other instrument (the “ Contracts ”) or obligation 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, except to the extent that such conflict, default, or Default Acceleration Event not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (C) result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or by-laws.
(iv) No Violations of Governing Documents . Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation, breach or default under its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other equivalent organizational or governing documents.
(v) Consents . No consents, approvals, orders, authorizations or filings are required on the part of the Company in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the issue and sale of the Securities, except (A) the registration under the Securities Act of the Securities, which has been effected, (B) the necessary filings and approvals from the Nasdaq to list the Securities, (C) such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state or foreign securities or Blue Sky laws and the rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“ FINRA ”) in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Securities by the several Underwriters, (D) such consents and approvals as have been obtained and are in full force and effect, and (E) such consents, approvals, orders, authorizations and filings the failure of which to make or obtain is not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(vi) Capitalization . The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and have been issued in compliance with all applicable securities laws, and conform to the description thereof in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. All of the issued shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims. Except for the issuances of options or restricted stock in the ordinary course of business, since the respective dates as of which information is provided in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, the Company has not entered into or granted any convertible or exchangeable securities, options, warrants, agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to purchase or acquire from the Company any shares of the capital stock of the Company. The Shares, when issued and paid for as provided herein, will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, will be issued in compliance with all applicable securities laws, and will be free of preemptive, registration or similar rights and will conform to the description of the capital stock of the Company contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
(vii) Taxes . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries has (a) filed all foreign, federal, state and local tax returns (as hereinafter defined) required to be filed with taxing authorities prior to the date hereof or has duly obtained extensions of time for the filing thereof and (b) paid all taxes (as hereinafter defined) shown as due and payable on such returns that were filed and has paid all taxes imposed on or assessed against the Company or such respective subsidiary. The provisions for taxes payable, if any, shown on the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus are sufficient for all accrued and unpaid taxes, whether or not disputed, and for all periods to and including the dates of such consolidated financial statements. To the knowledge of the Company, no issues have been raised (and are currently pending) by any taxing authority in connection with any of the returns or taxes asserted as due from the Company or its subsidiaries, and no waivers of statutes of limitation with respect to the returns or collection of taxes have been given by or requested from the Company or its subsidiaries. The term “ taxes ” mean all federal, state, local, foreign, and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments, or charges of any kind whatever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts with respect thereto. The term “ returns ” means all returns, declarations, reports, statements, and other documents required to be filed in respect to taxes.
(viii) Material Change . Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, (a) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions other than in the ordinary course of business, (b) the Company has not declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock; (c) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than a change in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock due to the issuance of shares upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, upon the conversion of outstanding shares of preferred stock or other convertible securities or the issuance of restricted stock awards or restricted stock units under the Company’s existing stock awards plan, or any new grants thereof in the ordinary course of business), (d) there has not been any material change in the Company’s long-term or short-term debt, and (e) there has not been the occurrence of any Material Adverse Effect.
(ix) Absence of Proceedings . There is not pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, any action, suit or proceeding to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject before or by any court or governmental agency, authority or body, or any arbitrator or mediator, which is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect
(x) Permits . The Company and each of its subsidiaries holds, and is in compliance with, all franchises, grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, easements, consents, certificates and orders (“ Permits ”) of any governmental or self-regulatory agency, authority or body required for the conduct of its business, and all such Permits are in full force and effect, in each case except where the failure to hold, or comply with, any of them is not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect or adversely affect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(xi) Good Title . The Company and each of its subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all property (whether real or personal) described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus as being owned by them that are material to the business of the Company, in each case free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests, other encumbrances or defects, except those that are not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The property held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries is held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with only such exceptions with respect to any particular lease as do not interfere in any material respect with the conduct of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(xii) Intellectual Property . The Company and each of its subsidiaries owns or possesses or has valid right to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and similar rights (“ Intellectual Property ”) necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus. To the knowledge of the Company, no action or use by the Company or any of its subsidiaries involves or gives rise to any infringement of, or license or similar fees for, any Intellectual Property of others, except where such action, use, license or fee is not reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice alleging any such infringement or fee.
(xiii) Employment Matters . There is (A) no unfair labor practice complaint pending against the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, nor to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against it or any of its subsidiaries, before the National Labor Relations Board, any state or local labor relation board or any foreign labor relations board, and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining agreement is so pending against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against it and (B) no labor disturbance by the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists or, to the Company’s knowledge, is imminent, and the Company is not aware of any existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its or its subsidiaries, principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or contractors, that could reasonably be expected, singularly or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company is not aware that any key employee or significant group of employees of the Company or any subsidiary plans to terminate employment with the Company or any such subsidiary.
(xiv) ERISA Compliance . No “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 406 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (“ ERISA ”), or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the “ Code ”)) or “accumulated funding deficiency” (as defined in Section 302 of ERISA) or any of the events set forth in Section 4043(b) of ERISA (other than events with respect to which the thirty (30)-day notice requirement under Section 4043 of ERISA has been waived) has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur with respect to any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries which would reasonably be expected to, singularly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Each employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with applicable law, including ERISA and the Code. The Company and its subsidiaries have not incurred and could not reasonably be expected to incur liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of, or withdrawal from, any pension plan (as defined in ERISA). Each pension plan for which the Company or any of its subsidiaries would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified, and, to the Company’s knowledge, nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which could, singularly or in the aggregate, cause the loss of such qualification.
(xv) Environmental Matters . The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all foreign, federal, state and local rules, laws and regulations relating to the use, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or waste and protection of health and safety or the environment which are applicable to their businesses (“ Environmental Laws ”), except where the failure to comply has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. There has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling, treatment, disposal, discharge, emission, or other release of any kind of toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to, or caused by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or, to the Company’s knowledge, any other entity for whose acts or omissions the Company or any of its subsidiaries is or may otherwise be liable) upon any of the property now or previously owned or leased by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or upon any other property, in violation of any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or which would, under any law, statute, ordinance, rule (including rule of common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, give rise to any liability, except for any violation or liability which has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and there has been no disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances with respect to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries has knowledge. In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries conduct periodic reviews of the effect of Environmental Laws on their business and assets, in the course of which they identify and evaluate associated costs and liabilities (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or Governmental Permits issued thereunder, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties). On the basis of such reviews, the Company has reasonably concluded that such associated costs and liabilities would not have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(xvi) SOX Compliance . The Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the provisions thereof.
(xvii) Money Laundering Laws . The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened. “ Governmental Entity ” shall be defined as any arbitrator, court, governmental body, regulatory body, administrative agency or other authority, body or agency (whether foreign or domestic) having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties, assets or operations .
(xviii) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act . Neither the Company nor ,any of its subsidiaries, or any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any employee, representative, agent, affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ FCPA ”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA and the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, its affiliates have conducted their businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.
(xix) OFAC . Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries or any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any employee, representative, agent or affiliate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“ OFAC ”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Securities contemplated hereby, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.
(xx) Insurance . The Company and each of its subsidiaries carries, or is covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is adequate for the conduct of its business and the value of its properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses in similar industries.
(xxi) Books and Records . The minute books of the Company and each of its subsidiaries have been made available to the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters, and such books (i) contain a complete summary of all meetings and actions of the board of directors (including each board committee) and stockholders of the Company (or analogous governing bodies and interest holders, as applicable), and each of its subsidiaries since the time of its respective incorporation or organization through the date of the latest meeting and action, and (ii) accurately in all material respects reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes.
(xxii) No Violation . Neither the Company nor any its subsidiaries nor, to its knowledge, any other party is in violation, breach or default of any Contract that has resulted in or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxiii) Continued Business . No supplier, customer, distributor or sales agent of the Company or any subsidiary has notified the Company or any subsidiary that it intends to discontinue or decrease the rate of business done with the Company or any subsidiary, except where such discontinuation or decrease has not resulted in and could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxiv) No Finder’s Fee . There are no claims, payments, issuances, arrangements or understandings for services in the nature of a finder’s, consulting or origination fee with respect to the introduction of the Company to any Underwriter or the sale of the Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements, understandings, payments or issuances with respect to the Company that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA.
(xxv) No Fees. Except as disclosed to the Representative in writing, the Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, investing fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who 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 within the 12-month period prior to the date on which the Registration Statement was filed with the Commission (“ Filing Date ”) or thereafter.
(xxvi) Proceeds . None of the net proceeds of the offering will be paid by the Company to any participating FINRA member or any affiliate or associate of any participating FINRA member, except as specifically authorized herein.
(xxvii) No FINRA Affiliations . To the Company’s knowledge and except as disclosed to the Representative in writing, no (i) officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries, (ii) owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) owner of any amount of the Company’s unregistered securities acquired within the 180-day period prior to the Filing Date, has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member. The Company will advise the Representative and counsel to the Underwriters if it becomes aware that any officer, director of the Company or its subsidiaries or any owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s securities is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the offering.
(xxviii) No Financial Advisor . Other than the Underwriters, no person has the right to act as an underwriter or as a financial advisor to the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.
(xxix) Certain Statements . The statements set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus under the captions “Risk Factors – We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities” and “Business – Regulatory Matters” insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects, and under the caption “Description of Securities” insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of (i) the terms of the Company’s outstanding securities, (ii) the terms of the Shares, and (iii) the terms of the documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects.
(xxx) No Registration Rights . Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the Company and any person granting such person the right (other than rights which have been waived in writing or otherwise satisfied) to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company owned or to be owned by such person or to require the Company to include such securities in the securities registered pursuant to the Registration Statement or in any securities being registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act.
(xxxi) Prior Sales of Securities . Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, the Company has not sold or issued any shares of Common Stock during the six-month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A under, or Regulations D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding preferred stock, options, rights or warrants or other outstanding convertible securities.
(b) Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.
4. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Shares.
(a) On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Firm Shares to the several Underwriters, and the several Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase the Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of the Underwriters in Schedule I hereto. The purchase price for each Firm Share shall be $ per share.
(b) The Company hereby grants to the Underwriters the option to purchase some or all of the Option Shares and, upon the basis of the warranties and representations and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters shall have the right, severally and not jointly, to purchase all or any portion of the Option Shares as may be necessary to cover over-allotments made in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The purchase price to be paid by the Underwriters for the Option Shares shall be $[ ] per share. This option may be exercised by the Underwriters at any time and from time to time on or before the forty-fifth (45 th ) day following the date hereof, by written notice to the Company (the “ Option Notice ”). The Option Notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to which the option is being exercised, and the date and time when the Option Shares are to be delivered (such date and time being herein referred to as the “ Option Closing Date ”); provided , however , that the Option Closing Date shall not be earlier than the Closing Date (as defined below) nor earlier than the first business day after the date on which the option shall have been exercised nor later than the fifth business day after the date on which the option shall have been exercised unless the Company and the Underwriter otherwise agree. If the Underwriters elect to purchase less than all of the Option Shares, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the number of Option Shares obtained by multiplying the number of Option Shares specified in such notice by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Option Shares, as applicable, set forth opposite the name of the Underwriter in Schedule I hereto under the caption “Number of Option Shares to be Sold” and the denominator of which is the total number of Option Shares.
(c) Payment of the purchase price for and delivery of the Option Shares shall be made on an Option Closing Date in the same manner and at the same office as the payment for the Firm Shares as set forth in subparagraph (d) below.
(d) The Firm Shares will be delivered by the Company to the Underwriters against payment of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of same day funds payable to the order of the Company at the offices of Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd., 546 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10036, or such other location as may be mutually acceptable, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on the third (or if the Firm Shares are priced, as contemplated by Rule 15c6-1(c) under the Exchange Act, after 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, the fourth) full business day following the date hereof, or at such other time and date as the Representative and the Company determine pursuant to Rule 15c6-1(a) under the Exchange Act, or, in the case of the Option Shares, at such date and time set forth in the Option Notice. The time and date of delivery of the Firm Shares is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date .” On the Closing Date, the Company shall deliver the Firm Shares which shall be registered in the name or names and shall be in such denominations as the Representative may request on behalf of the Underwriters at least one (1) business day before the Closing Date, to the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, which delivery shall with respect to the Firm Shares, be made through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company’s DWAC system.
5. Covenants.
(a) The Company covenants and agrees with the Underwriters as follows:
(i) The Company shall prepare the Final Prospectus in a form approved by the Representative and file such Final Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act not later than the Commission's close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by the Rules and Regulations.
(ii) During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the Closing Date or such date as determined by the Representative the Final Prospectus is no longer required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an underwriter or dealer (the “ Prospectus Delivery Period ”), prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, including any Rule 462 Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review and comment a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Representative reasonably objects.
(iii) From the date of this Agreement until the end of the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall promptly advise the Representative in writing (A) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission, (B) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, (C) of the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective and (D) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any order preventing or suspending its use or the use of the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Common Stock from any securities exchange upon which it is listed for trading or included or designated for quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time during the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will use its reasonable efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible moment. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of Rules 424(b), 430A, 430B or 430C as applicable, under the Securities Act and will use its reasonable efforts to confirm that any filings made by the Company under Rule 424(b) or Rule 433 were received in a timely manner by the Commission (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or 164(b) of the Securities Act).
(iv) (A) During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Exchange Act, as now and hereafter amended, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Securities as contemplated by the provisions hereof, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, the Registration Statement and the Final Prospectus. If during the Prospectus Delivery Period any event occurs the result of which would cause the Final Prospectus (or if the Final Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package ) to include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then existing, not misleading, or if during such period it is necessary or appropriate in the opinion of the Company or its counsel or the Representative or counsel to the Underwriters to amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Final Prospectus (or if the Final Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package ) to comply with the Securities Act, the Company will promptly notify the Representative , allow the Representative the opportunity to provide reasonable comments on such amendment, prospectus supplement or document, and will amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Final Prospectus (or if the Final Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package) or file such document (at the expense of the Company) so as to correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance.
(B) If at any time during the Prospectus Delivery Period there occurred or occurs an event or development the result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or included or would include, when taken together with the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Representative and will promptly amended or will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
(v) The Company shall take or cause to be taken all necessary action to qualify the Securities for sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Representative reasonably designates and to continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Securities, except that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified, to execute a general consent to service of process in any state or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise subject.
(vi) The Company will furnish to the Underwriters and counsel to the Underwriters copies of the Registration Statement, each Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Underwriters may from time to time reasonably request.
(vii) The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than 15 months after the end of the Company’s current fiscal quarter, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a 12-month period that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations.
(viii) The Company, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, will pay or cause to be paid (A) all expenses (including transfer taxes allocated to the respective transferees) incurred in connection with the delivery to the Underwriters of the Securities (including all fees and expenses of the registrar and transfer agent of the Shares (if other than the Company), and the cost of preparing and printing stock certificates), (B) all expenses and fees (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel) in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, delivery, and shipping of the Registration Statement (including the financial statements therein and all amendments, schedules, and exhibits thereto), the Securities, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, (C) all reasonable filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements of the Underwriters’ counsel incurred in connection with the qualification of the Securities for offering and sale by the Underwriters or by dealers under the securities or blue sky laws of the states and other jurisdictions that the Representative shall designate, (D) the reasonable filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incident to any required review and approval by FINRA, of the terms of the sale of the Securities, (F) listing fees, if any, and (G) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder that are not otherwise specifically provided for herein. The Company will reimburse the Representative for the Underwriters’ reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including legal fees and disbursements, in connection with the purchase and sale of the Securities contemplated hereby up to an aggregate of $[ ] (including amounts payable pursuant to clauses (C) and (D) above). If this Agreement is terminated by the Representative in accordance with the provisions of Section 6, Section 9 or Section 11, the Company will reimburse the Underwriter for all out-of-pocket disbursements (including, but not limited to, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel, travel expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges) incurred by the Underwriters in connection with their investigation, preparing to market and marketing the Shares or in contemplation of performing its obligations hereunder.
(ix) The Company intends to apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities to be sold by it hereunder for the purposes set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus under the heading “Use of Proceeds”.
(x) The Company has not taken and will not take, directly or indirectly, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, any action designed to or which might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, or that has constituted, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
(xi) The Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representative, and the each Underwriter, severally, and not jointly, represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Company, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus; provided that the prior written consent of the parties hereto shall be deemed to have been given in respect of the free writing prospectuses included in Schedule I II . Any such free writing prospectus consented to by the Company and the Representative is hereinafter referred to as a “ Permitted Free Writing Prospectus .” The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied or will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record-keeping.
(xii) The Company hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative , it will not, during the period ending ninety (90) days after the date hereof (“ Lock-Up Period ”), (i) offer, pledge, issue, sell, contract to sell, purchase, contract to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock; or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or (iii) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. The restrictions contained in the preceding sentence shall not apply to (1) the Securities to be sold hereunder, (2) the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of options or warrants or the conversion of outstanding preferred stock or other outstanding convertible securities disclosed as outstanding in the Registration Statement (excluding exhibits thereto), the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, and the Final Prospectus, or (3) the issuance of employee stock options not exercisable during the Lock-Up Period and the grant of restricted stock awards or restricted stock units or shares of Common Stock pursuant to equity incentive plans described in the Registration Statement (excluding exhibits thereto), the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, and the Final Prospectus.
(xiii) To engage and maintain, at its expense, a registrar and transfer agent for the Common Stock (if other than the Company).
(xiv) To use its reasonable best efforts to obtain approval to list the Shares on the Nasdaq.
(xv) To not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or result in, or that has constituted or might reasonably be expected to constitute, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities.
6. Conditions of the Underwriter’s Obligations. The respective obligations of the several Underwriters hereunder to purchase the Shares are subject to the accuracy, as of the date hereof and at all times through the Closing Date, and on each Option Closing Date (as if made on the Closing Date or such Option Closing Date, as applicable), of and compliance with all representations, warranties and agreements of the Company contained herein, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and the following additional conditions:
(a) If filing of the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, is required under the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations, the Company shall have filed the Final Prospectus (or such amendment or supplement) or such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus with the Commission in the manner and within the time period so required (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or 164(b) under the Securities Act); the Registration Statement shall remain effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof, any Rule 462 Registration Statement, or any amendment thereof, nor suspending or preventing the use of the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been issued; no proceedings for the issuance of such an order shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; any request of the Commission or the Representative for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Representative.
(b) The Shares shall be approved for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance and satisfactory evidence thereof shall have been provided to the Representative and its counsel .
(c) FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.
(d) The Representative shall not have reasonably determined, and advised the Company, that the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, contains an untrue statement of fact which, in the reasonable opinion of the Representative, is material, or omits to state a fact which, in the reasonable opinion of the Representative, is material and is required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(e) On or after the date hereof (i) no downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded any of the Company’s securities by any “nationally recognized statistical organization,” as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act, and (ii) no such organization shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, with possible negative implications, its rating of any of the Company’s securities.
(f) On the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, there shall have been furnished to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriter the opinion and negative assurance letters of Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP , counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.
(g) On the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, there shall have been furnished to the Underwriters the negative assurance letter of Herman & Whiteaker, LLC, regulatory counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative .
(h) On the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, there shall have been furnished to the Underwriters the negative assurance letter of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, counsel to the Underwriters, dated the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, and addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.
(i) The Underwriters shall have received a letter of Marcum LLP, on the date hereof and on the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, addressed to the Underwriters, confirming that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the applicable requirements relating to the qualifications of accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Commission, and confirming, as of the date of each such letter (or, with respect to matters involving changes or developments since the respective dates as of which specified financial information is given in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package and the Final Prospectus, as of a date not prior to the date hereof or more than five days prior to the date of such letter), the conclusions and findings of said firm with respect to the financial information and other matters required by the Underwriters.
(j) On the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date, there shall have been furnished to the Underwriters a certificate, dated the Closing Date and on each Option Closing Date and addressed to the Underwriters, signed by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company, in their capacity as officers of the Company, to the effect that:
(i) The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement that are qualified by materiality or by reference to any Material Adverse Effect are true and correct in all respects, and all other representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct, in all material respects, as if made at and as of the Closing Date and on the Option Closing Date, and the Company has complied in all material respects with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part required to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Date or on the Option Closing Date, as applicable;
(ii) No stop order or other order (A) suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof or any amendment thereof, (B) suspending the qualification of the Securities for offering or sale, or (C) suspending or preventing the use of the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, has been issued, and no proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or, to their knowledge, is contemplated by the Commission or any state or regulatory body; and
(iii) There has been no occurrence of any event resulting or reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect during the period from and after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date or on the Option Closing Date, as applicable .
(k) On or before the date hereof, the Representative shall have received duly executed lock-up agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto (each a “ Lock-Up Agreement ”), by and between the Representative and each of the parties specified in Schedule IV.
(l) The Company shall have furnished to the Representative and its counsel such additional documents, certificates and evidence as the Representative and its counsel may have reasonably requested.
If any condition specified in this Section 6 shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement may be terminated by the Representative by notice to the Company at any time at or prior to the Closing Date or on the Option Closing Date, as applicable, and such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party, except that Section 5(a)(viii), Section 7 and Section 8 shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and effect.
7. Indemnification and Contribution .
(a) The Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates, directors and officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such Underwriter or such person may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (i) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, including the information deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement at the time of effectiveness and at any subsequent time pursuant to Rules 430A and 430B of the Rules and Regulations, or arise out of or are based upon the omission from the Registration Statement, or alleged omission to state therein, a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (ii) an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or the Marketing Materials or in any other materials used in connection with the offering of the Securities, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a 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, (iii) in whole or in part, any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, or (iv) in whole or in part, any failure of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or under law, and will reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by it in connection with evaluating, investigating or defending against such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, however , that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof, which written information is described in Section 7(f).
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company, its affiliates, directors, officers and employees, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of such Underwriter), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter specifically for use in the preparation thereof, which written information is described in Section 7(f), and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with evaluating, investigating, and defending against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. The obligation of each Underwriter to indemnify the Company (including any controlling person, director or officer thereof) shall be limited to the amount of the underwriting discount applicable to the Shares to be purchased by such Underwriter hereunder actually received by such Underwriter.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party except to the extent such indemnifying party has been materially prejudiced by such failure. In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party, and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of the indemnifying party’s election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof; provided , however , that if (i) the indemnified party has reasonably concluded (based on advice of counsel) that there may be legal defenses available to it or other indemnified parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party, (ii) a conflict or potential conflict exists (based on advice of counsel to the indemnified party) between the indemnified party and the indemnifying party (in which case the indemnifying party will not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the indemnified party), or (iii) the indemnifying party has not in fact employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to assume the defense of such action within a reasonable time after receiving notice of the commencement of the action, the indemnified party shall have the right to employ a single counsel to represent it in any claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought under subsection (a) or (b) of this Section 7, in which event the reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be borne by the indemnifying party or parties and reimbursed to the indemnified party as incurred.
The indemnifying party under this Section 7 shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is a party or could be named and indemnity was or would be sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or consent (a) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability for claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding and (b) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in subsection (a) or (b) above, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering and sale of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Final Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters and the parties’ relevant intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this subsection (d) were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (d). The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending against any action or claim that is the subject of this subsection (d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount of the of the underwriting discount applicable to the Shares to be purchased by such Underwriter hereunder actually received by such Underwriter. No person guilty of 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. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute as provided in this Section 7 are several in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.
(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 7 shall be in addition to any liability that the Company may otherwise have and the benefits of such obligations shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act; and the obligations of each Underwriter under this Section 7 shall be in addition to any liability that each Underwriter may otherwise have and the benefits of such obligations shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to the Company and its officers, directors and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act.
(f) For purposes of this Agreement, each Underwriter severally confirms, and the Company acknowledges, that there is no information concerning such Underwriter furnished in writing to the Company by such Underwriter specifically for preparation of or inclusion in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus, the Final Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, other than the statement set forth in the last paragraph on the cover page of the Prospectus, the marketing and legal names of each Underwriter, and the statement set forth in the “Underwriting” section of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, and the Final Prospectus only insofar as such statements relate to the amount of selling concession and re-allowance, if any, or to over-allotment, stabilization and related activities that may be undertaken by such Underwriter.
8. Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery . All representations, warranties, and agreements of the Company contained herein or in certificates delivered pursuant hereto, including, but not limited to, the agreements of the several Underwriters and the Company contained in Section 5(a)(viii) and Section 7 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the several Underwriters or any controlling person thereof, or the Company or any of its officers, directors, or controlling persons, and shall survive delivery of, and payment for, the Shares to and by the Underwriters hereunder.
9. Termination of this Agreement .
(a) The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement by giving notice to the Company as hereinafter specified at any time at or prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date (as to the Option Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date only), if in the discretion of the Representative, (i) there has occurred any material adverse change in the securities markets or any event, act or occurrence that has materially disrupted, or in the opinion of the Representative, will in the future materially disrupt, the securities markets or there shall be such a material adverse change in general financial, political or economic conditions or the effect of international conditions on the financial markets in the United States is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representative, inadvisable or impracticable to market the Shares or enforce contracts for the sale of the Shares (ii) trading in the Company’s Common Stock shall have been suspended by the Commission or the Nasdaq or trading in securities generally on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the NYSE or the NYSE MKT shall have been suspended, (iii) minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required, on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the NYSE or NYSE MKT, by such exchange or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority having jurisdiction, (iv) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by federal or state authorities, (v) there shall have occurred any attack on, outbreak or escalation of hostilities or act of terrorism involving the United States any declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war, any substantial change or development involving a prospective substantial change in United States or other international political, financial or economic conditions or any other calamity or crisis, or (vi) the Company suffers any loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or (vii) in the judgment of the Representative, there has been, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package or the Final Prospectus, any material adverse change in the assets, properties, condition, financial or otherwise, or in the results of operations, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as a whole, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 5(a)(viii) and Section 7 hereof shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.
(b) If the Representative elects to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 9, the Company and the other Underwriters shall be notified promptly by the Representative by telephone, confirmed by letter.
10. Substitution of Underwriters . If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to purchase Shares hereunder on the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of Shares to be purchased by all Underwriters on such Closing Date or Option Closing Date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally, in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on such Closing Date or Option Closing Date. If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall so default and the aggregate number of Shares with respect to which such default or defaults occur is more than ten percent (10%) of the total number of Shares to be purchased by all Underwriters on such Closing Date or Option Closing Date and arrangements satisfactory to the remaining Underwriters and the Company for the purchase of such Shares by other persons are not made within forty-eight (48) hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate.
If the remaining Underwriters or substituted Underwriters are required hereby or agree to take up all or part of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters on such Closing Date or Option Closing Date as provided in this Section 10, (i) the Company shall have the right to postpone such Closing Date or Option Closing Date for a period of not more than five (5) full business days in order to permit the Company to effect whatever changes in the Registration Statement, the Final Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, which may thereby be made necessary, and the Company agrees to promptly file any amendments to the Registration Statement or the Final Prospectus which may thereby be made necessary, and (ii) the respective numbers of Shares to be purchased by the remaining Underwriters or substituted Underwriters shall be taken as the basis of their underwriting obligation for all purposes of this Agreement. Nothing herein contained shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter of its liability to the Company or any other Underwriter for damages occasioned by its default hereunder. Any termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 10 shall be without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriters or the Company, except that the representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities, agreements and other statements set forth in Section 2 and 3, the obligations with respect to expenses to be paid or reimbursed pursuant to Section 5 and the provisions of Section 5(a)(viii) and Section 7 and Sections 9 through 17, inclusive, shall not terminate and shall remain in full force and effect.
11. Notices . Except as otherwise provided herein, all communications hereunder shall be in writing and, if to the Underwriters, shall be mailed, delivered or telecopied to Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd., 546 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Floor, New York, New York 10036, telecopy number: 857-930-4535, Attention: Managing Director; and if to the Company, shall be mailed, delivered or telecopied to it at ____________________________, telecopy number: _____________, Attention: ________________; or in each case to such other address as the person to be notified may have requested in writing. Any party to this Agreement may change such address for notices by sending to the parties to this Agreement written notice of a new address for such purpose.
12. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and the controlling persons, officers and directors referred to in Section 7. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give to any other person, firm or corporation any legal or equitable remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. The term “successors and assigns” as herein used shall not include any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any of the Shares from any Underwriters.
13. Absence of Fiduciary Relationship . The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (a) each Underwriter has been retained solely to act as underwriter in connection with the sale of the Shares and that no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Company and any Underwriter has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether the Underwriter has advised or is advising the Company on other matters; (b) the price and other terms of the Shares set forth in this Agreement were established by the Company following discussions and arms-length negotiations with the Underwriters and the Company is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (c) it has been advised that the Underwriters and their affiliates are engaged in a broad range of transactions that may involve interests that differ from those of the Company and that no Underwriter has any obligation to disclose such interest and transactions to the Company by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship; and (d) it has been advised that each Underwriter is acting, in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, solely for the benefit of such Underwriter, and not on behalf of the Company.
14. Amendments and Waivers . No supplement, modification or waiver of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. The failure of a party to exercise any right or remedy shall not be deemed or constitute a waiver of such right or remedy in the future. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (regardless of whether similar), nor shall any such waiver be deemed or constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
15. Partial Unenforceability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph, clause or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph, clause or provision.
16. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
17. Submission to Jurisdiction . The Company irrevocably (a) submits to the jurisdiction of any court of the State of New York for the purpose of any suit, action, or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement, or any of the agreements or transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Disclosure Package, any Prospectus and the Final Prospectus (each a “ Proceeding ”), (b) agrees that all claims in respect of any Proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court, (c) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any immunity from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process therein, (d) agrees not to commence any Proceeding other than in such courts, and (e) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claim that such Proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum. EACH OF THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ON BEHALF OF ITS RESPECTIVE EQUITY HOLDERS AND CREDITORS) HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY CLAIM BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, THE TIME OF SALE DISCLOSURE PACKAGE, ANY PROSPECTUS AND THE FINAL PROSPECTUS.
18. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission or electronic mail) in one or more counterparts and, if executed in more than one counterpart, the executed counterparts shall each be deemed to be an original and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
Please sign and return to the Company the enclosed duplicates of this letter whereupon this letter will become a binding agreement between the Company and the several Underwriters in accordance with its terms.
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Very truly yours, |
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TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION |
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Confirmed as of the date first above-mentioned by the Representative of the several Underwriters. |
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LAIDLAW & COMPANY (UK) LTD. |
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By: | |||
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[Signature page to Underwriting Agreement]
SCHEDULE I
Name |
Number of Firm Shares to be Purchased |
Number of Option Shares to be Purchased |
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Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. |
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Total |
S CH EDULE II
Final Term Sheet
Issuer: |
Towerstream Corporation (the “Company”) |
Symbol: |
TWER |
Securities: |
[ ] shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company. |
Over-allotment option: |
[ ] shares of Common Stock |
Public offering price: |
$______ per share of Common Stock |
Underwriting discount: |
$______ per share of Common Stock |
Expected net proceeds: |
Approximately $[●] million ($[●] if the overallotment option is exercised in full) (after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company). |
Trade date: |
September __, 2016 |
Settlement date: |
September __, 2016 |
Underwriters: |
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. |
SCHEDULE III
Free Writing Prospectus
1. None.
SCHEDULE IV
List of officers, directors and stockholders executing lock-up agreements
Philip Urso
Howard L. Haronian, M.D.
Paul Koehler
William J. Bush
Arthur G. Giftakis
Frederick Larcombe
EXHIBIT A
Form of Lock-Up Agreement
September [ ], 2016
Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd.
546 Fifth Avenue, Fifth Floor
New York, NY 10036
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you, as representative of the underwriters (the “ Underwriter s ”) propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) with Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), relating to a proposed offering (the “ Offering ”) of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
In consideration of the foregoing, and in order to induce you to participate the Offering, and for other good and valuable consideration receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without your prior written consent (which consent may be withheld in your sole discretion), the undersigned will not, during the period (the “ Lock-Up Period ”) beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date 90 days after the date of the final prospectus relating to the Offering (the “ Final Prospectus ”), (1) offer, pledge, announce the intention to sell, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file (or participate in the filing of) a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect of, any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock (including without limitation, shares of Common Stock which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by the undersigned in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and securities which may be issued upon exercise of a stock option or warrant), (2) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the shares of, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or (4) publicly announce an intention to effect any transaction specific in clause (1), (2) or (3) above.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the restrictions set forth in clause (1) and (2) above shall not apply to (a) transfers (i) as a bona fide gift or gifts, provided that the donee or donees thereof agree to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, or (ii) to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned, provided that the trustee of the trust agrees to be bound in writing by the restrictions set forth herein, and provided further that any such transfer shall not involve a disposition for value, (b) the acquisition or exercise of any stock option issued pursuant to the Company’s existing stock option plan, including any exercise effected by the delivery of shares of Common Stock of the Company held by the undersigned, or (c) the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities pursuant to a plan, contract or instruction that satisfies all of the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) that was in effect prior to the date hereof. For purposes of this Lock-Up Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, marriage or adoption, not more remote than first cousin.
The foregoing restrictions are expressly agreed to preclude the undersigned from engaging in any hedging or other transaction which is designed to or reasonably expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of shares of Common Stock even if such securities would be disposed of by someone other than the undersigned. Such prohibited hedging or other transactions would include without limitation any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including without limitation any put option or put equivalent position or call option or call equivalent position) with respect to any of the shares of Common Stock or with respect to any security that includes, relates to, or derives any significant part of its value from such shares.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Lock-Up Agreement. All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred and any obligations of the undersigned shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs or personal representatives of the undersigned.
The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar or depositary against the transfer of the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
The undersigned understands that, if the Underwriting Agreement does not become effective, or if the Underwriting Agreement (other than the provisions thereof which survive termination) shall terminate or be terminated prior to payment for and delivery of the securities to be sold thereunder, the undersigned shall be released from all obligations under this Lock-Up Agreement.
This Lock-Up Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
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Very truly yours,
________________________________ Name: |
Exhibit 3.10
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF PREFERENCES,
RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS
OF
SERIES C CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
The undersigned, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), DOES HEREBY CERTIFY that the following resolutions were duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on September 14, 2016;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized within the limitations and restrictions stated in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended, to provide by resolution or resolutions for the issuance of Five Million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Corporation, in such series and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as the Corporation's Board of Directors shall fix by resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance thereof duly adopted by the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Board of Directors, pursuant to its authority as aforesaid, to authorize and fix the terms of a series of Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting such series;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
Section I. Designation and Authorized Shares . The Corporation shall be authorized to issue 680,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock").
Section 2. Stated Value . Each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall have a stated value of $0.001 per share (the "Stated Value").
Section 3. Liquidation .
(a) Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the business of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, each holder of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive, for each share thereof, out of assets of the Corporation legally available therefor, a preferential amount in cash equal to (and not more than) the Stated Value. All preferential amounts to be paid to the holders of Series C Preferred Stock in connection with such liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall be paid before the payment or setting apart for payment of any amount for, or the distribution of any assets of the Corporation to the holders of (i) any other class or series of capital stock whose terms expressly provide that the holders of Series C Preferred Stock should receive preferential payment with respect to such distribution (to the extent of such preference) and (ii) the Corporation's Common Stock. If upon any such distribution the assets of the Corporation shall be insufficient to pay the holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock (or the holders of any class or series of capital stock ranking on a parity with the Series C Preferred Stock as to distributions in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation) the full amounts to which they shall be entitled, such holders shall share ratably in any distribution of assets in accordance with the sums which would be payable on such distribution if all sums payable thereon were paid in full.
(b) Any distribution in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, or any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, shall be made in cash to the extent possible. Whenever any such distribution shall be paid in property other than cash, the value of such distribution shall be the fair market value of such property as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Section 4. Voting. Except as otherwise expressly required by law or Sections 5(a) or 5(c) hereof, each holder of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote on all matters submitted to shareholders of the Corporation and shall be entitled to the number of votes for each share of Series C Preferred Stock owned at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on such matter or, if no such record date is established, at the date such vote is taken or any written consent of shareholders is solicited, equal to the number of shares of Common Stock such shares of Series C Preferred Stock are convertible into at such time, but not in excess of the conversion limitations set forth in Section 5 herein. Except as otherwise required by law, the holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall vote together with the holders of Common Stock on all matters and shall not vote as a separate class.
Section 5. Conversion .
(a)Conversion Right. Each holder of Series C Preferred Stock may, from time to time, convert any or all of such holder's shares of Series C Preferred Stock into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock in an amount equal to one (1) share of the Corporation's common stock (the "Common Stock") for each one (l) share of Series C Preferred Stock surrendered; provided , however , that if shareholder approval is required for the conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock by the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the Corporation has not obtained such approval, then the Corporation may not issue upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Stock a number of shares of Common Stock, which (subject to a proportionate adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, combination or other proportionate recapitalization) would violate such shareholder approval requirements.
(b)Conversion Procedure. In order to exercise the conversion privilege under this Section 5, the holder of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted shall give written notice to the Corporation at its principal office that such holder elects to convert such shares of Series C Preferred Stock or a specified portion thereof into shares of Common Stock as set forth in such notice (the "Conversion Notice", and such date of delivery of the Conversion Notice to the Corporation, the "Conversion Notice Delivery Date"). On or before the first (1 st ) trading day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Corporation shall transmit by facsimile an acknowledgment of confirmation, in a form reasonably acceptable to holder, of receipt of such Conversion Notice to such holder and the Corporation’s transfer agent, which confirmation shall constitute an instruction to the transfer agent to process such Conversion Notice in accordance with the terms herein. On or before the third (3 rd ) trading day following the date of receipt by the Corporation of such Conversion Notice, the Corporation shall (1) provided that (x) the transfer agent is participating in DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program and (y) either a registration statement for the resale by the applicable holder of the shares of Common Stock to be so issued is effective or the underlying shares of Common Stock are otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, credit such aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled to such holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system, or (2) if either of the immediately preceding clauses (x) or (y) are not satisfied, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to the address as specified in such Conversion Notice, a certificate, registered in the name of such holder or its designee, for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled. If the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock represented by the certificate(s) submitted for conversion pursuant to Section 5(b) is greater than the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock being converted, then the Corporation shall if requested by such holder, as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) trading days after receipt of the preferred share certificate(s) and at its own expense, issue and deliver to such holder (or its designee) a new preferred share certificate representing the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock not converted.
(c)Maximum Conversion.
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(i) |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Certificate of Designation, at no time may all or a portion of shares of Series C Preferred Stock be converted if the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued pursuant to such conversion would exceed, when aggregated with all other shares of Common Stock owned by such holder at such rime, the number of shares of Common Stock which would result in such holder beneficially owning (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and the rules thereunder) more than 9.99% of all of the Common Stock outstanding at such time (the "9.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation"). |
(ii) |
By written notice to the Corporation, a holder of Series C Preferred Stock may from time to time decrease the 9.99% Beneficial Ownership Limitation to any other percentage specified in such notice. |
(iii) |
For purposes of this Section 5, in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a holder of Series C Preferred Stock may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (1) the Corporation's most recent Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other public filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the case may be, (2) a more recent public announcement by the Corporation or (3) any other notice by the Corporation setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. For any reason at any time, upon the written or oral request of a holder of Series C Preferred Stock, the Corporation shall within one ( I ) business day confirm orally and in writing to such holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. ln 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 Corporation, including shares of Series C Preferred Stock, held by such holder and its affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported., which in any event are convertible or exercisable, as the case may be, into shares of the Corporation's Common Stock within sixty (60) days' of such calculation and which are not subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 5 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. |
(d) Corporation ’s Failure to Timely Convert . If the Corporation shall fail, for any reason or for no reasonto issue to a holder within three (3) trading days after the Corporation’s receipt of a Conversion Notice (whether via facsimile or otherwise) (the “Share Delivery Deadline”), a certificate for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled and register such shares of Common Stock on the Corporation’s share register or to credit such holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC for such number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled upon such holder’s conversion of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock (as the case may be) (a “Conversion Failure”), then, in addition to all other remedies available to such holder, such holder, upon written notice to the Corporation, (x) may void its Conversion Notice with respect to, and retain or have returned (as the case may be) any shares of Series C Preferred Stock that have not been converted pursuant to such holder’s Conversion Notice, provided that the voiding of a Conversion Notice shall not affect the Corporation’s obligations to make any payments which have accrued prior to the date of such notice pursuant to the terms of this Certificate of Designations or otherwise and (y) the Corporation shall pay in cash to such holder on each day after such third (3 rd ) trading day that the issuance of such shares of Common Stock is not timely effected an amount equal to 1.0% of the greater of (y) the Stated Value of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to the Conversion Failure and (z) the product of (A) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock not issued to such holder on a timely basis and to which the holder is entitled and (B) the Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the last possible date on which the Corporation could have issued such shares of Common Stock to the holder without violating Section 4(c). In addition to the foregoing, if within three (3) trading days after the Corporation’s receipt of a Conversion Notice (whether via facsimile or otherwise), the Corporation shall fail to issue and deliver a certificate to such holder and register such shares of Common Stock on the Corporation’s share register or credit such holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled upon such holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be), and if on or after such third (3 rd ) trading daysuch holder (or any other Person in respect, or on behalf, of such holder) purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by such holder of all or any portion of the number of shares of Common Stock, or a sale of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to all or any portion of the number of shares of Common Stock, issuable upon such conversion that such holder so anticipated receiving from the Corporation, then, in addition to all other remedies available to such holder, the Corporation shall, within three (3) business days after such holder’s request and in such holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to such holder in an amount equal to such holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out-of-pocket expenses, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased (including, without limitation, by any other Person in respect, or on behalf, of such holder) (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Corporation’s obligation to so issue and deliver such certificate or credit such holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled upon such holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) (and to issue such shares of Common Stock) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to so issue and deliver to such holder a certificate or certificates representing such shares of Common Stock or credit such holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of shares of Common Stock to which such holder is entitled upon such holder’s conversion hereunder (as the case may be) and pay cash to such holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of shares of Common Stock multiplied by (B) the lowest Closing Sale Price of the Common Stock on any trading day during the period commencing on the date of the applicable Conversion Notice and ending on the date of such issuance and payment under this clause (ii).
Section 6. Other Provisions .
(a)Reservation of Common Stock. The Corporation shall at all times reserve from its authorized Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for conversion of all Series C Preferred Stock from time to time outstanding.
(b)Record Holders. The Corporation and its transfer agent, if any, for the Series C Preferred Stock may deem and treat the record holder of any shares of Series C Preferred Stock as reflected on the books and records of the Corporation as the sole true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and neither the Corporation nor any such transfer agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.
Section 7. Restriction and Limitations. Except as expressly provided herein or as required by law so long as any shares of Series C Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding shares of the Series C Preferred Stock, take any action which would adversely and materially affect any of the preferences, limitations or relative rights of the Series C Preferred Stock.
Section 8. Certain Adjustments.
(a) Stock Dividends and Stock Splits. If the Corporation, at any time while the Series C Preferred Stock is outstanding: (A) shall pay a stock dividend or otherwise make 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 Corporation pursuant to the Series C Preferred Stock), (B) subdivide outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (C) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (D) issue by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall receive such consideration as if such number of shares of Series C Preferred had been, immediately prior to such foregoing dividend, distribution, subdivision, combination or reclassification, the holder of the number of shares of Common Stock into which it could convert at such time. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 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.
Section 9. Equal Treatment of Holders. No consideration(including any modification of this Certificate of Designation or related transaction document) shall be offered or paid to any person or entity to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of this Certificate of Designation or related transaction document unless the same consideration is also offered to all of holders of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock. For clarification purposes, this provision constitutes a separate right granted to each holder by the Corporation and negotiated separately by each holder, and is intended for the Corporation to treat all holders of the Series C Preferred Stock as a class and shall not in any way be construed as such holders acting in concert or as a group with respect to the purchase, disposition or voting of the Series C Preferred Stock or otherwise
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this 14th day of September, 2016.
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By: /s/ Philip Urso Name: Philip Urso Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 5.1
September 15, 2016
VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
Securities and Exchange Commission
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20549
Re: Towerstream Corporation, Form S-1 Registration Statement
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333- 212995), as amended (the “ Registration Statement ”), filed by Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). References to “Common Stock” are to shares of the common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 per share.
The Registration Statement relates to: (i) the public offering of shares of Common Stock (the “ Primary Shares ”) and (ii) the resale by certain security holders (the “ Selling Stockholders ”) identified in the Registration Statement of up to 805,000 shares of Common Stock (the “ Secondary Shares ”), including 125,000 shares of Common Stock issued to a consultant (the “ Consultant Shares ”) and 680,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the “ Conversion Shares ”). The Primary Shares and the Secondary Shares are collectively referred to herein as the “ Securities ” and each, a “ Security .”
The opinion expressed herein is limited exclusively to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”), and we have not considered, and express no opinion on, any other laws or the laws of any other jurisdiction.
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and relied upon the originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement, including the prospectus, and all exhibits thereto; (ii) the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended or restated as of the date hereof, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; (iii) the Certificate of Designation of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, as amended or restated as of the date hereof, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Designation”); (iv) the Company’s Bylaws, as amended or restated as of the date hereof; (v) the minutes and records of the corporate proceedings of the Company with respect to the filing of the Registration Statement, the authorization of the issuance of the Securities covered by the Registration Statement and related matters thereto; (vi) the form of Underwriting Agreement to be entered into among the Company and Laidlaw & Company (UK) Ltd. (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”); and (vii) such other certificates, statutes, instruments and documents as we considered appropriate for purposes of the opinions hereafter expressed.
In making the foregoing examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies thereof and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents.
As to all questions of fact material to the opinions expressed below, where such facts have not been independently established, we have relied, to the extent we have deemed reasonably appropriate, upon representations and warranties of the Company, governmental officials or Selling Stockholders contained in such documents, records, certificates, instruments or representations furnished or made available to us by the Company or Selling Stockholders and the representations and warranties of the Company in the Underwriting Agreement.
In rendering the opinions set forth herein, we have assumed that, at the time of the issuance of the Securities, (i) the resolutions of the Board of Directors referenced above will not have been modified or rescinded, (ii) the Company will have received the consideration for the issuance of the Securities that is at least equal to the par value of the Securities, and (iii) the Underwriting Agreement will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the parties thereto (other than the Company) and will be enforceable obligations of the parties thereto (other than the Company).
Based upon and subject to the foregoing and to the other qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that (1) the Primary Shares have been duly authorized, and if, as and when issued by the Company in accordance with and in the manner set forth in the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable; (2) the Consultant Shares have been duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and (3) the Conversion Shares have been duly authorized, and, if, as and when issued by the Company upon conversion of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designation, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and any abbreviated registration statements relating thereto that may be filed to register additional securities identical to those covered by the Registration Statement (including a registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), and to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not hereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.
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Very truly yours, |
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/s/ Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP |
Sichenzia Ross Friedman Ference LLP |
Exhibit 10.38
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
THIS EXCHANGE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of _______________, 2016, is made by and between Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Company”), and the holder of Warrants (as defined herein) signatory hereto (the “Holder”).
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), dated as of ___________, 2016, by and between the Company and the Holder, whereby, among other things, the Holder purchased from the Company warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase shares of the Company's common stock (the “Common Stock”), which such purchase and sale closed on ________________, 2016;
WHEREAS, holders of the Company’s securities desire to consent to the offering and sale of up to $5,000,000 of common stock by the Company in a registered public offering (the “Offering”) intending to satisfy the requirements of Nasdaq listing Rule 5635(d),, in consideration of which, Company has agreed to issue the Shares for the Exchange Securities (as such terms are defined below) as provided herein, which consent is required pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement by and between certain investors and the Company dated June 17, 2016 until the six month anniversary thereof;
WHEREAS, the Holder holds such number of Warrants as set forth on Schedule A hereto (such Warrants, the “Exchange Securities”); and
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Company desires to exchange with the Holder, and the Holder desires to exchange with the Company, the Exchange Securities for shares of Common Stock.
NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and Holder agree as follows:
1. Terms of the Exchange . The Company and Holder agree that the Holder will exchange the Exchange Securities, without the payment of any exercise price therefore, and will relinquish any and all other rights he may have under the Exchange Securities in exchange for such number of shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Shares”) as set forth on Schedule A , annexed hereto. The terms, limitations and preferences of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock are set forth in the Certificate of Designation of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock annexed hereto as Exhibit A (the “Certificate of Designation”). The shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Shares (the “Conversion Shares” and, together with the Shares, the “Securities”) shall be registered for resale pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC which shall be continuously maintained effective until such shares have been sold or cancelled by the Company prior to or in connection with the Offering. The Company will issue the Shares simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement.
2. Closing . Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein, a closing shall occur at the principal offices of the Company, or such other location as the parties shall mutually agree. At closing, Holder shall deliver certificates representing the Exchange Securities to the Company and the Company shall deliver to such Holder a certificate evidencing the Shares, in the name(s) and amount(s) as indicated on Schedule A annexed hereto. Upon closing, any and all obligations of the Company to Holder under the Exchange Securities shall be fully satisfied (including any rights related to the Exchange Securities under the Purchase Agreement), the certificates evidencing the Exchange Securities shall be cancelled and Holder will have no remaining rights, powers, privileges, remedies or interests under the Exchange Securities.
3. Further Assurances . Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
4. Representations and Warranties of the Holder . The Holder represents and warrants as of the date hereof and as of the closing to the Company as follows:
a. Authorization; Enforcement . The Holder has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Holder 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 Holder and no further action is required by the Holder. This Agreement has been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Holder and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, will constitute the valid and binding obligation of the Holder enforceable against the Holder 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.
b. Tax Advisors . The Holder has reviewed with its own tax advisors the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of this investment and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. With respect to such matters, the Holder relies solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of its agents, written or oral. The Holder understands that it (and not the Company) shall be responsible for its own tax liability that may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
c. Information Regarding Holder . Holder is an “accredited investor”, as such term is defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act, is experienced in investments and business matters, has made investments of a speculative nature and has purchased securities of companies in private placements in the past and, with its representatives, has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and other business matters as to enable the Holder to utilize the information made available by the Company to evaluate the merits and risks of and to make an informed investment decision with respect to the proposed purchase, which represents a speculative investment. Holder has the authority and is duly and legally qualified to purchase and own the Shares. Holder is able to bear the risk of such investment for an indefinite period and to afford a complete loss thereof.
d. Legend . The Holder understands that the Shares have been issued, and the Conversion Shares, when issued shall be issued, pursuant to an exemption from registration or qualification under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, and except as set forth below, the Securities shall bear any legend as required by the “blue sky” laws of any state and a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of such stock certificates):
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY), IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.
e. Removal of Legends . Certificates evidencing the Securities shall not be required to contain the legend set forth in Section 4(d) above or any other legend (i) while a registration statement covering the resale of such Shares is effective under the Securities Act, (ii) following any sale of such Shares pursuant to Rule 144 (as defined herein) (assuming the transferor is not an affiliate of the Company), (iii) if such Shares are eligible to be sold, assigned or transferred under Rule 144 and the Subscriber is not an affiliate of the Company (provided that the Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurances that such Shares are eligible for sale, assignment or transfer under Rule 144 which shall not include an opinion of the Holder’s counsel), (iv) in connection with a sale, assignment or other transfer (other than under Rule 144), provided that the Holder provides the Company with an opinion of counsel to the Holder, in a generally acceptable form, to the effect that such sale, assignment or transfer of the Securities may be made without registration under the applicable requirements of the Securities Act or (v) if such legend is not required under applicable requirements of the Securities Act (including, without limitation, controlling judicial interpretations and pronouncements issued by the Commission). If a legend is not required pursuant to the foregoing, the Company shall no later than three (3) business days following the delivery by the Holder to the Company or the transfer agent (with notice to the Company) of a legended certificate representing such Shares (endorsed or with stock powers attached, signatures guaranteed, and otherwise in form necessary to affect the reissuance and/or transfer, if applicable), together with any other deliveries from the Holder as may be required above in this Section 4(e), as directed by the Holder, either: (A) provided that the Company’s transfer agent is participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, credit the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system or (B) if the Company’s transfer agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver (via reputable overnight courier) to the Holder, a certificate representing such Shares that is free from all restrictive and other legends, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee. The Company shall be responsible for any transfer agent fees or DTC fees with respect to any issuance of Shares or the removal of any legends with respect to any Shares in accordance herewith, including, but not limited to, fees for the opinions of counsel rendered to the transfer agent in connection with the removal of any legends.
f. Restricted Securities . The Holder understands that: (i) the Securities have not been and are not being registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold, assigned or transferred unless (A) subsequently registered thereunder, (B) the Holder shall have delivered to the Company (if requested by the Company) an opinion of counsel to the Holder, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such Shares to be sold, assigned or transferred may be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration, or (C) the Holder provides the Company with reasonable assurance that such Shares can be sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act (or a successor rule thereto) (collectively, “Rule 144”); (ii) any sale of the Securities made in reliance on Rule 144 may be made only in accordance with the terms of Rule 144, and further, if Rule 144 is not applicable, any resale of the Securities under circumstances in which the seller (or the Person through whom the sale is made) may be deemed to be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the Securities Act) may require compliance with some other exemption under the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder; and (iii) neither the Company nor any other Person is under any obligation to register the Securities under the Securities Act or any state securities laws or to comply with the terms and conditions of any exemption thereunder except as set forth herein.
5. Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby makes the following representations and warranties to the Holder:
a. 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 agreements entered into by the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, the “Exchange Documents”) and otherwise to carry out its obligations hereunder and thereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement 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 of the Company or the Company’s stockholders in connection therewith, including, without limitation, the issuance of the Securities, and no further filing, consent, or authorization is required by the Company, its Board of Directors or its stockholders. This Agreement and any Other Agreement (as defined herein) have been (or upon delivery will have been) duly executed by the Company and, when delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, 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.
b. Organization and Qualification . Each of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which they are formed, and have the requisite power and authorization to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted. Each of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign entity to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which its ownership of property or the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. As used in this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” means any material adverse effect on (i) the business, properties, assets, liabilities, operations (including results thereof), condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Company or any Subsidiary, individually or taken as a whole, (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby or in any of the other Exchange Documents or (iii) the authority or ability of the Company to perform any of its obligations under any of the Exchange Documents. Other than its Subsidiaries, there is no Person (as defined below) in which the Company, directly or indirectly, owns capital stock or holds an equity or similar interest. “Person” means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity and any governmental entity or any department or agency thereof.
c. No Conflict . The execution, delivery and performance of the Exchange Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will not (i) result in a violation of the Certificate of Incorporation (as defined below) or other organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Bylaws (as defined below) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including foreign, federal and state securities laws and regulations and the rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Capital Market (the “Principal Market”) applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
d. No Consents . Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is required to obtain any consent from, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court, governmental agency or any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or any other Person in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its respective obligations under or contemplated by the Exchange Documents, in each case, in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof. All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company or any Subsidiary is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date of this Agreement, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is aware of any facts or circumstances which might prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from obtaining or effecting any of the registration, application or filings contemplated by the Exchange Documents. Except as disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Commission (the “SEC Documents”), the Company is not in violation of the requirements of the Principal Market and has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances which could reasonably lead to delisting or suspension of the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. The Company has obtained all necessary consents and approvals from the Principal Market, including, if required, a Listing of Additional Shares application covering the listing of the Conversion Shares with the Principal Market.
e. Securities Law Exemptions . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Holder contained herein, the offer and issuance by the Company of the Shares is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The offer and issuance of the Shares is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 3(a)(9) thereof. The Company covenants and represents to the Holder that neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, anticipates receiving, has any agreement to receive or has been given any promise to receive any consideration from the Holder or any other Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents.
f. Issuance of Shares . The issuance of the Shares is duly authorized and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Documents shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof. The issuance of the Conversion Shares is duly authorized and upon issuance in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Documents and Certificate of Designation shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof.
g. Transfer Taxes . As of the date of this Agreement, all share transfer or other taxes (other than income or similar taxes) which are required to be paid in connection with the issuance of the Shares to be exchanged with the Holder hereunder will be, or will have been, fully paid or provided for by the Company, and all laws imposing such taxes will be or will have been complied with.
h. Equity Capitalization . Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents: (i) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or any liens or encumbrances suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (ii) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (iii) there are no outstanding debt securities, notes, credit agreements, credit facilities or other agreements, documents or instruments evidencing indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound; (iv) there are no financing statements securing obligations in any amounts filed in connection with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (v) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act; (vi) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (vii) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Shares; (viii) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any stock appreciation rights or “phantom stock” plans or agreements or any similar plan or agreement; and (ix) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have any liabilities or obligations required to be disclosed in the SEC Documents which are not so disclosed in the SEC Documents, other than those incurred in the ordinary course of the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ respective businesses and which, individually or in the aggregate, do not or could not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has furnished to the Holder true, correct and complete copies of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and the Company’s bylaws, as amended and as in effect on the date hereof (the “Bylaws”), and the terms of all securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock and the material rights of the holders thereof in respect thereto that have not been disclosed in the SEC Documents.
(i) Shell Company Status . The Company is not and has not, for a period of at least two years, been an issuer identified in Rule 144(i)(1) of the Securities Act. The Company is, and has been for a period of at least 90 days, subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
6. Additional Acknowledgments . The Holder and the Company confirm that the Company has not received any consideration for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as such Rule 144 may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same effect as such Rule 144, the holding period of the Securities tacks back to June 20, 2016, the issue date of the Exchange Securities. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this paragraph.
7. Registration Rights . The Holder waives any rights the Holder may have had with respect to registration of the Exchange Securities under the Securities Act and confirms that the Company is under no obligation to register the Exchange Securities.
8. Miscellaneous.
a. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
b. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of New York without regard to the choice of law principles thereof. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in the State of New York located in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or therewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby, and hereby irrevocably waives any objection that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
c. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
d. Counterparts/Execution . This Agreement may be executed in two or more identical counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or by an e-mail which contains an electronic file of an executed signature page, such signature page 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 electronic file signature page (as the case may be) were an original thereof.
e. Notices . Any notice or communication permitted or required hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if hand-delivered or sent (i) postage prepaid by registered mail, return receipt requested, or (ii) by facsimile, to the respective parties as set forth below, or to such other address as either party may notify the other in writing.
If to the Company, to: |
Towerstream Corporation |
|
88 Silva Lane |
|
Middletown, RI 02842 |
|
Attention: Interim Chief Executive Officer |
If to Holder, to the address set forth on the signature page of the Holder.
f. Expenses . The parties hereto shall pay their own costs and expenses in connection herewith.
g. Entire Agreement; Amendments . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and thereof, superseding all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, between or among the parties. This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded, cancelled, renewed or extended, and the terms and conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument signed by all parties, or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving compliance. Except as expressly stated herein, no delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver on the part of any party of any right, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any other right, power or privilege hereunder.
h. Headings . The headings used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
i. Independent Nature of the Holder’s Obligations and Rights . The obligations of the Holder under the Exchange Documents are several and not joint with the obligations of any other holder of Exchange Securities (each, an “Other Holder”) under any other agreement to exchange Warrants (each, an “Other Agreement”), and the Holder shall not be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any Other Holders under any Other Agreement. Nothing contained herein or in any Other Agreement, and no action taken by the Holder pursuant hereto or any Other Holder pursuant to any Other Agreement, shall be deemed to constitute the Holder or any Other Holder as, and the Company acknowledges that the Holder and the Other Holders do not so constitute, a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Holder and any Other Holder are in any way acting in concert or as a group or entity with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents, any other agreement or any matters, and the Company acknowledges that the Holder and the Other Holders are not acting in concert or as a group or entity, and the Company shall not assert any such claim, with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents and any Other Agreement. The decision of the Holder to acquire the Shares pursuant to the Exchange Documents has been made by the Holder independently of any Other Holder. The Holder acknowledges that no Other Holder has acted as agent for the Holder in connection with the Holder making its acquisition hereunder and that no Other Holder will be acting as agent of the Holder in connection with monitoring the Holder’s Securities or enforcing its rights under the Exchange Documents. The Company and the Holder confirm that the Holder has independently participated with the Company in the negotiation of the transaction contemplated hereby with the advice of its own counsel and advisors. The Holder shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of any of the Other Agreements, and it shall not be necessary for any Other Holder to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose. To the extent that any of the Other Holders and the Company enter into the same or similar documents, all such matters are solely in the control of the Company, not the action or decision of the Holder, and would be solely for the convenience of the Company and not because it was required or requested to do so by the Holder or any Other Holder. For clarification purposes only and without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true, the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Documents include only the transaction between the Company and the Holder and do not include any other transaction between the Company and any Other Holder.
j. Listing . The Company shall use reasonable best efforts to promptly secure the listing or designation for quotation (as the case may be) of all of the Conversion Shares upon the Principal Market or any other national securities exchange or automated quotation system, upon which the Common Stock is then listed or designated for quotation (as the case may be) (subject to official notice of issuance) (but in no event later than the date of this Agreement) and shall use reasonable best efforts to maintain such listing or designation for quotation (as the case may be) of all Shares from time to time issuable under the terms of this Agreement on such national securities exchange or automated quotation system.
m. Pledge of Shares . The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Securities may be pledged by the Holder in connection with a bona fide margin agreement or other loan or financing arrangement that is secured by the Securities. The pledge of Securities shall not be deemed to be a transfer, sale or assignment of the Securities hereunder, and if the Holder effects a pledge of Securities it shall not be required to provide the Company with any notice thereof or otherwise make any delivery to the Company pursuant to this Agreement or any Other Agreement. The Company hereby agrees to execute and deliver such documentation as a pledgee of the Securities may reasonably request in connection with a pledge of the Securities to such pledgee by the Holder.
(Signature Pages Follow)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
Towerstream CORPORATION
By:____________________________________
Name: Philip Urso
Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer
HOLDER: [_________]
By:____________________________________
Address for Notices:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Address for delivery of Shares:
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Schedule A
Exchange Securities |
Shares |
Warrants to purchase _______ shares of Common Stock |
________ Shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock |
9
Exhibit 10.39
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made as of [__] 2016, among Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and each signatory hereto (each, an “ Investor ” and collectively, the “ Investors ”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Exchange Agreement (as defined below).
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, the Company and the Investors are parties to exchange agreements (the “ Exchange Agreements ”), dated as of the date hereof, as such may be amended and supplemented from time to time;
WHEREAS, the Investors’ obligations under the Exchange Agreements are conditioned upon certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”); and
WHEREAS, the Investors and the Company desire to provide for the rights of registration under the Securities Act as are provided herein upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Investors and the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, covenants and conditions set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Registration Rights .
1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) “ Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(b) “ Common Stock ” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share.
(c) “ Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(d) “ Investor ” means any person owning Registrable Securities who becomes party to this Agreement by executing a counterpart signature page hereto, or other agreement in writing to be bound by the terms hereof, which is accepted by the Company.
(e) The terms “ register ,” “registered ” and “ registration ” refer to a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or similar document in compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.
(f) “ Registrable Securities ” means 100% of the Conversion Shares issued pursuant to the Exchange Agreement; provided , however , that Registrable Securities shall not include any securities of the Company that have previously been registered and remain subject to a currently effective registration statement or which have been sold to the public either pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144, or which have been sold in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under this Section 1 are not assigned, or which may be sold immediately without registration under the Securities Act and without restriction or imitation pursuant to Rule 144 and without the requirement to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1).
(g) “ Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 as promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the Commission.
(h) “ Rule 415 ” means Rule 415 as promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar successor rule that may be promulgated by the Commission.
1.2 Piggyback Registration .
(a) If at any time the Company has registered or has determined to register any of its securities for its own account or for the account of other security holders of the Company on any registration form (other than Form S-4 or S-8) which permits the inclusion of the Registrable Securities, the Company shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities for an offering to be made on a continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415. The registration statement shall contain (unless otherwise directed by Investors holding an aggregate of at least 75% of the Registrable Securities on a fully diluted basis) substantially the “ Plan of Distribution ” attached hereto as Annex A . The Company shall cause the registration statement to become effective and remain effective as provided herein. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the registration statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until all Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement have been sold, or may be sold without the requirement to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) and otherwise without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company (the “ Effectiveness Period ”).
(b) The Company shall not be obligated to pay any liquidated damages or penalties if the Company is unable to fulfill its registration obligations as a result of rules, regulations, positions or releases issued or actions taken by the Commission pursuant to its authority with respect to “Rule 415”, provided the Company registers at such time the maximum number of shares of Common Stock permissible upon consultation with the staff of the Commission.
(c) If during the Effectiveness Period, the number of Registrable Securities at any time exceeds 100% of the number of shares of Common Stock then registered in a registration statement, the Company shall file as soon as reasonably practicable an additional registration statement covering the resale of not less than the number of such Registrable Securities.
(d) The Company shall bear and pay all expenses incurred in connection with any registration, filing or qualification of Registrable Securities with respect to the registrations pursuant to this Section 1.2 for each Investor, including (without limitation) all registration, filing and qualification fees, printer’s fees, accounting fees and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, but excluding any brokerage or underwriting fees, discounts and commissions relating to Registrable Securities and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Investors.
1.3 Obligations of the Company . Whenever required under this Section 1 to effect the registration of any Registrable Securities, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably possible:
(a) Prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective and to keep such registration statement effective during the Effectiveness Period;
(b) Prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection with such registration statement as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement;
(c) Furnish to the Investors such numbers of copies of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as they may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of Registrable Securities owned by them (provided that the Company would not be required to print such prospectuses if readily available to Investors from any electronic service, such as on the EDGAR filing database maintained at www.sec.gov);
(d) Use its reasonable best efforts to register and qualify the securities covered by such registration statement under such other securities’ or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as shall be reasonably requested by the Investors; provided that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states or jurisdictions;
(e) In the event of any underwritten public offering, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing underwriter(s) of such offering (each Investor participating in such underwriting shall also enter into and perform its obligations under such an agreement);
(f) Promptly notify each Investor holding Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, within one business day, (i) of the effectiveness of such registration statement, or (ii) of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing;
(g) Cause all such Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereto to be listed on each securities exchange or nationally recognized quotation system on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed; and
(h) Provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities registered pursuant hereunder and a CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities, in each case not later than the effective date of such registration.
1.4 Furnish Information . It shall be a condition precedent to the Company’s obligations to take any action pursuant to this Section 1 with respect to the Registrable Securities of any selling Investor that such Investor shall furnish to the Company such information regarding such Investor, the Registrable Securities held by such Investor, and the intended method of disposition of such securities in the form attached to this Agreement as Annex B, or as otherwise reasonably required by the Company or the managing underwriters, if any, to effect the registration of such Investor’s Registrable Securities.
1.5 Delay of Registration . No Investor shall have any right to obtain or seek an injunction restraining or otherwise delaying any such registration as the result of any controversy that might arise with respect to the interpretation or implementation of this Section 1.
1.6 Indemnification .
(a) To the extent permitted by law, the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Investor, any underwriter (as defined in the Securities Act) for such Investor and each person, if any, who controls such Investor or underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the foregoing persons may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state securities law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the following statements, omissions or violations (collectively, a “ Violation ”): (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in a registration statement, including any preliminary prospectus or final prospectus contained therein or any amendments or supplements thereto (collectively, the “ Filings ”), (ii) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Filings a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any state securities law or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any state securities law; and the Company will pay any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any person to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 1.6(a) in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 1.6(a) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), nor shall the Company be liable in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon a Violation that occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection with such registration by any such Investor, underwriter or controlling person.
(b) To the extent permitted by law, each Investor will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers who has signed the registration statement, each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, any underwriter, any other Investor selling securities in such registration statement and any controlling person of any such underwriter or other Investor, against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (joint or several) to which any of the foregoing persons may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other federal or state securities law, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereto) arise out of or are based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent (and only to the extent) that such Violation occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such registration; and each such Investor will pay any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by any person to be indemnified pursuant to this Section 1.6(b) in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided , however , that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 1.6(b) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action if such settlement is effected without the consent of the Investor (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided , however , in no event shall any indemnity under this subsection 1.6(b) exceed the net proceeds received by such Investor upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 1.6 of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Section 1.6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the parties; provided , however , that an indemnified party (together with all other indemnified parties that may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the indemnifying party, if representation of such indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action, if materially prejudicial to its ability to defend such action, shall relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the indemnified party under this Section 1.6, but the omission so to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party will not relieve it of any liability that it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 1.6.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in Sections 1.6(a) and (b) is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to an indemnified party with respect to any loss, claim, damage or expense referred to herein, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party hereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or expense in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions or alleged statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, liability, claim or expense as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. In no event shall any Investor be required to contribute an amount in excess of the net proceeds received by such Investor upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.
(e) The obligations of the Company and Investors under this Section 1.6 shall survive the completion of any offering of Registrable Securities in a registration statement under this Section 1, and otherwise.
1.7 Reports Under Securities Exchange Act . With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission, including Rule 144, that may at any time permit an Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration or pursuant to a registration on Form S-1 or Form S-3, the Company agrees to:
(a) make and keep public information available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144, at all times after the Final Closing Date;
(b) take such action, including the voluntary registration of its Common Stock under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, as is necessary to enable the Investors to utilize Form S-1 for the sale of their Registrable Securities, such action to be taken as soon as practicable after the end of the fiscal year in which the registration statement is declared effective;
(c) file with the Commission in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act; and
(d) furnish to any Investor, so long as the Investor owns any Registrable Securities, forthwith upon request (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at any time after it has become subject to such reporting requirements), or that it qualifies as a registrant whose securities may be resold pursuant to Form S-1 or Form S-3 (at any time after it so qualifies), (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested in availing any Investor of any rule or regulation of the Commission that permits the selling of any such securities without registration or pursuant to such form.
1.8 Transfer or Assignment of Registration Rights . The rights to cause the Company to register Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 1 may be transferred or assigned, but only with all related obligations, by an Investor to a transferee or assignee who (a) acquires at least 25,000 Shares (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends and combinations) from such transferring Investor, unless waived in writing by the Company, or (b) holds Registrable Securities immediately prior to such transfer or assignment; provided , that in the case of (a), (i) prior to such transfer or assignment, the Company is furnished with written notice stating the name and address of such transferee or assignee and identifying the securities with respect to which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned, (ii) such transferee or assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and (iii) such transfer or assignment shall be effective only if immediately following such transfer or assignment the further disposition of such securities by the transferee or assignee is restricted under the Securities Act.
2. Legend .
(a) Each certificate representing Shares held by the Investors shall be endorsed with the following legend:
THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL TO THE HOLDER (IF REQUESTED BY THE COMPANY), IN A FORM REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMPANY, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD OR ELIGIBLE TO BE SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 OR RULE 144A UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.
(b) The legend set forth above shall be removed, and the Company shall issue a certificate without such legend to the transferee of the Conversion Shares represented thereby, if, unless otherwise required by state securities laws, (i) such Conversion Shares have been sold under an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, (ii) in connection with a sale, assignment or other transfer, such holder provides the Company with an opinion of counsel, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such sale, assignment or transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or (iii) such holder provides the Company with reasonable assurance that the Conversion Shares are being sold, assigned or transferred pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
3. Miscellaneous .
3.1 Governing Law . The parties hereby agree that any dispute which may arise between them arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be adjudicated only before a federal court located in the State of New York and they hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal and state courts of the State of New York with respect to any action or legal proceeding commenced by any party, and irrevocably waive any objection they now or hereafter may have respecting the venue of any such action or proceeding brought in such a court or respecting the fact that such court is an inconvenient forum, relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any acts or omissions relating to the registration of the securities hereunder, and consent to the service of process in any such action or legal proceeding by means of registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, in care of the address set forth below or such other address as the undersigned shall furnish in writing to the other.
3.2 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, OR PROCEEDING IN ANY JURISDICTION BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY AGAINST ANY OTHER PARTY, THE PARTIES EACH KNOWINGLY AND INTENTIONALLY, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, HEREBY ABSOLUTELY, UNCONDITIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES FOREVER TRIAL BY JURY
3.3 Waivers and Amendments . This Agreement may be terminated and any term of this Agreement may be amended or waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) with the written consent of the Company and Investors holding at least a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding (the “ Majority Investors ”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, additional parties may be added as Investors under this Agreement, and the definition of Registrable Securities expanded, with the written consent of the Company and the Majority Investors. No such amendment or waiver shall reduce the aforesaid percentage of the Registrable Securities, the holders of which are required to consent to any termination, amendment or waiver without the consent of the record holders of all of the Registrable Securities. Any termination, amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 3.3 shall be binding upon each holder of Registrable Securities then outstanding, each future holder of all such Registrable Securities and the Company.
3.4 Successors and Assigns . Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators of the parties hereto.
3.5 Entire Agreement . This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, and no party shall be liable or bound to any other party in any manner by any warranties, representations or covenants except as specifically set forth herein.
3.6 Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally by hand or by overnight courier, mailed by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid, sent by facsimile or sent by electronic mail directed (a) if to an Investor, at such Investor’s address, facsimile number or electronic mail address set forth in the Company’s records, or at such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as such Investor may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other parties hereto or (b) if to the Company, to its address, facsimile number or electronic mail address set forth on its signature page to this Agreement and directed to the attention of its President, or at such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as the Company may designate by ten (10) days’ advance written notice to the other parties hereto. All such notices and other communications shall be effective or deemed given upon delivery, on the date that is three (3) days following the date of mailing, upon confirmation of facsimile transfer or upon confirmation of electronic mail delivery.
3.7 Interpretation . The words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used herein shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.
3.8 Severability . If one or more provisions of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable under applicable law, such provision shall be excluded from this Agreement, and the balance of the Agreement shall be interpreted as if such provision were so excluded, and shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.
3.9 Independent Nature of Investors’ Obligations and Rights . The obligations of each Investor hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Investor hereunder, and no Investor shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Investor hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document delivered at any closing, and no action taken by any Investor pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Investors as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Investors are in any way acting in concert with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Investor shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights, including without limitation the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Investor to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.
3.10 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
3.11 Telecopy Execution and Delivery . A facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction of this Agreement may be executed by one or more parties hereto, and an executed copy of this Agreement may be delivered by one or more parties hereto by facsimile or similar electronic transmission device pursuant to which the signature of or on behalf of such party can be seen, and such execution and delivery shall be considered valid, binding and effective for all purposes. At the request of any party hereto, all parties hereto agree to execute an original of this Agreement as well as any facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction hereof.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, as of the date, month and year first set forth above.
TOWERSTREAM CORPORATION
By:________________________________
Name:
Title:
Address for notice :
[COMPANY SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Investor has executed this Agreement as of the date, month and year that such Investor became the owner of Registrable Securities.
“Investor”
___________________________________
By:________________________________
Name
Title:
Address:
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Telephone:__________________________
Facsimile:___________________________
Email:______________________________
[INVESTOR COUNTERPART SIGNATURE PAGE TO
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT]
Annex A
Plan of Distribution
Each selling stockholder of the common stock and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their shares of common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Markets or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A selling stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
● |
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
● |
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
● |
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
● |
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
● |
privately negotiated transactions; |
● |
settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part; |
● |
broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share; |
● |
through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
● |
a combination of any such methods of sale; or |
● |
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The selling stockholders may also sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2440; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA IM-2440.
In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Each selling stockholder has informed us that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the common stock.
We are required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by us incident to the registration of the shares. We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Because selling stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including Rule 172 thereunder. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus which qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling stockholders.
We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the shares may be resold by the selling stockholders without registration and without the requirement to be in compliance with Rule 144(c)(1) and otherwise without restriction or limitation pursuant to Rule 144 or (ii) all of the shares have been sold pursuant to this prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect. The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).
Annex B
Selling Securityholder Notice and Questionnaire
The undersigned beneficial owner of common stock (the “ Registrable Securities ”) of Towerstream Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement (the “ Registration Statement ”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) to which this document is annexed. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.
Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling securityholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.
NOTICE
The undersigned beneficial owner (the “ Selling Securityholder ”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include the Registrable Securities owned by it in the Registration Statement.
The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate:
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Name.
(a) Full Legal Name of Selling Securityholder
(b) Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Securities are held:
(c) Full Legal Name of Natural Control Person (which means a natural person who directly or indirectly alone or with others has power to vote or dispose of the securities covered by this Questionnaire):
2. Address for Notices to Selling Securityholder:
Telephone: |
Fax: |
Contact Person: |
3. Broker-Dealer Status:
(a) Are you a broker-dealer?
Yes No
(b) If “yes” to Section 3(a), did you receive your Registrable Securities as compensation for investment banking services to the Company?
Yes No
Note: If “no” to Section 3(b), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.
(c) Are you an affiliate of a broker-dealer?
Yes No
(d) If you are an affiliate of a broker-dealer, do you certify that you purchased the Registrable Securities in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the purchase of the Registrable Securities to be resold, you had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Registrable Securities?
Yes No
Note: If “no” to Section 3(d), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement.
4. Beneficial Ownership of Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Securityholder.
Except as set forth below in this Item 4, the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company other than the securities issuable pursuant to the Exchange Agreement .
(a) Type and Amount of other securities beneficially owned by the Selling Securityholder:
5. Relationships with the Company:
Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% of more of the equity securities of the undersigned) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.
State any exceptions here:
The undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Registration Statement remains effective.
By signing below, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items 1 through 5 and the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.
Date:
Beneficial Owner:
By:_________________________________
Name:
Title:
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOR SELLING SECURITYHOLDER NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE]
TWER - Exhibit 23.1
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent
We consent to the inclusion in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement (File No. 333-212995) of Towerstream Corporation on Form S-1 of our report dated March 18, 2016, except for Note 19, as to which the date is August 8, 2016, with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Towerstream Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and our report dated March 18, 2016 with respect to our audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Towerstream Corporation as of December 31, 2015, which reports appear in the Prospectuses, which are part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectuses.
/s/ Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP
New York, NY
September 15, 2016